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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Achieves TRL-4 in an Independent Technical Readiness Assessment of its Patented Laser Enrichment Technology (CRISLA)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has convened a panel of independent reviewers to perform a Technology Readiness Level Assessment (TRA) of the CRISLA-3G technology at the LIST facility in Oak Ridge, TN during the week of March 11 – 13, 2025.

    The CRISLA-3G laser isotope separation technology was evaluated and determined to meet all elements required for TRL-4, conforming to the Department of Energy guide DOE G 413.3-4A. It shows that all critical components were successfully validated in a laboratory environment, supported by experimental results from the integrated system.

    The TRA Team leveraged a well-established TRA process developed and implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM). Each Critical Technology Element (CTE) was assessed against TRL-4, TRL-5, and TRL-6 calculator elements, which address technical, manufacturing, and programmatic factors. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a technology maturity system ranging from TRL-1 (basic principles observed and reported) to TRL-9 (actual system operated over full range of expected conditions). The TRL rating system was developed by NASA and DoD to evaluate the deployment readiness of a given technology and has been adopted by agencies across the federal government.

    “We are very pleased that the independent Technology Readiness Assessment team scored our TRL at 4, meeting 27 out of 27 criteria,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of LIS Technologies Inc. “Also identified were the critical technical elements (CTE’s) to progress through TRL5, 6 and 7 in the coming years. We have high confidence that we can meet all these CTEs in our roadmap to commercialization.”

    “With our interaction with the TRL assessment team, I feel reassured that our technology is moving forward in the right direction,” said Viktor Chikan, Ph.D., Co-Chief Technical Officer of LIS Technologies Inc. “In my view, the TRL assessment provides the necessary transparency for both investors and the technical team to execute on the project plan and realize the commercial enrichment facility based on CRISLA technology.”

    “This is a very important milestone for the advancement of CRISLA technology,” said Keith Everly Head of Security and IP Management of LIS Technologies Inc. “I am pleased that our self-assessment of our progress with the CRISLA technology process is in good alignment with the assessment of a qualified independent board of reviewers.”

    “The Technology Readiness Level framework is essential for guiding innovative technologies toward full-scale commercialization,” said Jay Yu, Executive Chairman and President of LIS Technologies Inc. “This review of our patented CRISLA technology underscores the substantial progress LIST’s technical team has achieved in preparing the system for the demonstration activities required for TRL 5. Successfully completing those demonstration steps will be a major threshold in establishing our leadership in this space.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared lasers to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    In 2024, LIS Technologies Inc. (Laser Isotope Separation Technologies) was selected as one of six domestic companies by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. Each awardee is slated to receive a minimum contract of $2 million.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com

    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
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    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Laws governing space are 50 years old. New ones are needed to prevent it becoming a ‘wild west’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yucong Wang, Lecturer, School of Law and Justice, University of Newcastle

    In the first few months of 2025, there’s been a flurry of private venture space missions. Some have been successful, such as American company Firefly Aerospace landing its spacecraft Blue Ghost Mission 1 on the Moon. This was the first successful lunar landing of a privately owned spacecraft.

    But there have also been several recent failures. None have been more spectacular than the repeated explosions of tech billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship rockets in January and March.

    In theory, there are a range of international laws governing these activities. However, most were established roughly half a century ago, before space was within reach of private companies eager to explore it and exploit its untapped resources.

    With this development, there is an urgent need to update laws governing what happens in space, in order to prevent it becoming a kind of “wild west” where tech billionaires and the companies they own can do as they please with little to no accountability, consequence or regard for the public good.

    Laws as old as the Cold War

    Space activities are mainly governed by United Nations treaties. These include the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the 1972 Liability Convention, and the 1979 Moon Agreement.

    But these agreements were created during the Cold War, when space exploration was shaped by military sensitivities and mainly conducted by nation states.

    Yet private companies are now major players in space. They can bring the allure of space to the masses, for a pretty penny. For example, most of the roughly 11,000 active satellites orbiting Earth are privately owned.

    NASA now relies on partnerships with companies to combine expertise and save costs. The European Space Agency does the same, as do many of the 77 countries with space programs

    Elon Musk has expertly tapped into this trend, securing US$22.6 billion in United States government funding for SpaceX.

    Private spacecraft journeys may combine commercial and national goals. For example, the Blue Ghost Mission 1 was contracted by NASA through its Commercial Lunar Payloads initiative. It carried a suite of NASA science and technology instruments.

    Just days later, another company put a spacecraft on the Moon. Yet the Intuitive Machines Athena spacecraft landed awkwardly. It toppled over and was soon declared dead. It too was carrying expensive NASA cargo.

    National space agencies will continue to rely on company partners in more ambitious ventures. But what happens when things go wrong? How can private companies be held accountable if they damage the property of others, or cause environmental harm on celestial bodies?

    Space traffic

    There is an increasing risk of collisions among satellites, spacecrafts and space debris. And while there are some mechanisms for collision warnings, there is no global approach to assess the risk of collisions.

    The 1972 Liability Convention provides guidance about addressing liability after satellite collisions. However, it only directly applies to states, not private companies.

    If a private company’s spacecraft causes damage, the affected party can only initiate a claim via diplomatic channels against the launching state, not the company itself. The claims pathway can be complex, slow and subject to diplomatic negotiations.

    Also, some satellite operators purchase insurance to cover damage from collisions, wisely bypassing the convention. Insurance creates an efficient private mechanism to address damages, avoiding the need to involve states or navigate the diplomatic processes required under the Convention.

    But space insurance is incredibly expensive, so most satellites are not insured.

    The Outer Space Treaty says countries must avoid contamination of space. But it does not specifically address the problem of accumulated space debris.

    The long-term sustainablity of space activities, including the build up of debris, was not the pressing issue for the treaty’s drafters. Moreover, the treaty’s language is vague, requiring states to act with “due regard” for others’ interests and conduct “appropriate” consultation before undertaking potentially harmful activities. However, it does not define what these terms mean.

    Who owns the resources in space?

    The prospect that humans will be able to collect and sell mineral resources from astronomical objects is edging closer to reality. Initial focus is on the Moon. But who owns the resources on the Moon?

    There is no internationally agreed-upon property rights regime beyond Earth. The US is trying to achieve private ownership of space resources through its 2020 “Artemis Accords”.

    This effort is a big boost to the privatisation of space. But it contrasts with the “common heritage of mankind” concept – the cornerstone of the 1979 Moon Agreement.

    So far 53 countries have signed the Artemis Accords. But only 17 countries are parties to the Moon Agreement. Without clear rules applicable to all space players, lunar exploration and mining by private entities may run into trouble.

    There are many worrying scenarios. A private spacecraft might crash into a country’s lunar accommodation facility due to a lack of “rules of the road” on the Moon. Lunar traffic and mining might cause damage to the Moon’s surface.

    Can private entities be held accountable for this damage? The current space law regime does not address such hypothetical problems that may become real in coming years.

    NASA now relies on partnerships with private companies such as SpaceX to combine expertise and save costs.
    SpaceX/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    Safe and sustainable space exploration

    Space law must evolve to ensure safe and sustainable commercial space travel and lunar exploration. This can only be achieved by building international consensus on new rules for space missions.

    This requires many challenging discussions.

    What types of damage to the Moon should be remediated, and by who? What is the most suitable avenue for affected entities to apply for compensation? What rules should be in place to manage the increased traffic volume in outer space? How can countries be incentivised to strengthen their oversight of their private entity partners in joint missions?

    Perhaps the easiest issue to solve is which side of future lunar highways to drive on. With the US and China leading the way at the moment, it would be on the right side.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Laws governing space are 50 years old. New ones are needed to prevent it becoming a ‘wild west’ – https://theconversation.com/laws-governing-space-are-50-years-old-new-ones-are-needed-to-prevent-it-becoming-a-wild-west-252014

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Desalegn Markos Shifti, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland

    Nils Versemann/Shutterstock

    Australia is often called the allergy capital of the world. Allergic diseases – such as allergic asthma, hay fever, eczema and food allergies – affect almost one in five people. And this figure is expected to rise in the years to come.

    An allergy happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to certain foods or other substances as if they were dangerous.

    But do allergies affect all Australians equally?

    In a recent study, we looked at emergency department (ED) presentations related to asthma and other allergic diseases in central Queensland. The region has a population of 228,246 according to the most recent Census data, and 7.2% of residents identify as First Nations.

    We found First Nations Australians were almost twice as likely to present to hospital with asthma or other allergy-related illnesses compared to other Australians.

    What we did and found

    We analysed 813,112 ED presentations from 12 public hospitals in central Queensland from 2018 to 2023. The hospitals were spread across regional and remote areas.

    Of the conditions we looked at, asthma was the most likely to bring patients to the ED. This was followed by unspecified allergies, atopic dermatitis (or eczema) and anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction). First Nations people were more likely than other Australians to present with each of these conditions.

    Overall, we found First Nations people were almost twice as likely to visit an ED for asthma or allergic diseases compared to other Australians. It should be noted that asthma is not always caused by allergies, and in this study we looked at all presentations for asthma, regardless of the cause.

    Our study also found ED visits for allergic diseases among First Nations people increased over time. They were around 1.5 times more common in 2023 compared to 2018.

    Further, we found a notable peak in asthma-related visits to the ED among First Nations people in 2019. This increase may have been partly due to Australia’s Black Summer bushfires during 2019–20.

    Other research has shown ED visits and hospitalisations for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased during the Black Summer bushfires. Exposure to bushfire smoke significantly increases the risk of breathing problems and other health issues.

    The increase in asthma-related ED visits could also be linked to the severe flu season in 2019, as flu is known to trigger asthma attacks.

    We looked at ED presentations for allergic conditions such as eczema and anaphylaxis.
    Ternavskaia Olga Alibec/Shutterstock

    Are these findings surprising?

    National data shows asthma is one of the most commonly reported chronic illnesses for First Nations Australians. More than 16% of First Nations Australians reported they had asthma in 2022–23 compared to 10.8% of the general Australian population.

    So it’s not entirely surprising that hospital presentations for asthma were higher among First Nations people.

    However, we were surprised to find First Nations people visited the ED more often for other allergic diseases. Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people, particularly in remote areas.

    That said, international studies have reported a higher burden of allergic and atopic diseases (eczema, hay fever and asthma) among the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

    How about food allergies?

    Interestingly, we didn’t find any food allergy cases in our data. But some of the “unspecified” allergies could be linked to food allergies, as could some of the cases of anaphylaxis.

    Australian researchers have found differences in the prevalence of food allergies among different groups, but they lacked specific data on First Nations populations. We know little about how common food allergies are in First Nations Australians.

    In a recent national survey, 12% of First Nations people self-reported an allergy to a food, drug, or other substance (compared to 14% in the overall population). But some cases might go unrecognised or unreported, and these data were not broken down into different types of allergies.

    Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people.
    Bobbi Lockyer/Refinery29 Australia – We Are Many Image Gallery/Getty Images

    Some limitations

    This is the first comprehensive study, to our knowledge, that looks at asthma and allergic disease-related ED visits among both First Nations people and other Australians in an under-researched part of Australia.

    However, we only looked at asthma and allergic diseases treated in the ED, which doesn’t encompass all cases. For example, some people might visit other health services such as GPs when they’re having a less severe allergic episode.

    Ultimately, we need more research to better understand how common allergies and allergic diseases are among First Nations Australians.

    Why do these gaps exist?

    We don’t know exactly why there are disparities in ED presentations for allergic diseases between First Nations people and other Australians.

    One possibility is that asthma and allergic diseases might be more severe in First Nations people, leading to more hospital visits, even if they’re not more common.

    Another reason could be limited access to specialists, especially in rural and remote First Nations communities. Long wait lists to see allergy doctors and their limited availability in some areas could lead to delays in care and make it harder to get the right treatment. This can worsen asthma and allergic disease symptoms, causing patients to seek ED care instead.

    We want to learn more about how allergies affect First Nations people, especially in regional and remote areas, and whether people have unmet needs. In initial conversations with First Nations Australians living with a food allergy, we’ve heard allergies might not be well understood in rural areas. This could be because they’re rare or because traditional lifestyles offer some protection.

    We’re interested in finding out more, especially whether allergies are a concern for First Nations people, and, if so, how we can support communities to develop targeted and culturally respectful strategies to address them.

    Desalegn Markos Shifti is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR) Postdoctoral Funding.

    Jennifer Koplin receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE), which is supported by funding from the Australian government.

    Renarta Whitcombe 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. First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research – https://theconversation.com/first-nations-australians-are-more-likely-to-present-to-hospital-with-asthma-and-allergies-new-research-251720

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Protect Gun Owners from ATF Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act to cut government red tape and ensure gun owners and businesses are not unfairly targeted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The bill modernizes outdated federal regulations on firearm suppressors, providing much-needed clarity to manufacturers, retailers, and law-abiding gun owners.
    Cassidy and Sheehy were joined by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), and John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the bill.
    The ATF’s vague and outdated definition of “silencer” under the Gun Control Act could allow unelected bureaucrats to classify individual silencer components as regulated silencers, leading to unnecessary restrictions on gun owners and manufacturers. In 2023, the ATF issued guidance suggesting that even simple, unassembled parts could be considered regulated silencers—an overreach that threatens Second Amendment rights and stifles industry innovation.
    The PARTS Act brings clarity to federal firearm regulations by:

    Updating the definition of ‘silencer’ to focus on complete devices and a single principal component—similar to a firearm’s frame or receiver—rather than broad, vague terms like “combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a silencer.
    Ensuring gun owners can purchase replacement parts like wipes without burdensome ATF paperwork.
    Preventing ATF from using subjective interpretation to unfairly target gun owners and businesses.

    Background
    Currently, outdated federal definitions could allow the ATF to classify individual silencer components as silencers themselves, leading to unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers, retailers, and law-abiding gun owners. The PARTS Act would clarify that a silencer refers to a complete device or a single principal component, rather than an assortment of parts that could be used in its construction.
    Additionally, the bill would streamline the purchase of consumable silencer parts, such as wipes, without requiring additional ATF paperwork, ensuring gun owners can properly maintain their lawfully owned suppressors.
    The PARTS Act is supported by the Silencer Shop, American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Firearm Regulatory Accountability Coalition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

    We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

    We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.

    We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

    We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.

    Regional peace and stability in the Middle East

    We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

    We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

    We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

    We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

    Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific

    We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

    We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

    We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

    We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

    Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela

    We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

    We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

    Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.

    We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

    Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage

    We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Principals of Aerospace Start-Up Company Charged with Fraud, Fraud Conspiracy, and Tax Evasion

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging five former principals of aerospace start-up company Theia Group, Inc.—Erlend Olson, John Gallagher, Stephen Buscher, Joseph Fargnoli, and Jamil Swati—with a multi-year scheme to defraud investors and lenders out of $250 million, and further charging Olson with evading more than $3.9 million in personal federal income taxes. Theia Group, Inc. (Theia) had its headquarters in Washington D.C.

                Law enforcement made arrests yesterday in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Olson), Memphis, Tennessee (Buscher), and today in Broomall, Pennsylvania (Gallagher), Rochester, New York (Fargnoli), and Bridgeport, Connecticut (Swati). 

                The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Office.

                According to the indictment, Theia planned to launch 112 satellites starting in 2022 at a cost of $10 billion to $15 billion. Theia’s principals originally planned to raise the requisite funds from various nation-states by promising perpetual data and analytics for an upfront cost of $2 billion. However, from Theia’s founding in 2015 through its placement into receivership in 2021, Theia was unsuccessful in obtaining any funding except for approximately $250 million in loans and investments that Theia’s principals induced by fraud. Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati’s fraud scheme allegedly included materially false statements about revenue from non-existent government contracts, provision of multiple false financial statements, including a fake $6 billion escrow account statement, and false representations about Theia’s technical capabilities.

                The indictment further alleges that, between 2018 and 2020, Theia’s founder, Erlend Olson, concealed from the IRS millions of dollars in compensation he received from Theia. In addition to not filing tax returns or paying any taxes for 2018 through 2020, Olson allegedly directed his compensation from Theia to a nominee entity called Meridian Vector Corporation (MVC). Olson then used MVC funds to pay personal expenses such as personal debts, a private jet membership, $64,500 annual rent payments for his home, a new Land Rover, and a pair of condominiums in Las Vegas. Olson also allegedly evaded payment of taxes that he owed the IRS for tax years 2009 through 2011 by directing that his pay and bonuses not be reported to the IRS.        

                Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Olson also is charged with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and four counts of tax evasion. Gallagher is also charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Buscher also is charged with three counts of wire fraud. Fargnoli is also charged with two counts of wire fraud. Swati is also charged with one count of wire fraud.

                If convicted, Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count, as well as up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud or mail fraud count. Each also face a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties, and forfeiture. Olson faces up to five years in prison for each tax evasion count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

                FDIC Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold of the District of Columbia, Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, and Trial Attorney Alexis Hughes of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

                An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation, Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with Morocco

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    March 18, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV Consultation and approved the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement with Morocco, allowing for the immediate disbursement of SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million).
    • The Moroccan economy continued to show resilience despite another year of drought, with real GDP growth projected to slow modestly to 3.2 percent in 2024 amid strong domestic demand. Growth is expected to accelerate over the medium term, driven by stronger investment and the continued structural reforms.
    • Saving part of the revenue windfall from tax reforms would help strengthen fiscal buffers and protect against future shocks; while a new strategy to sustainably boost jobs and improve market competition would help address the increased unemployment linked to job displacement in the agricultural sector.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded on March 17 the 2025 Article IV consultation[1] with Morocco and completed the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, which was approved in September 2023 (see PR 23/327). The completion of the Third Review allows the authorities to draw SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million), bringing total disbursement under the RSF arrangement to SDR 937.5 million (about US$ 1.24 billion). 

    In 2024, the Moroccan economy was resilient to yet another year of drought. Robust domestic demand helped offset weak agricultural output and economic activity is expected to have slowed only modestly to 3.2 percent in 2024. The current account deficit widened somewhat, whereas unemployment remained elevated at about 13 percent, mainly reflecting the impact of job losses in the agricultural sector. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, supported by a new series of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda.

    Inflation decelerated further in 2024, mainly as the impact of supply shocks faded. This prompted Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) to lower the policy rate twice in June and December. The dirham continued to move within the fluctuation band of ±5 percent.

    The central government fiscal deficit improved more than envisaged in the 2024 Budget. The 2024 overall deficit closed at 4.1 percent of GDP, about 0.2 percent of GDP less than projected in the 2024 Budget. This reflects better-than-expected tax revenues that more than offset higher spending. The reform of the Organic Budget Law envisages the introduction of a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor.  

    The implementation of the announced structural reform agenda has continued. Further steps were taken to restructure SOEs, operationalize the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, and implement the new Charter of Investment.

    Morocco continued to make progress in bolstering its resilience to climate change under the RSF arrangement. Measures implemented under the third and final review of the RSF arrangement aim to better protect underground water resources, prepare the ground for a change in tariffication of water, improve the regulatory setting of the electricity market to encourage private sector’s production of renewable energy, and reinforce fiscal and financial systems’ resilience to climate change-related risks.   

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Morocco, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “The Moroccan economy continued to show resilience to negative shocks, a testament to the country’s very strong economic policies and frameworks. Despite renewed drought conditions, economic activity slowed only modestly to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2024, down from 3.4 percent in 2023, thanks to robust domestic demand. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, driven by a new cycle of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda. These reforms are essential to making growth stronger, more resilient, job-rich, and more inclusive.

    “The RSF arrangement concluded with the implementation of six of the seven measures scheduled for the third and final review. These measures will help improve the management of scarce water resources, further liberalize the electricity sector, and address the climate risks on the stability of the fiscal position and the financial system. The gradual introduction of the carbon tax was not implemented as the authorities needed to undertake further analysis of its impact and deeper consultations with public and private stakeholders.” 

    Morocco: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020–30

    Population: 36.8 million; 2024

    		    

    Per capita GDP: $3,817; 2023

    		        

    Quota: SDR 894.4 million

    		    

    Poverty rate: 4.8 percent; 2013

    		        

    Main exports: automobiles, phosphate and derivatives; 2023

    		                

    Key export markets: France and Spain (42% of total trade); 2023

    		          
     

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
             

    Proj.

    Output (annual percent change)

    		                      

    Real GDP growth

    -7.2

    8.2

    1.5

    3.4

    3.2

    3.9

    3.7

    3.6

    3.6

    3.6

    3.6

    Real nonagricultural GDP growth

    -7.2

    7.0

    3.2

    3.6

    4.1

    3.7

    3.7

    3.7

    3.7

    3.7

    3.7
                           

    Employment (percent)

    		                      

    Unemployment

    11.9

    12.3

    11.8

    13.0

    13.3

    13.2

    12.9

    12.4

    12.1

    11.9

    11.8
                           

    Prices

    		                      

    Inflation (end of period)

    -0.3

    3.2

    8.3

    3.4

    0.7

    2.1

    2.2

    2.2

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0

    Inflation (period average)

    0.7

    1.4

    6.6

    6.1

    0.9

    2.2

    2.3

    2.2

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0
                           

    Central government finances (percent of GDP) 1/

    		                      

    Revenue

    27.0

    25.1

    28.4

    27.9

    30.1

    30.4

    29.4

    28.1

    28.1

    28.1

    28.1

    Expenditure

    34.1

    31.0

    33.8

    32.3

    34.2

    34.3

    32.8

    31.4

    31.3

    31.2

    31.2

    Fiscal balance

    -7.1

    -5.9

    -5.4

    -4.5

    -4.1

    -3.9

    -3.4

    -3.3

    -3.2

    -3.1

    -3.1

    Public debt

    72.2

    69.4

    71.5

    69.5

    70.0

    68.9

    67.7

    66.8

    66.2

    65.6

    65.1
                           

    Money and credit (annual percent change)

    		                      

    Broad money

    8.4

    5.1

    8.0

    4.0

    7.9

    4.6

    4.6

    4.6

    4.6

    4.6

    4.6

    Claims to the economy 2/

    4.9

    3.8

    7.1

    5.3

    6.9

    4.5

    4.1

    4.2

    4.2

    4.2

    4.2

    Balance of payments

    		                      

    Current account (percent of GDP)

    -1.2

    -2.3

    -3.5

    -0.6

    -1.5

    -2.0

    -2.2

    -2.6

    -2.9

    -3.1

    -3.3

    Exports of goods (in U.S. dollars, annual percent change)

    -4.4

    34.4

    15.1

    -0.5

    8.6

    6.6

    7.3

    6.9

    6.8

    6.7

    6.7

    Imports of goods (in U.S. dollars, annual percent change)

    -12.0

    32.1

    21.9

    -2.6

    8.0

    8.1

    7.5

    7.4

    7.3

    6.4

    6.2

    Merchandise trade balance (percent of GDP)

    -12.8

    -14.0

    -20.2

    -17.3

    -17.3

    -17.8

    -18.0

    -18.3

    -18.6

    -18.6

    -18.5

    FDI (percent of GDP)

    0.8

    1.1

    1.2

    0.2

    0.7

    1.4

    1.5

    1.6

    1.6

    1.7

    1.7

    Gross reserves (months of imports)

    7.2

    5.8

    5.3

    5.4

    5.2

    5.2

    5.2

    5.2

    5.1

    5.1

    5.2

    External Debt (percent of GDP)

    54.2

    45.5

    46.9

    50.2

    47.8

    49.2

    50.0

    50.9

    50.2

    54.0

    57.3

    Exchange rate

    		                      

    REER (annual average, percent change)

    1.4

    1.6

    -3.2

    0.9

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum Items:

    		                      

    Nominal GDP (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    121

    142

    131

    144

    155

    166

    177

    188

    199

    212

    225

    Net imports of energy products (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    -5.3

    -8.4

    -15.1

    -12.0

    -11.5

    -12.1

    -12.3

    -12.8

    -13.2

    -13.7

    -14.1

    Local currency per U.S. dollar (period average)

    9.5

    9.0

    10.2

    10.1

    9.9

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: Moroccan authorities; and Fund staff estimates.

    –––––––––––

    1/ Include grants.

    2/ Includes credit to public enterprises.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/18/pr-2568-morocco-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult-3rd-review-under-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council focuses on Iran, Syria, Venezuela

    Source: United Nations 2

    Human Rights

    Top independent experts reported to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, putting the records of Iran, Syria and Venezuela under the spotlight during the 47-member body’s latest session.

    Council-appointed experts pointed to grave violations of fundamental rights in Iran, linked to popular protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

    Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said that during peaceful protests, “children were killed and severely injured after being fired at with ammunition containing metal pellets”.

    The youngsters then faced extremely violent treatment in detention – including torture and rape, according to the investigators’ latest report.

    No acknowledgement

    “For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fuelled the protests in 2022. The criminalisation, surveillance and continued repression of protesters, families of victims and survivors – in particular women and girls – is deeply worrying,” she said.

    Today in Iran, State-led repression of basic freedoms continues, Ms. Hossain maintained, with victims, survivors and their families “harassed, intimidated and threatened”.

    Shaheen Ali, who also serves on the Fact-Finding Mission, said that although it was the Iranian Government’s “primary duty to provide redress to victims, we have heard from countless victims and survivors that they have neither confidence nor trust in Iran’s judicial and legal system, to provide meaningful truth, justice and reparations.”

    “It is therefore imperative that comprehensive accountability measures also continue to be pursued outside the country.”

    The Iranian delegation strongly opposed the probe’s findings.

    Truth must emerge: Syria

    The Syria crisis also featured at the Human Rights Council, where head of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro urged greater efforts to uncover the truth about the fate of tens of thousands of disappeared people, victims of the Assad regime.

    Mr. Pinheiro welcomed the new caretaker authorities’ willingness to work with his investigators on several human rights issues, while warning that Syria’s economic and humanitarian situation “remains catastrophic”.

    At the same time, humanitarian funding is dwindling, the veteran rights investigator said, warning that economic despair is known to fuel violence, calling for an end to all sanctions “and the removal of other barriers to recovery and reconstruction”.

    Meeting families

    He said his team of investigators had met many families whose missing loved ones were not among the prisoners released in December following the immediate overthrow of the old regime.

    “They now want the truth about their fate, and they want justice,” he said.

    “The clarification of the fates of the tens of thousands who remain disappeared will require a large-scale effort led by the caretaker authorities along with technical support from human rights and humanitarian entities, including Syrian civil society,” he added.

    “We stand ready to assist those efforts, including by sharing the relevant data we have gathered since 2011, and reiterate the importance of preserving all related evidence and information that can aid in this regard.”

    Political Repression in Venezuela

    In her presentation to the Council, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, highlighted ongoing severe human rights violations, including political repression, arbitrary detentions, and persecution.

    The 2024 presidential election results were contested but ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice without thorough examination.

    The National Electoral Council failed to release the total vote count or polling station tally sheets, raising concerns about electoral transparency. Ms. Valiñas stated.

    “Credible testimonies indicated that council members received political instructions to announce a predetermined result – deviating from the result obtained at the polling booths.”

    Before the presidential inauguration on 10 January 2025, there was a surge in arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and perceived dissidents. Security forces and civilian groups, known as “colectivos”, suppressed anti-government protests, leading to numerous rights violations, she said.

    The mission also investigated fatalities during post-election protests. One significant incident involved the death of seven people during a protest near the San Jacinto Obelisk in Maracay, Aragua state, last July.

    After analysing over 80 videos and 100 photographs, the mission confirmed that members of the Army and the Bolivarian National Guard had used firearms against protesters.

    Deaths due to ‘health complications’

    Ms. Valiñas expressed concern over the deaths of multiple detainees in state custody, attributed to “health complications”.

    Investigations revealed that many detainees were subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. She cited one case where an individual was believed to have suffered beatings with wooden and metal rods under interrogation.

    In response, the Venezuelan Government rejected the findings, calling them politically motivated and biased.

    The Venezuelan representative stated, “this mission produces its propaganda based on invented or politically motivated sources, without scientific rigour and with malicious premeditation.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in supporting vibrant communities | Investissements pour stimuler le dynamisme communautaire

    [. This includes investing in initiatives like Alberta’s Crowdfunding platform, capital grant funding, and funding for community grant programs.If passed, Budget 2025 will continue to build strong and vibrant communities by supporting community grant programs, including $64 million for the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiative Program (CIP) grants that stimulate economic growth, enhance gathering places and provide opportunities for Albertans to build community and connect with one another.
     

    “I am proud that Budget 2025 reinforces Alberta’s commitment to communities by investing in programs like the Community Facility Enhancement Program and the Community Initiatives Program. These programs allow us to continue supporting non-profits and volunteers and help strengthen communities by expanding the spaces, services and programs available to everyday Albertans.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    The CFEP grant helps fund both building new facilities and renovating existing spaces such as heritage facilities, community halls and theatres, festival spaces and many others. Additionally, the CIP grant supports programs, initiatives and events that contribute to and create opportunities for Albertans to engage with their communities.

    Last year, the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance received a CFEP grant to assist with the construction of Edmonton’s first dedicated mountain biking facility. The facility will be accessible for bikers of all skill levels and will include dirt jumps, wooden drops, skills structures and an asphalt pump track, spanning almost ten acres within Queen Elizabeth Park.

    “This investment in the Edmonton Bike Park is a game-changer for our community, providing a dedicated space for riders of all ages and skill levels to develop their abilities and enjoy the outdoors. With mountain biking growing rapidly in Edmonton, this park will serve as a hub for skill progression, youth engagement and active recreation. We’re excited to see this long-awaited project come to life and grateful for the support that will make it happen.”

    Joe Yurkovich, president, Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance

    To continue bringing educational programming to the big screen and around the province, The TELUS World of Science – Edmonton received a CFEP grant to help with costs in upgrading its IMAX system. This exciting upgrade will make educational content more accessible for communities across Alberta, increasing access to virtual field trips and virtual events, and allow for rental opportunities for groups in need of this unique technology. Once the upgrade is complete, the IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton will be the only one of its kind in Canada to feature this updated technology.

    “We are sincerely grateful to the Government of Alberta for investing in non-profit organizations such as ours to amplify impact and build thriving communities. With support from funding programs like CFEP and CIP, we are leveraging new technologies that break down barriers to science education, expanding access for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of science innovators and entrepreneurs. We know that an investment in curiosity is an investment in our collective future.”

    Constance Scarlett, president and CEO, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

    Community grants are invested in organizations in all corners of the province. Recently, the Street Sisters Society in Calgary received a grant to strengthen its capacity to provide programs, services and training, improving the quality of life for vulnerable Albertans. As well, Foothills Search and Rescue Society in Diamond Valley received a grant to help with purchasing two side-by-side off-road vehicles and a trailer to allow more trained volunteers to respond to search locations quicker and increase capacity to transport Albertans in areas threatened by fire or flood.

    Alberta’s government is meeting the challenges faced by family and communities, staying focused on ensuring our province is the best place to live, work and raise a family.

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2025 maintains the Community Facility Enhancement Program’s record-level funding at $50 million, an increase that was announced in 2023 as part of a three-year strategic investment.
    • Every government dollar invested through CFEP results in an additional $3 worth of investment from other sources directly into our communities.

    Related information

    • Community Facility Enhancement Program
    • Community Initiatives Program: Project-Based
    • Community Initiatives Program: Operating
    • Previous Grants Recipients Database
    • Crowdfunding Alberta
    • Other Initiatives Program
    • Grants, funding and supports for non-profits

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta accorde près de 85 millions de dollars de subventions pour renforcer et dynamiser les collectivités de la province. 

    Chaque année, le gouvernement de l’Alberta soutient des centaines de projets et de programmes sans but lucratif pour fournir des services essentiels aux communautés de la province. Cet appui comprend l’investissement dans des initiatives telles que la plateforme Crowdfunding Alberta, le financement de subventions en capital et le financement de programmes de subventions communautaires.

    S’il est adopté, le budget 2025 continuera à stimuler la force et le dynamisme des communautés en soutenant des programmes de subventions communautaires, notamment en investissant 64 millions de dollars dans le Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires (Community Facility Enhancement Program [CFEP]) et le Programme d’appui aux initiatives communautaires (Community Initiative Program [CIP]), qui stimulent la croissance économique, améliorent les lieux de rassemblement et offrent aux Albertaines et aux Albertains la possibilité de renforcer leur communauté et de se rapprocher les uns des autres.

    « Je suis fière que le budget 2025 renforce l’engagement de l’Alberta envers ses communautés en investissant dans des programmes tels que le Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires et le Programme d’appui aux initiatives communautaires. Ces programmes nous permettent de continuer à soutenir les organismes sans but lucratif et bénévoles, et d’aider à renforcer les communautés grâce à des projets d’amélioration des installations, des services et des programmes offerts à toute la population albertaine. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    La subvention du CFEP aide à financer à la fois la construction et la rénovation d’installations, comme celles de lieux patrimoniaux, de salles et théâtres communautaires, de sites de festivals, etc. De son côté, la subvention du CIP soutient des programmes, des initiatives et des événements qui offrent des occasions aux Albertaines et aux Albertains d’enrichir leur vie communautaire.

    L’an dernier, l’Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance a reçu une subvention du CFEP pour l’aider à construire le premier parc de vélo de montagne d’Edmonton. Accessible aux cyclistes de tous niveaux, le site comprendra des sauts en terre, des descentes en bois, des structures d’habileté et une piste de vitesse en asphalte, et il occupera près de dix acres dans le parc Queen Elizabeth.

    « En offrant un espace aux cyclistes de tous âges et niveaux pour développer leurs compétences et profiter du plein air, cet investissement dans le parc de vélo d’Edmonton transformera complètement notre communauté. L’intérêt pour le vélo de montagne croît rapidement à Edmonton. Ce parc deviendra ainsi un centre névralgique pour l’entraînement, l’engagement des jeunes et la pratique de l’activité physique. Nous avons hâte de voir ce projet tant attendu se réaliser et nous sommes reconnaissants du soutien reçu pour lui donner vie. »

    Joe Yurkovich, président de l’Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance

    Pour continuer à offrir des programmes éducatifs sur grand écran et dans toute la province, le TELUS World of Science – Edmonton a reçu une subvention du CFEP qui l’aidera à payer les coûts de mise à niveau de son système IMAX. Cette superbe version augmentée améliorera l’accès au contenu éducatif dans toutes les communautés de l’Alberta, grâce à des excursions et événements virtuels, et elle permettra la location des lieux aux groupes qui auront besoin des caractéristiques uniques de cette technologie. Une fois la mise à niveau terminée, le cinéma IMAX du TELUS World of Science – Edmonton sera le seul au Canada à offrir cette nouvelle technologie.

    « Nous sommes sincèrement reconnaissants au gouvernement de l’Alberta d’investir dans des organismes sans but lucratif comme le nôtre pour maximiser les bienfaits et bâtir des communautés florissantes. Grâce au soutien de programmes de financement tels que le CFEP et le CIP, nous tirons parti de nouvelles technologies qui éliminent les obstacles à l’enseignement des sciences, élargissent l’accès aux communautés mal desservies et nous permettent d’investir dans la prochaine génération d’innovateurs et d’entrepreneurs scientifiques. Nous savons qu’en stimulant la curiosité, nous investissons dans notre avenir collectif. »

    Constance Scarlett, présidente et directrice générale, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

    Des organismes de partout dans la province bénéficient de subventions communautaires. Récemment, la Street Sisters Society de Calgary a reçu une subvention pour renforcer sa capacité à fournir des programmes, des services et de la formation, et améliorer ainsi la qualité de vie de personnes vulnérables. De même, la Foothills Search and Rescue Society de Diamond Valley a reçu une subvention pour l’aider à acheter deux véhicules tout-terrain côte à côte et une remorque qui permettront à un plus grand nombre de bénévoles formés de se rendre plus rapidement sur les lieux de recherche, en plus d’augmenter la capacité de transport des Albertaines et Albertains hors des zones menacées par les incendies ou les inondations.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta relève les défis auxquels sont confrontées les familles et les communautés en veillant à ce que la province reste le meilleur endroit où vivre, travailler et élever une famille.

    En bref

    • Le budget 2025 maintient le financement record du Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires à 50 millions de dollars, une augmentation annoncée en 2023 dans le cadre d’un investissement stratégique sur trois ans.
    • Chaque dollar investi par le gouvernement dans le cadre du CFEP se traduit par un investissement supplémentaire d’une valeur de trois dollars provenant d’autres sources, directement dans nos communautés.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires
    • Subvention axée sur les projets du CIP
    • Subvention de fonctionnement du CIP
    • Base de données des bénéficiaires de subventions antérieures (en anglais seulement)
    • Crowdfunding Alberta (en anglais seulement)
    • Programmes de subvention d’autres initiatives
    • Subventions, financement et appui aux organismes sans but lucratif (en anglais seulement)

    Multimédia (en anglais seulement)

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Warning Amid Increased Reports of Fake ICE Officers and Other Immigration Scams

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, March 18, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today reminded Californians to take steps to protect themselves amid new reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers and other immigration scams. In recent months, the Attorney General has released guidance to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and assist law enforcement, prosecutors, and public institutions in complying with state law. As scammers and other bad actors seek to capitalize on the fear and uncertainty created by the Trump Administration’s racist rhetoric and destructive immigration policies, the Attorney General reminds Californians that it is a crime to impersonate a federal officer and encourages everyone to know their rights under the law and take steps to protect themselves from scams. The full set of guidance, many available in multiple languages, can be accessed at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.

    “We have received reports of individuals looking to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty created by President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation policies,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable. My office will continue to ensure our laws are fully enforced and the rights of California’s immigrants are respected and protected. I encourage anyone who is the witness to or victim of an immigration scam to report it.”

    If you are approached by an individual claiming to be an immigration officer, know your rights and avoid being scammed: 

    Protect Yourself from Scams

    • Ask for identification. Immigration authorities should carry identifying badges and credentials. 
    • Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. Immigration officers will not ask for money or financial information. Immigration officers will not typically call to warn immigrants that they are going to be detained or arrested. 
    • Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Do not agree to anything that is not put in writing and in a language you understand.
    • Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so.
    • Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks. Before you sign any immigration forms, be sure that the forms are fully and accurately filled out. Don’t let anyone convince you to lie on a form or sign a blank form.
    • Beware of “.com” or “.net” websites. Information on these websites may be untrustworthy.  Instead, access information from “.gov” websites. These are government affiliated. 
    • Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below. To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org.

    Know the Law 

    Impersonating a federal officer is a crime under 18 USC § 912 and impersonating a police officer is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 538d. 

    File a Complaint 

    If you have been the victim of an immigration scam or have information about an individual impersonating an ICE officer, report it to local law enforcement. 

    If you believe your rights have been violated, you can report it to the California Department of Justice at immigration@doj.ca.gov.

    If you believe you were subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation, report it to the California Civil Rights Department at calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess/.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Police struggle to identify the riskiest domestic abuse perpetrators – here’s how they can do better

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barry Godfrey, Professor of Social Justice, University of Liverpool

    Shutterstock

    The government cannot achieve its target to halve violence against women and girls if it doesn’t address the most serious perpetrators – and it isn’t anywhere near knowing how to identify them. Our new research shows where they are going wrong, and how they can do better.

    The most recent statistics show that violence against women and girls affects one in 12 women in England and Wales. A quarter of domestic abuse incidents reported to police involve known, repeat perpetrators. But despite being told by government to identify and control the most serious perpetrators, police do not currently have systems good enough to do that.

    Currently, police forces use an algorithm to determine which offenders pose the greatest risk to women and girls. This is known as the RFGV algorithm – perpetrators are propelled up or down a list based on the recency, frequency, gravity (seriousness) of reported incidents, and the vulnerability of the victim.

    The gap in this approach is that it largely treats incidents as isolated, when they should be looked at as a whole. Research has also found it is used inconsistently between forces.

    Most police perpetrator lists contain hundreds or even thousands of people, making them difficult tools to use. They also do not seem to be able to distinguish who the most serious offenders are, with men with very similar profiles near the top, middle and bottom of the lists.

    We propose an alternative method, which would assess the whole of a perpetrator’s record of incidents. This would allow police to identify not only the most dangerous perpetrators, but also opportunities to better address their offending earlier on. This might be with diversion to programmes designed to support better choices and rehabilitation, or arrest and incarceration to prevent them harming other people.

    By joining together incidents recorded by police for individual perpetrators, we constructed detailed case studies using police officer’s notes. Here is a summary of two people who appear in one force’s perpetrator list.

    1. Male born mid 1980s, involved in 340 incidents over 20 years

    His offending begins with an indecent assault on a young teenage girl when he is 19. He is increasingly involved in drug-related offending in his 20s. He is later sentenced to six years in jail for arson endangering life. Released on conditional licence, he is re-convicted of the harassment of his ex-partner and recalled to prison.

    Release is followed by further offences until the mid-2010s when he is imprisoned again. When released, his offending is erratic (low-level public order, violence, threats, drug-related offending).

    Throughout his 30s, he frequently victimises partners and ex-partners. He has no settled address and is homeless at various points of his life. He is still subject to frequent mental health episodes.

    2. Male born early 1980s, involved in 396 incidents over 25 years

    In his teens he was involved in low-level thefts, criminal damage and breaches of an antisocial behaviour order. He was also suspected of selling drugs to schoolchildren, and imprisoned, aged 18, for drug-related violence.

    In his 20s he “associates with” children and is found with a missing vulnerable schoolgirl hiding in his house. He continues to commit offences of criminal damage, drug dealing, and stealing vehicles. Another missing teenage girl is found to be living with him.

    In his early 20s he very violently assaults and harasses much younger partners. He continues to commit public order offences and to threaten, harass, and assault current and ex-partners, kicking his pregnant partner in the stomach.

    In the early 2020s, police attend his ex-partner’s house following abandoned 999 calls – they find him with his hand over her mouth to stop her calling out to the police. He continues to be violent to ex-partners and his involvement in drug-related offending deepens. He is currently in prison for a violent offence.

    Who is the danger?

    Both men pose a real and severe threat of violence to women and girls as well as the public. But the RFGV algorithm places the first man more than a thousand places higher than the second. Clearly treating the offences they commit in isolation is not sufficient to distinguish which man poses the greatest risk.

    A life-course approach, which takes into account the type and pattern of offending as it develops over time, is less susceptible to fluctuations which move an offender rapidly up or down the priority lists. Therefore, it more reliably reflects who poses the greatest risk.

    The current system looks at incidents in isolation.
    Vadim Kulikov/Shutterstock

    A better ranking system is clearly required. The RFGV algorithm provides a “score”, but a more sophisticated system would also evaluate the direction of offending of individuals – is it escalating, more frequent, more serious?

    A life-course approach could be used separately or together with RFGV to allow police analysts to identify the most serious perpetrators. It may also be possible to use artificial intelligence to identify trends in offending and escalation of risk through analysis of thousands of police incident reports in real time.

    The system could then identify opportunities for early intervention which have been shown to be effective in reducing re-offending against current and future victims. It could also automatically trigger warnings to neighbourhood officers, specialist domestic abuse-trained officers, mental health services and so on.

    We won’t really know the full capability until new systems are tried, and evaluated. This also means including the voices of survivors and focusing on the lives of persistent perpetrators – often substance use, homelessness, estrangement, imprisonment and mental health problems are at play. The possibilities of learning from artificial intelligence or other technology should not be privileged over the very sources of the data such intelligence relies upon: victims’ experiences.

    David Gadd currenty receives research grant funding, via the University of Manchester from the ESRC, NIHR, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

    Barry Godfrey 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. Police struggle to identify the riskiest domestic abuse perpetrators – here’s how they can do better – https://theconversation.com/police-struggle-to-identify-the-riskiest-domestic-abuse-perpetrators-heres-how-they-can-do-better-247734

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New report calls for return of human remains – but UK museums lack the resources to act

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By William Carruthers, Lecturer, School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Essex

    Shutterstock/David Herraez Calzada

    The display of human remains in museums has long been a contentious issue. Last week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR) published a report on the African human remains collected by British museums during, and due to, colonialism and the slave trade.

    Introduced by the MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy (the APPG-AR’s chair), and produced by Afford (The African Foundation for Development), the publication of the report, Laying Ancestors to Rest, is another high-profile and meaningful intervention in an area where developments now seem inevitable.

    The report makes a number of recommendations. First, that the sale of human remains should be made illegal in the UK. It also suggests that the Human Tissue Act of 2004 should be amended to make stipulations about remains older than 100 years.

    This would include banning their public display without consent from the Human Tissue Authority and ensuring that museums obtain a licence from the authority for their storage. It’s further recommended that the UK parliament’s culture, media and sport committee should launch an inquiry into restitution.

    Laying Ancestors to Rest should be welcomed. It seems likely to be successful in achieving at least one of its recommendations. Calling for a ban on the trade in human remains in Britain, as the report does, is not particularly controversial.

    However, the report’s blanket approach towards banning the display of human remains without consent is, in the present environment, unlikely to succeed.

    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

    The report itself hints at the reasons for this. The success of its recommendations rests on the financial health of the UK’s museum landscape. Resources matter, not least in terms of the relationships which those resources allow museums to build.

    Instead of a blanket response, developments in this area are likely to be piecemeal – both due to the significant effort required to carry out the task effectively and the limited resources many museums have to do so. In that sense, it is unclear whether calling for a blanket ban now is all that useful, other than as a wake-up call.

    This point is not to absolve museums for their historical part in this situation. It is though, to argue that work in understanding the collections of human remains held by British museums – where they come from, who they might belong to – has, at times (and certainly not in all circumstances), been happening. It is also to clarify what the often slow-paced norms of effective understanding and restitution are.

    In 2020, for example, the University of Oxford’s Pitt-Rivers Museum removed its well-known collection of tsantsa (shrunken heads) from display. The removal happened with a view to working with Shuar and Achuar delegates to decide on the best way forward with regard to the care and display of the human remains. That work continues.

    In 2020 the Pitt-Rivers Museum removed its well-known collection of shrunken heads from display.
    Shutterstock/John Wreford

    A few years earlier, Laura Peers, then curator of the Americas collections at the museum, wrote about the slow, quiet and bureaucratic process of returning a single femur “collected by a missionary as a medical curiosity, from an Indigenous nation with whom I have longstanding professional and personal relationships”.

    Such work is, when it happens, painstaking and careful. Even with the best of intentions, it is not a fast process

    Funding restitution

    The often-halting nature of that work is likely to continue. Museum professionals – particularly newer museum professionals – know that this work has to happen and are, I would argue, in large part invested in doing it.

    In a contemporary funding environment marked by almost continuous cuts, even the most dedicated staff will find their actions curtailed. They may, in some cases, be able to remove remains from display, as the report recommends (and as the Pitt Rivers Museum has done).

    However, securing consent for the limited display of mummified Egyptian bodies, for instance, will be challenging. Without funding, it is difficult to build the relationships necessary for conversations about consent, ownership and restitution.

    In his afterword to the report, Dan Hicks of the University of Oxford writes that “this is a time of immense hope and optimism for British museums”. The problem is that that hope in part rests on the funding that he also admits has been subject to “austerity and swingeing cuts”.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The contradiction is not difficult to see – particularly when the report’s recommendations are similar to the 2018 one written for French collections by cultural researchers Felwine Sarr and Bénédicte Savoy.

    The Restitution of African Cultural Heritage: Toward a New Relational Ethics, which was commissioned by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has been widely read. It has catalysed thinking beyond current international legal norms when it comes to restitution.

    Yet progress on the goal of restitution even in France has been slow, at least in part due to the time involved in building the new relationships that the report calls for. There is also the question of whether attitudes regarding restitution within African countries are consistent. By February 2024, France had returned only 26 objects to Benin and one (a sword) to Senegal.

    Worse still, the legislative picture across British collections remains complex. Collections such as the Pitt Rivers Museum have been able to move on restitution because they are university collections. As such, they are subject to different legislation than “national” collections such as the British Museum or the V&A, which were established by acts of parliament and are funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

    As the V&A’s director, Tristram Hunt, recently wrote, the UK’s national museums remain in “debilitating stasis” on restitution. Hunt argues that this is the case because these collections are hampered by the proscriptions of the 1983 National Heritage Act. That act – by rule or by choice, dependent on your view – effectively forbids such collections from disposing of objects, including human remains.

    As Laying Ancestors to Rest recommends, this situation needs to change. The likelihood is, however, that any change will come more slowly and with more deliberation even than the report itself acknowledges is necessary.

    Progress on this issue is by no means impossible. But without real political will and without the money to back it up, a blanket approach to the display and restitution of human remains in British museums remains difficult to enforce.

    William Carruthers works for the University of Essex as Lecturer in Heritage.

    – ref. New report calls for return of human remains – but UK museums lack the resources to act – https://theconversation.com/new-report-calls-for-return-of-human-remains-but-uk-museums-lack-the-resources-to-act-252547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By José Iriarte, Professor of Archaeology, University of Exeter

    Professor Jamie Hampson discusses the interpretation of rock art with diploma students in front of the Tapirs rock art panel. Jose Iriarte, CC BY-NC-ND

    Diana Vera, a passionate local guide from Serranía de la Lindosa, Colombia, leads a group of sweaty and panting European tourists through the hot, lush Amazonian rainforest. Together, they climb the flattop hill (known as tepui) of Nuevo Tolima. Their destination? A vast, ancient painted wall perched at the very top of the tepui that whispers stories from a time long past.

    As the tourists reach the site, Vera brings history to life. She recounts how archaeology tells us that the first humans arrived here some 13,000 years ago.

    She explains how they left their mark on these landscapes by painting their stories, beliefs and visions of the world on the walls of these hills. Because archaeologists have closely analysed the paintings and their chemical signatures, she can explain how paintings were crafted with local ochre using their fingers and brushes.

    She gestures towards the intricate depictions of animals, plants and people, pausing at an especially intriguing image – a now-extinct ice age “palaeolama” or prehistoric llama.

    Then, she shows them a fascinating hybrid figure – a fusion of bird, deer and human. Much of this artwork is probably shamanic in nature – possibly representing spiritual transformations, most likely induced by hallucinogenic rituals or prolonged fasting.

    After Colombia’s peace process was signed in 2016 between participants in a violent civil war, the rock art of Serranía de la Lindosa became a major draw for research and tourism.

    As well as attracting visitors, this cultural and natural heritage has sparked positive social change in the region. Families of more than 100 tourist guides benefit because tourism provides an economic alternative for these communities.

    It’s a path away from illicit activities such as coca cultivation, destructive deforestation for cattle ranching or joining dissident factions of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) guerrilla movement.

    Until now, these local guides have largely relied on self-taught knowledge. There are no universities in the region to provide formal education. Little archaeological research has been conducted in this area, so much of its history and heritage remains unexplored.

    To address this gap, my colleagues and I have co-created a diploma degree in cultural heritage management for local tourism guides.

    Our team at the University of Exeter worked closely with Colombian partners including the University of Antioquia, the Secretariat of Culture and Tourism of Guaviare Department and the Geographical Society of Colombia to make sure that the diploma met the needs of local people. This diploma is based on knowledge from our systematic study of archaeology and rock art of the region, as part of a European Research Council-funded project called the LastJourney project.

    A new cultural heritage diploma degree trains archaeology tourist guides in the Colombian Amazon.

    Local community archaeology tourism benefits the heritage, the people and the rainforest. As Colombian archaeologist Javier Aceituno states in The Painted Forest, the 2022 book we co-wrote: “The paintings need the people, and the people need the paintings.”

    The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, the national heritage authority, has officially designated la Lindosa as an archaeological protected area. However, like many national parks in the Amazon, there are very limited resources for enforcement and preservation of these large rural areas. Local communities can help protect these rock paintings by controlling access and providing guided visits to the sites.

    Forty people took part in the first iteration of this three-month-long diploma in 2023-2024. Each of three 30-hour modules are delivered in rural communities of Cerro Azul, Nuevo Tolima and Raudal del Guayabero in Guaviare department, Colombia.

    Alongside my colleagues from the University of Exeter and the University of Antioquia, I taught modules in communal village buildings, where we conducted experimental archaeology. This included manufacturing stone tools and recreating paint recipes from scratch, providing a practical, hands-on learning experience bringing archaeology to life.*

    This diploma has empowered communities to take a stronger role in managing their archaeological and bio-cultural heritage. By deepening their understanding of this unique history, communities can better protect and manage their heritage, ultimately enriching the tourist experience.

    Three graduates from the course also visited UK archaeological sites, including Stonehenge in Wiltshire, to explore how such sites are preserved and presented to tourists abroad. At the Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset they learnt how visitors can experience archaeology in creative ways through hands-on experiences and demonstrations of ancient crafts and sustainable building techniques.

    Archaeologists and rock art specialists aren’t just sharing their expertise. My colleagues and I are also learning from Indigenous participants. Victor Caycedo, of the Indigenous Amazonian Desana ethnicity, and Ismael Sierra, from the Tukano people of southern Colombia, bring invaluable ancestral knowledge to the diploma.

    They have shared insights into the shamanic and animistic worldviews that have shaped these landscapes for centuries. Their perspectives add a deeper, living dimension to the study of rock art, bridging past and present in a way that only those rooted in these traditions can reveal, as recently published in the journal Arts.

    For Diana Vera, this diploma represents “learning about heritage and the ancient lifeways of the people of La Lindosa”. She told me that she now better understands “the union of three villages with a single purpose of conservation and preservation” and has a greater sense of belonging to these ancestral places and nature. Most of all, this diploma marks the opportunity for “a new beginning” in this region by introducing more sustainable and responsible tourism, she said.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    José Iriarte receives funding from the European Research Council, Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK), British Academy, National Geographic, Wenner Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, FAPESP (Brazil), and CAPES (Brazil).

    – ref. Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides – https://theconversation.com/why-im-training-colombian-amazonians-to-become-archaeology-tourist-guides-251651

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nuclear deterrence: can Britain and France take on America’s role in defending Europe against Russian aggression?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul van Hooft, Research Leader, Defence and Security, RAND

    European doubts about deterrence predate the current US administration. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and its growing reliance on nuclear coercion to ward off Nato support, brought the importance of nuclear weapons to the foreground again for the first time since the cold war.

    Even after the invasion, the US continued to prioritise the Indo-Pacific. It questioned the sufficiency of its nuclear arsenal as China’s weapon stockpile grew and delivery systems improved.

    A bipartisan US congressional commission concluded that the Chinese and Russian arsenals should be seen as a joint “two-nuclear-peer” problem, with North Korea an additional disrupting presence.

    Within this context, European leaders are floating alternatives for deterrence in Europe. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has again affirmed that the French nuclear deterrent has a “European dimension”.

    The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, registered his interest in the idea of the French deterrent being extended to include its European allies. But he also signalled that his country might want to develop its own deterrent.

    The incoming German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also noted the need to engage with the French and British deterrents. So, could French and British nuclear weapons be enough to deter Russia and reassure European allies?

    Russia has roughly as many weapons as the US. Its arsenal comprises approximately 1,700 deployed strategic weapons and 1,000-2,000 other lower-yield, “smaller” so-called “tactical” nuclear weapons, and another 2,500 non-deployed weapons.

    This is vastly more than France and the UK which have 290 and 225 respectively, or 515 in total.

    Yet, with those numbers both European states should have sufficient strategic weapons to cause unacceptable damage to Moscow and St Petersburg. Their weapons are carried by constantly patrolling nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – which, are concealed in the ocean far away and are therefore highly likely to survive a first-strike attack. These weapons should be considered credible deterrents for existential threats to either France or the UK.

    Unlike the US, France and the UK are in Europe and cannot consider their security distinct from each other or from Europe. The US, meanwhile, had to have a large and flexible arsenal with tactical nuclear weapons, and a large conventional presence in Europe simply to mount a credible argument, not least to its European allies, that it would actually protect Europe, with nuclear weapons as a last resort.

    The importance of needing to convince Russia of how serious Nato is about deterrence is a matter of record. When they met in Paris in June 1961, the then French leader, General Charles de Gaulle, expressed doubts to the then US president, John F. Kennedy, as to how serious the US was about its defence of Europe, particularly given the uncertainty at the time of the future security of Berlin.

    De Gaulle asked asked Kennedy: “Would you trade New York for Paris?”. His point was that if he wasn’t convinced, would the Russians be? So it’s not just about numbers of warheads. It’s about the defensive posture overall.

    Likely scenarios

    The issue is not existential deterrence but scenarios where French and British survival are not directly threatened. Neither has the option to escalate with so-called “tactical” (or non-strategic) weapons when non-vital interests are at risk – though France could fire a Rafale-launched nuclear “warning shot”.

    Meanwhile, Russia has 1,000–2,000 “tactical” nuclear weapons, which, despite the misleading term, are still entirely capable of levelling a city.

    In case of a conflict in Europe, these could provide military and signalling options between doing nothing and catastrophic escalation. Rather than a full-scale invasion, Russia is more likely to test Nato’s unity by pressuring a Baltic state and using nuclear threats to deter any Nato allies intervening in support. France and the UK would struggle to credibly threaten use of strategic weapons in response.

    Europe’s solution may lie in advanced conventional weapons to deter Russian aggression by building the ability to raise the costs in early stages of a conflict through what is called a strategy of denial. Such capabilities include long-range precision strikes, fifth generation airpower – such as the American F-35 fighter and the French, German and UK alternatives presently being developed – and integrated air and missile defence.

    Given the poor performance of Russia’s own air and missile defence in Ukraine, they could target Russian military units attacking or operating within Nato territory, their reinforcements and their logistics, while denying Russia’s use of missiles. Europe is already investing in cruise missiles, as well as developing their own European long-range strike approach and missile defence.

    Through precision, stealth and low-altitude flight, these weapons could also threaten strategic targets deep in Russia – potentially a more viable, less destabilising alternative to expanding French and British nuclear arsenals, or adding a third nuclear power in Europe.

    No time to waste

    Politically, however, there is a need for more than hardware. European states should find an institutional forum to coordinate deterrence. This means either convincing France to return to Nato’s nuclear planning group or creating another council for European deterrence with France, the UK, and other key European states like Germany and Poland.

    Those and other European armed forces could also conduct conventional operations in support of nuclear operations exercises together with France and the UK, specifically the French air force with its air-launched warheads.

    Simply put, there are material and political solutions to European deterrence problems if the US turns out to be preoccupied by events in Asia. The real constraint that France and the UK, and the rest of Europe, now face is how to build both the hardware and habits of conventional and nuclear deterrence in Europe in little or no time at all.

    Paul van Hooft received a Stanton Nuclear Security Foundation research grant in 2018.

    – ref. Nuclear deterrence: can Britain and France take on America’s role in defending Europe against Russian aggression? – https://theconversation.com/nuclear-deterrence-can-britain-and-france-take-on-americas-role-in-defending-europe-against-russian-aggression-252338

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Juan Pablo Ferrero, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics, University of Bath

    The Argentinian president, Javier Milei, is going through the toughest moment of his short but remarkable political career. He is facing impeachment calls – as well as legal action – over his promotion of a cryptocurrency on social media.

    The cryptocoin $Libra, which Milei mentioned in a social media post on February 14, quickly rose in value before nosediving, causing severe losses for people who had invested in it. Milei has insisted that his post did not constitute an endorsement.

    “I’m a techno-optimist … and this was proposed to me as an instrument to help fund Argentine projects,” he said in a television interview. “It’s true that in trying to help out those Argentines, I took a slap in the face.”

    I doubt this is it for Milei. But even if it is the beginning of the end, Milei’s politics are here to stay. His leadership style, discourse and actions represent an emerging constituency with both a present and a future.

    This is because Milei is not, in my opinion, the effect of a crisis of representation. He is instead a faithful representative of a new reactive society emerging worldwide, which is largely sceptical of institutional mediation and values problem solvers and strong executives.

    People at the inauguration of Javier Milei in December 2023.
    Facundo Florit / Shutterstock

    To explore this phenomenon, imagine if you will, “Ricardo”, a fictitious yet representative member of a vulnerable segment of Argentina’s workforce. People like Ricardo returned to the labour market after the pandemic with precarious jobs and lower wages.

    He is a delivery worker who uses multiple digital platforms to earn a living. His life, characterised by the gig economy and labour informality, reflects a broader trend affecting around 50% of workers in Argentina.

    Ricardo had previously voted for Argentina’s left-wing leader, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. But he voted for Milei in the last election, as did many others, and says he would vote for Milei again today. His sympathy for Milei has grown over the year he has been in office.

    According to a recent poll put together by political consultancy firm Tendencias, 89.6% of those who voted for Milei in the 2023 general election were happy with their choice. A growing share of Argentina’s population seemingly approves of the Milei administration.

    During the pandemic, Ricardo’s ability to support his family was diminished by government-imposed restrictions on travel and movement. These restrictions, which were often violently enforced by security forces, pushed him into poverty. The rate of poverty in Argentina increased to over 40% during the pandemic.

    This experience led Ricardo to feel a sense of satisfaction when Milei began mass layoffs of public employees to cut public spending. He thought this was payback time for those in the public sector, with job security, who did not have to endure what he had to during the pandemic.

    For Ricardo, they were all ñoquis (gnocchi), a slang term widely used in Argentina to refer to public employees who receive a salary but allegedly do little work. These workers are called ñoquis because many Argentinians traditionally eat gnocchi on the 29th day of every month, around the time people receive their monthly paychecks.

    Ricardo consumes all of the short clips circulating online from television interviews and talks at international forums of Milei “destroying” career politicians, whom he calls la casta (the caste). Milei sees the main aim of the caste as the reproduction of themselves, so he advocates for a small state or no state at all. Milei believes that nearly everything should be privatised.

    While Ricardo thinks politicians should be compensated for their job, many from across Argentina’s political spectrum have become extremely wealthy, so he’s with Milei on this one too. He even wears a chainsaw as a key ring – a nod to Milei’s promise to slash the size of the state.

    Ricardo acknowledges that life has become very expensive in Argentina since Milei took office. This is because, while inflation has gone down, the Argentinian peso has gained value, making Argentina one of the most expensive countries in the world. However, he believes this remains a price worth paying for a stable and prosperous Argentina.

    The aforementioned poll suggests that many Argentinians feel that their economic situation is better than a year ago, and will improve over the course of the next six months. Inflation, which was the leading concern in most polls ahead of the election, has fallen to sixth place.

    Ricardo is persuaded by Milei’s mantra: “If printing money would end poverty, printing diplomas would end stupidity”. And in recent times, Ricardo has spent his scarce leisure moments watching videos on his phone where internet influencers teach him how to multiply his dwindling income by investing in cryptocurrencies that promise high returns in a short time.

    In Argentina, like many other areas of the world, the appetite for gambling or investing in highly risky ventures such as cryptocurrency has multiplied as a means to win money fast. This is especially true among young people, often with devastating consequences.

    Representation of a new society

    There is a new political subject emerging worldwide marked by the precariousness of new forms of work, whose socialisation occurs in the digital world dominated by influencers. These people see the state not only as unnecessary, but as an enemy to be destroyed and distrust all institutional political intermediaries. Milei represents this new society.

    The process by which an issue becomes a subject of political debate and action has also changed. Solutions to single issues have replaced political programmes with complex visions about the future as the main source of popular validation. Big personalities can carry this forward more successfully than bureaucratic political parties.

    Presidents have become more like city majors judged by their ability to provide solutions to a single issue. In the case of Milei, it’s inflation. For Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, it’s security. And for Donald Trump in the US, it’s China.

    The figureheads of new political formations might change, but the politics of these formations will not.

    Juan Pablo Ferrero 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. Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay – https://theconversation.com/argentina-despite-the-scandals-mileis-politics-are-here-to-stay-250183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk spoke at the plenary session of the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk spoke at the plenary session of the XXXIV Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

    The main topics of discussion at this year’s RSPP congress were key areas of interaction between business and government and proposals for the participation of the business community in achieving national development goals for the country and implementing national projects.

    From the transcript:

    A. Overchuk: Dear colleagues!

    Thank you very much for the invitation and the opportunity to speak before the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The success of our economy and the country as a whole truly depends on those present in this hall.

    Entrepreneurship involves competition for access to resources and markets, whether nationally or internationally. It is this activity that provides the source of progress, income and wealth for individual households, businesses and nations.

    We are participants in the formation of a new world with new trade and economic ties and priorities.

    The Russian economy is adapting to deal with that part of the world that has higher rates of economic growth, good demographics, and wants to work with us. And the Government is facilitating this adaptation.

    We see our main task in this process as providing Russian industrialists and entrepreneurs with the best competitive conditions for doing business throughout the entire international value chain, that is, at every stage of the process of creating a product or service and delivering it to consumers.

    Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, our actions are aimed at expanding opportunities for our exporters, as well as improving the balance of supply and demand in our common domestic market. Work here is carried out in several areas – this is customs and tariff protection of the domestic market of the Eurasian Economic Union; the formation of common markets and a barrier-free environment in the single customs territory of the EAEU; the development and creation of international transport corridors; the formation of a network of free trade agreements and non-preferential agreements on trade and economic cooperation and the adoption of technical regulations and standards of the EAEU by other countries.

    Within the framework of the single customs space of the EAEU, we strive to respond flexibly to the market situation and accordingly regulate single customs tariffs and import volumes.

    Imported goods and services are part of international value chains and also affect supply and prices in the domestic consumer market. This has a dampening effect on inflation, affects interest rates and labor costs, and is ultimately reflected in production costs.

    Cheap imports can pose threats by displacing domestic producers, reducing employment and income levels, and slowing economic growth. Here, we strive first and foremost to stand on the side of our producers’ interests, giving priority to import substitution and strengthening our economic and technological independence.

    To solve this problem, as well as to stimulate the development of production and economic ties and trade between our countries, the EAEU has launched a support mechanism in the form of subsidizing the interest rate on loans issued by banks for the development of industrial cooperation projects covering three or more EAEU member states. The first two fairly large projects have already been approved. Options for expanding this mechanism to the agro-industrial complex are being considered. I urge Russian entrepreneurs, in conjunction with partners from EAEU member states, to actively use this already existing support mechanism.

    We monitor the balance of supply and demand in the consumer market, primarily the food market, which underlies the cost of the consumer basket. This is one of the elements in determining the level of inflation, which affects the key rate and the cost of lending for business.

    In order to influence the cost of the consumer basket within the EAEU, in addition to tariff measures, over the past two or three years we have begun to apply such a mechanism as a joint indicative balance of supply and demand for individual types of agricultural crops. The EAEU today determines balances for such types of goods as grain, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and sugar.

    In the event of a reduction in the supply of certain types of goods on the national markets of individual EAEU member states, the EEC Council takes targeted tariff measures. At the same time, decisions to reduce tariffs are taken only after it becomes clear that an increase in supply on the EAEU domestic market is only possible through imports from outside the union. We call for close cooperation with both manufacturers and associations of manufacturers, that is, with businesses.

    Due to the similarity of the structures of our economies within the EAEU, we often compete with our union partners in foreign markets. This affects the reduction of our producers’ income. Now our partners are realizing the benefits of coordinating efforts to promote exports, and we already have positive examples. We will support and develop such initiatives if it is beneficial to our business.

    Within the EAEU, we are forming common markets for goods, services, capital and labour. We have made significant progress in the electric power market. In December 2024, we recorded that the gas market in the EAEU had already taken shape in the form in which it actually exists. Within the Union State, we are reaching agreements on a common oil market and will continue to develop this within the EAEU.

    Common markets within the Union State and the EAEU not only expand opportunities for the sale of goods and services, but also create healthier competitive conditions.

    We will continue to work to reduce and eliminate barriers that hinder the formation of single markets throughout the Eurasian Economic Union, as provided for in our major agreement.

    As the largest economy in the EAEU, Russia is a premium market. And business representatives from EAEU partner states closely monitor changes in the Russian regulatory framework and quickly identify decisions that prevent them from entering our market, if such appear. We would like our business community to more actively enter the markets of other EAEU member states and promptly provide us with information on violations of EAEU law, if such arise.

    Based on economic and geopolitical realities, we focus on ensuring transport and logistics connectivity of our market with the markets of the global South. A program for the modernization and construction of international checkpoints is being implemented. We are working on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway section in Iran, which will ensure uninterrupted connectivity of the ports of the Russian northwest with Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean.

    We are discussing the modernization of the Ulaanbaatar railway that runs through Mongolia. We are using existing routes and seeking from our partners to improve tariff conditions for our shippers.

    A pilot project was launched to use electronic international consignment notes for international road freight transportation within the single customs territory of the EAEU. To protect the internal market of the Union State, navigation seals began to be used for transit products.

    I would like to draw attention to the Agreement on the Unified Customs Transit System of the EAEU concluded in December 2024 and the fact that states that are not members of the union can also join this agreement. This will allow external partners to be involved in certain aspects of the customs regulation of the union, which will help reduce the time spent on the passage of goods.

    In the context of illegal sanctions, we rely more on internal forces, we are pursuing a policy of import substitution, but we also strive to rely on the opportunities that are provided to us by trade regimes within the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the EAEU, the CIS, as well as those states with which we are establishing free trade zones. And we strive to develop trade with friendly countries.

    The world is beginning to notice the successes of our integration association. They see that the EAEU is becoming a center of attraction for states located to the south of the post-Soviet space, such as Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, the ASEAN countries, the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, and African states. We are building closer trade relations with them, including in the form of free trade agreements.

    For example, just the day before yesterday, the Islamic Republic of Iran notified the Eurasian Economic Commission of the completion of the procedures necessary for the entry into force of a full-scale free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran. The agreement will enter into force on May 15, and this means that for the EAEU member states, the export market will increase by 85 million consumers. At the same time, Iranian producers will gain access to the common market of the EAEU member states, which is more than 180 million people, which will lead to improved competition in our markets.

    Similar work is currently underway with a number of other countries. By the end of the year, we can expect that the EAEU may sign two more free trade agreements. I believe that our business community should carefully study these new opportunities.

    In conclusion, I would like to say that this year an action plan for the implementation of the EAEU Declaration for 2030–2045, “The Eurasian Economic Path,” is being prepared for adoption. I would like the members of the Business Council to participate more actively in this work.

    Thank you for your attention.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Discusses Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid with Seniors, Hosts Roundtable on Needs of New Mexico Food Banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Santa Fe, N.M. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) visited the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center in Santa Fe to meet with seniors and discuss his efforts to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for New Mexicans from attacks by Elon Musk and the Trump administration. Senator Luján then traveled to Albuquerque to convene a roundtable at Roadrunner Food Bank to discuss the specific needs of New Mexico food banks and stakeholders and efforts to support New Mexicans in the Farm Bill.
    Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center, Santa Fe, N.M.

    “It was an honor to meet with New Mexican seniors today and hear firsthand how vital programs like Social Security and Medicare are to their livelihoods. Standing up for our seniors is important to me, especially in the face of threats to programs that our seniors rely on. Elon Musk called Americans’ hard-earned benefits ‘the big one to eliminate’ and a ‘Ponzi Scheme.’ That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Luján.
    “Over 100,000 seniors in New Mexico rely on Medicaid, and 460,000 New Mexicans are covered by Medicare. Without Medicaid, most older adults who need help with daily activities would not be able to afford home-based or nursing facility care,”continued Senator Luján. “That’s just not right. I will continue fighting to protect our seniors against attacks from the Trump administration.”
    Roadrunner Food Bank, Albuquerque, N.M.

    “It was a privilege to meet with folks at Roadrunner Foodbank to learn more about the needs of our food banks, farmers, producers, and stakeholders. The Musk-Trump funding freeze and broad and indiscriminate firings across the federal government have devastated communities across America, leaving countless families uncertain where their next meal would come from. Foodbanks across New Mexico ensure families in need have access to nutritious meals. But now, Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans are threatening critical funding for nutrition support – putting New Mexico families at risk,” said Senator Luján.
    “As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, I will continue to fight to protect programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),” continued Senator Luján. “These programs are lifelines for thousands of New Mexicans, and gutting these resources hurts our families and threatens our communities and the economy,”
    “Taking aim at funding that supports community members struggling to get enough food to eat (particularly highly nutritious foods) and positively impacts local growers and producers is only accomplishing one thing: harming New Mexicans and Americans. If the goal is healthier communities, we should be investing in support for locally produced foods going to community members, not stripping away those programs and funds,” said Katy Anderson, Road Runner Foodbank VP-Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy.
    “The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) created an opportunity to implement an innovative approach to improving access to nutritious food through the food security network while strengthening the resilience of New Mexico’s local food system. For the first time, the food security network and the local agriculture community worked together to foster change—and it worked! The abrupt dissolution of this program harms everyone—producers, food banks, food-insecure individuals, and the critical relationships that sustain New Mexico’s communities,” said Jill Dixon, Executive Director of The Food Depot.
    “These cuts hurt farmers, and the adage is true as ever:  no farmers, no food.  The Local Food Purchasing program allowed local farms like ours to have predictable, meaningful contracts delivering the fresh healthy food we grow to food banks and schools, ensuring local food reached the people who need it most. Thanks to this highly successful program, NM farmers pivoted their crop plans and distribution strategies to feed our communities. Now, with funding cuts, crops are in the fields but won’t be able to reach the hungry children and families in our communities.  We must invest in programs that support farmers to keep farming, and keep local food accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford it,” said Juliana Ciano, Reunity Resources.
    “The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) is a perfect example of how a federal government investment puts ‘America First.’ Investing in skilled American ranchers and farmers, who use America’s natural resources to grow healthy, nutritious American beef and produce. Which in turn have stimulated growth in rural economies by creating more jobs and businesses to package and distribute this locally grown food into local markets that pay a ‘fair’ market price. This is a concept that is Making America Great Again. My hopes are that the LFPA program will be re-evaluated for funding because of the true value that it is bringing to rural economies and the well-being of Americans across the country,” said Manny Encinias, President of Trilogy Beef Community.
    “These cuts are really a shame, as during the last three years, New Mexico’s Regional Farm to Food Bank program has been a national standout, spending more than $3.6 million with small- and medium-scale producers, many of whom themselves live in low-income, low-access food areas,” said Denise Miller, executive director of the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA and Telecom Industry Leaders to Develop AI-Native Wireless Networks for 6G

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTC — NVIDIA today unveiled partnerships with industry leaders T-Mobile, MITRE, Cisco, ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, and Booz Allen Hamilton on the research and development of AI-native wireless network hardware, software and architecture for 6G.

    Next-generation wireless networks must be fundamentally integrated with AI to seamlessly connect hundreds of billions of phones, sensors, cameras, robots and autonomous vehicles. AI-native wireless networks will provide enhanced services for billions of users and set new standards in spectral efficiency — the rate at which data can be transmitted over a given bandwidth. They will also offer groundbreaking performance and resource utilization while creating new revenue streams for telecommunications companies.

    “Next-generation wireless networks will be revolutionary, and we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure AI is woven in from the start,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Working with leaders in the field, we’re building an AI-enhanced 6G network that achieves extreme spectral efficiency.”

    Open Ecosystems Drive Innovation
    Research-driven breakthroughs harnessing the power of AI are necessary to maximize the performance and benefits of AI-native wireless networks. To drive innovation, NVIDIA is collaborating with telco and research leaders to develop an AI-native wireless network stack based on the NVIDIA AI Aerial platform, which provides software-defined radio access networks (RANs) on the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform.

    Developers across the globe are building AI-RAN as a precursor to AI-native 6G wireless networks. AI-RAN is a technology that brings AI and RAN workloads together on one platform and embeds AI into radio signal processing.

    To deliver enhanced spectral efficiency and lower operational complexity and costs, AI will be fully embedded into the network stack’s software and hosted over a unified accelerated infrastructure, capable of running both network and AI workloads. Also at the solution’s core will be end-to-end security and an open architecture to foster rapid innovation.

    T-Mobile and NVIDIA will expand their AI-RAN Innovation Center collaboration announced last year with the goal of providing additional research-based concepts for AI-native 6G network capabilities, working alongside these new industry collaborators.

    “This is an exciting next step to the AI-RAN Innovation Center efforts we began last September at our Capital Markets Day in partnership with NVIDIA,” Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “Working with these additional industry leaders on research to natively integrate AI into the network as we begin the journey to 6G will enable the network performance, efficiency and scale to power the next generation of experiences that customers and businesses expect.”

    As the founding research partner, MITRE, a not-for-profit research and development organization, will research, prototype and contribute open, AI-driven services and applications, such as for agentic network orchestration and security, dynamic spectrum sharing and 6G-integrated sensing and communications.

    “MITRE is working with NVIDIA to help make AI-native 6G a reality,” said Mark Peters, president and CEO of MITRE. “By integrating AI into 6G in the beginning, we can solve a wide range of problems, from enhancing service delivery to unlocking required spectrum availability to fuel wireless growth. Through all of our collaborations with NVIDIA, we look forward to creating impact in 6G, AI, simulation, transportation and more.”

    Cisco plans to take a lead position in this collaboration as the provider of mobile core and network technologies and will tap into its existing service provider reach and expertise.

    “With 6G on the horizon, it’s critical for the industry to work together to build AI-native networks for the future,” said Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco is at the forefront of developing secure infrastructure technology for AI, and we are proud to work with NVIDIA and the broader ecosystem to create an AI-enhanced network that improves performance, reliability and security for our customers.”

    ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., will deliver cutting-edge layer 2 and layer 3 software for distributed and centralized units of virtual RAN as part of the AI-native radio access stack. Tapping into decades of experience in large-scale mobile systems, ODC is pioneering next-generation AI-native 5G open RAN (ORAN), surpassing existing networks and seamlessly paving the way for 6G evolution.

    “The mobile industry has always taken advantage of advances in other technology fields, and today, no technology is more central than AI,” said Shaygan Kheradpir, chairman of the advisory board of ODC. “ODC is at the forefront of developing and deploying AI-native ORAN 2.0 networks, enabling service providers to on-ramp seamlessly from 5G to 6G by taking advantage of the vast AI ecosystem to redefine the future of connectivity.”

    As a leader in AI and cybersecurity to the federal government, Booz Allen will develop AI RAN algorithms and secure the AI-native 6G wireless platform. Its NextG lab will conduct functional, performance integration and security testing to ensure the resiliency and security of the platform against the most sophisticated adversaries. The company will lead field trials for advanced use cases such as autonomy and robotics.

    “The future of wireless communications starts today, and it’s all about AI,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO of Booz Allen. “Booz Allen has the technologies to make AI-native 6G networks a reality and revolutionize secure communications for an entirely new generation of intelligent platforms and applications.”

    Expanded Aerial Research Portfolio
    These collaborations build on NVIDIA’s AI-RAN and 6G research ecosystem, supported by advancements in the NVIDIA Aerial™ research portfolio for developing, training, simulating and deploying groundbreaking AI-native wireless innovations.

    New additions to the NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio, also announced today, include the Aerial Omniverse Digital Twin Service, the Aerial Commercial Test Bed on NVIDIA MGX™, NVIDIA Sionna™ 1.0 — building on the open-source Sionna library, which has nearly 150,000 downloads since its launch in 2022 — and the Sionna Research Kit on the NVIDIA Jetson™ accelerated computing platform. 

    The NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio serves over 2,000 members through the NVIDIA 6G Developer Program. Industry leaders and more than 150 higher-education and research institutions from the U.S. and around the world are harnessing the platform to accelerate 6G and AI-RAN innovation — paving the way for AI-native wireless networks.

    Learn more by watching the NVIDIA GTC telecom special address and register for sessions from NVIDIA and industry leaders at the show, which runs through March 21.

    About NVIDIA
     NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Janette Ciborowski
    Enterprise Communications
    NVIDIA Corporation
    +1-734-330-8817
    jciborowski@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, availability, and performance of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; the collaboration and partnership between NVIDIA and third parties and the benefits and impact thereof; third parties adopting NVIDIA’s products and technologies and the benefits and impact thereof; next-generation wireless networks being revolutionary; and working with leaders in the field, NVIDIA building an AI-enhanced 6G network that achieves extreme spectral efficiency are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    Many of the products and features described herein remain in various stages and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The statements above are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as a commitment, promise, or legal obligation, and the development, release, and timing of any features or functionalities described for our products is subject to change and remains at the sole discretion of NVIDIA. NVIDIA will have no liability for failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any of the products, features or functions set forth herein.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, NVIDIA Aerial, NVIDIA Jetson, NVIDIA MGX and Sionna are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a411c38c-c7b2-4233-a42d-57969c7812b2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Names The Gangplank as March Small Business of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of The Gangplank in Idaho Falls as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2025. The Gangplank will be recognized for its contribution to the Southeast Idaho community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

    “The Gangplank has been a Southeast Idaho staple for 55 years,” said Risch. “Owned by the Croney family, The Gangplank serves the people of Idaho Falls delicious fish and chips and excellent community service. I’m proud to recognize The Gangplank as the March Small Business of the Month.”

    Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney strengthens Canada’s security and sovereignty

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm Canadian sovereignty by strengthening our military, bolstering our Arctic security, and unleashing the North’s economic potential.

    Prime Minister Carney was today in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to announce initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders to build the Nunavut economy and strengthen Canadian security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

    First, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada intends to partner with Australia to develop advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. This partnership will include developing Canada’s Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, an investment of more than $6 billion that will provide early warning radar coverage from threats to the Arctic. A key component of Canada’s NORAD modernization plan, the radar system’s long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North. Collaboration with Australia on this critical technology will further deepen our long-standing bilateral defence relationship, while supporting Canada’s commitment to strengthening North American defences in partnership with the United States.

    The Prime Minister confirmed the partnership in his call with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, earlier today.

    Second, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will take on a greater, sustained, and year-round Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presence in the Arctic – an investment of nearly $420 million to protect our sovereignty across land, air, and sea. With an expansion of its Northern and Arctic operations and training exercises, and the deployment of more personnel, the CAF will be better placed to defend Canada’s Arctic presence and sovereignty­ – while enabling greater collaboration with NATO Allies. 

    Third, to advance reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, Prime Minister Carney announced over $253 million in new support to build a stronger economy across Nunavut, including:

    • $94 million to upgrade power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, and Iqaluit. These important energy upgrades will ensure that Nunavut communities have access to safe and dependable power.
    • Almost $74 million to improve critical housing infrastructure, accelerate housing development, and help meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
    • Almost $66 million to build, renovate, and repair hundreds more homes across Nunavut, including for Indigenous Peoples and underserved groups.
    • $20 million to help the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation complete the first phase of the development of its hydroelectricity facility which will, once complete, provide renewable energy security and create jobs across Nunavut.

    Following a positive and constructive meeting with the Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, the two leaders agreed to continue to work together in partnership on shared priorities in the Arctic.

    The Prime Minister also met with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as well as the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, to reinforce the fundamental importance of their leadership and to establish a link of collaboration on major infrastructure projects.

    With an enhanced Arctic focus, the Canadian government is improving our military readiness, creating more high-paying jobs, and growing a stronger economy across the North. Working closely with Indigenous Peoples and our Allies, we will fortify the Arctic by strengthening our year-round presence, accelerating defence spending, unleashing the North’s economic potential, and reasserting Canada’s sovereignty and security.

    Quote

    “Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted. Our government will strengthen Canada’s Arctic security, bolster partnerships with our closest Allies, unleash the North’s economic potential, and reaffirm reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Canada will remain a strong, secure, and sovereign nation.”

    Quick Fact

    • The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada’s territory and more than 70 per cent of its coastline. 

    Related Product

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Expanding Public Transit for Rural Communities in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    The federal government is investing $3,976,981 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to increase transit services across Manitoba.

    Project Information:

    Location

    Project Name

    Project Details

    Federal Funding

    Provincial Funding

    Recipient Funding

    Other Funding

    City of Flin Flon

    Purchase of a wheelchair-accessible bus and supporting infrastructure to enhance Flin Flon’s fixed-route transit service

    Purchase of one wheelchair-accessible bus and installation of sidewalks and bus stop shelters to enhance Flin Flon’s fixed-route public transit service.

    $1,776,000

    $0

    $444,000

    $0

    Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain

    Purchases to support transit for Killarney-Turtle Mountain

    Purchase a wheelchair-accessible handivan bus to maintain transportation services in the municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain.

    $186,116

    $0

    $46,529

    $0

    Rural Municipality of Rockwood; Rural Municipality of Rosser; Rural Municipality of St. Laurent; Town of Stonewall; Rural Municipality of Woodlands

    Purchase of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure to provide door-to-door transportation service in the Interlake District

    Purchase of two electric buses, installation of six charging platforms and 12 chargers, as well as investments in garage upgrades to enhance door-to-door transportation service for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges in Manitoba’s Interlake District.

    $1,412,898

    $150,000

    $103,225

    $100,000

    St. Theresa Point First Nation

    Purchases to support transit for St. Theresa Point First Nation

    Purchase of two electric vehicles, two charging stations, and electronic equipment to enhance local transit service and improve the quality of life and safety for residents of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

    $440,132

    $0

    $0

    $0

    Town of Teulon

    Purchases to continue transit service in Teulon, Rockwood and Woodlands

    Purchase of a mini-bus and an accessible van to replace aging fleets and ensure safe, reliable transportation in Teulon, Rockwood, and Woodlands.

    $161,835

    $0

    $40,459

    $0

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Politically weakened’ or ‘muddling through’ – Luxon and Hipkins ranked on their mid-term prospects

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    We’re roughly half way through this parliamentary term, and it looks as though the 2026 election could deliver “Christopher vs Chris: the sequel”.

    Neither leader is currently riding high, though. National’s Christopher Luxon and Labour’s Chris Hipkins are both scoring in the low 20s in the most recent preferred prime minister polls.

    Most voters, it seems, are ambivalent or unimpressed with them. And Luxon has been the subject of media speculation about a possible leadership change.

    But it pays to be cautious, especially this far from an election. Leadership is a complex mix of individual ability, career stage and political context.

    We can think of political leaders having a “stock” of leadership “capital” that fluctuates over time. They build up credit or authority, but they have to spend it. Former supporters can become bored, disappointed or disillusioned.

    Any assessment of a leader will involve some subjective judgements. But the Leadership Capital Index (LCI) was developed by three British and European political scientists as a framework for scoring leadership on a range of sliding measures.

    As this example using former British prime minister Tony Blair shows, the LCI accounts for a leader’s skills, support and reputation based on their performance, polling and prospects over time.

    I applied the LCI to Hipkins and Luxon. Ideally, this would be conducted by a panel, and more than once over a career. But readers are welcome to examine and comment below on my assessments – a virtual panel, if you like. You can see more detail about my reasoning here.

    The LCI’s ten factors are a mixture of the objective and subjective, adding up to an overall ranking of a leader’s political capital on a five-point scale:

    • depleted – “lame duck”

    • low – “politically weakened”

    • medium – “muddling through”

    • high – “momentum”

    • exceptional – “political weather maker”.

    Neither Luxon nor Hipkins performed very well: Luxon came out on the low-capital range looking “politically weakened”, while Hipkins was “muddling through” on medium capital.

    Leadership capital changes over time, and the LCI takes account of that. This assessment relates to mid-March 2025.

    The Leadership Capital Index

    1. Political/policy vision: (1. Completely absent. 2. Unclear/inconsistent. 3. Moderately clear/consistent. 4. Clear/consistent. 5. Very clear/consistent.)

    I’ve given both leaders 4 out of 5 here. Both have presented clear and consistent political and policy visions. Readers who disagree will see I take some relevant issues into account in the items below.

    2. Communication performance: (1. Very poor. 2. Poor. 3. Average. 4. Good. 5. Very good.)

    Luxon has been struggling here. His failure to give broadcaster Mike Hosking a straight answer about a cabinet sacking didn’t help, and he has been criticised for his corporate speaking style. Hipkins has performed better as a communicator (regardless of your views on his values). I’ve given Luxon 2/5 and Hipkins 4/5.

    3. Personal poll rating relative to the most recent election: (1. Very low (–15% or less), 2. Low (–5 to –15%), 3. Moderate (–5% to 5%), 4. High (5-15%), 5. Very High (15% or more).)

    This is an objective numerical measure based on preferred prime minister polls just before the 2023 election compared with the most recent ones. Both Luxon and Hipkins score 3/5.

    4. Longevity (time in office as prime minister): (1. less than 1 year. 2. 1-2 years. 3. 2-3 years. 4. 3-4 years. 5. More than 4.)

    At March 2025, Luxon gets 2/5 and Hipkins gets 1/5. If we included time in office as party leaders, the numbers would be higher.

    5. Selection margin for party leadership: (1. Very small (less than 1%). 2. Small (1-5%). 3. Moderate (5-10%). 4. Large (10-15%). 5. Very large (more than 15%).)

    Both leaders were elected as party leader by their respective caucuses. These votes are private, but it’s known Hipkins’ selection was unanimous. I believe Luxon also won by a large margin (greater than 15%). So they both get 5/5.

    6. Party polling relative to most recent election result: (1. –10% or lower. 2. –10% to –2.5%. 3. –2.5% to +2.5%. 4. +2.5% to 10%. 5. More than 10%.)

    In early March, Labour was polling in the low 30s, up from an election result of 26.9%. So Hipkins gets 4/5. National was also polling in the low 30s, down from 38.1%. So Luxon gets 2/5.

    7. Levels of public trust: (1. 0-20%. 2. 20-40%. 3. 40-60%. 4. 60-80%. 5. 80-100%.)

    Going back to a “trust” poll in early 2023 and a similar one in May that year, Luxon scored a lower trust level (37%) than Hipkins (53%). So Luxon gets 2/5 and Hipkins gets 3/5.

    8. Likelihood of credible leadership challenge within next 6 months: (1. Very high. 2. High. 3. Moderate. 4. Low. 5. Very low.)

    This relies on predictions, but Luxon is in greater danger than Hipkins. National’s polling is down, with some predicting a leadership change (although others acknowledge this could carry more costs than benefits). Hipkins lost the 2023 election but seems secure as Labour leader. Luxon gets 3/5 (moderate risk) and Hipkins gets 4/5 (low risk).

    9. Perceived ability to shape party’s policy platform: (1. Very low. 2. Low. 3. Moderate. 4. High. 5. Very high.)

    This is subjective but not about liking or disliking the policies. Both leaders perform moderately well here on 3/5. Luxon has put his own managerial style on policymaking, notably with quarterly targets. When Jacinda Ardern resigned as prime minister, Hipkins lit a “policy bonfire” to begin afresh. But he is taking time to announce new ones. We’d expect to see improvements for both leaders closer to the election.

    10. Perceived parliamentary effectiveness: (1. Very low. 2. Low. 3. Moderate. 4. High. 5. Very high.)

    Hipkins has an advantage, given his greater parliamentary experience. Luxon hasn’t dealt decisively with two attention-grabbing coalition partners, especially over ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill. Hipkins gets 4/5, Luxon 2/5.

    Final scores – now have your say

    The results add up to a ranking on the leadership capital index. Out of a possible 50, Luxon scores 28 and Hipkins 35. Neither is a great score; both careers look stalled.

    On the index, this defines Luxon as “politically weakened”. This could improve through better communication, sounder leadership of an ambitious team, and greater control over coalition dynamics.

    But Luxon’s leadership capital has never been particularly high. He didn’t enjoy a post-election “honeymoon” and may have peaked early – and low. More low polls may see National remove him, but there is also still time for his policies to pay off.

    The index has Hipkins “muddling through”. He needs to connect with voters, boost his reputation as a future leader (rather than election loser) and sharpen Labour’s policy platform.

    Hipkins’ leadership capital might have peaked in early 2023 when he became prime minister. Labour party polls are up a bit since the election, but his own preferred prime minister polling has stayed relatively low.

    Finally, neither leader has performed well compared with their predecessors John Key and Jacinda Ardern at their heights. But political fortunes can be unpredictable, and crises can even boost them, so the future remains unwritten.

    Is this assessment fair or unfair? Readers are welcome to critique my analysis and offer alternative ratings in the (moderated) comments section below.

    Grant Duncan 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. ‘Politically weakened’ or ‘muddling through’ – Luxon and Hipkins ranked on their mid-term prospects – https://theconversation.com/politically-weakened-or-muddling-through-luxon-and-hipkins-ranked-on-their-mid-term-prospects-252483

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Virginia Residents Sentenced for Roles in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Monongalia County residents have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in the Northern District of West Virginia.

    Jennifer Clapper, 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Jamie Purtee, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia was sentenced to 60 months.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Clapper and Purtee were part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Monongalia County, unlawfully distributing kilograms of controlled substances for more than six years. The drug organization originated in Philadelphia, PA from which its members transported 5 to 10 pounds of methamphetamine to Morgantown per trip. Clapper and Purtee were distributors for the DTO.

    Following their prison sentences, Clapper and Purtee will serve three years of supervised release.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

    The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Embolization Device Recall and Correction: Medtronic Removes Unused 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, Updates Use Instructions for 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices due to Increased Risk of Incomplete Wall Apposition and Braid Deformation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type.This recall involves:

    removing the Pipeline Vantage 027 device models from where they are used or sold 
    updating instructions for using the Pipeline Vantage 021 device models 

    Affected Product 

    Product Names:

    Removal of unused: Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, 027 Compatible (Pipeline Vantage 027 devices)
    Instructions for Use (IFU) update: Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, 021 Compatible (Pipeline Vantage 021 Devices)

    Catalog and Serial Numbers: 

    Removal of unused:  REF: PED3-027-350-12, PED3-027-350-14, PED3-027-350-16, PED3-027-350-20, PED3-027-350-25, PED3-027-400-12, PED3-027-400-14, PED3-027-400-16, PED3-027-400-18, PED3-027-400-20, PED3-027-400-25, PED3-027-400-30, PED3-027-450-12, PED3-027-450-14, PED3-027-450-16, PED3-027-450-18, PED3-027-450-20, PED3-027-450-25, PED3-027-450-30, PED3-027-450-40, PED3-027-500-14, PED3-027-500-16, PED3-027-500-18, PED3-027-500-20, PED3-027-500-25, PED3-027-500-30, PED3-027-500-40, PED3-027-550-16, PED3-027-550-18, PED3-027-550-20, PED3-027-550-30, PED3-027-550-40, PED3-027-550-50, PED3-027-600-16, PED3-027-600-18, PED3-027-600-20, PED3-027-600-30, PED3-027-600-40, PED3-027-600-50 and all Pipeline Vantage 027 product lots from B317266 through B817292
    Instructions For Use (IFU) update: REF: PED3-021-350-16, PED3-021-250-14, PED3-021-350-20, PED3-021-250-20, PED3-021-300-16, PED3-021-300-20, PED3-021-275-12, PED3-021-275-16, PED3-021-325-12, PED3-021-325-14, PED3-021-325-16, PED3-021-325-20, PED3-021-250-12, PED3-021-300-14, PED3-021-250-16, PED3-021-300-12, PED3-021-275-14, PED3-021-350-14, PED3-021-350-25, PED3-021-350-12, PED3-021-250-10, PED3-021-275-20, PED3-021-350-18, PED3-021-325-18, PED3-021-275-18, PED3-021-250-18, PED3-021-300-18; and Instructions for Use, Part: M056989CDOC2. All Pipeline Vantage 021 product lots from B317266 through B817292

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Catalog Number:

    UDI
    Device Model

    00847536030398
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536036215
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536034884
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536030404
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536034891
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536036222
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536030411
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536034907
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536036239
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536030428
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536034914
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536036246
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536036253
    PED3-021-250-18

    00847536030442
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536034938
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536036260
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536030466
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536034952
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536036284
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536030473
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536034969
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536036291
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536030480
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536034976
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536036307
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536036314
    PED3-021-275-18

    00847536030503
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536034990
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536036321
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536030527
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536035010
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536036345
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536030534
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536035027
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536036352
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536030541
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536035034
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536036369
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536036376
    PED3-021-300-18

    00847536030565
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536035058
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536036383
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536030602
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536035096
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536036420
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536030619
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536035102
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536036437
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536030626
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536035119
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536036444
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536036451
    PED3-021-325-18

    00847536030640
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536035133
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536036468
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536030688
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536035171
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536036505
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536030695
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536035188
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536036512
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536030701
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536035195
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536036529
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536036536
    PED3-021-350-18

    00847536030725
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536035218
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536036543
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536030732
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536035225
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536036550
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536035263
    PED3-027-350-12

    00847536030770
    PED3-027-350-12

    00847536035287
    PED3-027-350-14

    00847536030787
    PED3-027-350-14

    00847536035294
    PED3-027-350-16

    00847536030794
    PED3-027-350-16

    00847536035317
    PED3-027-350-20

    00847536030817
    PED3-027-350-20

    00847536035324
    PED3-027-350-25

    00847536030824
    PED3-027-350-25

    00847536030862
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536035362
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536036680
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536030879
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536035379
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536036697
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536030886
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536035386
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536036703
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536036710
    PED3-027-400-18

    00847536030909
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536035409
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536036727
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536030916
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536035416
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536036734
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536030923
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536035423
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536036741
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536030961
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536035461
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536036789
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536030978
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536035478
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536036796
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536030985
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536035485
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536036802
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536036819
    PED3-027-450-18

    00847536031005
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536035508
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536036826
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536031012
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536035515
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536036833
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536031029
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536035522
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536036840
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536031043
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536035546
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536036864
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536031067
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536035577
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536036895
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536031074
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536035584
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536036901
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536036918
    PED3-027-500-18

    00847536031098
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536035607
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536036925
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536031104
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536035614
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536036932
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536031111
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536035621
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536036949
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536031135
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536035645
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536036963
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536031166
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536035683
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536037007
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536037014
    PED3-027-550-18

    00847536035706
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536031180
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536037021
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536031203
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536035720
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536037045
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536031227
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536035744
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536037069
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536031241
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536035768
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536037083
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536031289
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536035805
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536037120
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536037137
    PED3-027-600-18

    00847536031302
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536035829
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536037144
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536031326
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536035843
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536037168
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536031340
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536035867
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536037182
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536031364
    PED3-027-600-50

    00847536035881
    PED3-027-600-50

    00847536037205
    PED3-027-600-50

    What to Do

    Do not use and return all unused Pipeline Vantage 027 devices.
    Read updated instructions before using Pipeline Vantage 021 devices.   

    On January 30, 2025, Medtronic Neurovascular sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions:
    For affected Pipeline Vantage 027 devices

    Do not use any affected Pipeline Vantage 027. 
    Remove and quarantine all unused affected products. 
    Return affected products to Medtronic with help from your Medtronic representative, who can also help identify suitable replacement products if needed.

    For affected Pipeline Vantage 021
    Download and review labeling updates M067713CDOC2 Rev. A (01/2025) (or M056989CDOC2 Rev. A) for the Pipeline Vantage 021 device. The updated Instructions for Use (IFU) was provided by Medtronic with the letter to healthcare providers and is also available on the Medtronic manuals website at: https://manuals.medtronic.com/manuals/. These instructions should be used when completing any future procedures with Pipeline Vantage 021. 
    The updates aim to help achieve optimal device size selection and stent braid deployment to reduce the risk of complications and patient harms by lowering the incidence of incomplete wall apposition and/or braid deformation. Revisions to the instructions include:

    Considerations to appropriately select device diameter and length accounting for complex anatomy.
    Techniques to deploy Pipeline Vantage compared to Pipeline Shield using a balance of device tension and compression, aiming to achieve adequate wall apposition and in complex vessel anatomies (e.g., tortuous vessels).
    Warnings about the consequences of incomplete wall apposition and suboptimal deployment as well as the increased risk of braid deformation in females, especially in females younger than 45 years of age.

    For all affected devices
    Complete the Customer Confirmation Form included with the letter and email it to neuro.quality@medtronic.com.
    For patients who have already been treated with Pipeline Vantage 027 and 021 devices
    The treating physician should determine the need for follow-up imaging or changes to medical management based on the patient’s overall health. This includes weighing the risks of dual antiplatelet therapy against potential risks for braid deformation. 
    Reason for Recall and Updates to Use Instructions   
    Medtronic Neurovascular is recalling 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices and updating use instructions for 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices due to reports of a higher incidence of the flexible, braided tube part of the device failing to properly attach or stay attached to the blood vessel wall (incomplete wall apposition and/or braid deformation) during and after procedures using these devices. Incomplete wall apposition and braid deformation, also sometimes called fish-mouthing, braid narrowing, or braid collapse, are known risks of these devices. The risks were higher in females, especially those younger than 45 years of age.  
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including thrombosis, stroke, or death.
    There have been thirteen reported injuries and four reports of death related to the 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device. There have been four reported injuries and no reports of death related to the 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device. 
    Device Use 
    Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices with Shield Technology are used to treat bulges in the artery walls (aneurysms) of the brain. These devices are inserted into the blood vessels (endovascular) through a small catheter and delivered to the aneurysm location, where a small, braided tube is placed to block off blood flow to the bulging area. 
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact their local Medtronic representative or Medtronic Quality Assurance at rs.nvquality@medtronic.com or 1-800-633-8766.
    Additional FDA Resources 

    FDA’s Enforcement Report

    Medical Device Recall Database

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI) 
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem? 
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/18/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week Nine Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    We’re in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session, and things are getting down to the wire. Last Thursday was Crossover Day, the last chance for bills to clear their first major hurdle. With less than 10 legislative days left, Senate Republicans are doubling down to push through real, commonsense legislation that puts Georgians first and stands up to the continued nonsense coming from the radical left.

    Over the next three weeks, we’ll work in House committees to get Senate bills across the finish line. That means defending Georgia values, making our communities safer, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and pushing back against the destructive policies that have left hard-working Georgians struggling to make ends meet. I’m proud to report that my bill, SB 35, made it through the House Committee on Insurance and is one step closer to becoming law. This legislation increases the number of days’ notice required to be given to a policyholder before the nonrenewal of their homeowners’ insurance policy, which helps Georgians maintain coverage and address any concerns with their provider. SB 35’s progress is a win for our district, and I’ll keep you updated as we get it over the finish line.

    On Thursday, the Senate took up the House’s budget recommendations for 2025-2026. Let’s be clear: this is your money. You work hard to put food on the table, and it’s our job to make sure the government isn’t wasting a single penny of it. Our Senate Appropriations Subcommittees focus on holding agencies accountable and making sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. We’re cutting waste, prioritizing law enforcement and ensuring your kids can get their education safely.

    Beyond the budget, we ramped up committee work to pass meaningful, conservative legislation. I supported House Bill 182 in the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. This bill, originally introduced by Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee), would ensure that group life insurance policies cannot exclude active-duty service members solely based on that military status. Currently, an active-duty service member can get into an accident driving to the grocery store but lack coverage by group life insurance. This legislation streamlines insurance policies so that normal incidents affecting everyday Georgians will also be protected for the men and women actively serving our country. This is exactly the type of policy we need, emphasizing real solutions to real problems.

    I’m also carrying House Bill 81 to better support the mental health of our students. HB 81 allows Georgia to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, making it easier for skilled professionals outside the state to fill the gaps in our schools. Many students lack access to mental health resources, particularly in rural areas, and this bill is a critical step toward improving the quality of care for students statewide.

    Finally, the Senate proudly welcomed our United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to the State Capitol. Secretary Rollins held a round table with state legislators to hear about issues affecting Georgia’s farmers and ranchers, including H-2A policies, which govern the temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers. We also discussed President Donald J. Trump’s planned tariffs, with Secretary Rollins assuring our farmers that Georgia’s agricultural community will likely receive assistance to protect our state’s strong interstate and global trade relations. In combination with federal disaster relief soon headed to revitalize areas affected by Hurricane Helene, Secretary Rollins’ visit proves promising for the future of our rural communities, and I wish her the best in her new role.

    Whether it’s small business owners, law enforcement officers, or hard-working Georgians just trying to make a living, your voices are why I’m here. We need more of you stepping up, speaking out, and staying engaged because the fight for Georgia’s future isn’t just happening at the Capitol—it’s happening in our communities, our schools and at our kitchen tables.

    With just a few weeks left in this session, if you have concerns, ideas, or just want to know more about what’s happening under the Gold Dome, reach out. Your voice matters, and I’m here to make sure it’s heard.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Carr, Lecturer in History and Politics, Anglia Ruskin University

    The Blue Water Bridge border crossing connects Michigan in the US with Ontario in Canada. ehrlif/Shutterstock

    During his election campaign, US president Donald Trump claimed the word tariff is “more beautiful than ‘love’”. Now in office, Trump has targeted his closest neighbours and trading partners with those self same policies. He initially concentrated his levies on Canada, China and Mexico – two of which share land borders with the US – before implementing blanket tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports.

    History shows us the impacts these policies can have. In 1932, during Neville Chamberlain’s time as British chancellor, the country slapped what became 40% levies on key exports (including cattle, butter and other agricultural products) from the then Irish Free State. These were promptly met by Irish retaliation on British goods including coal and steel.

    A trade war ensued – and lasted in some form for almost six years.

    As with Trump today, raising tariffs is often partly about some other policy goal. As far as the British-Irish trade war goes, I show in my new book Britain and Ireland From the Treaty to the Troubles that the initial beef (pun intended) was over a decades-long debt obligation. These annuities, as they were known, were predominantly owed by Irish farmers to Anglo-Irish landowners, and were widely disliked.

    In early 1932 Éamon de Valera secured electoral victory in Ireland for his Fianna Fáil party, partly on the basis of refusing to hand over this money. At £5 million, it was a significant sum for a government that took in around £25 million annually.

    Instead, de Valera planned to use the annuities for domestic purposes. He wanted to reward his agricultural and working-class electoral bases principally in Ireland’s west, as well as win over new voters with the nationalist and anti-English nature of his message.

    The legality of the annuities dispute was ambiguous. But de Valera withheld the money, and to recoup the missing millions the British imposed tariffs and punitive quotas. This was swiftly followed by retaliatory measures from Dublin – just as Trump’s moves have seen reaction from abroad.

    The stakes were high. A massive 92% of Irish exports went to the UK, and civil servants in Dublin fretted about the knock-on effects. In the short term, they were right to. Exports of cattle, bacon and other goods collapsed, and emergency domestic subsidy was needed to plug the gap.

    Irish attempts to land a major trade deal with the US by way of compensation went nowhere, and Britain remained its key customer for decades.

    Yet, unlike Trump, de Valera had a clear end goal into which the tariff war fitted rather well. He wanted to retool Irish farming away from livestock towards crops, and invest in Ireland’s nascent industry elsewhere. This included expanding the country’s energy independence and kick-starting its manufacturing sector.

    The retained annuities and the increased political capital his government gained from the trade war both helped with these objectives.

    It took until about 1937, after two more election wins and a referendum victory for de Valera, for British leaders to accept that the Irish public broadly backed their leader. They realised that a bilateral agreement was necessary.

    The dispute was finally ended in April 1938. As the ink dried on a deal that saw tariffs dropped in exchange for a one-off payment from Dublin and the return of three ports to Ireland, the British media hailed the achievement of Chamberlain – now prime minister.

    But this reaction also tells us something. Initially, Chamberlain was portrayed as a genius who had clearly won. But then critics pointed to it being a rather better deal for de Valera (the £10 million one-off sum was nowhere near the £100 million the British had a nominal claim for).

    In this new stance, it had been a great deal precisely because Chamberlain had been so magnanimous. A terrible deal was actually a great deal. Some of that mentality could be seen in reactions to the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler a few months later.

    All told, the consequences had been significant. Perhaps 3% of the Irish economy was lost.

    In the meantime, Irish immigration to Britain consequently ticked up as people looked for work. Smuggling at the Northern Irish border ballooned, leading to additional costs to police a frontier where cattle were hurried across unmanned fields and rivers to avoid the tariff.

    Guinness even moved production to London in order to avoid future tariffs.
    gabriel12/Shutterstock

    Major Irish-based industry, including Guinness and Ford, moved operations to the London periphery (Park Royal and Dagenham respectively) to avoid any future duties. Although Ford kept some tractor production in Cork in the south of Ireland, for large parts of its European and imperial business the only way was now Essex.

    All this meant economic dislocation and diplomatic animosity at a point where the geopolitical outlook was troubled – not an unfamiliar story. Although Ireland remained neutral during the second world war – the ultimate show for de Valera of its independence – intelligence cooperation and the service of Irish men and women in the Allied war effort illustrated that the two countries just about muddled through.

    But today, tariffs provoking wider turmoil remains a big worry. As former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau noted, Trump’s actions are “a very dumb thing to do” and could lead to “exactly what our opponents around the world want to see … a dispute between two friends and neighbours”.

    Trump may also be wise to note that de Valera’s position was bolstered when he could claim that he was being bullied by a more powerful neighbour. In the past few weeks, the Canadian Liberal Party has surged back in the polls, partly on the back of the same dynamics. The little guy sometimes swings back.

    Richard Carr 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. What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s – https://theconversation.com/what-trump-could-learn-from-the-british-and-irish-trade-war-of-the-1930s-252128

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to benefit from creative education boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Young people to benefit from creative education boost

    New package announced to support young people to access high-quality arts education and enrichment activities as well as AI and tech opportunities.

    Young people across the country will have greater access to high-quality arts education, wider creative and sporting activities as well as opportunities to gain in-demand skills in AI and tech under plans announced today (18 March) by the Education Secretary.

    The announcements will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change to break the link between background and success, driving high and rising school standards so every child can achieve and thrive. 

    The plans include the development of a National Centre for Arts & Music Education which will promote opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of music hubs. An Enrichment Framework will also be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts, covering a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sport to debating and volunteering. Alongside this, a new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will advise the government on what changes can be made to prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future.

    It comes as the curriculum and assessment review expert panel, led by Professor Becky Francis, publishes its interim report and sets out its next steps to develop a curriculum and assessment system that will set young people up with the essential knowledge they need for life and work. 

    The Education Secretary has also confirmed today that compulsory tests, checks and assessments that ensure children leave primary school with solid foundations in reading, writing and maths will remain a core part of the curriculum and assessment system. This is in recognition of the role they play in providing crucial information to schools, parents and government on pupils’ progress and helping to close the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    I welcome the important progress Becky Francis and her expert review are making to drive forward work to take the curriculum into the modern era and help deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.

    That means keeping what’s working and evolving what’s not. The report is clear on the importance of primary school assessment, which are simply non-negotiable if we are going to keep pushing standards up for every child and close the attainment gap.

    High standards must also mean greater opportunities and a curriculum fit for the world of today and tomorrow. Our new National Centre for Arts and Music, alongside a renewed focus on giving young people the AI and technical skills they need, are significant steps on the path to making sure every child, wherever they grow up, leaves school truly ready for life and work.

    Plans announced today include:

    • The appointment of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support the delivery of high-quality arts education through a new online training offer for teachers, promoting opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of Music Hubs – and boost partnerships between schools and cultural providers.
    • To support schools to offer pupils high-quality creative and other extra-curricular activities, a new Enrichment Framework will be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts. The Framework is expected to cover a wide range of activities which could be anything from sport to gardening, board games to school bands, or debating to volunteering.
    • A new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will also be established. The group will advise the government on what changes can be made to improve the AI and digital skills talent pipeline, prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future, and drive better teaching and learning through the use of AI and Technology. The group will report to the Education Secretary before the end of the academic year.

    Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: 

    Arts and music bring people together and are enjoyed by communities across the country. We want every child and young person to have equal opportunities to access a high quality arts and music education, to ensure creativity can be explored by all and not just the privileged few.

    The government’s new National Centre for Arts and Music Education will ensure more children and young people’s untapped potential can be unleashed, improving the pipeline of talent for our world class creative industries.

    Darren Henley CBE, CEO of Arts Council England said:

    This bold innovation will nurture England’s next generation of creators, performers and audiences, levelling the playing field for all young people whatever their background. Subjects like art and design, dance, drama and music are central to every child’s education. They come with the added bonus of equipping young people for life by boosting their creativity, their confidence and their social skills. A National Centre for Arts and Music Education is a vital initiative, and we welcome it wholeheartedly.

    Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-CEO, National Theatre 

    Access to excellent arts teaching and experiences at school should be a right for all young people to fuel a creative nation. The National Theatre welcomes today’s announcement from the Department for Education that it will establish a new National Centre for Arts & Music Education, recognising the need to support high quality arts provision in schools. We look forward to consulting with the DfE on the remit of the new Centre and its relationship to the arts sector. It’s brilliant to see the Government’s clear focus on the value of the arts in schools and the need to ensure equity of access for all young people.

    Ruth Marvel OBE – CEO The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

    Enrichment activities and high-quality personal development are a crucial part of a well-balanced, enriched education for all young people – helping them to develop essential skills for life and work, explore their individual interests and talents, and build meaningful relationships with trusted adults and peers. 

    We are therefore delighted that Government has responded to calls from DofE, NCS and our partners across the youth and education sectors and today announced it will develop an enrichment framework. The framework, together with best practice guidance and benchmarks, will support schools and colleges to deliver a high-quality enrichment offer for all young people. We look forward to working with the Government, alongside other expert partners, to develop this essential framework.

    The plans come alongside wider measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to deliver high-quality teachers in every classroom, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving every child and young person the best life chances.

    Last year the government launched a Review of the curriculum and assessment system, led by Professor Becky Francis, to look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

    The curriculum and assessment review interim report highlights the value of primary assessment, citing its importance in supporting children’s transition from primary to secondary, establishing whether children have learned the national curriculum and the role of assessment in holding schools to account.

    Alongside the review, the government is also continuing to drive high and rising school standards so every family can be confident they have access to a good local school for their child.

    This includes through the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which will ensure there are high-quality teachers in every classroom, there is a floor on pay and no ceiling, so all teachers can rely on a core offer and all schools can innovate to attract and retain the best talent.

    These measures, alongside new regional improvement teams and Ofsted reforms, will make sure every child has an education as good as the best.

    The bill will also ensure that, once the curriculum has been revised to take account of the recommendations of the review, all state schools – including academies who currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16. This will give parents certainty over their children’s education and allow all children to benefit from the strengthened curriculum, whatever type of school they go to.

    Notes to Editors

    • Primary school tests and assessments include the phonics screening check (taken in year 1 at age five or six), the multiplication tables check, (taken in year 4 at aged eight or nine) as well as maths, reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling tests and assessments taken in year 6 (aged 10 or 11 just before pupils leave primary school).

    • The National Centre for Arts and Music is expected to be established in September 2026, with a delivery lead appointed through an open procurement. It will be expected to:
      • Promote arts education – including signposting to industry-backed careers guidance, and to opportunities to support children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school, including through our national network of Music Hubs.
      • Support excellent arts teaching – through a new online CPD offer for primary and secondary school teachers, and support to access the brilliant teacher development provision available from cultural providers.
      • Support partnerships – bolstering collaboration between schools and the many arts and cultural organisations with fantastic offers for children and young people, to maximise those opportunities for the most children, no matter where they live.
    • The DfE, working closely with DCMS, has committed to publishing the new Enrichment Framework by the end of the year. Building on the work of the sector, we will develop the framework alongside a working group consisting of experts from schools, youth, sports and arts organisations and research bodies. The framework will highlight effective practice on enrichment by:
      • identifying and reflecting practice in the best schools to set out what a high-quality enrichment offer looks like – we will consider with the sector whether standardised benchmarks and tools can form a useful part of that support.
      • providing advice for schools with how to plan a high-quality enrichment offer more strategically and intentionally and how to make use of specific programmes to increase access to sport and arts
    • The new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group will advise on how  the school and college education system in England can ensure that every child and young person is equipped to thrive in an AI and digital world, creating strong foundations for access to more specialist AI and digital pathways and making the most of the opportunities to use AI and educational technology to drive better teaching and learning. We intend that this work will commence shortly and conclude before the end of the academic year.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen Foster, Associate Professor, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University

    Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable.

    A recent Angus Reid poll found three in four Canadians want to see the country’s military strengthened in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st state. In early March, former prime minister Justin Trudeau committed publicly to increasing military spending.

    While it makes sense for a country feeling vulnerable to invasion to look at recruiting new soldiers and increasing its arsenal, there is an additional facet of national defence that is too often overlooked: food preparedness.

    Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are already “stoking a new nationalism” in Canadians and sparking interest in buying local, but food should be part of the national defence conversation, too.

    The double edge of globalization

    The globalization of food systems, in Canada and the rest of the world, has intensified since the Second World War. This has brought some benefits, such as year-round access to fresh produce, but it has also made Canada’s food systems vulnerable to the whims of its trading partners.

    Academics focused on food security and sovereignty have long raised concerns about import-dependence on key nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.

    Even in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic shone a harsh light on food supply chains in Canada, research showed that the production of fresh produce was declining while imports were increasing.

    Now, faced with both a trade war and annexation threats, Canada must confront whether its domestic food systems can feed its population in a crisis — economic, political, environmental or otherwise.

    Food systems and national defence

    Trade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Some, like Sweden, are making plans to take stock of the capacity and resilience of their food systems, and actively working toward a system that can sustain the lives of their citizens in a crisis.

    Sweden’s total goods trade accounted for 67 per cent of its GDP in 2023, compared to Canada’s 53 per cent. Despite its high level of trade dependence, Sweden has put food at the heart of the country’s total defence approach to national security.

    Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems.

    The Swedish government, in its defence resolution, states: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.”

    This approach is not focused only on individual or household levels of preparedness — that is, whether people have enough in their pantries — but also includes the overall preparedness of the systems that produce, process and distribute food.

    Canada, with its heavy reliance on global trade and the U.S. as a primary trading partner, would do well to take note.

    Food sovereignty in Canada

    There are hundreds of scholars and thousands of community entities working to make Canada’s food systems more sustainable and resilient in the face of financialization, farmland consolidation and the globalization of supply chains.

    In Québec, for example, there is a growing movement to mobilize and empower producers, community entities, the agrifood sector, policymakers and additional stakeholders to build more resilient, territorial food systems across the province.



    Read more:
    Making our food fairer: Don’t Call Me Resilient EP 12

    Canadian experts play a key role in global discussions on food systems resilience, with scholars contributing to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s Building Resilient Food Systems draft report. This report is designed to help countries make their food systems more resilient, equitable and sustainable.

    Yet Canada’s efforts are not co-ordinated, empowered or moving fast enough in the push for greater food sovereignty. The point is not to abandon trade, but to manage it more strategically.

    Both international and domestic markets are crucial for Canadian farmers, and many local companies are devoted to importing everyday goods like coffee, tea and bananas under fair trade and agroecological conditions.

    Trade relations, however, are about more than economics; they involve building political partnerships with Mexico, the European Union, Asian countries and beyond — something Canada needs now more than ever.

    Sweden has already recognized this. Its food preparedness strategy involves deepening co-operation with like-minded Nordic countries and collaborating around the supply, transport, stockpiling and testing of food.

    Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

    To ensure Canada can feed itself in a crisis, the government must invest in domestic production, processing and distribution infrastructure. This would create more efficient, connected local markets that removes some of the burden of buying local from individuals.



    Read more:
    Boycotting U.S. products allows Canadians to take a rare political stand in their daily lives

    The Canadian government must also promote diversification in production and export. Canada needs to move away from monoculture farming and toward more regional networks and agroecological approaches. These approaches are more resilient to both crops themselves and the diverse markets they open up, reducing Canada’s dependence on single trading partners like the U.S.

    Key agricultural policies such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership need to go beyond the long-standing focus on prioritizing export markets. They must also invest in infrastructure and partnerships in Canada to strengthen their support of Canadian producers, ranchers, fisheries and food system players at home, to help them work together at a regional scale.

    Correcting power imbalances in our food systems is also critical. Greater local and regional autonomy over how food is produced, processed and distributed would help with this. These strategies would make Canada less vulnerable to supply chain disruption.

    Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.

    But while we fight annexation from the kitchen table, we must recognize it doesn’t start there; it starts at a higher level. Only better policy, infrastructure and systemic change can prepare Canada to be more proactive and resilient in the face of world crises — economic or otherwise.

    Karen Foster receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She is the director of the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

    Alicia Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

    Gavin Fridell receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. He is a member of the Trade and Investment Research Project at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

    Kathleen Kevany receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, for the Food Impact Network research and knowledge mobilization for the handbook of sustainable diets; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for food waste prevention work, and Mitacs for internships on food procurement and food environment analysis.

    I am advised to Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) an NGO.

    – ref. Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence – https://theconversation.com/why-canada-must-treat-its-food-system-as-a-matter-of-national-defence-251118

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis this afternoon.

    The leaders discussed the Coalition of the Willing call that the Prime Minister chaired on Saturday, and both leaders agreed that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.

    The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Mitsotakis on the upcoming military planning meeting taking place this week in the UK.

    He reiterated that Europe’s defence and security is paramount, and both leaders agreed that the political momentum must continue to achieve a peace that will be secure and that will last.

    The Prime Minister underscored that the ball is in President Putin’s court and that Russia must come to the table to accept the US ceasefire deal.

    They agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Lord Mayor Designate announced

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Lord Mayor Designate Councillor Kathy Watkin has announced that Councillor Chip Tofan will be her Deputy for the year.

    Chip was born in Iasi, Romania, graduating from Iasi Gheorghe Ashachi University, with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and now runs his own business providing consultancy services.

    Chip was first elected to Plymouth City Council in May 2022, representing Eggbuckland Ward.

    During his time as a councillor, Chip has been a member of different committees including Scrutiny, Licensing, Natural Infrastructure and the Growth Scrutiny Panel.

    Councillor Tofan said: “I am really pleased that Kathy has asked me to be her Deputy for the next year, I look forward to joining her at civic events and meeting residents of Plymouth, it truly is an honour.

    “I am happy to extend my passion for helping the community from the Eggbuckland ward to the wider community.”

    Lord Mayor Designate, Councillor Kathy Watkin, said: “I am thrilled that Chip has agreed to be my Deputy for the next year, I look forward to us working together.

    “I have known Chip for many years as a friendly, community minded gentleman.

    “Of Romanian heritage, he gained his UK citizenship in Plymouth. As such, he is uniquely placed to understand the challenges facing people of diverse languages and cultures we welcome to Plymouth and can demonstrate that with hard work and commitment anyone can achieve their goals in this great city.

    “Although a relative newcomer to Plymouth City Council he is very enthusiastic about the challenge offered by being Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth and will be a huge support to me in my mayoral year.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –