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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of Missing Windsor Soldier of World War One Identified in Belgium

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Grave of Missing Windsor Soldier of World War One Identified in Belgium

    More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Corporal of Horse (CoH) Charles Edward Dean has finally been identified and marked.

    The headstone of Corporal of Horse Dean (Crown Copyright)

    A rededication service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium, this morning (18 March 25). 

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of Charles Dean’s grave. In rededicating his grave today, we have reunited his mortal remains with his name, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

    Corporal of Horse Charles Edward Dean, 1877 – 13 May 1915 

    Charles Edward Dean was born in 1877 to James Albert Dean and his wife Fanny, in Wiltshire. James was a boiler maker, and Charles grew up with six siblings – four older and two younger. 

    In 1900 Charles joined the Household Cavalry, signing up for 12 years long service with the Life Guards on 9 March. He had been promoted to the rank of Corporal by the time he married Ada Josephine Taylor in Rotherhithe on 25 April 1908. Shortly after the wedding Charles and Ada moved to Windsor where they had four children together – Edward born in 1908, Ada in 1910 (who died in infancy), Elsie in 1912 and Charles who was born two weeks after his father’s death in May 1915. 

    Being a regular soldier, Charles was put into action quickly on the outbreak of war in 1914, and we know that the first detachment of the 2nd Life Guards sailed for Belgium on 6 October 1914. By May 1915 the Life Guards were in the Ieper (Ypres) area, digging trenches and receiving instruction on how to use gas masks, following the first use of gas in the area just a few weeks earlier. On the night of 12 -13 May they were tasked with relieving The Buffs from the trenches near Potijze. The Battalion War Diary is scant on information about what happened that night, but in total 35 men of the 2nd Life Guards lost their lives on these two days, Charles being one of them. Half of these men have no known grave to this day. 

    In July 1921 a casualty of the war was discovered by the teams looking for field graves. His resting place was not marked in anyway, but was near Crump Farm, between Potijze and Verlorenhoek. The team responsible for documenting the discovery of the body and ensuring his reburial could find nothing to identify him by name, so they recorded instead that he was an unknown Serjeant Major of the 2nd Life Guards – a description they derived from his clothing, the crown and chevrons on his uniform, and his numerals. Two other men from the 2nd Life Guards were also recovered from the same spot. All three were buried a few miles from where they were found at Bedford House Cemetery. Only one of the three was identified by name, Lance Corporal WH Butler who was carrying a disc with his name on it. The third man had only a numeral which meant he could be identified as a member of the 2nd Life Guards, but no rank could be attributed to him. 

    In 2020 a case was submitted to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in which a researcher claimed to have identified the unknown ‘Sergeant Major’. They correctly pointed out that this rank does not exist in the Household Cavalry, but that the same insignia can be attributed to the rank of Corporal of Horse. Research showed that only one man of this rank was missing in this area at this time, and as such he could be identified as Charles Edward Dean. 

    The service was supported by serving soldiers of the Household Cavalry.

    Captain Charles Carr-Smith, Musician Benjamin Kinch, Padre Thomas Sander & Captain Henry Tregear of the Household Cavalry (Crown Copyright)

    The service was conducted by the Reverend Tom Sander, Chaplain to The Household Cavalry. 

    The Reverend Sander said: 

    It is an honour to officiate at these services of rededication for fallen servicemen who gave their lives in the service of our country. In these services we unite their final resting place with their earthly name and, what was once known only to God, is now known in the sign of all. May their names be held in everlasting remembrance, and may they rest in peace and rise in glory.

    The headstone was replaced by CWGC. Director for the Central and Southern Europe Area at the CWGC, Xavier Puppinck, said: 

    We are honoured to mark the final resting place of Corporal of Horse Charles Edward Dean. We thank the researcher and all those involved who helped to confirm Corporal Dean’s previously unmarked grave. His sacrifice is now formally recognised with a new headstone, and we are committed to preserving his grave, along with those of his comrades, in perpetuity.

    Corporal of Horse Dean’s family stand with the Military Party behind his headstone (Crown Copyright)

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update which remains critical to improving human rights in Venezuela and ensuring accountability.

    The human rights situation in Venezuela remains grave. Over seven months have passed since the presidential election, and the Venezuelan authorities have still not produced any credible evidence of votes cast. The subsequent repression against political figures, journalists, trade unionists, and civil society continues. This has contributed to a culture of fear as fundamental freedoms continue to be eroded.

    The continued reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and deaths in detention are alarming and unacceptable. Despite some conditional releases, over 1,000 Venezuelans and foreign nationals remain arbitrarily detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.

    We continue to support a Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that will respect each and every vote cast on 28 July. Venezuela needs a strong civil society and tolerance for democratic opposition to support democratic normalisation.

    Señora Valiñas,

    What is your assessment of the state of civic space in Venezuela and what are your recommendations to address this?

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Surge of Right-Wing Politics, Online Hate, Patriarchy Fuelling Violence Against Women, Commission Told

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Commission on the Status of Women held an interactive dialogue today on gender-based violence, stigma, and stereotypes, focusing on the role of men and boys in ending the crisis, policy and legal responses to technology-facilitated violence, and the growing threat to women’s rights amid a “resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics”.

    The Commission’s two-week annual session has centered on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 conference on women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights.  Two other interactive dialogues were held today on accountability and on the role of the Commission on the Status of Women in implementing the Platform for Action. 

    Delphine Schantz, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), moderating the first interactive dialogue, said that every 10 minutes a woman or girl is killed “by someone close to her”.  A third of women killed by intimate partners had previously reported some form of violence.  She emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about necessary societal changes and to lead the implementation of effective prevention policies, including measures to combat the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

    Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

    Emma Fulu, the Equality Institute, stated that the most effective national action plans adopt a holistic approach to combat gender-based violence, integrating prevention, response, early intervention, and a strong emphasis on healing and justice.  National plans are often laid out in “beautiful documents” but lack clear, dedicated budgets for implementation.  “And we know that prevention requires sustained, long-term investment,” she stressed.  It is important to continue to learn “what’s working and what’s not”, she went on to say. From Fiji to Peru, she said, civil society and women’s organizations have been instrumental in ensuring that national plans deliver and Governments are held accountable.

    Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

    Selma Hadžihalilović, CURE Foundation, warned that “women face attacks by religious groups and increasing religious fundamentalism in our region”, also noting widespread discrimination and stigma against gender-based violence survivors, women and girls from LGBT communities, and women and girls with disabilities.  “We have to work on strengthening our institutions and support systems,” she said.  Additionally, despite some progress, women’s representation in political decision-making processes remains inadequate.  “As we say in Bosnia, you always make one step forward and two steps back,” she stated, calling for comprehensive legal reforms that effectively outlaw gender-based violence and all forms of violence against women. 

    Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

    Clarice Tavares, InternetLab, said that technology-facilitated gender-based violence takes many forms, including political violence against women and the non-consensual dissemination of images.  In Brazil’s last local elections women — who only made up 15 per cent of the candidates running — received nearly 70 per cent of the offensive and aggressive comments on social media.  “It has become clear that women running for public office are unequally target,” she said.  Men receive negative comments based on their political actions, but women are attacked because of their bodies and their personal lives.  Online violence has direct and profound consequences on women’s lives.  In Brazil, criminal laws focused on addressing different forms of online gender-based violence have passed in recent years, almost all of them named after survivors.  However, there is a lack of trust in the system, she said, also urging the need to hold platforms accountable. 

    Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

    Laisa Bulatale, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, said that Pacific women and girls face some of the highest levels of violence in the world. An estimated 60 per cent of women and girls have experienced violence by intimate partner and family member.  Men make up over 90 per cent of perpetrators of violence against women and girls.  “Violence against women and girls is reinforced by community acceptance, deep rooted gender stereotypes, harmful social norms and practices and impunity for perpetrators,” she emphasized.  The root cause of violence against women and girls is negative patriarchal values.  Without this recognition and understanding, approaches and intervention to engage men and boys will not work and will only exacerbate harmful social norms.  The Fiji Government’s national action plan on preventing violence against women and girls recognizes patriarchy as a root cause of violence in its official documents.  “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable,” she added.

    Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights 

    “Around the world, we are witnessing a resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics that actively undermines women’s rights,” said Joy Watson, Coalition of Feminists for Social Change.  She warned that women’s rights organizations are under attack globally — many are being forced to shut down, while others are expected to do more with fewer resources, struggling to “make money stretch” as the scale and complexity of gender-based violence continue to grow.  Women’s rights organizations are invaluable in bringing evidence-based insights into the design of policies.  “If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we need more than just words — we need funding that matches the scale of the crisis,” she said.  Women’s organizations need accountability that doesn’t buckle under political pressure.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand USDA Reverse $1 Billion in Canceled Local Food Purchases for Maine Schools, Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King is demanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reverse its cancelation of food purchase programs for food banks, schools and childcare centers in Maine and across the United States. In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins from King and a number of his colleagues, the Senators said the reported $1 billion in cancelled purchases by the USDA adds further pain at a time of high food prices and instability within U.S. agricultural markets. 

    “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation…poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.” 

    In Maine, cancelation of purchases through USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) puts more than $1.3 million in local food purchases for food-insecure Maine people at risk in Fiscal Year 2025. 

    “At Good Shepherd Food Bank, we use LFPA funding to purchase fresh local produce from dozens of Maine farmers,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “The reduction of these funds will have a significant negative impact on farmers who plan on this income continuity, and neighbors who benefit from this nutritious local produce. We appreciate [Senator King’s] consideration for reinstating this LFPA25 extension.”

    “The Maine School Nutrition Association would like to extend their gratitude and support of the letter that Senator King has sent to the USDA asking to reinstate Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) funds,” said Caroline Trinder, Maine School Nutrition Association President Elect. “These funds have been beneficial to both our students and farmers, with 119 districts in all 16 counties in Maine buying local. School districts have been able to source local fish, beef, dairy, and produce from our farmers and fishermen here in Maine. This food provides our children healthy, minimally processed foods that we are proud to serve in our cafeterias! Thank you, Senator King, for advocating for our students and farmers!”

    The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Rollins:  

    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers.  

    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities.  

    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  

    1.        What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?  

    2.        Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  

    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  

    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Announces Promotion of IRS Whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – At the urging of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the U.S. Department of Treasury has agreed to promote Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler to leadership positions at Treasury Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    Under the Biden administration, Shapley and Ziegler were issued an illegal gag order and persistently retaliated against for exposing the Biden IRS and Department of Justice (DOJ)’s obstruction of the federal criminal investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax offenses. Grassley wrote President Donald Trump last month urging the President to support Shapley and Ziegler and hold their retaliators accountable. On February 25, Grassley sent a private letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commending Shapley and Ziegler’s “bravery, courage, expertise and integrity” and requesting Bessent take action to place Shapley and Ziegler in leadership positions. Today’s announcement is a result of Grassley’s direct request.

    “As I noted in my letter to Secretary Bessent last month, if we reinstate whistleblowers who have been retaliated against, it will send a clear signal that pointing out wrongdoing is an honorable thing to do. It will help change the culture of our bureaucracy. I’m very grateful to Secretary Bessent for supporting Gary and Joe, and I have no doubt they will be a boon to the Treasury Department in their new roles,” Grassley said. “Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler put their entire careers on the line to stand up for the truth, and instead of being thanked, the Biden administration treated them like skunks at a picnic. Far too many whistleblowers share a similar experience of retaliation. I hope today is the first of many redemption stories for whistleblowers who’ve been mistreated. By taking a stand for whistleblowers, President Trump and his cabinet are ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability.”

    “I am pleased to welcome Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler to the Treasury Department, where they will help us drive much-needed cultural reform within the IRS,” Bessent said. “These veteran civil servants join us to help further the agency’s focus on collections, modernization, and customer service, so we can deliver a more effective and efficient IRS experience for hardworking American taxpayers. I appreciate Senator Grassley’s efforts in Congress to support whistleblower protections in order to improve transparency, accountability and root out the culture of retaliation.”

    “We are enormously grateful to Secretary Bessent, Senator Grassley, and all of the members of Congress for their leadership and trust,” Shapley and Ziegler said. “We have been motivated by one singular mantra: do what’s right, and do it the right way. It has not been easy, but having a clear conscience is worth the effort. We appreciate the opportunity Secretary Bessent is giving us to put our experience and firsthand knowledge to good use for the American people to eliminate waste and reform the IRS.”

    Background:

    Grassley first began investigating the Biden family in 2019, issuing two reports on his findings. While questioning then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in the Senate Judiciary Committee in March 2023, Grassley exposed, for the first time ever, that Special Counsel David Weiss’ investigation into Hunter Biden was not fully insulated from political interference. That exchange opened the door for new whistleblower disclosures to Congress about political decision-making in the Weiss investigation.

    In June 2023, Grassley wrote to the DOJ Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the IRS requesting an investigation into allegations of retaliation against Shapley and Ziegler and IRS attempts to silence the whistleblowers through the use of an unlawful nondisclosure agreement (gag order). In July 2023, Grassley also requested the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) take appropriate disciplinary actions against all employees who engaged in unlawful retaliation and attempts to silence Shapley and Ziegler. In response, OSC confirmed it had opened an investigation into the whistleblower retaliation allegations. Further, the IRS updated its nondisclosure agreement to clarify whistleblowers’ right to make legally protected disclosures to Congress.

    Grassley once again wrote the IRS in April 2024 to push for corrective action against employees who continued to retaliate against Shapley and Ziegler for making legally protected disclosures to Congress. He also highlighted Shapley and Ziegler’s courageous work in a letter to President Trump requesting the President hold a Rose Garden Ceremony to honor and thank whistleblowers.

    Grassley is the current chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He is also the creator of the modern-day IRS Whistleblower Program, which has since brought back over $6 billion to the U.S. Treasury.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Bryukhanov took part in the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 18, 2025, a plenary session of the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was held, in which the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov took part.

    The congress was attended by about 1,300 people, including major entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses from all over the country, heads of ministries and departments, and political figures.

    The congress discussed key areas of interaction between business and the state, as well as initiatives of the business community aimed at achieving national development goals and implementing national projects.

    The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session, and in his speech he raised the issues of the return of Western companies to Russia, free trade, privatization, inflation, adaptation to sanctions, and others.

    “It is important that during this time, domestic entrepreneurs have learned to work under sanctions, adapted to them, thought through and launched alternative mechanisms for cooperation with foreign partners, with those who want to work with us. In addition, sanctions have become a kind of even additional catalyst for positive structural changes in our economy, including in the financial and technological spheres, and in many other key areas,” said Vladimir Vladimirovich.

    The President also noted that “sanctions are not temporary or targeted measures, they are a mechanism of systemic, strategic pressure on our country,” and warned that one should no longer count on complete freedom of payments and capital flows in the world.

    In addition, Vladimir Putin instructed the government to prepare rules for the return of Western companies to Russia with guarantees of conscientious fulfillment of obligations by Western businessmen.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/18/2025

    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 Canada: Saskatchewan Crowns Support Local Steel Jobs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 18, 2025

    The province’s Crown corporations are buying Saskatchewan steel to support local jobs, with thousands of pounds of steel and more than a hundred kilometres of pipe recently procured from EVRAZ Steel. 

    “The Government of Saskatchewan will always stand up for Saskatchewan’s interests, focusing on pragmatic and sensible solutions, while protecting our jobs, economy and residents,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “By prioritizing the purchasing of local steel for SaskPower and SaskEnergy infrastructure projects, we are helping to keep over 400 hardworking Saskatchewan people on the job right here in Regina.”

    SaskPower has negotiated a purchase of up to 10,000 tons of steel from EVRAZ, or the equivalent of three-years’ worth of steel for the Crown, which is used for the construction of transmission structures and other infrastructure that is critical to maintain Saskatchewan’s power grid.

    “EVRAZ Canada has been a proud part of Saskatchewan’s economy for nearly 70 years,” EVRAZ Canada Senior Vice President Don Hunter said. “The commitment we are seeing today from the provincial government is a strong signal that the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of domestic steel manufacturing—not only for EVRAZ’s workers who depend on it but for the broader economy that benefits from a strong and resilient supply chain.”

    Collaboration between SaskPower and EVRAZ, along with steel structure fabricators, Brandt and JNE Welding, will result in a made-in-Saskatchewan solution that will support the provincial economy while ensuring reliable power for residents and businesses. 

    “The United Steelworkers have been at the forefront of fighting for our jobs and for our industry,” USW Local 5890 President Mike Day said. “When hearing of commitments like this from the Saskatchewan government, it eases some of the uncertainty our members have been facing. 

    “Commitments and investments just like these – to buy Canadian – from all forms of government is what the USW has, and will, continue to advocate for in all Canadian infrastructure projects.”

    Currently, EVRAZ is working on an order from SaskEnergy which purchased 125 kilometres of steel pipe through Gateway Tubulars LTD. for the Aspen Power Station project, a new 370-megawatt natural gas power plant near Lanigan. SaskEnergy has procured $79 million from EVRAZ directly or through supplier agreements since 2019.

    In the first three quarters of 2024-25, the Crown sector awarded $1.2 billion to Saskatchewan suppliers, including $92 million to Indigenous companies. The sector is actively engaging industry groups to improve the capacity and competitiveness of local businesses.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Shaping the Future of Work: HP Amplify 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    News Highlights

    • Brings world’s largest portfolio of AI PCs to the mainstream1 with new HP EliteBooks, HP EliteDesks, and HP OmniBooks – delivering smarter workflows and incredible productivity.
    • Launches the world’s first printers that protect against quantum computer attacks2 with the HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers for enhanced hardware security.
    • Enhances AI-powered insights in Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) to improve IT and employee experiences.
    • Optimizes gameplay with OMEN AI on the new OMEN 16 Slim Gaming Laptop, and HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset delivers unmatched immersive audio experiences.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At its annual Amplify Conference, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced new products and services designed to shape the future of work, empowering people and businesses to create and manage their own way of working. The company unveiled more than 80 PCs, AI-powered print tools for SMBs, and Workforce Experience Platform enhancements all built to drive company growth and professional fulfillment.

    “HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfillment,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO at HP Inc. “We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.”

    Leading the Future of Work

    HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index reports that only 28 percent of workers have a healthy relationship with work. Companies and people are seeking better work experiences and new advancements in technology – from seamless device connectivity to AI applications – that can help people work faster, think more creatively, and connect on a deeper level.

    With customers looking to refresh their devices to Windows 11,3 HP is supercharging its PCs to take advantage of the latest technologies available with select models qualifying as Copilot+ PCs, 4 so work doesn’t feel like work:

    • The HP EliteBook 8 Series is masterfully redesigned with mainstream enterprise workers in mind, delivering AI-powered productivity and seamless collaboration in a repairable and upgradeable package. With NPU options up to 50 TOPS, experience up to 224% better power efficiency and up to 43 times faster AI image generation for incredible performance gains versus previous non-NPU models.5
    • The HP EliteDesk 8 Series brings AI powerfully and securely to the company’s desktop portfolio. These devices are ideal for corporate project managers and workers who need a reliable PC that can manage even the most demanding projects for smarter workflows and productivity. This is the world’s first business desktop PC portfolio to protect against quantum computer hacks,6 combining high performance with lower power consumption to reduce costs.
    • The HP EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i is the perfect tool for an on-the-go employee constantly moving around the office. As the world’s first commercial PC with integrated KVM ability through HP Device Switch,7 an employee can use the all-in-one for work or quickly plug their laptop into the AIO with a single cable to power the notebook and access all the available peripherals.
    • The OmniBook X Series is designed for creators who need a PC that adapts to their workflow, whether it be a svelte 14-inch flip device to ideate and draw, or a powerhouse clamshell 17.3-inch PC to power through their larger-than-life creations. The OmniBook 7 Series is built for power users on their PC for all-day productivity for school or work. And the OmniBook 5 Series is ideal for families and students with a versatile design that’s built for streaming, light gaming, and personal productivity. Devices across the consumer notebook portfolio are offered in a variety of sizes with powerful Intel Ultra or AMD Ryzen™ processors.

    HP is also delivering powerful new AI software experiences to complement this next generation of AI PCs. Qualifying consumer and commercial devices from HP are equipped with exclusive software designed to transform how people work in the office, at home, and everywhere in between:

    • HP AI Companion is an advanced on-device AI research assistant that delivers instant answers and secured file analysis, even without an internet connection.8,9 New features planned for this Spring include intuitive voice and text commands and built-in keylogger protections to enhance productivity while keeping data secure on the device.
    • HP Go10 plans to deliver seamless global connectivity for highly mobile professionals. With automatic network switching regardless of carrier, advanced fleet management, and effortless setup, road warriors can connect and be productive wherever work takes them. The HP Go service option will first be available on the HP EliteBook 6 G1q powered by Snapdragon X Series, making it the world’s first AI PC with zero-touch multi-carrier 5G deployment.11
    • Poly Camera Pro newest features make virtual interactions and video conferencing more dynamic and engaging, with AI-powered features like Magic Background, seamless streaming integrations, and presenter overlays.12 Multi-camera support, customizable aesthetics, and auto-framing transforms any workspace into a professional studio experience.

    HP is changing the way customers print and manage documents, making it easier and more efficient with new features and technology:

    • Two new features to its collection of AI-powered tools that help SMBs simplify and enhance the print experience. The first feature streamlines the process of sharing scanned documents by using AI to summarize them and draft an email with the document attached, allowing for easy sharing via email or chat. The second feature offers automatic and guided redaction to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that private data remains secure on HP devices without requiring a cloud connection. These innovations aim to reduce the complexity and enhance the security of document handling for small businesses. 
    • The HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers are the world’s first printers that protect against quantum computer attacks2. They provide enhanced hardware-level security for highly regulated organizations that rely on secure printing, ensuring protection against future quantum computer attacks while seamlessly integrating with Zero Trust architectures.
    • The HP Latex R530 Printer is the only compact all-in-one HP Latex printer13, capable of handling both rigid and flexible media. Its digital operation simplifies workflows and maximizes space, boosting efficiency. It helps small and medium-sized print shops (PSPs) meet customer demands with high-quality prints and impressive output.

    HP provides IT with valuable insights that empower employees to thrive with HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP)14 enhancements and expanded availability. New features include:

    • AI Sentiment Analysis now includes AI capabilities to assess and improve employee experience by analyzing thousands of free text surveys.
    • Fleet Explorer is a new AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) tool lets users query fleet data instantly for insights.
    • Vyopta Integration15 enables HP and Vyopta customers to now check on the overall health of their organization’s collaboration environment in WXP.
    • Pre-built scripts, alerts and dashboards help organizations monitor fleets, automate workflows.

    Shaping the Future in Play

    Technology can also offer people a smooth transition from work into play. According to Mohamed Ala Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan, “About 60% of gaming PCs owners likely use their systems for work-related activities in addition to gaming.”16

    New gaming hardware across OMEN and HyperX delivers meaningful performance and personalization for the ultimate in gameplay:

    • The OMEN 16 Slim Gaming Laptop redefines portable gaming with its ultra-thin design to game anywhere. The PC delivers next-level performance with up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H processors,17 and comes with up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU for next-level graphics fidelity.
    • The OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop is refreshed to deliver the same powerful CPU and GPU performance as the OMEN 16 Slim for gamers and creators on the go, bringing 25% more power.18
    • OMEN AI is a personalized, one-click solution that recommends the best system, hardware, and gaming settings based on each unique device and game to eliminate endless tinkering. Accessible within OMEN Gaming Hub, OMEN AI is available on all HP gaming and consumer PCs.
    • The HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset delivers unmatched comfort and immersive audio for up to 120 hours of battery life in 2.4GHz and up to 200 hours in Bluetooth mode on a single charge.19 HyperX-tuned acoustics ensure crystal-clear audio and the durable yet flexible design, boom and boomless mic options, and customizable earcup plates let gamers play longer, sound better, and do it in style.20

    HP Amplify Newsroom
    For all the latest HP Amplify Partner Conference news and updates, visit the HP Newsroom including the just released Threat Research Report press release and news from the Advanced Compute Solutions business. More news posting at 2 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET.

    • Follow @HP on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
    • Follow @Enrique Lores on LinkedIn
    • Follow #HPAmplify across social platforms for the latest updates

    About HP
    HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

    1 Based on HP’s internal analysis of AI-enabled platforms across all commercial PC and consumer PC vendors as of March 2025. “AI PC” is defined as a PC with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to accelerate AI workloads, regardless of TOPS count.
    Comparison includes commercially and consumer available AI PCs available in the market.
    2 Based on HPs internal analysis of business Printers with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, post-quantum digital signature, and initial BIOS firmware integrity protection with automatic self-healing recovery finding that no other in-class Printers implement a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of the BIOS and firmware as of March 2025.
    3 Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows functionality. Windows is automatically updated and enabled. High speed internet and Microsoft account required. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.windows.com.
    4 On some devices, some Copilot+ PC experiences require free updates continuing to roll out through early 2025. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs. Copilot is not available in China, Russia, Belarus, and embargoed regions Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Crimea.
    5 Based on image generation with NPU vs. non-NPU processor using Amuse software generating a 1024 x 1024 pixel image from the same text prompt repeatedly until battery depletion to determine power efficiency. Configurations tested: HP EliteBook 8 G1a AI with AMD Ryzen AI PRO 350 and 32GB RAM vs. HP EliteBook 845 G10 with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U and 32GB RAM. Results may vary
    6 Based on HPs internal analysis of business PCs with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, BIOS-level protection and passing MIL-STD testing, finding that no other in-class PC implements a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of UEFI BIOS firmware as of February 2024. Requires Windows 10 or higher. For supported HP PCs with the latest HP Endpoint Security Controller. See https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA8-3644ENW.
    7 Optional feature must be configured at the time of purchase.
    8 HP AI Companion is available preloaded on select HP next gen AI PCs or is available for download from the Microsoft store and requires a HP next gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS with 16 GB or more of storage and requires Windows 11. Perform requires account set up within 30 days of PC boot or enrollment through the HP AI Companion app. Some features require customer upload of local data. Ten (10) library 100 MB limit each, supported files may vary and at launch include pdf, .txt., .docx files. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC. “On device” mode uses a downloaded LLM Phi 3.5 to process queries locally and does not require an internet connection. “Cloud” mode uses GPT-4o to process queries online and requires an internet connection. Spotlight and voice capability expected availability in Spring 2025 Availability varies by region.
    9 HP AI Companion requires an HP Next Gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS and requires Windows 11. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32 GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC.
    10 HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs at the factory, enabling seamless out-of-the-box connectivity. Requires 5G module and Windows support for carrier profile management and network selection. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
    11 Zero-touch multi-carrier 5G deployment is the ability to automatically onboard and activate 5G connectivity across multiple carriers without requiring manual carrier selection, IT-managed profile provisioning, or traditional enterprise (STD) onboarding methods. Unlike standard WWAN and eSIM-based setups, HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs, enabling automatic connection to the fastest available network. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
    12 Requires myHP application and Windows OS.
    13 Based on internal HP testing.
    14 HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is available in various tiers with optional add-on solutions in various term licenses. WXP is for commercial customers and some features and capabilities may require additional purchase of HP Services and/or commercial hardware supporting the HP Insights agent for Windows, Mac, & Android available for download at https://workforceexperience.hp.com/software.admin.hp.com/software. For full system requirements and services that require the agent, please visit https://workforceexperience.hp.com/requirements. Activation and restrictions may apply. The agent collects telemetry and analytics around devices and applications that integrate into the Workforce Experience platform and is not sold as a standalone service. The agent is ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO27017 and SOC2 Type2 certified for Information Security.
    15 HP Vyopta license required for collaboration technology monitoring
    16 March 2025. Mohamed Alaa Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan. 60% of gaming PCs are split between 55% desktop and 65% laptop users.
    17 Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance. Intel, Core, and the Intel logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
    18All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP’s component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower. Total processors power = Total GPU power plus total thermal power.
    19 Tested at 50% headphone volume, continuous playback. Using 2.4GHz mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 120 hours. Using Bluetooth mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 200 hours. Actual battery life will vary with use and maximum battery capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.
    20 Earcup plates sold separately. Available in select countries/regions.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPAY Inc. – AML GO invited to Crypto Assets Regulation & Compliance Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UPAY Inc. (“UPAY” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: UPYY) is delighted to announce UPAY Inc.’s (“UPAY” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: UPYY) South African subsidiary, AML GO (Pty) Ltd (“AML GO”), was invited as special guests to the prestigious Crypto Assets Regulation & Compliance Conference. The event took place on March 12 and 13, 2025, at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg.​

    Organized by Trade Conferences International, the conference focused on regulatory governance, compliance, and risk within the crypto assets ecosystem. The conference brought together crypto asset and blockchain providers, financial intermediaries, transaction processors, trading platforms, payment and wallet providers, government representatives, and banks to engage in a collaborative learning process.

    As special guests, the AML GO team engaged in wide range of topics, including how digital assets are transforming financial markets, regulation and reporting frameworks, risks faced by banks, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, cross-border financial flows, compliance issues, and technology. AML Go’s participation highlighted its commitment to staying at the forefront of compliance advancements and assisting financial institutions to navigate the complexities of digital asset regulation.​

    UPAY Inc. recognizes the significant role AML GO plays in fostering compliance excellence and remains committed to supporting industry-wide initiatives that drive financial security and regulatory best practices. The Company looks forward to continuing its engagement with the crypto assets community and strengthening its contributions to the financial services sector.​

    About AML GO

    AML GO (Pty) Ltd is a leading provider of advanced AML screening and compliance solutions, dedicated to helping financial institutions and businesses mitigate risk and adhere to stringent regulatory requirements. Specializing in anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, credit vetting, and risk management tools, AML GO delivers cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational integrity and ensure compliance with evolving financial regulations. As a subsidiary of UPAY Inc., AML GO continues to innovate and drive excellence in the financial services sector.​ For more information, visit www.amlgo.co.za

    About UPAY

    UPAY is a US publicly traded holding company at the forefront of the fintech industry. By investing in innovative technologies, UPAY delivers comprehensive Financial Software Platforms that offer full system automation, intelligent data solutions, and an enhanced user experience. The Company is dedicated to bridging the gap between clients and consumers in an evolving financial ecosystem, ensuring high engagement and lasting impact. For more information, visit www.upaytechnology.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.​

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements because of new information, future events, or other circumstances. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company’s future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

    Contact Information

    UPAY INC.​

    Media Relations​: info@upaytechnology.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can a virtual reality residential school, developed with Survivors, improve empathy toward Indigenous people?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Iloradanon H. Efimoff, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Virtual reality is a rapidly developing technology. As the technology expands, becoming more portable and affordable, the potential uses have expanded as well.

    One virtual reality creator calls virtual reality the “ultimate empathy machine.” Promising research shows that virtual reality can improve empathy toward groups such as people experiencing schizophrenia,
    children who are refugees and people who are unhoused.

    Working with an interdisciplinary research team, we put this statement to the test within the context of residential schools in Canada.

    Effective teaching about residential schools

    Residential schools were state-funded, church-run institutions that amounted to genocide. Teachers and other adults at these schools abused the children physically, emotionally and sexually.

    Knowledge of residential schools in Canada is relatively high. Recent national polls show that in 2022, 65 per cent of non-Indigenous respondents had read or heard about residential schools. This number increased to 90 per cent in 2023. This type of awareness, however, does not necessarily reflect a deep knowledge of residential schools.

    Given the apparent rise in residential school denialism and decreasing support for reconciliation initiatives, it is vital to find effective ways to teach about residential schools.

    Work with Survivors on virtual project

    Members of our interdisciplinary research team created a virtual rendering of Fort Alexander Residential School,
    working closely with a group of Survivors from that school. The school operated from 1905-1970 in Manitoba, near Winnipeg, and was run by the Roman Catholic Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

    The virtual rendering took years to develop, with critical relationships forming along the way. Members of this same team, and some new members, then tested the effects of the school.

    Overall, researchers with a range of approaches participated, including those who work in the areas of psychology, sociology, and computer science, or who are concerned with representation of war and genocide.

    One concern of those involved in the project was how participants would engage in the virtual school. In particular, we didn’t want the virtual school to be “gamified” (used like a video game). To this end, the virtual reality school is “on-the-tracks,” meaning viewers move through the school on a set path.

    This set path included visiting a classroom, a dormitory and a cellar, among other spaces that the Survivors described. The school was designed such that the viewers would feel physically small in the space — as if they were the size of a child. While moving through the various rooms in the school, viewers listened to recordings of Survivors’ stories of their experiences at the school.

    Would VR experience improve empathy?

    To test if a virtual reality residential school could improve empathy toward Indigenous people, we ran an experiment, as researchers do when they want to compare the impact of different experiences.

    All experiments include a group of people who receive some sort of intervention, such as our virtual reality school. In the simplest approach, researchers can compare the effects of the intervention group to an “empty control group,” which includes people who receive no intervention and often just respond to questions assessing key outcomes. Through comparisons like this, researchers can understand the effect of the intervention compared to doing nothing.

    We used a slightly more rigorous design by adding a third group who simply read the transcripts of the narration that accompanied the virtual school. This allowed us to test if the virtual reality school outperformed the transcripts, which were a different method of learning about residential schools.

    Powerful Survivor stories

    We tested how the virtual school, transcript and control groups affected four outcomes: empathy, warmth and political solidarity toward Indigenous people as well as perceptions that past events still cause suffering today — what we and often legal scholars call “privity.” We looked at the effects right after the experiment and then again weeks later.

    As we thought, compared to the control group, people who received either the transcript or virtual reality intervention responded more favourably toward Indigenous people; they reported more empathy, warmth, political solidarity and privity.

    But a surprising thing happened too: People in the transcript and virtual reality groups responded in the same way. Though we cannot be sure why, we suspect these two groups did not differ because the Survivors’ stories are powerful.

    Finally, over time, the differences among groups disappeared. The changes caused by reading a transcript or experiencing the virtual world went away.

    Need for ongoing education

    Our findings imply that a meaningful story does not require sophisticated technology like virtual reality to have impact. In cases where the story is captivating, the technology might not be necessary to engage people.

    Though trendy, virtual reality equipment is also more expensive and not as portable as written work. Of course, virtual reality might be just the right fit for audiences that would rather not or can’t read. It might also be a novel hook to get someone to engage with a topic they may otherwise avoid.

    Perhaps more clearly, our disappointing finding that the interventions did not last over time highlights the need for ongoing education about residential schools. A single learning opportunity is unlikely to cause long-lasting change in feelings and attitudes toward Indigenous people. There is more work to do.

    Katherine B. Starzyk holds funding from the Social Science and Humanities Council of Canada as well as Canadian Heritage / Patrimoine canadien. She is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba.

    Iloradanon H. Efimoff 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. Can a virtual reality residential school, developed with Survivors, improve empathy toward Indigenous people? – https://theconversation.com/can-a-virtual-reality-residential-school-developed-with-survivors-improve-empathy-toward-indigenous-people-249996

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council celebrates social workers during Social Work Week 

    Source: City of Salford

    • The awareness week is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of social workers and the impact the profession has on communities
    • Social workers provide a wide range of support, helping children and adults to maximise their life chances and reach their full potential
    • Salford City Council currently provides social care to 5,446 adults and children  

    This year’s Social Work Week, 17 to 21 March 2025, which coincides with World Social Work Day on 18 March, aims to bring people together to celebrate the successes of social workers and to pay tribute to the impact the profession has on communities. 

    Key themes of the awareness week this year are focused on:

    • Data and insight: how to ensure that social workers practice and its regulation is data driven and how this can improve people’s experience of the profession.
    • Education and training: how are social workers supported throughout each step of their career journey and why continuous learning and supervision is essential.
    • Innovation: learnings from the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve professional practice and where are the ethical tensions.
    • Professional identity: understanding if a greater sense of professional identity is crucial for the future of social work.
    • Safe and effective practice: how professional competence contributes to building public trust in the social work profession and what can be learnt from fitness to practise.

    Social workers work autonomously and collaborate as part of a professional team to provide a wide range of support, helping children and adults to maximise their life chances and reach their full potential.

    In what is very much a rewarding career, the role can be a demanding and emotional one. Social workers are often the unsung heroes, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work that our social workers do with residents of Salford.

    They advise, help and protect children and adults with support needs from harm or abuse and support them to live independently. From helping keep a family under pressure together to supporting someone with mental health problems, learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum, social workers have to make difficult decisions that impact people’s lives based on the best interests of children and adults.

    Social workers also help people to overcome significant difficulties, such as substance addictions, domestic abuse, mental health challenges, and homelessness and poverty, supporting them to be empowered and live independently, develop positive relationships and access education, training and employment.

    Salford City Council provides:

    • 13 types of social care services to vulnerable adults and children across the city
    • an average of 129,545 hours of care to adults/children each month
    • social care to 5,446 adults and children

    Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council said: “We are proud of the work we do to improve the lives of our children, young people and families in Salford, and our social workers are absolutely key to that. I want to recognise the dedication and valuable work that our social workers do, and also the teams who support them, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

    “Through this national recognition, we can help to inform and educate the public on what social work is and work collaboratively with other local authorities and government bodies to share valuable knowledge that can help to address the challenges and create positive solutions. This week is an important part of recognising and celebrating social workers’ commitment and dedication, and to thank them for the incredible work they do every day.”

    Councillor John Merry, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Salford City Council said: “Social care is a very important part of our work with our communities and partners to help everyone lead fulfilling, healthy, and independent lives in Salford. This week is a great way of highlighting all the unseen but vital support that social work provides for residents to care for their strengths, connections, and families, in their own homes and communities.”

    Councillor Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Social Care and Mental Health at Salford City Council said: “Our social workers play a vital role in supporting residents in the community, helping their wellbeing in order to live longer and better lives and feel connected to others in their area. This week is an important part of recognising and celebrating social workers commitment and dedication.” 

    Share this

    Date published
    Tuesday 18 March 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Civil Society Week 2025 – Strengthening cohesion and participation in polarised societies

    Source: European Union 2

    STRENGTHENING COHESION AND PARTICIPATION IN POLARISED SOCIETIES | 17-20 March 2025

    In recent years, overlapping crises – from the lingering effects of the pandemic to the escalating challenges of climate change, increasing living costs, and widening income disparities – have created fertile ground for widespread polarisation. Social instability, economic downturns and widespread discontent, particularly among those who feel unheard and left behind, have further deepened societal divisions.

    The outcomes of the 2024 elections worldwide underscore the urgency of addressing this trend, as polarisation continues to undermine trust in democratic institutions and strain the unity of our communities.

    What can we do?

    To address these pressing concerns, Civil Society Week 2025 will gather a diverse range of civil society stakeholders from Europe and beyond, providing a unique platform to engage in critical debates, share best practices, and collaborate to develop solutions that foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic engagement.

    Together with experts, EU policy-makers, national Economic and Social Councils, youth representatives, journalists, and civil society across Europe including candidate countries, we will host a four-day forum for lively debates and collaborative workshops, focusing on questions such as:

    • How could a European Civil Society Strategy foster greater cohesion?
    • How could participatory approaches drive cohesion and inspire collective action for Europe’s green and blue future?
    • How could Europe lead in innovation while upholding its values, principles, and ethical standards?
    • What policies are needed to enable capacity-building and funding for European civil society?
    • What is the role of the European Citizens’ Initiative in tackling polarisation?
    • How could support be strengthened for the ECI at different levels in the Member States?

    #CivSocWeek will bring together:

    Be part of the conversation!

    Join us to engage with high-level EU policy-makers, experts, and civil society at large from across Europe. We will discuss the challenges we face and the solutions we can create together.
    Seize the opportunity to turn the conversation into change.
    Your voice matters in building a more cohesive and participatory Europe!

    16:00 – 16:30 • Networking coffee | Foyer 6

    12:30 – 13:30 • Lunch | Atrium 5

    16:15 – 16:45 • Networking coffee | Foyer 6

    13:00 – 14:00 • Lunch | Atrium 5

    16:00 – 16:45 • Networking coffee | Foyer 6

    12:30 – 13:30 • Lunch | Atrium 5

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN migration agency forced to restructure amid significant budget cuts

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is undertaking “essential structural adjustments” at its Geneva headquarters and globally, in response to a substantial 30 per cent reduction in donor support for 2025 – including a significant decrease in projects funded by the United States.

    The funding cuts have severe repercussions for vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining essential support systems for displaced populations, the UN agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

    The adjustments involve “scaling back or ending projects affecting over 6,000 staff members worldwide” and implementing a structural realignment at headquarters, reducing staffing by approximately 20 per cent – or more than 250 staff.

    Necessary measures

    “These measures are necessary to ensure that IOM can continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance to migrants and vulnerable communities worldwide,” the statement continued.

    “We aim to drive solutions for displaced populations and support governments in managing migration for the benefit of societies and migrants.”

    IOM operates under a project-based funding model, established by its Member States, which allows for flexibility and responsiveness to global humanitarian needs.

    However, when funding for specific projects ends the impacts can be far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited support options.

    The Organisation’s priority remains serving vulnerable populations despite the constrained funding environment, the statement stressed.

    Affordability first

    To achieve this, IOM is moving positions to lower-cost regional offices and country missions, streamlining staffing, and identifying opportunities to better coordinate with other humanitarians.

    These decisions have been communicated to Member States and are built on the historic budget reform efforts passed by the IOM Council in 2022, IOM spelled out.

    “These changes will save costs and enable us to extend greater support globally, providing essential humanitarian assistance in crises worldwide,” the statement said.

    The necessary adaptations will also enable IOM to develop new funding, maintain essential oversight and accountability, and streamline operations.

    Throughout this process, IOM has prioritised mitigating risks to both staff and operations by ensuring that reductions are applied strategically and in consultation with affected teams, while frontline assistance remains protected.

    Staff dedication deeply valued

    “We recognise the impact these decisions will have on colleagues who have dedicated years to IOM’s mission,” the statement underlined.

    “We deeply value the dedication and service of our staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to support migrants and displaced communities worldwide.”

    At a time when conflict, climate-induced disasters, and economic instability are driving record levels of displacement, migration is central to global security, stability, and sustainable development.

    IOM called on the international community not to sideline migration governance. The agency said it remains committed to its core mission and ensuring that migration and displacement remain central to the global policy debate. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Albanian alpine police officers undergo intensive training organized by OSCE Presence, Austria

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Albanian alpine police officers undergo intensive training organized by OSCE Presence, Austria

    Training of Albanian Alpine Police, Korça, 13 March 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    Thirty police officers from the alpine units of Tirana, Fier and Shkodra participated in a specialized training programme in the mountains of Korça from 10 to 13 March 2025. Organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, in close co-operation with trainers from the Austrian Federal Police, this intensive course aimed to enhance Albanian police officers’ ability to navigate and operate in challenging alpine environments, ensuring the safety and security of both local communities and tourists.
    Building on the foundation laid by a previous training in Theth in 2022, this programme marked another significant step in Albania’s efforts to improve its law enforcement capabilities in mountainous terrains. The Theth training was a milestone in strengthening the operational readiness of Albania’s alpine police and this latest session further advanced those objectives.
    Austria, renowned for its expertise in alpine policing, provided highly experienced trainers who led participants through a combination of theoretical and practical exercises. Officers were trained in essential skills such as effective rescue operations, safety protocols and tactical mountain policing. The course also included rigorous endurance tests, quick-thinking drills and adaptability training for emergency situations. Participants gained hands-on experience in first aid, casualty evacuation and the use of specialized alpine equipment, including ropes and harnesses crucial for survival in extreme conditions.
    Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Head of Presence Clarisse Pasztory emphasized that, in co-operation with the Austrian Ministry of Interior, the OSCE Presence will continue to support further training for Albania’s alpine police.
    Director of the National Security Force, Hamdi Fjora, highlighted that, following a joint needs assessment with Austrian experts, a selected group of officers will undergo a training-of-trainers programme. This initiative aims to integrate alpine training into the annual curriculum of Albania’s public security structures, ensuring continuous capacity-building in this field.
    The activity was part of a project implemented by the OSCE Presence in Albania and funded by the Austrian government.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 03.14.2025 Sens. Cruz, Risch Introduce Bill to Curb Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, and Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act. The bill would eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in foreign assistance programs by abolishing the United States African Development Foundation (USADF).Sen. Cruz said, “The Biden administration recklessly spent and abused American taxpayer dollars at the U.S. African Development Foundation. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Risch to address those abuses and continue rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse across government agencies.”
    Sen. Risch Said, “Following a nearly two-year investigation into serious allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse at the USADF, I’m proud to introduce this bill to ensure American taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on this program that has been mismanaged for far too long. I’ll continue to work alongside President Trump and his administration to reduce the bloated federal bureaucracy and root out waste in our government.”
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    The United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act will:
    Abolish the United States African Development Foundation and transfer its functions and resources to the U.S. Department of State, better aligning U.S. small grants programs in Africa with the American national security interests Promote more effective use of American taxpayer dollars by reining in spending and holding accountable those who actively sought to shield USADF from Congressional scrutiny.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reuters: Democratic lawmakers slam Pentagon for scrapping climate studies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 12, 2025
    Democratic lawmakers slammed President Donald Trump’s administration for canceling U.S. military studies on the impact of climate change, saying the move jeopardizes national security by ignoring climate-related risks at home and abroad.
    Scientists say climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and wildfires. The lawmakers, in a previously unreported letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, say that translates into damage to military bases, drawing U.S. troops to more relief missions and ushering in greater maritime access to the Arctic.
    The issue has emerged in the United States as one of many that is dividing Republican and Democratic politicians. Trump, a Republican, has targeted climate programs as part of a broader effort to slash government spending.
    Hegseth posted on X on Sunday: “The (Department of Defense) does not do climate change crap.”
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Phil StewartSource: Reuters

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Guardian: Democrats demand investigation into Musk over possible criminal corruption

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 17, 2025
    Leading Democrats on Monday demanded an investigation of possible criminal corruption involving Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and world’s richest man tasked by Donald Trump with slashing the federal government.
    The investigation should involve “the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to cancel a $2.4bn contract with Verizon to upgrade air traffic control communications, and to pay … Musk’s Starlink to help manage US airspace”, senators Chris Van Hollen, Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren wrote to Pam Bondi, the attorney general, and Mitch Behm, acting inspector general of the transportation department.
    “We ask that the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice investigate the scope of Mr Musk’s activities at the FAA,” the senators said.
    An investigation, the letter said, would determine whether Musk, “in his capacity as a special government employee in the White House … has participated in any particular matter in which he has a financial interest, which would violate the criminal conflict-of-interest statute”.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Martin PengellySource: The Guardian
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bloomberg: Warren Calls for Ethics Probe Into Tesla White House Event

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 13, 2025
    A group of Democratic senators led by Elizabeth Warren is calling for an ethics investigation into a White House event promoting Tesla Inc.
    The demand comes after President Donald Trump on Tuesday held an impromptu press conference to support his billionaire adviser and Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. During the event, five Teslas were displayed outside of the White House. Trump praised the cars as “beautiful” and selected a red Model S to purchase.
    Musk, who is designated a special government employee and helps lead Trump’s government cost-cutting effort known as the Department of Government Efficiency, is bound by federal ethics laws preventing officials from using their public positions for private gain.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Emily BirnbaumSource: Bloomberg

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Siân Berry’s message to Labour: stop scapegoating and stigmatising those in need

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Reacting to the statement from Liz Kendal’s to parliament today on proposed cuts to welfare benefits [1], Siân Berry MP said:

    “I’ve heard nothing today that reassures me the Government will stop scapegoating and stigmatising those in need, while impoverishing them to the tune of £5 billion. Young and disabled people should have the support and backing of the Government but instead they have been badly let down this month with the active trailing of terrifying plans.

    “It’s clear that these plans were plotted without the input of those whose lives will be most impacted. Disabled people must be listened to before any changes are made, and I hope that Labour backbenchers will join me in being their fiercest defenders and fight off the worst of these plans.

    “The Chancellor must listen as well, to growing calls from Green MPs, the public and even many millionaires for a wealth tax. How can she stoop as low as any Conservative Chancellor and take money away from disabled people rather than get a grip on the obscene wealth being hoarded in this country? This morally indefensible choice will have devastating consequences, and the Government should be ready to answer for it.”

    Notes

    [1] Deep cuts, Pip and ‘right to try’ work: the key changes in UK benefits overhaul | Welfare | The Guardian

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aid should never be used as a political tool: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Aid should never be used as a political tool: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

    Thank you President and thank you to USG Fletcher for his sobering briefing. 

    I also want to thank Algeria and Somalia for calling this meeting – an initiative which the UK fully supports considering the alarming humanitarian situation.

    President, this meeting comes at a critical moment. 

    As my Foreign Secretary has said, the civilian casualties from Israeli strikes overnight are appalling.

    I want to be clear, a return to fighting will only result in the deaths of further Palestinian civilians, Israeli hostages and IDF soldiers. 

    This conflict cannot be resolved through military means.

    We want to see the ceasefire re-established as soon as possible.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza was already catastrophic. 

    After 17 days, Israel continues to block all aid entering Gaza. Crossing points have been shut off. Bakeries are closing. Hospitals and desalination plants are running on generators that could stop at any moment.

    This is horrifying and unacceptable.

    Humanitarian aid should never be used as a political tool. 

    We are calling for the following urgent steps to bring this terrifying situation back from the brink.

    First, we call for the protection of civilians, and for safe, rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access. 

    We call on Israel to fulfil its international obligations and allow for a rapid and unhindered resurgence in the flow of aid. 

    This includes the supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which remain restricted. 

    Failure to deliver this not only risks undoing the vital humanitarian progress made during phase one of the ceasefire agreement; it also risks violating international humanitarian law.

    Second, we urge all parties to return urgently to dialogue and to implement the ceasefire agreement in full, including scaling up aid and releasing the 59 hostages who have been cruelly held by Hamas for over 500 days and have endured unimaginable suffering. 

    For Israel to be secure, these terrorists can have no role in Gaza’s future. But cutting off aid and resuming the fighting is not a means to this end.

    Finally, we reiterate that civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

    Colleagues, we urge all parties to return to the ceasefire deal and get back to the path of peace. 

    A negotiated two-state solution is the best way to ensure long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The timeframe for assigning social benefits in Moscow will be halved

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The issue of increasing the efficiency of the social protection sphere, including reducing the timeframes for providing social services, was considered at a meeting of the Presidium of the Moscow Government. Following the meeting, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to continue this work.

    A modern, high-quality and convenient social security system accompanies Muscovites throughout their lives, she noted in her report Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development. Around 4.5 million city residents, or every third Muscovite, benefit from various support measures. From year to year, the capital’s budget maintains its social focus.

    The most important area of social protection work is to increase the availability and targeting of social assistance for Muscovites in need.

    Moscow provides the highest standards of social support for city residents, while maintaining the best traditions and introducing new flexible and effective assistance tools. For example, thanks to digitalization within the framework of the new standard, it was possible to reduce the time for reviewing an application for recognizing a person as needing social services by half – from 10 to five working days.

    The procedure for applying for the service has also become much more convenient and faster. Now you can submit an application at the My Documents government services center or electronically on the mos.ru portal (including with the help of relatives, friends or neighbors).

    The diagnostics are carried out in the most friendly and informal atmosphere. The data obtained is entered into an electronic system, which, using special algorithms, evaluates the functional state of a person and forms an individual social service program with the maximum range of social services.

    The modernization of boarding houses has made it possible to transform them into comfortable social homes, where living conditions are as close as possible to those at home.

    For young people with mental disabilities, conditions are created for maximum socialization, including employment and independent living.

    Since January 1, 2024, the Social Treasury has been operating in Moscow — the first single center in the country for processing applications for support measures for all categories of Muscovites. Treasury specialists make decisions on the appointment of more than 90 different benefits, allowances and social payments. Last year, more than three million Muscovites applied to the Social Treasury.

    In 2023–2024, the capital completely updated the Moscow social services information system. In essence, it was created anew. Today, this modern digital platform includes a large number of subsystems, which are divided into two large blocks.

    The first is related to the automation of the work of the social treasury and social support services. For example, it includes the provision of vouchers for spa treatment, payments for children, and support for large families.

    The second block is intended to automate other areas of work of the city social protection system. In particular, this includes the sphere of guardianship, services for the issuance of technical rehabilitation means and prosthetic and orthopedic products.

    A single centralized database has been created that unites the disparate information systems of social protection in Moscow. Millions of records containing data on recipients of 86 state services have been transferred to it. The Moscow information system of social services now allows tracking appointments, checking rights and providing support measures through automation. For example, if a city resident visited a point of distribution of technical rehabilitation equipment, and before that updated his passport data, the changes will be recorded in the system. Or if a person changed the bank account for receiving payments and indicated that all other data should be linked to this account, the system will automatically make the necessary updates.

    The rejection of paper document flow and file exchange, the creation of data marts and the active implementation of modern technologies will allow, on average, to halve the time it takes to assign payments. In addition, digital transformation will provide a technological reserve for the transition to proactive (without filing applications) provision of social services to needy citizens.

    Individual approach to each: what kind of support do city residents receive from social workersSobyanin made a decision to index Moscow social payments

    In addition, Moscow is implementing more than 20 projects on digitalization, creation and development of urban systems in the field of social protection of the population. Since 2019, the information system of long-term care and social hospitals has been successfully operating and developing. The system is designed to identify and form targeted assistance programs for Muscovites in need of home or hospital care. Its use increases the speed and quality of social services, and by eliminating paperwork, costs are reduced. For example, the time for reviewing an application for recognizing a person in need of social services has been reduced by half – from 10 to five working days. In 2024, the project took first place in the “Social Sphere” nomination of the II National Award for Contribution to the Development of Digitalization of Urban Economy “Smart City”.

    The information system “Moscow – a kind city” is actively developing. The grant competition of the same name for socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs) has been held since 2019. Within its framework, 648 NPO projects have received financial support from the city over six years.

    Since 2022, contracts with winning NGOs have been concluded electronically and signed with an enhanced qualified electronic signature (previously, documents were signed on paper). Since 2024, the process of generating reports (financial and analytical) has been automated. And in 2025, it is planned to completely switch to the electronic form of providing all reporting documents. Thus, the information system will implement the full cycle of the competition in electronic form – from submitting an application to generating reports on the results of the implementation of projects using grant funds. In addition, on the same digital platform, an electronic selection of NGOs is carried out to provide city premises for free use for up to three years.

    A single help desk has been in operation since 2021 Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow by phone: 7 495 870-44-44. In 2024, its specialists received and processed 3.2 million calls and requests from chatbots.

    From May 2024 on on the department’s websiteThe chatbot Dobrynya is working — a virtual assistant for Muscovites in matters of social services. The most popular requests are checking the queue for spa treatment, payments and social support, as well as signing up for an online consultation.

    If necessary, Dobrynya will explain in detail the content and rules of operation of popular social programs (for example, home social services, the Moscow Longevity and Good Bus projects) or redirect to the relevant sections of the mos.ru and Dsn.ru, where you can find out the details of a particular social service.

    In a conversation with Dobrynya, you can find out about the size of social benefits and how long it will take to process certain services, such as registering for rehabilitation or registering for a spa voucher.

    If Dobrynya cannot give an exact answer, an employee of the unified reference service of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow will promptly answer the question in the chat. Since its appearance, the chatbot has processed over 20 thousand requests from Muscovites, and only 15 percent of them required the help of an operator.

    Every year, receiving various social support measures becomes more accessible and technologically advanced, while taking into account the individual needs and life situations of each person. The client paths of city residents are designed so that they have the opportunity to receive most social support measures and all the necessary information without leaving home.

    Interactive map and smart chatbot: how digital social solutions help Muscovites

    The introduction of a new social services system made it possible to achieve ahead of schedule the goals of the decree of the President of the Russian Federation on national development goals for the country until 2030 and for the future until 2036 (achieving digital maturity in the social protection sphere by 2030, which involves the automation of most processes within the framework of unified industry digital platforms and a data-based management model).

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/1251505/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Klobuchar, Colleagues Send Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter to President Trump on China Adoptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The People’s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives, in August 2024. Approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families prior to the announcement. 
    Co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04) and Danny Davis (D-IL-07), along with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Trump requesting he engage the Chinese government to finalize the pending adoption cases.
    “The sudden termination of China’s adoption program in August 2024 only exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being,” the senators wrote. “Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. It is particularly critical that these children have access to the care and support that they need — which hundreds of American families approved for adoption are willing to provide.
    “We understand that the State Department is working on behalf of these families and seeking clarity on the Chinese government’s decision,” the senators concluded. “We urge you to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalize pending adoption cases so these children may finally be united with their adoptive families in the United States.”
    This follows similar efforts requesting President Biden intervene and urge the PRC to complete pending adoptions and requesting the Department of State seek further clarification on the details and reasoning for China’s decision.
    Cosigners from the Senate include U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).
    Cosigners from the House include U.S. Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND-00), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Charles Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Sam Graves (R-MO-06), Mark Green (R-TN-07), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Thomas Kean (R-NJ-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Richard McCormick (R-GA-07), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-00), Zachary Nunn (R-IA-03), Andrew Ogles (R-TN-05), Bob Onder (R-MO-03), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN-06), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), William Timmons (R-SC-04), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), and Daniel Webster (R-FL-11).
    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Overland AI Launches SPARK to Deliver Instant Vehicle Autonomy to Military Fleets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Overland AI today unveiled SPARK, a comprehensive autonomy upfit that transforms any ground vehicle into a fully autonomous platform by integrating the company’s advanced OverDrive software stack with existing vehicle hardware. Designed for rapid deployment across existing military fleets, SPARK provides an immediate path to autonomy without the extended procurement timelines typically associated with new autonomous systems.

    “By integrating SPARK, the DOD and other government departments can transform their existing fleets into autonomous ground vehicles, rapidly and at scale,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “This immediate capability provides tactical advantages in a military theater that is changing minute over minute.”

    SPARK runs Overland’s OverDrive technology on an ultra-compact compute module that fits in most vehicles. Its perception system uses LiDAR and stereo cameras to see through darkness, dust, and storms, while tracking movement via integrated GPS, IMU, and speed encoders. The system’s modular, drive-by-wire design allows for rapid installation with minimal modifications to the host vehicle, preserving manual control capabilities when needed.

    Overland AI’s SPARK integrates complex infrastructure, including perception sensors, compute, comms, and drive-by-wire, to rapidly upfit ground vehicles with advanced autonomy powered by OverDrive, the company’s autonomy stack.

    Additionally, the modern battlefield demands vehicles that can operate in degraded environments where GPS may be denied and communication compromised. SPARK’s communications system maintains connectivity via Starlink, tactical mesh, LTE, and WiFi when possible, ensuring mission continuity even in the harshest conditions.

    “Autonomous vehicles are force multipliers that allow a single operator to control multiple vehicles, all while out of harm’s way. Our troops deserve access to this technology in a matter of days, not years,” said Greg Okopal, chief operating officer of Overland AI.

    To learn more about SPARK and see open roles, visit Overland AI’s website.

    About Overland AI

    Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is powering ground operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver advanced autonomy for unit commanders. Hazardous missions in austere and electronically denied environments demand that this technology is reliable and resilient. Overland AI’s SPARK autonomy upfit and OverDrive stack enable ground vehicles to navigate off-road without GPS or direct operator control, while its OverWatch C2 provides commanders with precisely coordinated capabilities that are vital for complex missions to succeed. Overland AI is developing these capabilities and putting them into the hands of tactical operators today.

    Media Contact

    Cameron Langford

    cameron@1stprinciples.io

    First Principles Communications

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ae03361-7811-41dc-ba7d-dcb4f9cfd739

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canadians are more patriotic than ever amid Trump’s trade war — but it’s important not to take national pride too far

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Susan Dieleman, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Lethbridge

    Amid a trade war between Canada and the United States, there’s been a surge in Canadian patriotism over the past few weeks.

    A recent poll shows that, across the country, the number of Canadians who consider themselves “proud” or “very proud” has increased — including in Québec, where these numbers have increased from 45 to 58 per cent.



    Read more:
    Is Trump’s assault on Canada bringing Québec and the rest of the country closer together?

    Canadians have been showing their national pride in a variety of ways. Sports fans have been singing “O Canada” at the top of their lungs and booing the U.S. national anthem. Consumers have adjusted their purchasing priorities, buying more Canadian products and avoiding American ones where possible. Vacationers have even changed their travel plans, opting to stay in Canada rather than travel south of the border.

    Political leaders, too, have practically draped themselves in the Canadian flag to show their national pride. For example, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been dubbed “Captain Canada” by the media for his response to the tariffs. Federal and provincial leaders have also adopted a so-called “Team Canada” approach — committing to presenting a united front in their response to tariff threats from the U.S.

    Former political leaders have penned opinion pieces proclaiming Canada to be the best country in the world — or, at least, a once-serious and proud country.

    But what does it mean to be patriotic — and are there good and bad ways of being patriotic? As an expert in the political thought of American philosopher Richard Rorty, I have found his reflections provide useful guidance for understanding the line between being a good patriot — and either taking things too far or not far enough.

    The virtuous response

    Rorty’s prophetic claims in his 1998 book Achieving Our Country: Leftist Thought in Twentieth-Century America about the likelihood that a “strongman” would be elected went viral after Donald Trump’s 2016 election. His insights can help us understand patriotism and why it might be important in the present moment.

    Rorty opens that book by providing an analogy:

    “National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals: a necessary condition for self-improvement. Too much national pride can produce bellicosity and imperialism, just as excessive self-respect can produce arrogance. But just as too little self-respect makes it difficult for a person to display moral courage, so insufficient national pride makes energetic and effective debate about national policy unlikely. Emotional involvement with one’s country […] is necessary if political deliberation is to be imaginative and productive. Such deliberation will probably not occur unless pride outweighs shame.”

    In this passage, Rorty invokes Aristotle’s notion of a “golden mean” — moderation between the excessive and deficient expression of a particular disposition. Very roughly put, to be virtuous is to feel and respond appropriately to any given situation. To exceed or fall short of the appropriate feeling and response is to be vicious.

    For example, to be courageous is to fear appropriately and to respond to that fear appropriately. The courageous person is not a person without fear. Rather, they fear what’s worthy of fear and don’t fear that which isn’t.

    The courageous person also responds appropriately to fear. What this response looks like will vary according to situation. Sometimes, courage calls one to stand and fight — while at other times, it calls one to turn and run. An inappropriate response is when one is reckless because they’re overly unafraid — or when one is cowardly because they’re overly afraid. As the wise fool character of Falstaff notes in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the better part of valour is discretion.

    Virtuous patriotism

    Applying the same approach, we can understand patriotism as feeling and responding appropriately in a situation that calls for national shame. The person who takes pride in their country is not a person who never feels shame. Rather, they’re ashamed when something their country has done is worthy of shame — and not ashamed when there’s no reason to be.

    As a result, patriotism sometimes calls one to criticize their country. At other times, patriotism calls us to celebrate our country. The person who exhibits patriotism virtuously will know when criticism and celebration are appropriate. To respond inappropriately, according to Rorty, is to be either quarrelsome and imperialistic when one is overly unashamed, or to be apathetic and uninvolved when one is overly ashamed.

    Pride in one’s country is only a virtue when it’s well-deserved. But when it is well-deserved, pride is the virtuous response.

    In Achieving Our Country, Rorty was primarily concerned with the fracturing and consequent direction of the political left, worrying that it was veering off the virtuous track in the direction of vicious apathy. The political left, he said, emphasized the ways their country fell short — and of which they were rightly ashamed. But they didn’t look at the way the country had lived up to its promise, which should have made them proud.

    However, as I’ve written about previously, the political left wasn’t wrong to identify those aspects of a country’s history that are indeed shameful. And for Rorty, the left has played a vital role throughout history in helping countries become kinder, less shameful places than they otherwise might have been.

    In the current political climate, Rorty’s lesson for us is to make sure we don’t veer too far in the opposite direction, becoming quarrelsome or imperialistic. What true patriot love calls for is a more moderate stance — where we’re shameful of that which is worthy of shame, but also proud of that which is worthy of pride. Without a balance of shame and pride, efforts to continue improving what we stand on guard for is likely to falter and fall.

    As we Canadians wave our flags and support our Canadian producers, we would be well-served to remember the value of imaginative and productive deliberation — and to steer well clear of both bellicosity and apathy.

    Susan Dieleman receives funding as the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at the University of Lethbridge.

    – ref. Canadians are more patriotic than ever amid Trump’s trade war — but it’s important not to take national pride too far – https://theconversation.com/canadians-are-more-patriotic-than-ever-amid-trumps-trade-war-but-its-important-not-to-take-national-pride-too-far-250210

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why has the Gaza ceasefire collapsed? Why has the US launched aistrikes in Yemen? Middle East expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin

    For the past few weeks, the world’s attention has been focused on the prospect of a ceasefire in Ukraine and the diplomatic manoeuvrings that has entailed. But while Donald Trump has been focusing on negotiations with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, the ceasefire deal in Gaza he had a hand in getting over the line appears to have fallen apart.

    After negotiations with Hamas broke down, Israel cut off all humanitarian aid to Gaza at the beginning of March, then cut off power, and overnight on March 17 launched massive airstrikes across the Strip, killing more than 400 people.

    Meanwhile, the US has responded to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea with massive airstrikes against the Iran-back Houthi rebels. This has been widely interpreted as a message to Iran’s leaders from Trump, who is putting pressure on the Iranian government to negotiate a new nuclear deal to replace the one struck in 2013 which was rejected by the US president in 2018.

    Scott Lucas, a Middle East expert at University College Dublin, addresses some of the key issues involved.

    Do the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza mean the ceasefire deal is officially dead?

    Yes. This is the end of the two-month ceasefire that paused Israel’s open-ended war on Gaza. The six-week phase one of the ceasefire officially ended on March 1, after some hostages held by Hamas were exchanged for some Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.

    There never was a possibility of a phase two. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing pressure from hard-right groups inside and close to his government and still vowing to destroy Hamas, was never going to accept a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas remaining in the Strip. Hamas was never going to accept eviction – and there was no prospect of agreement on a successor Palestinian government for Gaza.

    So Netanyahu, also being pressed by families of the remaining 59 hostages, sought an extension of phase one with the return of all those dead or alive. Hamas, whose last leverage is retaining those hostages, demanded a phase two.

    Israel cut off humanitarian assistance earlier this month. Returning to the aerial assault was the next step. The renewal of ground attacks will be next.



    Read more:
    Gaza ceasefire deal looks doomed as Israel blockades Strip and bars entry of humanitarian aid

    What is Israel’s long-term plan for Gaza?

    There is no long-term plan at the moment. Netanyahu needs a short-term return of the hostages to escape his political bind, not to mention his ongoing bribery trial.

    Israel’s hard right – and Donald Trump – may envisage a depopulated Gaza under Israeli military rule. But all such ambitions will be suspended as the death and destruction continues.

    What has been overshadowed is the possibility of a long-term plan in the West Bank, where Israel has been stepping up military operations and violence is escalating. As the world watches Gaza, the Israelis may seek to expand and consolidate their de facto rule through settlements in a programme which will be tantamount to annexation.

    Donald Trump saw the Gaza ceasefire as his deal. How will he react to Netanyahu breaking it?

    Trump was happy to grab the immediate, self-proclaimed glory of “peacemaker” for phase one.

    Since there was no possibility of being a peacemaker for a phase two, Trump set this aside for the fantasy of Trump Gaza and his golden statue on the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    Now he will be content to blame and bash Hamas.

    Meanwhile the US has been attacking the Houthis in Yemen. What is Trump’s strategy here?

    The airstrikes are, in part at least, Trump speaking to the American public. He poses as a “peacemaker” at times, but he enjoys playing the tough guy. And, at a time when economic issues and Musk-inflicted chaos may dent his approval rating, he could rally support with the bombing.

    At the same time, Trump has carried out his standard ploy with Iran’s leaders: give me a photo opportunity for the “art of the deal” or I’ll “rain hell on you”.

    A direct strike on Tehran would unleash repercussions throughout the Middle East. Even though Iran has been weakened in the past year, it still has the capability to strike Americans in the region.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    So the low-cost option is to fire on Iran’s ally in Yemen. Some officials in the Trump administration will favour this as a way of putting pressure on the Iranians ahead of any potential talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Others will see this as part of backing for Israel amid the open-ended war in Gaza, and still others could endorse the step as a bolstering of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. And there is always the argument that the strikes could deter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

    The Iranian response has been fairly muted. Why is that?

    Iran’s leadership is embroiled in a combination of economic, social and regional problems, perhaps the most serious situation since the mass protests after the disputed 2009 presidential election.

    Tehran’s projection of power has been shaken by the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the decimation of Hezbollah in Lebanon last year, and an eroding position in Iraq, where Iran’s influence over the government of prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is looking increasingly tenuous.

    The economy is in a parlous state. In early 2018, the exchange rate was 45,000 Iranian rial to the dollar. Now it is approaching 1 million to the dollar.

    Inflation is officially at 36%, but is far higher in reality, particularly for food and other essentials. Unemployment is rising and infrastructure is crumbling. There are shortages of electricity in a country that is the world’s seventh-largest oil producer.

    Having faced the “Woman, life, freedom” protests since September 2022, the regime is caught between making accommodations to public discontent and cracking down on rights. Some political prisoners have been released, but authorities are pursuing a draconian campaign against women who dare not to wear the hijab.

    Hardliners are trying to curb the centrist government, forcing out the economy minister, Abdolnaser Hemmati, and the foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was central in the 2015 agreement that restricted Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Pursuing both that domestic campaign and confrontation abroad is a tall order.

    What does this mean for a new nuclear deal with Iran?

    Some Trump advisers may believe they can use the sledgehammer in Yemen to bludgeon Iran to the negotiating table and Trump’s photo opportunity with the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, or Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

    Good luck with that. Iran may be weakened, but Khamenei is not going to negotiate at the point of an American weapon. Responding to news of a Trump letter to Tehran that threatened, “There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal,” last week Khamenei dismissed the idea of talking with the Trump administration.

    He said: “When we know they won’t honour it, what’s the point of negotiating? Therefore, the invitation to negotiate … is a deception of public opinion.”

    Recent history is instructive. In 2013, Khamenei finally relented to nuclear deal talks when told by the then president, Hassan Rouhani, of an imminent economic collapse if Iran held out. More than five years later, however, the Iranian leadership was prepared to withstand Trump’s “maximum pressure” and withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.

    Iran’s idea for talks was based on a cautious process beginning with confidence-building measures on both sides. But a US approach predicated on bombing and bluster has effectively sidelined that.

    Scott Lucas 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. Why has the Gaza ceasefire collapsed? Why has the US launched aistrikes in Yemen? Middle East expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/why-has-the-gaza-ceasefire-collapsed-why-has-the-us-launched-aistrikes-in-yemen-middle-east-expert-qanda-252532

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: British Rail wasn’t all bad. Sixty years after the brand launched we should remember its marketing successes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lewis Smith, Lecturer in Marketing, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London

    Jon_Ritchie/Shutterstock

    In 2025 Britain is marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Many will be quick to celebrate the legacy of steam engines and the old red lion railway logo, but there’s one bit of Britain’s railway that perhaps doesn’t get enough praise – British Rail. Abbreviated to BR, the brand is 60 this year.

    BR officially began trading in 1965 and ended with the privatisation of the railways in 1997. But despite the brand coming to the end of the line, many of its iconic elements remain on the railways today. These include the “double arrow” logo, the font known as Rail Alphabet and a whole palette of colours and styles.

    State-owned Great British Railways, which is replacing Network Rail as the operator of most of Britain’s rail infrastructure as well as taking over the privatised franchise system, will unveil a logo in May. This may well incorporate the double arrow. The messaging is about the hope of “restoring pride” in Britain’s rail network.

    BR as an organisation, on the other hand, has an often controversial legacy. Those who remember it are quick to complain of late-running trains, high fares and a poor standard of service – including the soggy British Rail sandwich. This legacy is often politicised. One could equally argue that it was a cutting-edge business that served the people in times of dire economic crises, with recessions in the 1970s and 80s as well as the decline in manufacturing that led to widespread unemployment.

    The railways were nationalised under the 1947 Transport Act and managed by “British Railways”. Back in the 1950s, the railway had a poor reputation. As one survey respondent described, the railway was a “big, monolithic institution, not at all concerned with the welfare of the individual”.

    Trains were often late and dirty, the result of a lack of investment combined with the dying days of the steam era. Coupled to this, British Railways was hesitant about outside intervention, whether from managers, government officials or even passengers. Efforts to improve the railway began with the 1955 modernisation plan, which made a number of strategic recommendations. But by 1960 it had failed to deliver any financial benefits.

    For all nationalised industries in Britain, the 1960s were different. With the release of a government white paper in 1961, all the state-owned industries including gas, electricity and airways were set financial targets.

    One of the outcomes of this for the railways was Dr Richard Beeching’s Reshaping of British Railways plan published in 1963. It included a number of changes, including slashing the number of unprofitable routes.

    My recent research has examined BR marketing in the 1960s and 1970s, and found that this period represented one of great change in the history of marketing the railways.

    This included the introduction of the “British Rail” brand, with the publication of a corporate identity manual in July 1965. This represented management slowly opening up to recruit marketing and PR experts from the private sector, including from consumer giants like L’Oréal.

    Compared to other operators in Europe, BR received one of the lowest government subsidies. Over its operational life, BR fought hard to innovate in the market with the support and resources it had.

    It used new methods to locate and identify consumers, targeted advertising and services, and teamed up with private-sector giants like Kellogg’s and Persil with offers for discounted tickets. It also created new pricing structures, including Awaydays, Weekend Returns and Railcards.

    A fierce competitor

    As a nationalised railway, it might be easy to assume that BR had a monopoly and therefore did not have to compete. But this couldn’t be further from the reality. The car business was booming, with cheaper, more reliable models on offer. And, thanks to government infrastructure policy, more roads, car parks and fuel stations were being built.

    Other domestic transport like coaches (the National Bus Company was formed in 1968) applied constant pressure. And British Airways launched its domestic “shuttle” services between London and other UK cities in 1975, promising passengers they could just “turn up and go” without the need to book.

    This also marked a point at which marketing experts shifted their focus from places to people, identifying not only who wanted to travel but why. This included focusing on specific market segments by gender.

    In the 1970s, BR’s InterCity launched a TV campaign with the slogan “Travel Inter-City Like the Men Do”, which focused efforts on middle-aged women looking to travel to get away from their domestic duties.

    Rail travel could be a feminist issue too.

    Similarly, messaging for business travellers tightened. Before the 1960s, business travel was about luxury. Now it was about economic efficiency, where businessmen could work, eat and sleep on the train in advance of their meetings (none of which you could do if you were driving to a meeting).

    In the 1980s, before his horrifying crimes came to light, BR brought in TV star Jimmy Savile as the face of rail travel. Although hard to believe today, given what the public now knows about Savile, it was a coup at the time because of his media and business profile.

    But today, the railways are at a turning point. The government’s plans to nationalise railway franchises has prompted excitement from organisations like passenger group Bring Back British Rail.

    Let’s be clear: nationalisation on its own is not a silver bullet, though the BR case shows that it should be possible to have a nationalised industry that can serve the public interest and compete within the wider economy. Crucially, BR was an innovative marketer. What follows next should endeavour to be the same.

    Lewis Smith 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. British Rail wasn’t all bad. Sixty years after the brand launched we should remember its marketing successes – https://theconversation.com/british-rail-wasnt-all-bad-sixty-years-after-the-brand-launched-we-should-remember-its-marketing-successes-251759

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK has closed its flagship sustainable farming scheme, choosing short-term cuts over long-term security

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Burnett, Honorary Research Associate, TABLE, University of Oxford

    EMJAY SMITH / shutterstock

    The UK government’s decision to abruptly close all applications for its flagship nature-friendly farming scheme has shocked many of the country’s farmers and environmentalists.

    The sustainable farming incentive (SFI) is one of a series of schemes which pays farmers in England to nurture the soil and wildlife and improve water quality. It is far from perfect.

    People have criticised its complexity and lack of clarity, its financial viability or its impact on how farms operate and how this would change the balance between producing food and reaching environmental goals.

    It’s too early to tell if these critics were correct, but the SFI certainly provided some stability for British farmers after EU farm subsidies ended post-Brexit. It seemed poised to make some positive impact.

    The government says a revised version will be announced in the coming months, but it will be hard to regain the trust of farmers. The decision to close the scheme for now throws a stark light on a broader issue: the tendency to prioritise immediate financial needs over the long-term health of both the farming sector and the environment.

    This is a classic example of what economists call “future discounting”, and it’s a dangerous game to play when it comes to vital services.

    Essentially, future discounting means we value things more in the present than we do in the future. If you are promised £100 today, or £110 in two months, which would you take? Sometimes there’s no right or wrong answer – do what you think is right for you with that £100. But sometimes… well, sometimes there is a right answer.

    The value of now, the value of the future

    The SFI scheme offers vital support for sustainable practices that, while crucial, often require upfront investment. This includes cover cropping, for example, where a crop is grown simply to cover a field rather than to be harvested.

    Cover cropping can help rejuvenate soils and is good for insects, but there are costs attached to purchasing the seeds, sowing them, and missing out on income by not growing a commodity crop.

    Other investment examples might involve creating grassland or ponds and ditches to hold back rainwater and prevent floods. These things have an immediate impact on farm output and activities, but with an eye to longer-term benefit.

    Investment in soil health might lower yields in the short run, but should pay off in the long run.
    William Edge / shutterstock

    The sudden closure of the scheme creates an immediate financial vacuum for those who missed the (unannounced) window. Thankfully, farmers with existing agreements will continue within the scheme, and applications that had been submitted prior to the sudden closure will still be assessed.

    However, even for those who are currently enrolled, this about-face instils fear that support will be withdrawn in the years to come – long before something like an expanded woodland has come to fruition.

    The government says that it has run out of money for the current budget cycle. Rather than celebrating the fact that so many farmers want to be involved, want to do adopt better farming practices and act as custodians of nature, it instead panicked and shut people out.

    Too much demand for a nature-friendly future, not enough cold hard cash. And now we can see how the discounting works – the perceived urgency of cashflow today overshadows the long-term benefits of healthy soil, thriving biodiversity, and a resilient ecosystem.

    There are specific actions that SFIs are meant to support, including soil health, water quality, biodiversity and pest management. Each of these requires investment to manage, and to rectify when things go wrong (see the huge fines for water companies).

    For example, it is easier to address issues of water quality by supporting better land use – reduced agri-chemicals, more grassland, tree cover, and so on – than to treat poor water quality downstream.

    But farmers operate both within tight financial margins and on long time-scales. They need security of income to plan land use, including whether they can afford to implement alternative strategies. But they do want to. That’s why there’s been so much demand for SFIs.

    A false economy

    Sympathy could be rustled up for the government, trying to manage complex budgets in a complicated time. But it has made one misstep after another in relation to both food and farming (farmer protests over inheritance tax, for instance) and the environment (such as the planned Heathrow airport expansion)).

    So while immediate fiscal prudence is important, ignoring the long-term consequences of environmental degradation is a false economy. We have a responsibility to value the future as much as the present. Failing to do so will have serious consequences for our environment, our food security, and the well-being of future generations.

    Rather than discounting futures, we should be doing the opposite – negative futures discounting. It sounds upside-down, but it boils down to this: we should value the future more, not less.

    In particular, we should be focused on nurturing good farming and environmental protection. These should take centre stage as mission critical things that we need, and not just for now, but always.

    The sustainable farming incentive shutdown is another chance to reflect on the fact that farming and environmental sustainability are not luxuries, but necessities. We cannot afford to continually discount the future, sacrificing the future of farming and the environment for the sake of short-term finance. It’s time to re-evaluate our priorities.

    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.

    Emma Burnett has previously received funding from sankalpa. She also works as a sustainability researcher for a whisky company.

    – ref. The UK has closed its flagship sustainable farming scheme, choosing short-term cuts over long-term security – https://theconversation.com/the-uk-has-closed-its-flagship-sustainable-farming-scheme-choosing-short-term-cuts-over-long-term-security-252326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Winter’s Tale at The Tobacco Factory, Bristol – a marvellous production with much to say about the modern world

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jo Lindsay Walton, Principal Research Fellow in Arts, Climate and Technology, University of Sussex

    The first half rips your heart out. The second attempts, tenderly, to put it back again. This is The Winter’s Tale, currently being performed at The Tobacco Factory, Bristol.

    In Shakespeare’s tragicomedy, King Leontes of Sicilia, in a fit of jealous paranoia, falsely accuses his wife Queen Hermione of adultery with their friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia. Quickfire catastrophe unfolds.

    Before you know it, the couple’s newborn daughter, Perdita, has been abandoned on a Bohemian hillside, left to the mercy of wolves and ravens. Sixteen years later, raised by the mercy of Bohemian shepherds instead, Perdita falls in love with Polixenes’ son. There are disguises. There are japes. And, astonishingly, there is reconciliation.

    It’s a marvellous production, directed by Heidi Vaughan, and it marks a welcome return of Shakespeare to The Tobacco Factory after a hiatus. With a cast drawn from Bristol’s deep talent pool, the connections on stage feel secure, energetic, and richly nuanced.

    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.

    Hermione and Paulina are two of Shakespeare’s most intriguing roles for women, and Alice Barclay and Rose Wardlow do them justice. Barclay is stunning as the stunned Hermione, while Wardlow brings layers of vulnerability and sarkiness to Paulina’s righteous fury. Many of the smaller and medium roles shine. Amy Loughton (Perdita’s shepherdess mum) and Bill Ward (Polixenes) find organic situational comedy in moments that could easily have been merely functional.

    King Leontes’ tyranny, which dominates the first half, is played by Felix Hayes as a kind of psychotic episode. I’m torn. Hayes has a strong stage presence, with a whiplash switch from gentle loveliness to shuffling, brooding, whimpering monstrosity.

    It’s a spellbinding breakdown. But I was left wondering – might a less unhinged portrayal have better exposed the complicity of the court?

    The costume and set design also feel a little elusive. This ambiguity means the nature of Leontes’ authority is hard to pin down, as is the misogyny that shapes his tyranny. With androgynous-suited courtiers and soft furnishings, it’s hard to pin down the time or place, unless it’s the soft play area at Wacky Warehouse.

    The choice seems deliberate, leaning into that timeless fairytale quality. But The Winter’s Tale is specifically about time, including a particular time – now.

    What The Winter’s Tale can tell us in 2025

    The play celebrates the healing power of time, nature and the turn of the seasons. But the seasons themselves are not immune to tyranny. In other words, The Winter’s Tale is about responses to tyranny, as well as tyranny itself.

    Paulina (Wardlow) attempts to bloody well sort it out. She directly confronts both Leontes (“this most cruel usage of your queen, / not able to produce more accusation / than your own weak-hing’d fancy, something savours / of tyranny”) and the cowardly court (“such as you, /
    that creep like shadows by him, and do sigh / at each his needless heavings”).

    But how about the others? Camillo (Dorian Simpson) pragmatically scurries for the hills to bide his time. Cleomenes (Amy Loughton) musters some flustered bravery. Antigonus (Stu McLoughlin), let’s be frank, deserves to be eaten by a bear. It’s lucky there’s one handy.

    The Winter’s Tale can be tricky to stage in the round. It’s a story filled with centripetal forces – characters beg, vow, comfort, cling, smother – yet the space encourages just the opposite: centrifugal forces, outward motion, striding away, lobbing repartee over a shoulder, performers unfolding like a clockwork mechanism. The round staging comes into its own, however, in beautiful scenes of revelry, song, and dance, which are also scenes of healing.

    Someone once told me that boredom is an important part of healing. The lengthy pastoral scenes of the First Folio Winter’s Tale seem to bear that out. But for this production, Robin Belfield has given the script a tight edit, shortening many of these scenes.

    Ultimately, I’m grateful for the judicious cuts – people do, after all, need to leave the theatre eventually, and the two halves feel equally balanced.

    The Winter’s Tale proposes that real healing comes from remorse, time, and distance. It also comes from the company of those less wrapped up in the trauma. Your wounds will define you until you learn to relinquish the lead role in your own tragedy, and accept a supporting role in somebody else’s comedy.

    By the end of the play, Leontes feels remorse – but is it enough to provide healing for those he has hurt? Or is something more missing – some more explicit reckoning or reparative justice? I don’t know. The Winter’s Tale won’t resolve the question of whether healing is ever truly complete. It only asks whether we are willing to live with the weight of what cannot be undone.

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

    – ref. The Winter’s Tale at The Tobacco Factory, Bristol – a marvellous production with much to say about the modern world – https://theconversation.com/the-winters-tale-at-the-tobacco-factory-bristol-a-marvellous-production-with-much-to-say-about-the-modern-world-251944

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Iain Brennan, Professor of Criminology, University of Hull

    The rate of children permanently excluded from school in England rose against last year and is higher than before the pandemic.

    A recent BBC documentary by actor Idris Elba pointed out that being excluded from school can be a tipping point that pushes a child towards serious violence. This observation is backed up by convincing evidence.

    Data in a joint report by the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education shows that the risk of being cautioned or charged for a serious violence offence by age 18 is 15 times higher in children who had been excluded from school.

    Crucially, though, exclusion and violence have many risk factors in common. Children who have special educational needs, have grown up in deprivation or have been in care, for instance, are more at risk both of being excluded from school and of committing a violent offence.

    This makes the job of teasing out the impact of exclusion on violence challenging. Research needs to account for the contribution of these other factors.

    We carried out research to isolate the effect of school exclusion on serious violence, trying to do so in a way that just focused on the impact of exclusion.

    The best way to know whether or not something has caused a change is to split a group of people at random and give one group something and not the other, be that a medicine, a programme or anything else. This is known as a randomised controlled trial.

    Finding a cause

    By randomly splitting the group, any other risk factors – ones that we know about and ones that we don’t – are shared equally across the two groups, so if we see a difference between the groups, the only explanation is the difference introduced by the researchers.

    However, there are lots of situations where randomisation would be unethical. We could never randomise people to start smoking to test if it causes a disease, nor could we randomise skydivers to not wear parachutes. School exclusion is a situation like this. Excluding some children but not excluding others in the name of science would be a dangerous experiment.

    Instead of this unethical coin toss, we used a new technique from medical research, known as a target trial emulation. This approach seeks to mimic the circumstances of a randomised controlled trial.

    It does so by ensuring that the study only includes people who meet the “eligibility” criteria for the study, that the two groups are as similar as possible and that they are followed up for identical periods.

    It is important to define who is “eligible” for exclusion. While in theory, any children can be excluded, they are only truly eligible if they have done something “exclusion-worthy”.

    There are many common risk factors for exclusion and violence.
    polya_olya/Shutterstock

    Finding groups of people who meet these criteria and where some have been excluded and others have not is challenging. Fortunately, in 2020, the Department for Education linked the records of over 15 million people to criminal records held by the Ministry of Justice and anonymised them. This data set is just the type of “big data” we need for this question.

    We identified every record of a child who had been excluded between 2006 and 2016 – over 20,000 children. We then matched these records against those of other children from the same data set who had the same background, educational experience and history of suspensions and (non-violent) offending, but who, crucially, were never excluded.

    Following those cases from the time of the exclusion and comparing them, we found that, within a year, the excluded children were more than twice as likely to commit serious violent crime than their not excluded peers.

    A doubling of risk of the most serious violence in an already high-risk group points to exclusion being an important factor in youth violence.

    But because we cannot rule out other factors and because we can’t know if the comparison group were truly “eligible” for exclusion, this may be as close as we can get to understanding the causal influence of exclusion.

    Cut back on exclusions?

    The evidence on a link between exclusion and future violence might suggest that it would be a good idea to limit exclusions from schools. But this is an extremely contentious issue.

    Limiting or preventing exclusions risks schools having to spend a great deal of precious resources keeping a small number of children in school. The Department for Education and many teachers state that exclusions are necessary when a child’s behaviour becomes a risk to their classmates and teachers or harms the potential to learn.

    On the other hand, continuing with increasing rates of exclusions risks letting down the most vulnerable and traumatised children – as well as potentially creating victims of crime and heaping pressure on prisons later on.

    Critics of exclusions argue that, as well as increasing risk of offending, exclusions unfairly target children from ethnic minorities and children with special educational needs, and should be avoided as much as possible.

    We may never truly know the causal effect of exclusion on violent offending. But perhaps we do not need to. Addressing the common causes of exclusion and violence should be the greater priority.

    The warning signs for a child’s exclusion and violence will have been clear in many cases but too often schools and teachers lack the time and resources to help and include a child showing these signs, falling back on disciplinary policies that may be doing more harm than good.

    It would be better to introduce an inclusive system that views schools as being part of a system that does not just respond to violence but can prevent it. However, although exclusion from school may be a trigger and a predictor of serious violence, preventing such violence cannot be the responsibility of schools alone.

    Iain Brennan receives funding from Economic and Social Research Council, Home Office, College of Policing, Youth Endowment Fund and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

    Rosie Cornish receives funding from the UK Medical Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Youth Endowment Fund, the Home Office and the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.

    – ref. Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research – https://theconversation.com/exploring-the-link-between-school-exclusion-and-crime-new-research-252122

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Sustainable Jobs Stream

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

    The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) aims to support a trades workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive. The CAS funds projects that aim to:

    • promote the skilled trades as a good career option;
    • develop initiatives that help Canadians explore, prepare for, participate and succeed in apprenticeship;
    • facilitate the participation of employers and unions in apprenticeship; and
    • encourage innovative tools and approaches to better prepare pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeypersons for the jobs of tomorrow.


    CAS Union Training and Innovation Program Sustainable Jobs Stream

    The Sustainable Jobs Stream aims to support projects that will develop and deliver green training for journeypersons and apprentices in Red Seal trades that are key to reducing Canada’s emissions. It supports the Government’s Sustainable Jobs Plan.

    Eligible organizations include:

    • organizations that are located and operate in Canada (except in Quebec);
    • unions representing workers in the Red Seal trades; and
    • organizations managing training trust funds for unions representing workers in the Red Seal trades.

    The following organizations are also eligible, if they have a partnership with a union representing workers in the Red Seal trade:

    • not-for-profit organizations;
    • for-profit organizations;
    • provincial, territorial and municipal governments, agencies, institutions and Crown corporations; and
    • Indigenous organizations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –