NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Base Redesignation

    Source: United States Army

    Secretary of Defense Hegseth directed the Army to change the name of Fort Moore to Fort Benning in honor of Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) recipient, who heroically served in Machine-Gun Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France during World War I. On October 9, 1918, the enemy killed Cpl. Benning’s platoon commander and disabled two senior noncommissioned officers in action south of Exermont, France. The Army awarded Cpl. Benning the DSC for his heroic actions that day as he courageously led the remaining 20 men through heavy fire to their assigned objective in support of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

    CPL Benning was the living embodiment of the Infantryman’s Creed: He was “swift, determined and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win.

    Fort Benning, home of the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence, trains thousands of Infantry, Armor, and Ranger warfighters to answer their nation’s call. Secretary Hegseth’s directive honors the warrior ethos and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades.

    The Secretary of the Army will take immediate action to implement this decision.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on CNN’s ‘The Situation Room’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer. The Governor spoke on the New York City mayoral race, her “You’re Hired” initiative for those impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency’s layoffs and on how the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canada affect New York State residents.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN:  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is now plotting a major political comeback, announcing over the weekend his candidacy for mayor of New York City. Cuomo resigned from office back in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal — he denies all those allegations.

    Joining us now is New York’s current governor, Kathy Hochul. She served as Lieutenant Governor during the Cuomo administration. Governor Hochul, thanks so much for joining us. When Cuomo stepped down, back in 2021, you called his behavior, and I’m quoting you now, “repulsive.” Do you think he is fit to serve as New York’s mayor?

    Governor Hochul: First of all, Wolf, congratulations on the new show, delighted to be on your first episode. Also, here’s what I’m going to tell you about the mayor’s race — and this is the position you’re going to hear today, all the way up until the election’s over for the primary in June — I will work with whomever the really smart voters of New York City decide they want to be their mayor. That is not up for me to decide. I don’t even vote in the city.

    But I will say, also, I will support people — ultimately, after they’re elected — who support my agenda of increasing public safety, dealing with the homelessness crisis, people with mental health problems, closing down illegal cannabis shops, making our streets safer.

    So, I’m looking forward to working with whomever wants to partner with me to lift this city up. But in the meantime, I’m not focused on the politics. I have a state to run, I’ve got multiple crises — many of them emanating from Washington. I was with children yesterday who are severely ill, where parents are terrified of losing Medicaid. So, I will say this will all work itself out, but I’m focused on governing the State of New York, nothing else.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The Governor of New York, as you well know, and the Mayor of New York City have to work together very, very closely. If Cuomo wins that race and becomes the next mayor of New York, would you be able to work with him despite some of that history?

    Governor Hochul: It’s up to the voters, Wolf. I’m not injecting my voice into this election. There’s a lot of people that have put their names forward. I admire anybody who wants to run for office. I’m in my 16th election — I know how challenging it is, but I want people who will put the city first, who will understand that I have done more to help this city than anybody in a long time. Investing money — I’m literally paying for overtime for our police officers, NYPD, to be on the subways, and guess what? Subway crimes are way down. I’m working on getting more homeless off the streets, building more housing. No one has ever taken this on the way I have — to reduce the cost of living here in this great city.

    My agenda is broad-based. It’s very supportive of the city. I had to work with Bill de Blasio as mayor, I worked with Eric Adams for the last number of years and, whatever the voters decide, I will respect that.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Governor, I want to turn now to President Trump’s sweeping efforts right now to slash the entire federal government. You hosted a roundtable this morning with workers hit by those federal job cuts. What kind of impact is this having in my home State of New York?

    Governor Hochul: It is absolutely devastating. Some people are on the verge of tears. I gathered about ten people who, unceremoniously, were dumped, some of them on Valentine’s Day. People that were working to fight consumer fraud, making sure that the huge corporations that are trying to evade taxes have to pay it; people who take care of our veterans; people who are making us safe — all of them were just dumped.

    And I know the Trump-Musk administration doesn’t have regard for them — they think they’re disposable, that they make no contributions, but guess what? These are people who keep our skies safe. They’re the ones who are researching, making sure we can have cures so our kids don’t get sick; taking care of vaccinations. Countless ways that these are highly valuable people, but in New York, we’re saying, “You get fired by them? In New York, you’re hired.”

    And just literally today, you’ll start seeing in Washington at Union Station, you’ll see ads that show basically this message, that you want a job in public service? We respect you, we want you to stay and so here it is.

    We want you to come back and work for us. I will hire you. I need you. We have 7,000 openings in the State of New York, and we value public service. Public servants take care of our people. That’s what it’s all about. Come onboard. We’ll hire you.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: On another very sensitive issue, Governor, I want to get your thoughts. President Trump is now pushing ahead with plans to slap 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting tomorrow. Canada, of course, borders New York State. You and I grew up in western New York, right on the border with Canada. How is this going to affect New York State, which has such close economic ties with Canada, especially Ontario?

    Governor Hochul: It’ll be devastating. You know the synergy there is to us in Western York. It’s not another country, it’s just our neighbors across the bridge. And the jobs, the people who go get their education back and forth, the close connections, but also the businesses that thrive in New York and in Canada because they’re our largest trading partner. $5 billion worth of trade across our borders every single year. That’s going to affect the cost of steel and aluminum as we’re trying to build up.

    We’re building Micron, the largest semiconductor manufacturing plant going on right now, the largest [private] investment in [New York State] history, going on in Syracuse, New York. I have to keep that going.

    And for our businesses to think that some of their commodities, their products, are now going to cost 25 percent more, how is that about reducing people’s costs? We were promised lower prices on day one, Inauguration Day. Not only is everything going to go up, even eggs — eggs now cost $11 in New York City, up 20 percent from what they’ve been on Inauguration Day.

    This is not the trend. This is not what people have promised. And I encourage the administration to look closely at how they can keep the promise of reducing the cost of living for every American, but particularly people who are hard hit here in New York.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Yeah. Very hard hit indeed. Governor, the Trump administration has already delayed the implementation of these tariffs before. Do you foresee that happening again?

    Governor Hochul: I hope so. I hope they understand that what is a good sound bite is not going to help in reality, especially the businesses and the people who voted for you. These are people in the North Country of New York. It is a predominantly red area. They voted for you, Mr. President, and now their jobs in manufacturing are on the line. And I’d be terrified to know that the damage that could happen is people losing their jobs in New York and all across America. We can’t let that happen. So continue to delay. Let’s work this out, let’s find a solution, but let’s not drive up the cost on people all across this country. That’s the last thing we need right now.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The President has repeatedly tied his proposal for a lot of tariffs to the flow of drugs crossing the border, including the Canadian border, into the United States. Are you seeing evidence of significant drug trafficking from New York’s border with Canada?

    Governor Hochul: There was a time when there was a spike, but I have deployed more people on the border, the Canadians are working closely with us, the Border Patrol — it is a fraction of what is being talked about. It is a problem, of course, we don’t want a single drug to come across the border. But it does not justify the cataclysmic impact the tariffs will have on the State of New York.

    So, we can solve the problem at the border. We don’t want drugs coming over, we don’t want gangs coming over, we don’t want human traffickers coming over, we get that. We’ll work with you. We’ll work with the federal administration on this. But this is such an extreme remedy that is going to have a ripple effect across our entire economy, and especially in a place like this state.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as usual, thank you very much. Appreciate it. We’ll continue this conversation down the road.

    Governor Hochul: Sounds good. Thanks, Wolf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Manatee and Sarasota Counties

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters.This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.FEMA specialists will be available from March 3 through March 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET, at the following locations:Manatee County: Home Depot, 5820 E. State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34208Sarasota County: Home Depot, 4111 Cattleman Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through   construction and remodeling best practices.An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions.Stay in Touch with FEMAIt is important to let FEMA know about any changes to your contact information. You may update contact information or check on the status of your application by:Visiting DisasterAssistance.govCalling FEMA directly at 800-621-3362Using the FEMA appFor the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    sixto.valentin…
    Mon, 03/03/2025 – 12:45

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clay County Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida –Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Toby Harris (46, Clay County) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Harris faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a CANIK 9mm pistol and ammunition used in the offense. No sentencing date has been set.   

    According to court documents, on August 27, 2024, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a call about a reckless driver on Blanding Boulevard. After locating the car and arresting the driver for DUI, the CCSO advised Harris, who was a passenger, that the car would be towed. As the CCSO prepared the car for towing, Harris repeatedly approached the car and was told by law enforcement to stay away from the vehicle. Ignoring law enforcement, Harris went to the front driver’s side wheel well and then walked to a grassy area. A deputy walked toward Harris and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol laying on the ground, directly where Harris was previously standing. Examination of the firearm determined it contained six rounds of ammunition with one round chambered in the barrel. At the time, Harris had multiple prior felony convictions which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lisa G. Johnston Named Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lisa G. Johnston has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of West Virginia, which covers 23 counties, and oversees all federal criminal prosecutions as well as the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest.

    “I am honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney and pledge to continue to fulfill the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Johnston said. “On behalf of this office and its dedicated attorneys and staff, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, enforce the law fairly and consistently, and promote respect for the legal system and the rule of law.”

    Johnston previously served as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia from February 2021 to October 2021. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia in August 2006. Since January 2018, Johnston has served as First Assistant United States Attorney, the second most-senior official in the United States Attorney’s Office tasked with overseeing the operations of the criminal, civil and administrative sections of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Johnston began her 37-year career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and then as an Assistant United States Attorney. In October 2001, Johnston accepted a detail with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chief Counsel’s Office where she served as a legal advisor to ATF employees in the Louisville Field Division. In August 2005, Johnston accepted a detail with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she handled immigration appeals.

    Throughout her extensive career as an Assistant United States Attorney, Johnston has handled investigations and prosecutions of federal criminal laws involving crimes against children, firearms, violence, drug trafficking, health care fraud, immigration, and other white-collar offenses.

    As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston oversees a staff of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

    A native of Moundsville, West Virginia, Johnston earned a Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1988. She graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1984.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Gang Member Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison After Being Found With A Stolen AR-15 Rifle Loaded With 30 Rounds of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after he was found in possession of a stolen AR-15 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. On August 21, 2024, Shelvy Travon Edwards, age 29, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on September 12, 2023, Halifax County Sheriff’s Deputies and Roanoke Rapids Police Officers received a community tip that Edwards was in the parking lot of an apartment complex and was armed. Officers were looking for Edwards because there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. When law enforcement arrived, they saw Edwards move a long, dark colored object towards the center console of the vehicle he was seated in prior to fleeing on foot and leaving the car door open. Two officers pursued Edwards and quickly apprehended him with the assistance of a K-9 officer.  Two other officers secured the scene and determined that the object Edwards had placed near the center console was a fully loaded AR-15 rifle. A review of the serial number later determined that it was stolen. Edwards has prior felony convictions in North Carolina and Virginia that prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. The felonies include conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (NC), and unlawful wounding (VA).

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-15-M-RN.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER WILL BRING FIRED WESTERN NY VETERAN & BUFFALO VA WORKER AS HIS PERSONAL GUEST TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS THIS WEEK

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    DOGE & New Admin Have Fired Thousands Of Federal Workers In Past Month, Disproportionally Impacting Vets, Who Make Up 30% Fed Workforce, Uprooting Lives And Directly Impacting Care For Veterans Across Upstate NY
    Alissa Ellman, An Army Veteran Who Is Disabled From Burn Pit Exposure In Afghanistan, Dedicated Her Life To Service And Worked For The Buffalo VA To Help Her Fellow Veterans, But Like Thousands Of Others Found Out She Was Callously Fired Without Warning This Past Week – Now She Is Joining Schumer In Calling For Better Treatment For Our Vets
    Schumer: We Need To Be Increasing Care For Our Veterans In Western NY, Not Firing Them
    U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he will bring Western NY’s Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan who was suddenly fired this past week from her job working for the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress. Under new DOGE directive and President Trump, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, of which 30% are veterans, have been fired in the past month, including 2,400 VA employees, like Alissa.
    “Alissa Ellman dedicated her life to service for our country, both in the Army, where she suffered injuries, and here in Western NY helping her fellow veterans while working at the Buffalo VA. Firing her, firing veterans and slashing thousands from the VA workforce is outrageous and should be reversed. This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American,” said Senator Schumer. “DOGE cuts and Trump’s funding freeze have created chaos in Western NY and kneecapped far too many vets. I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Jobs and care for our veterans in Upstate NY is not government waste. Even funding to help vets suffering from toxic burn pit exposure, like Alissa, was put on the chopping block. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and now we need the Trump administration to uphold that promise. I look forward to welcoming Alissa Ellman as my personal guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress as we fight for better treatment of our veterans here in Western NY and across the country.”
    Alissa Ellman said, “I am speaking out because I cannot see how employing veterans in the federal government is fraud, waste, or abuse. Veterans are some of the best people I know. Veterans have sacrificed for this country; they are the ones who have been defrauded – their talents wasted and service abused. For many of us these jobs are more than a job, they are how we continue our service, continue our devotion to make America a better place. I’m not telling you my story for pity; my life will be fine. But we need to be making more thoughtful cuts to the federal workforce, not our vets.”
    Schumer said this fire first, ask questions later approach towards cutting jobs and funding is unacceptable, especially when caring for our veterans. Federal jobs give preference to veterans, allowing them to continue serving our country in what was previously a stable government career, which is why approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce are veterans.
    Schumer in 2022 led the PACT Act to passage in the Senate. The PACT Act extends health coverage for veterans like Alissa who were exposed to burn pit smoke and other environmental hazards that caused cancers and other illnesses during their service. However, in the past month President Trump’s funding & hiring freeze has also led to hundreds of cuts for VA health research, including projects to study burn pit exposure and most recently contracts with VA to help vets with toxic exposure were temporarily suspended. Schumer said this horrific pattern of cuts and firings that is directly impacting our veterans cannot continue, and he is looking forward to welcoming Alissa to demand better treatment for veterans across America.
    These funding cuts have also directly hit care for veterans in Upstate NY, with VA workers being laid off in Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and just last week in Steuben County at the Bath VA facility impacting treatment for veterans suffering from addiction and substance use disorder. Schumer said now more than ever veterans are concerned about their benefits, and VA staffers are concerned about their jobs especially with the Trump administration saying more mass firings are coming soon. Schumer has been leading the charge to stop this in the Senate, most recently demanding VA Secretary Collins demanding they reverse the mass terminations of VA employees and reinstate the workers ensuring our nation’s veterans receive quality healthcare.
    Biography for Alissa Ellman:
    Alissa Ellman joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and she returned from basic training to high school ten days before the September 11th attack which further spurred her desire to serve her country. She deployed to Afghanistan voluntarily from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist. She returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2008, Alissa returned to Western New York, started a family and later graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Niagara University with a degree in Special Education.
    In 2018, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, pheochromocytoma, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. After 5 years of treatment at the VA, she was deemed 100% disabled, a diagnosis she never envisioned, but knew that she continued to want to serve her community.
    In December 2023, she began to apply to work at the Buffalo VA working for the education department to help fellow veterans as that means to give back. Not taking the job for the money, receiving only a few dollars more per month on top of her VA disability payments, but to continue to help the community she cared so deeply about, eventually being hired in April 2024.
    She met all the training and meeting production numbers, and in January had a 200% daily production average. When the VA began announcing the cuts under the new administration, she told her friends she was safe because she always exceeded work goals, but she was wrong.
    Last week, Alissa found herself locked out of her computer, with both her and her boss thinking at first it was an error, only to later find out she had been fired. Alissa said she never felt so disrespected after giving so much.
    She will attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress Tuesday evening, March 4th as Senator Schumer’s honored guest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Beaufort Native Leads the Way at FRCE

    Source: United States Navy

    From writing a report titled “The Sound of Freedom” in elementary school to later enlisting in the Army, Beaufort, North Carolina, native David Rose has always been driven by a deep sense of dedication to serving his country.

    Today, as the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) executive director – the senior civilian for a command workforce comprised of more than 4,000 civilian, contractor and military personnel – Rose continues to embody that commitment, proving that his passion for service has only grown stronger with time.

    Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, a region with strong military ties, Rose developed an appreciation for the armed forces and a lifelong desire to pursue law enforcement. This passion led him to join the Army in 1996, where he served as a military police officer during his five-year enlistment. Rose said several experiences throughout his youth inspired him to enlist, making it an obvious choice after graduating from East Carteret High School. 

    “As a child, I was fixated on becoming a police officer, but I also knew I wanted to serve my country in some capacity,” said Rose. “My grandfather and uncle served, so I felt inspired by them. Back in high school, I did some ride alongs with deputy sheriffs and state troopers who were mostly former military. They would tell me stories about their time in the military and I remember their advice was to join, so that also contributed to my decision.

    “Not only that, just being surrounded by the military presence here in Eastern North Carolina during my childhood was inspiring,” Rose continued. “The air shows, going to the state port in Morehead City to be a part of the fanfare as the Marines, sailors and soldiers returned from Operation Desert Storm, it all played a part in my decision. So, when I realized the Army offered my choice of military occupational specialty, it was a no-brainer.”

    After separating from the Army with an honorable discharge in 2001, Rose returned to Eastern North Carolina for a brief stint with the State of North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Soon after hearing about all the opportunities going on at the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), Rose decided to make a career change and accepted employment with Raytheon Aerospace supporting NADEP, which is now known as FRCE.

    “I had recently married, and we had our first child,” said Rose. “I decided it was a good time to reevaluate my career path.

    “Having grown up in the area, I was well aware of the many folks from the community that served in this command, to include some family members,” he continued. “Because of that, I already knew about the depot and its mission, and I was really intrigued by the opportunities here. Not only that, but it also allowed me to continue to serve my country in a similar capacity.”

    In 2002, Rose accepted employment as a civil servant and started his career with FRCE as a pneudraulic systems worker for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Production Department, formerly known as the Production Floor Trades Department. He has since worked his way up the chain of command, gaining years of large-scale experience in diversified logistics and industrial operations, all of which led him to his current role of executive director.

    “I have been fortunate to be a part of the FRC East team for well over 20 years now and have grown very passionate for FRC East, its workforce and capabilities,” he said. “The people employed here are proud Americans and proud to support the mission. It’s not just a job. It’s a career, it’s a family, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it.” 

    As a military aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul depot, FRCE’s mission is to provide the nation’s military with the highest quality aircraft, engines, components and field services on time and at the best value to the American taxpayer. Rose said this is why the work FRCE does is so critical. 

    “What we do here is absolutely vital to national security,” said Rose. “As part of the Commander Fleet Readiness Centers, the FRC East team plays a crucial role in ensuring our military aviators, crew members and teammates can carry out their missions safely and efficiently. That’s why it’s imperative that we put forth our best efforts and diligence in producing high-quality products for the warfighter. We want them to have dependable assets for when they must take the fight to the enemy.”

    Rose said his experiences within the greater Naval Aviation Enterprise have helped him understand the role and impact the depot’s civilian workforce plays in supporting the Navy and Marine Corps fleet readiness, as well as the other services.

    “Back when I was an artisan on the shop floor, I remember the lasting impression of seeing aircraft and engines that were the result of the casualty of battle,” said Rose. “Seeing an engine with shrapnel or foreign object debris damage, or an aircraft riddled with holes from enemy fire — holy moly, it really puts everything into perspective. You’re looking at the very evidence of what our nation’s military members are subjected to as they defend our country. It gives you a sense of humility and pride because our mission here at FRC East is to turn those battle-damaged aircraft into mission-ready and fully combat-capable machines.”

    Sharing experiences like those with colleagues at FRCE has shown him that the depot’s strength truly lies in its people.

    “During my time here, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most selfless, skilled and dedicated individuals in the world,” said Rose. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the loyalty and dedication from many of the people who work here, and I can say with certainty that what makes FRC East truly special is its workforce. It’s not just about getting the job done – it’s about how and when presented with a challenge, we always come together to support each other and ultimately rise to the challenge and solve the problem.”

    Having worked alongside many skilled and dedicated people during his time at FRCE, Rose values both formal and informal mentorship. That’s why, in his new role, he plans to continue encouraging mentorship within the command.

    “As I sit here now, I can think of at least 20 individuals from our various occupations who have, through the course of my career, poured into me the guidance and support I needed to get to where I am today,” he said. “I admit, I don’t have all the answers, but I know within this organization, we have the people who, collectively, have all the answers. That’s the beauty of the FRC East team and mentorship. There is no challenge that we can’t overcome or solve together.”

    Just as mentors guide their mentees, Rose said he approaches his leadership role with the intent to do the same, believing that if you take care of your people, they will rise to any challenge. As a servant leader, someone who prioritizes the needs and growth of their team members above their own, Rose is committed to leading by example, willing to roll up his sleeves and do anything he asks of his employees.

    “I won’t ever do anything or ask anything of my folks that I wouldn’t do myself or haven’t already done myself,” said Rose. “That was something that was engrained into me during my time in the military. At FRC East, we are the largest industrial employer, arguably, east of interstate 95. It takes the entire team being laser focused, understanding that it takes everyone’s skill sets, experiences, and knowledge to make our mission happen – it’s all of us.”

    Rose described FRCE’s success as a puzzle with many pieces and, while each employee at the facility represents a piece, not all the pieces lie within the depot’s walls. He said a huge part of the puzzle is the support from the surrounding community.

    “We are very fortunate to have overwhelming support from our local and regional area,” said Rose. “The city of Havelock, Craven County, and all of the surrounding counties, within a 50-plus-mile radius, the State of North Carolina, and last but not least, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point – they all support our mission. 

    “There’s nothing like the local community here,” Rose continued. “They’re all rooting for us to succeed.  I’m aware of other communities surrounding other military organizations across the nation that may not favor them, but everyone here knows the importance of what we do. They advocate for us, and we are fortunate to have their support.”

    In the end, Rose’s decision to join the FRCE workforce in 2002 brought him back to his roots: advocating for the military, just as he did in a book report he wrote in the early 1980s as a student at Smyrna elementary school.

    “Back in the ‘80s, when I was in third or fourth grade, I wrote a book report I titled ‘The Sound of Freedom,’” Rose said. “It focused on the recent arrival of the AV-8B Harrier to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the importance of the military in the community. I remember making the point that, even at that young age, I valued the military presence in Eastern North Carolina and how it provides freedom and safety for all American citizens.

    “That report was, and still is, a big deal to me because it inspired me to learn more about and defend the mission of MCAS Cherry Point and the depot,” he continued. “It all came full circle in the end. Fast forward to now, as the executive director of the same facility I wrote about in that report as young child… who would have ever thought?”

    FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cleansing the Ghat, Carrying the Blessings

    Source: Government of India

    Cleansing the Ghat, Carrying the Blessings

    The Twin Efforts After Maha Kumbh 2025

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed an unprecedented gathering of faith and spirituality, with over 66.30 crore devotees immersing themselves in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The event, spanning 45 days, became a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage.

    The consistent efforts of the sanitation workers and the state government led to the Maha Kumbh 2025 setting a Guinness World Record in Ganga Cleaning Drive and Mass Cleaning Initiative, where a record breaking 329 and 19,000 individuals, respectively, set new benchmarks in mass sanitation and environmental efforts. To appreciate the hard work by the sanitation and cleanliness workers, the state Chief minister announced Rs. 16,000 salary hike, starting from April 2025, and a bonus of Rs. 10,000.

    With the grand festival coming to an end, the focus has shifted towards an equally monumental task—restoring the city and ensuring the pristine condition of the Kumbh area. Cleaning the Maha Kumbh site, after it hosted one of the largest human congregations in history, required an extraordinary effort. Recognizing this, the state government swiftly initiated a comprehensive sanitation campaign. A special 15-day cleanliness drive was launched to restore the Kumbh Mela area to its original purity. Thousands of sanitation workers, along with dedicated volunteers, took up the massive challenge of cleaning the riverbanks, roads, and temporary settlements.

    As the cleanup drive continues, the administration and environmentalists have urged people to pledge their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of these sacred waters. A local official overseeing the sanitation drive remarked, “The Maha Kumbh may be over, but its message of cleanliness and reverence for our environment must continue. It is our collective duty to ensure that our rivers remain pure and free from pollution.”

    The successful organization of the Maha Kumbh 2025 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of sanitation workers, security personnel, and local authorities. Acknowledging their hard work, the state government honoured these ‘karmayogis’ who played a pivotal role in keeping the Kumbh area clean throughout the event. More than 15,000 sanitation workers and 2,000 ‘Ganga Seva Doots’ worked day and night to ensure that the holy rivers and the fairgrounds remained spotless, reinforcing the commitment to a ‘Swachh Kumbh’.

    Beyond just collecting waste, the cleanup campaign focused on systematic waste disposal, dismantling temporary infrastructure, and restoring the ecological balance of the region. Special efforts were made to:

    • Dismantle temporary toilets: Over 1.5 lakh portable toilets installed for the event were systematically removed.
    • Manage waste effectively: Garbage collected from the Kumbh area was transported to the Baswar plant in Naini for proper disposal.
    • Restore essential infrastructure: The temporary pipelines and streetlights installed for the Kumbh were carefully removed, ensuring that the site was returned to its original state.
    • Clear makeshift settlements: Tents and pandals set up for sages and pilgrims were dismantled, making way for the natural beauty of the region to resurface.

    The successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025 has set new benchmarks in event management and environmental sustainability. As the city transitions back to normalcy, the lessons learned from this historic congregation will serve as guiding principles for future mega-events. The dedication towards cleanliness and preservation of cultural heritage will continue to inspire efforts to keep Prayagraj, and its sacred rivers, clean for generations to come.

    Also, even as the last of the devotees departed from the holy city, the state government ensured that those unable to attend the Maha Kumbh in person could still partake in its sanctity. In a unique initiative, fire services and emergency departments were assigned the responsibility of transporting the sacred water from the Triveni Sangam to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Over five lakh liters of this consecrated water have been delivered to various regions, allowing people to experience the blessings of the Maha Kumbh from their homes.

    This initiative also extended to prisons across the state, where more than 90,000 inmates were given the opportunity to bathe in the holy water, marking a historic first in the Kumbh’s history. Such efforts exemplify the commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that faith transcends barriers and reaches every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

    In the end, the Maha Kumbh was not just about a spiritual confluence; it was also a testament to human resilience, responsibility, and the collective spirit of maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable environment. As devotees carry the memories of their sacred journey, the city of Prayagraj stands rejuvenated, ready to welcome the next chapter in its rich and timeless history.

    References

    Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

    Maha Kumbh Series: 25/Feature

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2107843) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Policies, Achievements and Global Commitments

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, on World Wildlife Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife.”

    Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India[1]

     

    Introduction

    Every year on March 3rd, the world celebrates United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) to honour the vital role of wild animals and plants in our lives and the planet’s health. This day is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” [2]

    [3]

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat today to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. The Board reviewed the Government’s key wildlife conservation efforts, including the expansion of protected areas and flagship programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. Discussions also covered initiatives for the conservation of dolphins and Asiatic lions, along with the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.[4]

    [5]Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Gir National Park

    India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, even though it covers only 2.4% of the Earth’s land. It is home to 7-8% of all known species, including over 45,000 types of plants and 91,000 types of animals. The country’s varied landscapes and climate have created different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal and marine habitats. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and benefit people in many ways. India also has 4 of the world’s 34 major biodiversity hotspots—the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Northeast region, and the Nicobar Islands—making it an important region for global conservation.[6]

    The Government of India, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has instituted a comprehensive framework of policies, legislative measures, and initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting this natural heritage.

    Budgetary Allocations[7]

    In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, which is 9% higher than the 2024-25 revised estimates of Rs. 3125.96 crores.

    • ₹3,276.82 crore (96%) is for revenue expenditure, which has increased by 8%.
    • ₹136 crore (4%) is for capital expenditure, which has risen by 46% from 93.25 crore from 2024-25 revised estimates.

    For 2025-26, the central government has allocated ₹450 crore for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats under its centrally sponsored scheme. Additionally, ₹290 crore (64% of the total allocation) has been earmarked for Project Tiger and Elephant, reflecting an 18% increase from the 2024-25 revised estimates.[8]

    National Wildlife Database Cell

    The National Wildlife Database Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been developing a National Wildlife Information System (NWIS) on the Protected Areas of the country. As of 27th November, 2023 India has a network of 1014 Protected Areas including 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves and 220 Community Reserves covering a total of 1,75,169.42 km2 of geographical area of the country which is approximately 5.32%. [9]

     

    Category

    Number

    National Parks

    106

    Wildlife Sanctuaries

    573

    Conservation Reserves

    115

    Community Reserves

    220

    Total

    1014

     

    The National Wildlife Database Centre (NWDC) is providing information on the conservation status of animal species, biogeographic regions, administrative units, habitat types and the network of protected areas in India, in a variety of formats and also providing an extensive bibliographic support for wildlife research.

    1. Legislative and Policy Framework

    • National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): This strategic plan emphasizes landscape-level conservation, community involvement, and the integration of climate change considerations into wildlife management.[10]
    • National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan: The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-26) (HWC-NAP) aims to systematically reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) while ensuring wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development. Developed through a four-year consultative process under the Indo-German Project on HWC Mitigation, it integrates scientific, policy, and community-driven approaches to balance human well-being with wildlife protection. [11]

    2. Species-Specific Conservation Initiatives – Success Stories

    2.1 Project Dolphin: Key Developments and Conservation Efforts[12]

    Launched on 15th August 2020, Project Dolphin aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans, through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness. In 2022-23, ₹241.73 lakhs and in 2023-24, ₹248.18 lakhs were allocated under the CSS: Development of Wildlife Habitats for conservation activities. Key dolphin hotspots have been identified in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep, with focused efforts on species protection, habitat improvement, monitoring, patrolling, and awareness programs. A Comprehensive Action Plan (2022-2047) has been finalized and shared with relevant Ministries for execution.

    Policy & Governance Enhancements

    • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in December 2022, empowering the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizing Gangetic & Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.
    • The Project Dolphin Steering Committee was reconstituted, with the first committee meeting held on 6th September 2023, where the first edition of the Project Dolphin Newsletter was launched.
    • States have been urged to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners for conservation efforts.

    Scientific Research & International Engagement

    • Population estimation of riverine dolphins has been completed, with the report under finalization.
    • A meeting on Irrawaddy dolphins was conducted in Odisha with the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in attendance.
    • India participated in discussions on the Global Declaration for River Dolphins (23-24 October 2023, Bogotá, Colombia), reinforcing its commitment to global dolphin conservation.
    • Chambal River Conservation Zone: A 200 km stretch in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh has been recommended for designation as a Dolphin Conservation Zone for targeted protection efforts.

    India’s First-Ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging: A Historic Conservation Milestone[13]

    On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam under Project Dolphin. Led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, and funded by the National CAMPA Authority (MoEFCC), this initiative marks a global first in dolphin conservation.

    • With 90% of the global population found in India, knowledge gaps on their movement and ecology have hindered conservation efforts.
    • This initiative will study their habitat use, migration patterns, and environmental stressors, aiding better conservation strategies.

    Technology & Future Steps

    • Advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos satellite systems enable tracking despite dolphins’ minimal surfacing time.
    • Plans are underway to expand tagging across other states, creating a comprehensive conservation roadmap.

    2.2  50 Years of Project Tiger: [14]

    Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has been India’s flagship conservation initiative, successfully completing 50 years in 2023. Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves and strict protection measures, it has played a crucial role in reviving tiger populations. Marking this milestone, the Prime Minister inaugurated a commemorative event in Mysuru, Karnataka, on April 9, 2023. As per the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, reaffirming its leadership in global tiger conservation.

    Statistic

    Value

    India’s Share of Global Wild Tigers

    Over 70%

    Minimum Tiger Population

    3,167

    Estimated Upper Limit

    3,925

    Average Population

    3,682

    Annual Growth Rate

    6.1%

    India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in tiger conservation, with the tiger population rising to 3,682 (range 3,167-3,925) as per the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, marking a steady increase from 2,967 in 2018 and 2,226 in 2014. The population is growing at 6.1% per annum in consistently sampled areas.[15]

    To commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, the Prime Minister released key reports, including the ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves, and the official summary of All India Tiger Estimation 2022. A commemorative coin was also issued.

    Major Conservation Efforts

    Tiger Reserve Expansion & Management

    • India now has 54 tiger reserves, covering over 78,000 sq. km (2.30% of the country’s geographical area), with Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) being the latest addition.
    • MEE 2022 assessed 51 reserves, ranking 12 as ‘Excellent’, 21 as ‘Very Good’, 13 as ‘Good’, and 5 as ‘Fair’.

    Reintroduction of Tigers in Extinct Areas

    • Tigers have been reintroduced in Rajaji (Uttarakhand), Madhav (Madhya Pradesh), Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan), and Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) Tiger Reserves, with plans for Buxa Tiger Reserve next.

    Global Conservation Recognition & Collaboration

    • 23 Indian tiger reserves are now CA|TS-accredited, ensuring global best practices in conservation, with six new reserves receiving accreditation this year.
    • Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves received the prestigious Tx2 Award for doubling their tiger populations.
    • India signed MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh for transboundary conservation in the Sundarbans.

    2.3 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Becomes a Treaty-Based Organization[16]

    The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization on January 23, 2025, with Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia ratifying the agreement. With 27 countries onboard, IBCA aims to drive global big cat conservation through cross-border collaboration.

    About IBCA

    • Launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50 Years of Project Tiger event.
    • Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024, with headquarters in India.
    • Founded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC on March 12, 2024.
    • Focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    Key Objectives & Impact

    • Enhances global collaboration among governments, conservationists, and NGOs.
    • Establishes a central fund and technical hub for research and conservation efforts.
    • Strengthens habitat protection, anti-poaching strategies, and wildlife law enforcement.
    • Combats illegal wildlife trade and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
    • Integrates climate change mitigation into conservation strategies.

    With IBCA’s legal status now formalized, it marks a historic milestone in global big cat conservation, fostering stronger international cooperation to protect these apex predators and their ecosystems.

    In collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the IBCA organized an executive course on capacity building for wildlife and conservation practitioners, bringing together officials from 27 countries, underscoring the shared global commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development. ​[17]

    2.4 Project Cheetah

    Project Cheetah is a landmark wildlife conservation initiative launched on September 17, 2022 aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after their extinction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project, it operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore and conserve the species. Efforts are underway to expand suitable habitats, ensuring long-term survival and ecological balance in India’s grassland ecosystems.

     Key Achievements:

    • Transcontinental Relocation: In September 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to Kuno National Park, followed by twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. [18]
    • Successful Adaptation: The majority of these cheetahs have adapted well to their new environment, exhibiting natural behaviours such as hunting, territory establishment, and mating. Notably, a female cheetah gave birth to cubs on Indian soil after 75 years, with one surviving cub reported to be six months old and showing normal growth patterns as of September 2023.[19] On 3rd January, 2024 three cubs were born to Namibian Cheetah Aasha at the Kuno National Park.[20]
    • Community Engagement: The project has actively involved local communities, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) from surrounding villages have been engaged to educate the public on cheetah behaviour and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, fostering peaceful coexistence. [21]

    2.5 Project Elephant:

    India, home to over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, has undertaken significant measures to protect and conserve these majestic animals. Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats. This program focuses on habitat preservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the welfare of captive elephants, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological commitment to elephant conservation. [22]

    Key Achievements and Initiatives

    1. Growing Elephant Population: India’s wild elephant population has increased from 26,786 (2018 census) to 29,964 in 2022, reinforcing the country’s successful conservation efforts.[23]

    Year

    Elephant Population in India

    2018

    26,786

    2022

    29,964

    2. Expanding Protected Areas: India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states, covering a vast 80,777 km², ensuring elephants have safe migratory corridors and protected habitats.[24]

    3.Integrated Wildlife Protection: Elephant Reserves are often overlapping with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests, ensuring comprehensive protection under multiple forest and wildlife laws.[25]

    4. Financial Investment in Conservation: Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Government has approved a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for wildlife conservation, with ₹236.58 crores specifically allocated for Project Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and reduce human-elephant conflicts.[26]

    2.6 Conservation of the Asiatic Lion in India

    The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), once teetering on the brink of extinction, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in India, primarily within Gir National Park and its surrounding landscapes in Gujarat. This conservation success is attributed to dedicated efforts by the Government of India, the Gujarat State Government, and local communities.

    Key Initiatives

    • Project Lion:[27]
      Launched as a flagship initiative, Project Lion focuses on:
      • Landscape ecology-based conservation, ensuring sustainable lion habitats.
      • Habitat restoration and securing additional areas for lions.
      • Community participation, creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
      • Disease management, establishing India as a global hub for big cat health research and treatment.

     

    Significance and Achievements

    1. Population Recovery:[28]
    Through rigorous conservation efforts, the Asiatic lion population has shown a consistent upward trend:

    • 2010: 411 lions
    • 2015: 523 lions
    • 2020: 674 lions
    1. Increased Conservation Funding:[29]
      The Gujarat Government has steadily increased its financial commitment to lion conservation, ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
    2. International Recognition:[30]
      Due to India’s conservation initiatives, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to ‘Endangered’ in 2008, acknowledging the success of India’s efforts.

    2.7 Conserving the One-Horned Rhinoceros in India

    The Government of India has implemented several strategic initiatives to conserve and protect the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), leading to significant achievements in their population recovery and habitat preservation,

    Key Conservation Initiatives:

    • National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2019, this strategy aims to repopulate rhinoceros populations in areas where they previously existed by augmenting existing conservation efforts through scientific and administrative measures. [31]
    • Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: This program focuses on increasing the rhino population and expanding their distribution by translocating individuals to suitable habitats, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized threats. [32]

    Impact and Achievements:

    • Population Growth: As of 2022, Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, reflecting effective conservation efforts.[33]
    • Global Significance: Assam’s rhino population accounts for approximately 68% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in global conservation.[34]
    • Community Engagement: Initiatives such as World Rhino Day celebrations in Kaziranga National Park involve local communities and raise public awareness about rhino conservation, fostering a collective sense of responsibility towards protecting this iconic species. [35]

    3. Habitat and Ecosystem Conservation

    • Digitization of Flora, Fauna and herbarium records: In 2024, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has carried out the digitization of 16500 specimens with 45000 images of the Type and Non-Type of Indian Faunal specimens. ZSI has completed faunal documentation from 27 States and Union Territories as well as all of the 10 Biogeographic Zones across the country. Data of 6124 springs in 11 IHR States and 1 UT (J&K) has been geo-tagged spatially online on the HIMAL Geo portal.[36]
    • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2024, MISHTI focuses on the restoration of mangroves to bolster coastal sustainability. Approximately 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves have been restored across 13 states and union territories. [37]
    • National Mission for Green India (GIM): As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, GIM was launched in February, 2014 aiming to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.[38]
    • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): This centrally sponsored scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state and union territory governments for wildlife conservation activities. The scheme encompasses the development of wildlife habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant, with a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.[39]

    4. Research and Monitoring

    • Advanced Research Facilities: In December 2024, the MoEFCC inaugurated a Next Generation DNA Sequencing facility at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. This facility enhances research capabilities in wildlife genetics, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies.[40]

    5. Community Involvement and Awareness

    • ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign: Launched on World Environment Day 2024, this initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honour of their mothers and Mother Earth. By December 2024, over 102 crore trees had been planted under this campaign, with a target of 140 crore trees by March 2025.[41]
    • World Wildlife Day Celebrations: The 2024 World Wildlife Day, themed “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” was celebrated at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The event featured eco-trails, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.[42]

    6. Conservation of Marine Species

    • National Marine Turtle Action Plan: Released by the MoEFCC, this plan focuses on the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats along the Indian coastline.[43]
    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: This regulation emphasizes the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds, ensuring their protection from unregulated developmental activities.[44]

    7. Combating Wildlife Crime

    • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Established to combat organized wildlife crime, the WCCB coordinates enforcement actions, gathers intelligence, and assists in international efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. Between 2019 and 2023, the WCCB conducted 166 joint operations in the North Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of 375 wildlife offenders.[45]

    Key Announcements by the Government of India on World Wildlife Day 2025[46]

    • Release of India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, covering 28 rivers across eight states. Encouragement of local community participation in dolphin conservation.
    • Foundation stone laid for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh to enhance coordination in wildlife health management.
    • Establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – SACON, Coimbatore to tackle human-wildlife conflict.
    • Deployment of Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technology, surveillance systems, and AI-driven intrusion detection.
    • Collaboration between Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to enhance forest fire prediction, detection, prevention, and control using space technology.
    • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
    • New sites identified for cheetah reintroduction, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
    • Announcement of a Tiger Conservation Scheme focused on protecting tigers and co-predators outside traditional tiger reserves.
    • Launch of a dedicated Project on Gharials to address their dwindling population.
    • Announcement of a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to upscale conservation efforts.
    • Documentation and research on India’s traditional forest and wildlife conservation practices using AI.
    • Expansion of India’s engagement with the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for enhanced international cooperation.

    Conclusion

    India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is reflected in a series of transformative initiatives that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. From strengthening flagship programs like Project Tiger and Project Elephant to pioneering new conservation efforts for species such as the gharial and the Great Indian Bustard, the Government has adopted a holistic and science-driven approach. The integration of artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and community-led conservation underscores India’s global leadership in biodiversity preservation. The remarkable resurgence of endangered species, strengthened legal frameworks, and a strategic integration of technology underscore the Government of India’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Moreover, India’s collaboration with international organizations, multilateral bodies, and conservation partners has reinforced its leadership in addressing global biodiversity challenges. By fostering cross-border cooperation, leveraging scientific innovation, and ensuring community participation, India continues to drive a holistic and inclusive conservation agenda. As we mark World Wildlife Day 2025, the nation reaffirms its resolve to protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar / Sheetal Angral / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2107821) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM chairs the 7th meeting of National Board for Wildlife on 3rd March in Gir

    Source: Government of India

    PM chairs the 7th meeting of National Board for Wildlife on 3rd March in Gir

    PM releases the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins

    PM lays the foundation stone of National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh

    PM announces 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025 and establishment of Centre of Excellence to deal with Human-wildlife conflict at SACON, Coimbatore

    PM announces that Cheetah introduction will be expanded to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat

    Strengthening wildlife conservation efforts, PM announces a new Project for Gharials and a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan

    PM stresses on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and AI & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts

    PM underscores importance of ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism

    PM asks the Wildlife Board and Environment Ministry to gather the traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife

    Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation, we should document this traditional knowledge with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries: PM

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat earlier today, where he chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife.

    The National Board for Wildlife reviewed various initiatives undertaken by the Government in wildlife conservation, highlighting achievements in the creation of new protected areas and species-specific flagship programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, among others. The Board also discussed conservation efforts for dolphins and Asiatic lions, and the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.

    During the meeting, Prime Minister released the report of the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation conducted in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins. This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, with 3150 mandays dedicated to covering over 8,500 kilometers. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

    Prime Minister emphasised the importance of awareness on dolphin conservation by involvement of local population and villagers in the areas. He also advised organising exposure visits of school children in dolphin habitat areas.

    Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, which will function as the hub for coordination and governance of various aspects related to wildlife health and disease management.

    Population estimation of Asiatic Lions is carried out once every five years. The last such exercise was carried out in 2020. Prime Minister announced the initiation of the 16th cycle of lion estimation to be conducted in 2025.

    Considering that the Asiatic Lions have now made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home through natural dispersal, Prime Minister announced that lion conservation in Barda will be supported through prey augmentation and other habitat improvement efforts. Underscoring the importance of eco-tourism as a means for development and conservation of wildlife habitats, he emphasised that there should be ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism.

    For effective management of human-wildlife conflict, Prime Minister made an announcement for establishing a Centre of excellence at Wildlife Institute of India- Campus in SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore. The centre will also support the states and UTs in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced technology, gadgets for tracking, forewarning; prescribe surveillance and Intrusion Detection Systems in human-wildlife conflict hotspots; and build capacity of field practitioners and community to execute conflict mitigation measures.

    Prime Minister stressed on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He suggested engagement of the Wildlife Institute of India with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to address the challenge of human-wildlife conflict.

    To enhance the monitoring and management of forest fires, particularly in highly sensitive protected areas, focusing on prediction, detection, prevention, and control, the Prime Minister advised for a collaboration between the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N through use of space technology.

    Prime Minister also announced that the Cheetah introduction will be expanded to other areas including the Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.

    Prime Minister announced a scheme focused on the conservation of tigers outside tiger reserves. The initiative aims to address human-tiger and other co-predator conflicts in areas outside these reserves by ensuring co-existence with local communities.

    Recognising the dwindling population of gharials and a view of ensuring the conservation of Gharials, Prime Minister also announced the initiation of a new Project on Gharials for their conservation.

    Prime Minister commended the efforts undertaken towards conservation of Great Indian Bustard. Considering the need to upscale the conservation efforts, he announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan.

    During the review meeting, Prime Minister asked the Board and Environment Ministry to gather traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife for research and development. Prime Minister chalked out a roadmap for wildlife conservation strategy and future actions for the Ministry and also asked to constitute various task forces to work on Indian Sloth Bear, Ghariyaal and Great Indian Bustard conservation and development.

    Prime Minister noted that Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation. He said that this traditional knowledge should be documented with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries.

    Prime Minister also suggested for enhanced cooperation in Co-ordination unit under the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

    Prime Minister commended the active participation of local communities in conservation, especially through the establishment of Community Reserves. Over the past decade, India has witnessed more than six fold increase in the number of community reserves. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence in wildlife conservation.

    Prime Minister also advised on research and documentation of medicinal plants in forest areas which can play a crucial role in animal health management.  He also mentioned the possibilities of promoting use of  plant based medicine systems for animal health management on a global scale.

    After the meeting, Prime Minister also flagged off motorcycles for enhanced mobility of frontline forest staff.  He also interacted with field level functionaries at Gir which included frontline staff, eco guides and trackers.

     

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Archive’s “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” to showcase film classics of generations of great comedians (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Film Archive’s “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” to showcase film classics of generations of great comedians (with photos)
    Film Archive’s “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” to showcase film classics of generations of great comedians (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         In support of the theme “More Than Joy” of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a thematic screening programme, “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular”, from April 4 to May 11. The programme features 16 classic films spanning the 1940s to 2000s, showcasing the comedic sparks of master comedians from different eras while illustrating the evolution of Hong Kong comedy films.      The opening programme, “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)”, will be held on April 4 (Friday) at 3pm at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), which also marks the grand opening of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. Renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements to be performed live by pop singer Alfred Hui, a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So) with a live band. Following the performance, the 4K digitally restored version of “The Banquet” (1991) will be screened, blending entertainment with cultural artistry to showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s pop culture.      The screening programme presents classic films alongside more contemporary works, reflecting the changes in Hong Kong’s social and cultural landscapes as well as human relationships. “The Banquet” (1991) is adapted from the film “Feast of a Rich Family” (1959), with a star-studded cast coming together to raise funds for flood relief. The story revolves around a couple, played by Eric Tsang and Dodo Cheng, who host a grand banquet in the name of the husband’s father, played by Richard Ng, to please a wealthy man. The performances of the trio are brilliant, and the numerous star cameos, including those of comedic giants Michael Hui and Stephen Chow, legendary artists Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, Wong Ka-kui, and internationally renowned Gong Li, add to the dazzling spectacle.      The 4K digitally restored version of “Feast of a Rich Family” (1959) will be screened at the HKCC Grand Theatre on April 4 at 7.30pm. The film, starring the era’s most popular actors and actresses including Ng Cho-fan, Mui Yee, Cheung Ying, Pak Yin, and Cheung Wood-yau, depicts a series of absurd farces stemming from a nouveau riche ostentatious display of wealth, satirising the ridiculousness of people vying to curry favour with the wealthy. The HKFA has specially conducted a 4K digital restoration of this classic, complete with subtitles. Both the sound and image qualities have been significantly improved, making it highly anticipated.      The film “Black Rose” (1965) (2K Digital Version) pioneered the trend of Cantonese cinema featuring female superheroes. The story revolves around two sisters of a wealthy family, played by Nam Hung and Connie Chan Po-chu, who are masked vigilantes that steal from the rich and give to the poor, with a group of unsuspecting wealthy men falling for the heroines, adding to the comedic effects. In “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” (1992), a series of chaotic and bizarre adventures are triggered by a note undersigned “Black Rose”. Director Jeff Lau blends classic elements of Cantonese films with unexpected humour, and the hilarious performances by Fung Bo-bo, Wong Wan-sze, Teresa Mo, and Tony Leung Ka-fai make this tribute to Cantonese films a classic of Hong Kong comedy films.      In “The Judge Goes to Pieces” (1948), lawyer Sung Sai-kit, played by renowned Cantonese opera performer Ma Si-tsang, seeks justice for a wronged widow with his wife, who is played by Hung Sin Nui. The humorous and loving interactions of husband and wife are portrayed with impeccable comedic timing. In “Justice, My Foot!” (1992), Stephen Chow and Anita Mui portray the legendary couple. Under Johnnie To’s masterful direction, both stars show off their comedic prowess while Mui displays her stunning talent in martial arts.            “My Intimate Partners” (1960) (2K Digital Version) focuses on friendship, with Patrick Tse Yin and Woo Fung playing characters with contrasting personalities but a deep camaraderie. This humorous and touching story also captures the spirit of Hong Kong’s transitioning society in the 1960s. In “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Father” (1993) (2K Digital Version), Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s character travels through time to meet and befriend his young father, played by Tony Leung Ka-fai, resulting in a heartwarming and laughter-filled tale.      In the 1960s, the trend of young couple comedies emerged in Cantonese films. “The Diary of a Husband” (1964) (2K Digital Version) directed by Chor Yuen is one of the masterpieces, portraying the aspiration of a middle-class lifestyle in the 1960s with witty and humorous dialogue. “The Diary of a Big Man” (1988), also directed by Chor Yuen, has a completely different storyline. Movie superstar Chow Yun-fat plays a stockbroker and philanderer, navigating relationships between characters played by Joey Wang and Sally Yeh. A series of amusing incidents, along with attractive characters and scenic backdrops, reflect Hong Kong’s then socio-economic conditions, showcasing the era’s affluence through glamorous lifestyles.      Chor Yuen’s diverse works include the romantic comedy “The Pregnant Maiden” (1968) (2K Digital Version), in which Connie Chan Po-chu’s character pretends to be pregnant, leading to a series of hilarious situations as she becomes a sparring partner with Lui Kay’s character. “Dummy Mommy, Without a Baby” (2001) is directed by Joe Ma and Mak Kai-kwong, starring Miriam Yeung. While also centering on the theme of a fake pregnancy, this latter work takes a fresh approach with a contemporary twist as well as featuring Chor Yuen’s last big-screen appearance.      “The Private Eyes” (1976), a classic comedy by the Hui brothers, was written and directed by Michael Hui, who also co-starred with his brothers Sam and Ricky. Their series of humorous mishaps and misunderstandings have already become part of the collective memory. “Fantasia” (2004) pays homage to the Hui brothers’ comedy films by recreating many classic scenes, and the performances of Sean Lau and Francis Ng are particularly amazing.      “Wheels on Meals” (1984) (2K Restored Version), starring Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and Yuen Biao, features the trio creating humorous performances with their agile bodies, perfectly blending action and comedy elements. “Rob-B-Hood” (2006) is also an action comedy, where Jackie Chan, Louis Koo, and Michael Hui play thieves who get entangled in a wealthy family’s feud during a mission. Jackie Chan’s signature spectacular fight scenes, combined with the touching moments of redemption for the three leads, make the film both entertaining and heartwarming.      All films are in Cantonese while some of them are recently digitised. Post-screening talks will be accompanied for designated screening sessions, hosted by Sunny Chan, Mak Kai-kwong, Thomas Shin, Dr Charles Cheung, Grace Ng, Eric Tsang Siu-wang, Shu Kei, Sam Ho and Joyce Yang.      Tickets for the opening programme “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)” are priced at $100.     “Feast of a Rich Family”, “Black Rose” and “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” will be screened at the HKCC, with tickets priced at $70 and a 20 per cent discount for LCSD Museum Pass holders purchasing regular-priced tickets for the films at URBTIX outlets. Other films will be screened at the HKFA, with tickets priced at $60. A 20 per cent discount is also available for every purchase of regular-priced tickets of two or more screenings of this programme.      Tickets will be available from March 7 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/comedy-s/pe-event-2025-comedy-s.html) or call 2739 2139.      This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. Humour has been a trend-setter of Hong Kong’s pop culture scene. The Festival features a diverse range of formats including stage performances, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, library and outreach activities. Offering an insight into the multifaceted development of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”, the Festival brings audiences not only joy and laughter, but also an opportunity to appreciate how pop culture can be transmitted and transformed, and how integration and breakthroughs are possible. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 18:48

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Breach of legislation in building the wastewater treatment plant in northern Málaga and its impact – E-003020/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Based on public information, the plant would be expected to serve, among others, the agglomeration of Alhaurín el Grande. This is one of the agglomerations which were subject to an infringement case[1] under the Urban Wastewater Treatment (UWWT) Directive[2].

    1. Large[3] wastewater treatment plants must be subject to an assessment[4] of their significant effects, including on biodiversity, water, landscape and their vulnerability to risks of major accidents and/or disasters. Normal local climatic conditions as well as seasonal variations of the load must be considered when designing and constructing treatment plants[5]. Their vulnerability to extreme events also needs to be assessed[6]. Flood risk management plans[7] should consider relevant aspects such as spatial planning and land use.

    2. The Common Agricultural Policy Strategic plan and Rural Development Programmes[8] provide the general framework and EU funding for the implementation of measures, including in the field of organic farming. The Commission notes positively that Andalusia reached 27.4% of organic area in 2022.

    3. Under the Nature Restoration Regulation[9], Member States must determine how to achieve the targets and where they will put in place measures, considering obligations for habitats, the need to enhance urban green space, tree canopy cover and biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. Only additional trees[10] count towards the objective of 3 billion trees.

    While the Commission attaches high importance to ensuring the effective application of EU law, it lacks enough information to determine the project’s compliance. National courts play a key role in enforcing EU law in individual cases[11]. The Commission welcomes more information on the project and legal proceedings.

    • [1] INFR (2004) 2031. More information available on the public register:
      https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byCase&page=14&size=10&order=ascending&sortColumns=memberState&infringementType=BAD&activeCase=true; J udgment of 14.04.2011 of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU Case) C-343/10: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62010CJ0343 and j udgment of 25.07.2018 of the CJEU- Case C-205/17: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?language=en&num=C-205/17&td=ALL
    • [2] Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40-52.
    • [3] With a capacity exceeding 150 000 population equivalent.
    • [4] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [5] Article 10 of the UWWT Directive.
    • [6] Article 13 of the revised UWWT Directive: Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.
    • [7] Articles 4, 8, 11 of Directive 2007/60/EC of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007.
    • [8] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_en
    • [9] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024.
    • [10] Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024; ‘The 3 Billion Tree Planting Pledge For 2030’, SWD (2021) 651 final.
    • [11] Communication from the Commission ‘EU law: Better Results through Better Application’- C (2016) 8600 final.
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring is the most critical period for wildfires in Scotland

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

    For more information, visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/wildfires/

    Firefighters are urging the public to be aware of wildfire risk this Spring as figures show almost 80% of large outdoor fires since 2010 were recorded between March and May.

    On average, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attends 170 large outdoor fires each year.  

    Prolonged wet weather last year saw the figure drop to 55 incidents, but the seasonal risk remains.  

    Analysis shows that around two thirds of wildfires are accidental with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires.  

    Area Commander and Local Senior Officer for Highland, Michael Humphreys, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, emphasised the need for public responsibility. He said: “It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting. Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread causing devastating damage.  

    “If you light a campfire during high winds, high temperatures and low humidity there is potential that it could get out of control.  

    “Always take steps to ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave. Simple steps to act safely and responsibly is a must.”  

    SFRS continues to collaborate with partners, such as the Scottish Wildfire Forum, to issue wildfire warnings when weather and ground conditions are high and very high for fires.  The public can follow SFRS social media channels and website for real-time wildfire warnings and safety guidance.  

    Deputy Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, Michael Bruce, said: “Large wildfires burning over several days have a devastating impact on our natural environment.  

     “In May 2019, a wildfire burned for six days in the Flow Country where the burned peatland doubled Scotland’s emissions. 

    “Wildfires can strike a blow to rural economies and tourism.”  

    With climate change, we may be seeing hotter, drier summers and wetter, warmer winters. This could increase the chances for wildfires to occur, which is why preventative measures are more important than ever.  

    To address these risks, SFRS is advancing its Wildfire Strategy, and have invested £1.6 million in specialist equipment and firefighter training to improve its response capabilities.  

    While wildfires can happen year-round, Spring presents ideal conditions due to the combination of new growth and typically drier ground.  

    However, wildfire risks are not solely linked to warm conditions—cold, dry winter air can also create highly flammable environments.  

    For more information, visit Wildfires | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Donald Trump is picking fights with leaders around the world. What exactly is his foreign policy approach?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon O’Connor, Professor in U.S. Politics and U.S. Foreign Relations, United States Studies Centre,, University of Sydney

    Since returning to the US presidency, Donald Trump has outdone himself, gaining global media headlines and attention with outrageous statements and dramatic decisions.

    The most consequential decision so far has been the freezing of many US aid and development programs. The freeze had an immediate impact. Even with some waivers now in place, it is likely that starving people in Ethiopia will not get the famine relief desperately needed; food is rotting in African harbours as constitutional battles over executive power are waged in Washington.

    In Africa alone, the US has also been funding lifesaving malaria prevention efforts and HIV/AIDS drug programs. Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency has cruelly disrupted those.

    There are numerous examples of other reckless policy decisions. In terms of long term consequences, arguably the worst decision Trump has made is pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change. He also wound back a slew of Biden administration policies while erasing the term “climate change” from various government websites.

    Trump has attempted to bully Mexico and Canada with threats of a 25% tax on all imports from those two trading partners. He has also imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports coming into the US.

    Then there are Trump’s statements on Ukraine, Gaza and Panama. Last weekend, his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House meeting caused widespread dismay around the world, as Trump doubled down on his promotion of Putin’s talking points and Russian government interests.

    So what’s Trump’s game plan?

    With Trump, it is tempting to claim he is a chaos merchant with no plan or method to his madness. According to this view, when he is challenged or criticised, he will escalate the threats and increase the insults.

    Therefore, conventional wisdom has it that the best way to deal with Trump is to flatter and humour him, then wait for his attention to be distracted by another prize. This understanding of Trump has been developed by international relations scholar Daniel Drezner into the “toddler-in-chief” thesis.

    Psychological understandings of Trump are useful to a point, but it is worth remembering presidencies are run by vast administrations of people, departments and agencies, and not just one person. Moreover, an institution as large as the US Defense Department – with its two million employees and military bases in at least 80 countries around the world – has a near permanent mindset of its own. This, in turn, tends to make presidents as seemingly different as Obama and Trump custodians of many similar military policies and postures.

    The way I have initially examined Trump in my own research is to see him as a hardline conservative nationalist who believes projecting US power with tough talk and reminding other nations of American military might is the best approach to world politics.

    Previous Republican presidents, most notably George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, adopted this so-called “cowboy” approach. It’s a posture that rejects the idea that the US is the leader of a liberal international order (a leadership role promoted by their Democratic party opponents).

    My starting point for analysis sees continuities between Reagan, Bush and Trump, and highlights their arrogance and ignorance when it comes to dealing with the rest of the world.

    Similar, but different

    However, there are some things about Trump that are clearly different and distinct. Before his second term, the most unusual aspect of Trump’s foreign policy approach was the volume and range of his scattergun rhetoric towards other leaders and nations. For example, he threatened North Korea with “fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before”, but later told a rally of supporters that, “We fell in love. No, really. He wrote me beautiful letters.”

    As for academic perspectives that might help us better understand what kind of politician Trump is and what his next moves might be, the obvious label is “crudely transactional”. His attitude to most minor and middle powers seems to be “what have you done for me lately?” or “why does America owe your nation anything?”.

    When it comes to Russia, and potentially China, there has been speculation Trump is adopting a geopolitical approach with parallels to the “great game” of the 19th century. The “great game” is another way of saying imperialism, and this is a largely underused way of describing American foreign policy in general and the second Trump administration in particular.

    Then there is the question of whether the (other) “f-word” is a useful way to understand Trump and Trumpism: are his rhetoric and his domestic and international policies fascist? They are definitely ultra-nationalist and racist, which are two key components of fascism; Trumpism revolves around a charismatic leader that has enough in common with fascist Italy and Nazi Germany to make opponents of Trump justifiably nervous. But does Trumpism have the other key element of fascism: mob or state violence that is at times directed at scapegoated enemies?

    There is certainly an embrace of revenge and cruelty by Trump in general, which is being carried out in practice by Musk’s DOGE project. However, whether it is useful to call the second Trump administration fascist, or just fascistic for now, is a complex question within scholarly circles.

    Five weeks into the second Trump administration, and many of the most destructive ideas that were laid out last year in the unofficial campaign manifesto Project 2025 are being put into place. It has been a long-term dream of many hardline conservatives to gut America’s foreign aid and development programs, which is now happening at a frightening pace.

    What lies ahead that turns rhetoric into reality is hard to entirely predict, but many of Trump’s utterances this year have clearly been imperialistic and fascistic. Trump does not have to ignore the constitution or be a textbook fascist to be a terribly dangerous president. Being an authoritarian, which he has no qualms about embracing, is worrying enough.

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

    – ref. Donald Trump is picking fights with leaders around the world. What exactly is his foreign policy approach? – https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-is-picking-fights-with-leaders-around-the-world-what-exactly-is-his-foreign-policy-approach-251238

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    The question of how best to eliminate corruption has exercised the minds of philosophers as much as the practical drafters of legislation from Ancient Greek and Roman times.

    Within the political sphere, the notion of “corruption” has fluctuated between broad and narrow conceptions.

    The broad conception relates to the decay of institutions or of the stature of the individuals who comprise them. On the other hand, the narrow conception focuses on the abuse of public office for private gain.

    There is also “grey corruption” – which involves questionable behaviour involving a breach of integrity standards that does not necessarily amount to criminal conduct.

    This could include where a person has undue influence over a politician, such as by essentially buying that power through making large donations or hiring expensive lobbyists, particularly where it causes public officials to behave in corrupt ways.

    However the notion is defined, it is clear the fight against corruption is one of the basic tasks of a liberal democracy, perhaps even of an effectively functioning civil society.

    Corruption control is a pressing issue worldwide: the United Nations estimated the economic cost of corruption at 5% of global domestic product or $3.6 trillion annually.

    Australia has had a number of major corruption scandals throughout its history. Corruption was rife in the colonial era, where wealthy landholders sought to influence parliamentarians with monetary bribes.

    This has been followed by several major corruption scandals, such as the Fitzgerald inquiry, which revealed widespread police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution.

    What are anti-corruption commissions?

    Anti-corruption commissions are arguably the most significant tool developed in liberal democracies to fight corruption in recent times.

    The first anti-corruption commission in Australia, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), was established in New South Wales in 1988 by then premier Nick Greiner.

    Infamously, a few years later, Greiner became the first premier to resign due to an ICAC investigation.

    Over the next few decades, all states and territories have set up their own anti-corruption or integrity commissions.

    In 2023, the Commonwealth followed suit with the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a promise made by Anthony Albanese in the lead-up to the 2022 election after considerable pressure from the public and from within parliament.

    As a result, Australia now has a comprehensive network of broad-based public sector anti-corruption agencies covering all levels of government – a significant development nationally and internationally.

    Anti-corruption commissions are tasked with investigating serious and systemic corrupt conduct in government. This includes not just members of the House and Senate, but their staff and public servants.

    In performing their functions, these commissions have strong coercive powers, equivalent to the powers of a royal commission. This includes the power to compel documents and witnesses.

    Some anti-corruption commissions such as the NACC and NSW’s ICAC have the power to conduct public hearings if they believe it’s in the public interest. This increases transparency in government. But concerns have been expressed about reputational damage for those subject to investigations.

    Anti-corruption commissions also have corruption prevention functions. They are tasked with educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption on public administration.

    Reports of anti-corruption commissions are often attended by significant media publicity, leading to public awareness of corruption in government.

    Why are anti-corruption commissions needed?

    It has become well accepted that effective anti-corruption institutions play an important role as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

    The state anti-corruption bodies have brought to light many indiscretions by politicians that would have otherwise remained hidden.

    Without these commissions, corruption in the public sector can take root without us knowing about it. An anti-corruption agency is a powerful deterrent against improper behaviour.

    Yet anti-corruption commissions tend to be unpopular within governments because they scrutinise government action. This means the a commission may expose improper conduct or corruption within their ranks.

    It is common for governments hostile to anti-corruption commissions to attack them, including by reducing their powers or funding.

    This is despite their integral role in our democracy. Alongside other oversight bodies such as the ombudsman (who investigates maladministration within government) and auditor-general (who performs audits of government expenditure), anti-corruption commissions form part of an intricate, interlocking integrity framework that monitors executive action.

    Who watches the watchdogs?

    A big question is about how we ensure anti-corruption commissions do not overstep their bounds. Given their broad coercive powers, how do we hold them to account?

    From their inception, concerns have been expressed about the potential for anti-corruption bodies to infringe on civil liberties, and the possibility they may exceed or abuse their powers.

    In Australia, anti-corruption commissions are subject to a strong system of accountability through parliaments and the courts. They report to dedicated parliamentary committees who scrutinise their actions and decisions. Complaints against anti-corruption commissions can be made to a dedicated inspectorate – an independent statutory officer who oversees their actions.

    Anti-corruption commissions are also subject to judicial review by the courts to ensure they don’t exceed their legal boundaries. Court scrutiny occurs when a person investigated by an anti-corruption commission takes their grievance to court.

    To be effective, anti-corruption commissions require strong powers and institutional independence. But this needs to be balanced with accountability and the protection of individual rights.

    What is pork barrelling and what are some recent examples?

    Pork barrelling involves governments channelling public funds to seats they hold or seats they would like to win from an opponent, as a way of winning voters’ favour. This means the money is used for political purposes, rather than proper allocation according to merit.

    We have been inundated with pork barrelling scandals in recent years. This includes the car park rorts scandal, where 77% of the commuter car park sites selected were in electorates held by the then Coalition government, rather than in areas of real need with congestion issues.

    This followed close on the heels of the “sports rorts” scandal. Minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from cabinet following allegations she had intervened in the sport grants program to benefit the Coalition government while in a position of conflict of interest.

    My research has shown that pork barrelling is an intractable problem across multiple governments over many decades. It takes different forms based on electoral systems.

    Australia has a single member electorate parliamentary system, which makes it more susceptible to pork barrelling than multi-member electorates such as Norway or Spain. The belief is that politicians who “bring home the bacon” for their constituents are electorally rewarded for doing so.

    This means there are incentives for the central cabinet to strategically apportion benefits to marginal electorates to increase prospects of electoral success. There is also an incentive to bias the apportionment of funds towards the party in power.

    In short, rorts scandals keep happening because governments believe that channelling money to marginal and government electorates will win them elections.

    Potentially the NACC could investigate rorts scandals, but only where it amounts to serious or systemic corrupt conduct.

    How do we fix the grants system?

    At the federal level, we have sophisticated financial management legislation that provides a framework for grant rules. The Commonwealth grant rules provide a detailed set of guidelines that ministers and government officials must follow on grant application and selection processes.

    However, there are significant loopholes in the rules. For example, the “car park rorts” scandal is not covered by these rules because it involves money being channelled through the states.

    Also, there are no sanctions for breaching the rules. So ministers and government officials can break the rules without any repercussions.

    To fix the system, we need to reform the rules about grants allocation and close the loopholes. We also need to impose punishment for breaching the rules.

    It is imperative our grants administration system be reformed to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected from governmental abuse. If the ministerial discretion available in grants processes is improperly used, this can give rise to political favouritism and corruption.

    How corrupt is Australia compared to other countries?

    There is a public perception that a small elite is reaping large benefits in Australian society in terms of political influence and its flow-on dividends.

    In Australia, the “game of mates” is flourishing. There’s now a revolving door in politics with many politicians, advisers and senior government officials leaving the public sector to become well-paid lobbyists.

    Add to that the appointments of political “mates” to commissions, tribunals and cushy ambassadorships and the blatant misuse of parliamentary entitlements such as helicopter trips on taxpayer funds.

    Political parties are also accepting millions of dollars in donations from lobbyists and others interested in influencing policy outcomes.

    All of this adds to the perception that the system is rigged – and not in favour of the person on the street.

    Australia has fallen steadily in Transparency International’s global corruption index, from 8th place in 2012 to 14th in 2024. But even so, Australia is the 14th-least corrupt country in the world, which is still a respectable ranking.

    More alarming is the fact that one in 30 Australian public servants said in a survey last year they had seen a colleague acting in a corrupt manner.

    The types of corruption witnessed included cronyism or nepotism (favourable treatment of friends or family members without proper regard to merit). Fraud, forgery, embezzlement and conflicts of interest were also reported.

    In the 1980s, there were incidences of large-scale corruption that rocked the country, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland and the WA Inc Royal Commission in Western Australia. These scandals led to the resignations and imprisonments of various former ministers and officials.

    Although we have not sunk to such depths since then, state anti-corruption commissions, such as the NSW ICAC, have uncovered various instances of corruption in recent years. The NSW ICAC’s inquiries have led to the resignations of several politicians, as well as the conviction of former Labor MP Eric Obeid.

    Another classic case of corruption exposed by the ICAC led to the downfall of former Newcastle lord mayor, Jeff McCloy. McCloy famously bragged that politicians treated him like a “walking ATM” and admitted to giving two MPs envelopes of cash amounting to $10,000.

    In Victoria, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) revealed that a lobbyist funnelled suitcases of cash totalling more than $100,000 from a property developer to a councillor, under the guise of sham transactions.

    These explosive scandals involving corrupt conduct by public officials have eroded public trust in politicians. But the exposure of these scandals by anti-corruption commissions have an important deterrent and educative effect on public officials and the broader public.

    Our faith in government has been eroded by a lack of transparency and the perception that those in power are enjoying unfair benefits. The active investigations by robust institutions such as anti-corruption commissions will act as checks and balances on governmental power – and are key to a vibrant democracy.

    This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new book from leading authors at The Conversation on all aspects of our political system and its history, out March 4.

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

    – ref. Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power – https://theconversation.com/democracys-bad-eggs-corruption-pork-barrelling-and-abuses-of-power-229888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on the launch of the Berlin Initiative: for a Diplomatic Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

    Source: United Nations – English

    commend the launch of The Berlin Initiative and its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza.  Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank is fueling further instability and suffering.

    The ceasefire in Gaza must hold and be implemented in full.  All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner.  And humanitarian aid must be maintained, funded, protected, and reach people in dire need without restrictions.

    But beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace – one that ensures security for Israel, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and stability for the entire region.

    That requires a clear political framework for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.  It requires immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution – with Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unified under a legitimate Palestinian authority, accepted and supported by the Palestinian people.  And it requires putting an end to occupation, settlement expansion and threats of annexation.

    Efforts like The Berlin Initiative help forge a diplomatic path.  I urge everyone to seize this moment to build a future where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security, in line with international law and UN resolutions.  It is the only way.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Cornyn Votes for Fentanyl Bill, Slams Dems’ Delay Tactics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    AUSTIN – Yesterday in the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) scorched Democrats for slow-walking consideration of the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. Sen. Cornyn voted for the legislation, which ultimately passed out of committee. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.
    “Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for young people between the age of 18 and 45.”
    “The longer we dither over some of the fine points of chemistry on this bill, that it’s like watching the house burn down and suggesting maybe we need to use a different sort of hose to put out the fire.”
    “There have been 60 years of research into fentanyl-related substances, and this bill just says any substance that is related to fentanyl would be scheduled as a dangerous drug and would be prohibited from sale.”
    “The longer we delay in the permanent scheduling of these fentanyl-related substances, the more people are simply just going to die.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Supports Hearing Protection Act to Deregulate Firearm Suppressors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement in support of the Hearing Protection Act, which would remove sound suppressors from regulation under the National Firearms Act and ensure that purchasing a firearm suppressor is treated the same as purchasing a long gun:
    “For too long, firearm suppressors have been overregulated by those who want to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would cut burdensome red tape and ensure Americans can protect their hearing when using a firearm, and I’m glad to support it once again.”
    Background:
    Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The Hearing Protection Act would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check.  This would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun. The Hearing Protection Act would also put more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA.
    The legislation is led by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Rounds (R-ND), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).
    The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Validated Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jamari Tyrek Ishman, age 24, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ishman pled guilty to the charge on November 20, 2024.

    According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, Ishman was stopped by the Edenton Police Department for an expired registration violation on March 16, 2024. The officer detected an odor of marijuana and saw an open bottle of wine in the passenger seat. The officer also saw that Ishman had a juvenile passenger in the car. Based on the odor and open container, the officer asked Ishman and his juvenile passenger to exit the car. Once out of the car, the officer noticed Ishman had a red bandana in his back pocket, believed to reflect Ishman’s validated status as a member of the Bloods street gang. The officer searched Ishman and found a firearm magazine in his pants pocket. Ishman initially denied that there was a gun in the vehicle that matched the magazine, however, he ultimately admitted that there was a gun under the seat. The officer searched the vehicle and found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine under the seat. The officer also found a pill bottle with a small amount of marijuana inside.

    Ishman is a previously convicted felon prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. His felony convictions include assault inflicting serious bodily injury on a detention employee in 2021 as well as multiple convictions in 2019 for breaking and entering.

    The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Edenton Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Dixon is prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number: 2:24-cr-00024-M-BM.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahoskie Gang Leader Sentenced to Over Four and a Half Years for Selling a Device that Converts Firearms to Machineguns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – An Ahoskie man was sentenced to 55 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for the illegal transfer of a machinegun after an investigation determined that he was illegally selling machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” which convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic.  On October 30, 2024, Quayshaun Deonte Howington, age 33, pled guilty to the charge.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, in April 2023, authorities in Ahoskie and Hertford County launched an investigation into the illegal sale of firearm switches by Howington, aka “Mad Max,” a high ranking member of the G-Shine set of the United Blood Nation street gang.  Law enforcement oversaw the controlled purchase of multiple switches from Howington between April and June of 2023.  Subsequent analysis of the switches conducted by law enforcement confirmed all were drop-in auto-sears which serve only to convert firearms to machineguns.  Furthermore, the switches were determined to be produced by a 3D printer and not a licensed firearms manufacturer.

    “We will do all we can to keep auto-sears out of the hands of criminal enterprises and those who look to harm the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “My office will continue to work with our state partners to prosecute these important cases.”

    “This sentencing is a testament to the dedication and hard work of multiple law enforcement agencies that played a crucial role in the investigation, prosecution, and apprehension of Howington,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and sends a clear message to those involved in the sale of illegal narcotics, firearms, and violent crime—we will arrest you, prosecute you, and you will go to prison.”

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-21-BO-RN.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Urges All Efforts to Prevent Renewed Hostilities as Gaza Ceasefire’s First Phase Ends

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal reaches its conclusion.  The past six weeks have provided a fragile but vital reprieve, offering a measure of relief to both Palestinians and Israelis. Thousands of trucks carrying life-saving assistance entered Gaza, with aid having reached nearly every person in the Strip.  It is imperative that all efforts be made to prevent a return to hostilities, which would be catastrophic.

    The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and find a way forward on the next phase.  A permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages are essential to preventing escalation and averting more devastating consequences for civilians.  The Secretary-General continues to call for the dignified, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.  The parties must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power.  Humanitarian aid must continue to flow, without impediment, be adequately funded, and occur in an environment ensuring the safety and security of civilians and other protected persons, including humanitarian workers.

    The Secretary-General also calls for an urgent de-escalation of the alarming situation in the occupied West Bank.

    As Ramadan — a time of peace and reflection — begins, the Secretary-General calls on all sides to spare no efforts to end all violence.  The United Nations stands ready to support all such endeavours.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI could supercharge human collective intelligence in everything from disaster relief to medical research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hao Cui, Research Fellow in AI-Enhanced Collective Intelligence, Trinity College Dublin

    Top tech team: surgeons operating with help frm artificial intelligence. Have a nice day Photo

    Imagine a large city recovering from a devastating hurricane. Roads are flooded, the power is down, and local authorities are overwhelmed. Emergency responders are doing their best, but the chaos is massive.

    AI-controlled drones survey the damage from above, while intelligent systems process satellite images and data from sensors on the ground and air to identify which neighbourhoods are most vulnerable.

    Meanwhile, AI-equipped robots are deployed to deliver food, water and medical supplies into areas that human responders can’t reach. Emergency teams, guided and coordinated by AI and the insights it produces, are able to prioritise their efforts, sending rescue squads where they’re needed most.

    This is no longer the realm of science fiction. In a recent paper published in the journal Patterns, we argue that it’s an emerging and inevitable reality.

    Collective intelligence is the shared intelligence of a group or groups of people working together. Different groups of people with diverse skills, such as firefighters and drone operators, for instance, work together to generate better ideas and solutions. AI can enhance this human collective intelligence, and transform how we approach large-scale crises. It’s a form of what’s called hybrid collective intelligence.

    Instead of simply relying on human intuition or traditional tools, experts can use AI to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns and make predictions. By enhancing human decision-making, AI systems offer faster and more accurate insights – whether in medical research, disaster response, or environmental protection.

    AI can do this, by for example, processing large datasets and uncovering insights that would take much longer for humans to identify. AI can also get involved in physical tasks. In manufacturing, AI-powered robots can automate assembly lines, helping improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

    Equally crucial is information exchange, where AI enhances the flow of information, helping human teams coordinate more effectively and make data-driven decisions faster. Finally, AI can act as social catalysts to facilitate more effective collaboration within human teams or even help build hybrid teams of humans and machines working alongside one another.

    AI-driven improvements to all these different aspects can make the entire, interconnected system more adaptive and intelligent.

    We’re already seeing the impact of AI-enhanced collective intelligence. In disaster response, AI systems already analyse satellite imagery and sensor data, generating risk assessments that help human responders to prioritise rescue efforts and allocate resources efficiently.

    In healthcare, AI already helps doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses by analysing large patient datasets. Medical teams refine AI recommendations with their expertise, ensuring the best possible treatment plans. Robots equipped with AI can assist surgeons in performing delicate tasks, allowing for greater precision.

    In media, AI curates and verifies news from global sources, assisting journalists in fact-checking and uncovering misinformation. This collaboration can strengthen the accuracy and reliability of information in an era of digital media. However, AI can also drive the dissemination of fake news and disinformation. These include deep fake videos of, for example, politicians, which have the potential to affect elections.

    In the public sector, AI-powered policy simulations help governments anticipate the impacts of regulations. Crowd-sourced citizen feedback, combined with AI analysis, can give a sense of the public mood.

    Environmental protection is another area benefiting from AI-enhanced collective intelligence. AI systems can analyse patterns data on pollution, deforestation, and wildlife movements, guiding human efforts to address environmental challenges more effectively.

    As we can see, AI-enhanced collective intelligence is already here, transforming how we approach some of the world’s toughest problems. The key is to recognise that AI is a collaborator, not a competitor. When we combine human creativity, intuition, and ethics with AI’s data processing power, the possibilities for what we can be achieved are substantial.

    As we look towards the future, AI’s potential becomes even more exciting. From addressing global health challenges like pandemic prevention to developing solutions to the climate crisis, AI will be at the forefront of tackling issues once thought insurmountable. But this potential comes with responsibility.

    It’s up to us to guide how this collaboration evolves, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically in ways that enhance human capabilities rather than diminish them. We must engage in shaping policies and frameworks that promote transparency, fairness and inclusivity through a new sociology of humans and machines.

    Collaboration across industries, governments, and communities will be crucial to unlocking AI’s full potential. Together, we can build a future where AI not only augments human intelligence but also helps solve the challenges of tomorrow, creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.

    Hao Cui receives funding from the Research Ireland.

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

    – ref. AI could supercharge human collective intelligence in everything from disaster relief to medical research – https://theconversation.com/ai-could-supercharge-human-collective-intelligence-in-everything-from-disaster-relief-to-medical-research-249437

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Announces Fired Federal Worker as State of the Union Guest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 03, 2025

    Doug Kowalewski was recently fired from the National Science Foundation amid Trump’s and Musk’s unlawful firings, massive cuts to federal agencies

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) announced that Doug Kowalewski of Wellesley will be her guest at the 2025 State of the Union. Doug is a former National Science Foundation (NSF) employee who, after 3.5 years at the agency, was fired unexpectedly in Elon Musk’s and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) gutting of the federal workforce. Doug shared his story at Senator Warren’s recent town hall in Framingham, Massachusetts. 

    “I’m bringing Doug to force Trump to confront the federal workers he fired – the people who make this country run,” said Senator Warren. “The National Science Foundation is the engine that powers our nation’s basic scientific research, and by taking a sledgehammer to this agency, Trump and Musk are gutting our research and innovation pipeline and our local economy in Massachusetts. That isn’t efficient — it’s cruel, short-sighted, and it’s costing American jobs and devastating millions of families.”

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are firing dedicated civil servants and plotting to replace us with new hires who will make critical science funding decisions with a political agenda, not a scientific one. Millions of Americans who have dedicated their careers to this country are suffering because of unelected billionaires like Elon Musk. I’m in Washington with Senator Warren to fight back against these illegal firings and stand up for hardworking federal workers,” said Doug Kowalewski. 

    At Senator Warren’s town hall in Framingham, Doug shared the story of his unexpected firing from the agency along with 167 of his colleagues. At the NSF, Doug was a Program Director for Partnerships and Innovation, helping bring in millions in funding to the federal government. The NSF provides a quarter of federal support for basic research at colleges and universities across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the launch of the Berlin Initiative “For a Diplomatic Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I commend the launch of The Berlin Initiative and its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza.  Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank is fueling further instability and suffering.

    The ceasefire in Gaza must hold and be implemented in full.  All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner.  And humanitarian aid must be maintained, funded, protected, and reach people in dire need without restrictions.

    But beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace – one that ensures security for Israel, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and stability for the entire region.

    That requires a clear political framework for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.  It requires immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution – with Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unified under a legitimate Palestinian authority, accepted and supported by the Palestinian people.  And it requires putting an end to occupation, settlement expansion and threats of annexation.

    Efforts like The Berlin Initiative help forge a diplomatic path.  I urge everyone to seize this moment to build a future where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security, in line with international law and UN resolutions.  It is the only way.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy On State Of The Union: Trump Wants Our Closest Relationships With Despots So It’s Easier For His Billionaire Pals To Steal From Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    March 03, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash to discuss President Donald Trump’s meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the upcoming joint address to Congress.
    Murphy explained why President Trump appears to be aligning himself with Vladimir Putin: “The White House has become an arm of the Kremlin…It appears as if America is trying to align itself with dictators. Donald Trump wants us to have our closest relationships with despots all around the world because that makes it easier for him to transition America into a kleptocratic oligarchy where Elon Musk and Donald Trump rule and steal from the American people. If we were allied with democracies, that would be harder. But if the United States’ closest partner is Russia, then it makes it a lot easier for Donald Trump, Elon, and their billionaire pals to steal from the American people, to steal our data, to steal our Medicare, to steal our Medicaid in order to enrich themselves.”
    On the Trump-Zelensky meeting, Murphy said: “The back half of that meeting ended up just being the Kremlin literally driving the message of the White House. It is a sad day in America when we are getting closer and closer to Russia, a brutal dictatorship, and we are getting further and further away from democratic allies. Nobody in America wants that. People in America want that war to end, but they don’t want it to end by handing the entirety of Ukraine to Russia and elevating the power of a dictator in the Kremlin.”
    On President Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress, Murphy said: “I think that State of the Union speech is going to be a farce. I think it’s going to be a MAGA pep rally, not a serious talk to the nation. I think Donald Trump is going to spew a series of lies about his alignment with Russia, about what he’s trying to do to allow Elon Musk to essentially monetize the American government to enrich Musk and his billionaire crowd. And I’m just not going to be a part of that.”
    He continued: “Listen, the case I’m making to Democrats is that we have to fight every single day. Every single day. Republicans flood the zone. Democrats have to flood the zone. They flood the zone with lies. We flood the zone with truth. We are going to stop this billionaire takeover of government. We are going to stop their destruction of democracy, which they have to do, because what they are attempting to do – gut Medicaid in order to feed another set of tax cuts to Elon Musk and his billionaire friends – it’s unpopular. We’re going to stop that billionaire takeover, that destruction of our democracy, only by fighting them every single day.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s spat with Zelensky threatens the security of the world – including the US

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    After the catastrophic press conference on February 28 between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump, it is clear that there has been a global realignment.

    What the press conference revealed was that Trump’s position is a lot closer to Russian president Vladmir Putin than long-time US ally Ukraine, and also that other US allies cannot count on Washington to promote the global world order.

    The extraordinary spectacle ended with Trump and vice-president J.D. Vance shouting at Zelensky, telling him he wasn’t thankful for US aid. Since then, the expected mineral deal between Ukraine and the US has been called off – at least for now.

    There was already a wake-up call for European allies about how reliable the US might be during Trump’s first term when he launched his “American first” policy. This included chastising Nato member countries for not paying enough, and characterising Europe as free-riding on US security guarantees.

    While this sparked alarm among some European leaders over how to ensure that the continent becomes less dependent on the US, Europeans are now scrambling to respond to Trump 2.0’s much more extreme version of America first. After the press conference, European Union foreign minister Kaja Kallas declared: “Today it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

    Trump’s relationship with Russia

    To some extent Europe was caught off guard because it was hard to imagine that a US president would swing US support behind Russia, especially after Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But Trump has turned the page on challenging Russian aggression, and does not seem to see Putin’s ambitions as a threat to global security.

    Instead in the press conference – as in previous statements – Trump has echoed some of Putin’s talking points, such as Ukraine not having any cards to play, being unwilling to do a peace deal, and having to give up land to Russia.

    Trump also refused to say that Putin started the war, and even claimed that peace could have been possible early on in the war had Zelensky wanted peace. Trump even repeatedly opined that both Putin and Trump were brothers of sorts — victims of the same investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

    The press conference also revealed that the security guarantees that Zelensky pushed Trump to confirm were secondary at best. Trump remained vague and offered no details, possibly because he has no intention of the US providing any security to Ukraine.

    The aim may have been to goad Zelensky – just weeks ago on Fox News Trump stated that he did not know if Ukrainians would one day become Russian. Meanwhile, Trump’s claim that Ukraine did not have any cards to play is unhelpful to highlight if you are trying to negotiate a great deal for one of your allies.

    What Trump seemed to forget is that Ukraine once had a lot of cards — holding the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with 1,900 strategic warheads, 176 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 44 strategic bombers. Ukraine was coaxed into returning all of its nuclear warheads in exchange for security assurances from Russia and the west, in a 1994 agreement known as the Budapest Memorandum.

    But while this memorandum might mean little to the current US president, allies around the world can see how quickly a US leader can forget their country’s commitments. The message that Trump is sending now is that every country must fight for themselves. All interactions are transactional, and economic interests trump the genuine security needs of allies.



    Read more:
    Raised voices and angry scenes at the White House as Trump clashes with Zelensky over the ‘minerals deal’

    This plays perfectly into China’s hands. To China, Trump has signalled that he primarily cares about the tariff issue. In addition, he could implement higher tariffs on the US’s biggest trading partners (and allies), Canada, the EU and Mexico, than on China.

    The symbolism of the unsigned mineral deal with Ukraine and the capitulation to Russia’s territorial interests in Ukraine should be music to the ears of China’s president, Xi Jinping.

    What it means for China

    China has inundated Taiwan with a propaganda campaign that says the self-governing island is part of China. Part of the campaign focuses on the notion that if China were to invade, the US would abandon Taiwan, citing the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as evidence of this.

    The US’s abrupt abandonment of Ukraine adds fuel to this fire. Xi could be emboldened to execute his plan of uniting Taiwan by 2049, if not earlier, which could have disastrous consequences for the global economy.

    European leaders met with President Zelensky after the Trump press conference.

    Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors needed for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and has a market share of 68%.

    An invasion could lead to a block on global access to semiconductors, causing shortages of all sorts of tech, a possible stock market crash and a fall in trade between Taiwan and western economies. This could cost around US$10 trillion (£7.9 trillion), equal to 10% of global GDP.

    Additionally, for countries such as South Korea and Japan that have been persuaded to not embark on nuclear programmes, the US U-turn sows doubt about its commitment to provide a nuclear shield to its Pacific allies. This could prompt these countries to reverse policies of nonproliferation.

    What happens to Nato?

    Nato has been traditionally led by a US general, but it’s not even clear that the US will remain in the alliance. In the past few weeks Europe has been forced to hold a series of emergency meetings to try to rise to the various global challenges – with or without the US as a key partner.

    All of this makes the US more vulnerable as well. The US is more secure and prosperous when it is part of a long-term alliance, working in partnership with its allies to ensure security, stability, free trade and investment. If the US were to even reduce its security commitments to Nato by 50%, estimates suggest trade with members would fall by US$450 billion.

    The alliance system has been a backbone of US security since 1949. The cost to Nato’s credibility and to defending its borders if Ukraine loses the war would be trillions, not billions, of dollars.

    With Trump appearing desperate to do a deal on Putin’s terms with no concessions, Russia will become much stronger as a result. In spite of the fact that more than 95,000 Russians have died, it’s likely that Russia will act even more boldly, becoming a more attractive ally to US adversaries.

    Trump’s support for Putin not only encourages a hostile nuclear power on the doorstep of the US’s top Nato allies, but also suggests that the US cannot be counted on in future.

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

    – ref. How Trump’s spat with Zelensky threatens the security of the world – including the US – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-spat-with-zelensky-threatens-the-security-of-the-world-including-the-us-251229

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

    Escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States have ignited a new wave of Canadian patriotism, with consumers consciously choosing made-in-Canada products as an act of economic self-preservation and national pride.

    U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to impose tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods on March 4, after a month-long delay. This, along with Trump’s calls to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, has prompted Canadians to rally around the so-called “Buy Canadian” movement.

    Recent research indicates a significant number of Canadians are now showing a strong preference for domestic products, with many willing to modify their purchasing behaviours. One recent poll revealed 42 per cent of Canadians polled will “absolutely do everything” to avoid purchasing U.S. products. Eighty-eight per cent said they would buy a product promoted as “made in Canada.”

    Another poll found that 56 per cent of Canadians said they would stop buying a certain product altogether if there is no Canadian-made alternative.

    While the “buy local” movement has deeper roots, often resurfacing during periods of economic tensions, the current surge stems from a desire to support homegrown brands and manufacturers they see as reflecting their values.

    Buy Canadian movement challenges

    While the Buy Canadian movement is gaining traction, actually sustaining it comes with notable challenges. Some experts caution that reducing reliance on U.S. imports is a gradual process contingent on consistent consumer commitment.

    Two primary barriers stand in the way of this sustained change: the higher costs of Canadian-made goods, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and the difficulty consumers face in identifying domestically produced items.

    Addressing these two issues is crucial for the long-term viability of the Buy Canadian movement.

    CBC News segment about the Buy Canadian movement.

    Buying Canadian can be pricey

    The first primary obstacle facing the Buy Canadian movement is the price disparity between domestic goods and their imported counterparts.

    Canadian domestic goods often come with a higher price tag due to production costs, economies of scale, transportation and other economic factors. These factors make it difficult for local manufacturers to compete with cheaper foreign alternatives.

    The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is driving up prices for goods and services across various sectors, is further intensifying the challenge. One of the biggest household expenses, the cost of groceries, remain particularly high, having jumped by 7.8 per cent in 2023 — its highest level in nearly 40 years.

    Higher prices across almost all sectors has resulted in 71 per cent of Canadians naming the cost of living as a top domestic concern, making it the leading news story in the country in 2024.

    While many consumers express a desire to support local businesses even if they are pricier, the reality of higher costs could make it difficult for consumers to consistently choose domestic products over more affordable foreign alternatives.

    Is it really ‘Made in Canada’?

    The second major obstacle for the Buy Canadian movement lies in confusion over product labels. For many Canadians, identifying which products are truly Canadian versus imported alternatives can be a challenging task.

    A recent poll found that 42 per cent of Canadians believe grocery food products are made in Canada, while the actual number of products fully made in Canada is closer to 10 per cent.

    Compounding matters further, understanding country of origin labelling can also be challenging. Labels such as “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” have specific definitions.

    “Made in Canada” means the last substantial transformation of the good or service occurs in Canada but may contain up to 49 per cent imported ingredients, while “Product of Canada” means all, or nearly all, significant parts and processing are Canadian.

    This nuanced labelling and similarity in wording can lead to confusion, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.

    Building on the Buy Canadian momentum

    Canadian businesses and retailers have been responding to growing consumer demand for domestic products with concrete marketing strategies. For instance, Loblaw Companies, Canada’s largest food retailer, has committed to “doubling down on securing food grown and made” locally.

    Grocery stores are also making it easier for consumers to identify local products. Several grocery chains have revamped their in-store displays by using shelf tags, stickers and end-of-aisle signage to clearly identify Canadian-made food items.

    Retailers and brands are increasingly spotlighting domestic brands by rolling out targeted pricing deals. Major grocery chains have begun offering significant price reductions and exclusive promotions on items branded as “Made in Canada.”

    Additionally, Canadians are flocking to websites such as Madeinca.ca, which aim to demystify country of origin and labelling so shoppers can distinguish domestic products from imports.

    Although maintaining this momentum may be challenging, consumers are eager to showcase their patriotism at the check-out. With businesses and policymakers actively improving product transparency and addressing cost concerns, the Buy Canadian movement is poised to gain further traction. After all, nothing embodies unity quite like a little patriotic shopping, the Canadian way.

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

    – ref. Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles – https://theconversation.com/trump-tariffs-have-sparked-a-buy-canadian-surge-but-keeping-the-trend-alive-faces-hurdles-250245

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Convicted on Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Birmingham man for possession of a machinegun and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.

    The jury returned a guilty verdict against Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., aka “Cutt”, and “Cutthroat” after 4 days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Temple was convicted of possession of a machine gun, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

    “This individual posed a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and Friday’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such dangerous and unlawful activities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in violence and drug trafficking are held accountable for their actions.”

    “Drug trafficking and gun violence are major issues affecting our communities at alarming rates,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Stankiewicz said. “Those involved in illegal firearm possession and drug distribution are being held accountable. The ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to disrupt these cycles and combat violent crime.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, Temple distributed fentanyl on two different occasions. After the distributions, the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force searched his home pursuant to a search warrant and recovered 14 firearms, including a machinegun; several firearm magazines, including 100- and 50-round drum magazines; a large amount of ammunition; fentanyl; methamphetamine; 6 digital scales of various sizes; and other drug paraphernalia.

    The ATF investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI Mar 04, 2025

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI
    Mar 04, 2025

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei is gathering carriers, industry partners, and opinion leaders from around the world to explore the intersection of 5G networks and AI, and how they can support one another to unlock new growth opportunities.
    The company is showcasing a sweeping range of solutions:
    AI-to-X – Shorthand for AI-to-Consumers, AI-to-Businesses, and AI-to-Homes, including a series of solutions that can help carriers expand into AI services for new, more targeted domains and achieve business growth
    AI-Centric Network solution – Helping carriers build networks that can meet the challenging demands of new AI applications to ensure a smooth and superior experience
    AI-powered O&M – Using AI to revitalize network O&M, and helping carriers achieve L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent O&M
    These discussions come at a time when high-quality, open-source AI models are developing fast, powering a new, more diverse wave of innovation in AI applications.
    Huawei’s booth at MWC Barcelona 2025

    Huawei’s theme this year is “Accelerating the Intelligent World”, and their star-studded booth in Hall 1 is designed to represent countless bits of intelligence lighting up the night’s sky. The company is showcasing its innovation in digital infrastructure and service applications for individuals, homes, and enterprises, as well as success stories created together with its customers and partners.
    Evolving 5G networks to seize new opportunities
    By the end of 2024, there were more than 2.1 billion 5G users around the world, and the numbers continue to grow. Huawei has been working with carriers to drive the development of 5G through both business and network innovation, helping them transition from mobile Internet to mobile AI.
    In 2024, a number of pioneering carriers have already kicked off commercial 5G-Advanced (5G-A), launching 5G-A packages for users in more than 200 cities around the world. For consumers, these packages take advantage of 5G-A’s enhanced capabilities to provide an optimized user experience for scenarios like livestreaming and gaming, as well as metro and business travel. For carriers, these packages are an opportunity to go beyond traditional connectivity and start monetizing a more personalized experience for different users. Carrier progress in these domains has propelled the industry into an era of AI-powered 5G-A connectivity.
    Huawei is actively working with carriers in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to explore innovative experience monetization models, define application scenarios, design new offerings, and build their user base. This shift of focus from connectivity to experience has both improved user experience and increased carrier revenue.
    AI-Centric Network
    Huawei launched its AI-Centric Network solution that helps carriers upgrade their ICT network infrastructure to meet new demands on bandwidth, latency, coverage, and O&M brought about by a flood of new AI applications. It’s designed to help quickly reshape telecom service and business models to seize new opportunities in the age of AI.
    With the rapid development of technologies like 5G-A, cloud, and AI, carriers will need to upgrade from connectivity service providers to digital service providers. To guide this process, Huawei is launching a three-layer technology architecture for carriers looking to transform from telcos to techcos, helping them tap into new business domains and open the door to new growth opportunities.
    Accelerating Industrial Intelligence
    At this year’s MWC, Huawei’s Enterprise Business is demonstrating how different industries can incorporate AI into their unique business scenarios using the company’s industrial intelligence reference architecture.During the event, Huawei unveiled 83 different industry showcases with customers, and launched ten 10 major solutions to accelerate intelligent transformation together with its partners.
    Pushing the boundaries of consumer devices and experience
    Huawei’s consumer business will showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products at the event. Through multiple scenario-based experience zones, the company will share its latest innovations in foldable phones, fitness and health, photography, and creativity, focusing on how technology can further enrich people’s everyday lives.
    Huawei believes in a human-centric approach to developing technology that shapes the future. In 2025, the company will continue to develop consumer products that push the boundaries of technology, provide an ultimate smart experience for all user scenarios, and build a high-end brand that consumers both love and trust.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –