NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Nebraska Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Nebraska of the May 16, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning July 23, 2024.

    In Nebraska, the declaration includes the counties of Box Butte, Dawes, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux, in South Dakota, Fall River and Oglala Lakota counties, and in Wyoming, Goshen and Niobrara counties.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than May 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to South Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in South Dakota of the May 15, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding occurring June 16–July 8, 2024.

    In South Dakota, the declaration includes the counties of Aurora, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Sanborn, Turner, Union and Yankton, in Iowa, Lyon, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury counties, and in Nebraska, Dakota and Dixon counties.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than May 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: CEO Lily Vittayarukskul: The ‘inevitable’ costs you’re probably not prepared for

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The ‘long-term care nightmare’ is coming. Waterlily’s founder Lily Vittayarukskul shares her own family’s story – and how others can prepare on #podcast #MeettheLeader

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum #longevity #financialplanning

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvjumIZ-b0Q

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Businesses Talk Tariffs and Trump’s Trade War at Welch’s Roundtable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    “This is essentially a tax on the consumer.”
    “Tariffs radically affect our manufacturing arm.”
    “We don’t know how they’re going to affect us, we just know they’re going to affect us.”
    “How can you navigate the playbook if you don’t know what the rules of the board are”
    “This is long-lasting damage to a relationship and emotional damage takes time to heal.”
    “What happens in five months, ten months, 12 months, two years?”
    “If a bunch of local kids aren’t going to get to learn to ski and snowboard because millionaires and billionaires are getting a tax cut that really doesn’t sit well with me at all.”
    STOWE, VT—On Monday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), hosted a conversation at The Alchemist Brewery on the impact of President Trump’s trade war on Vermont’s outdoor and tourism economy. Vermont businesses voiced their frustrations with Trump’s tariffs, which are negatively affecting business in Vermont. 
    Senator Welch’s panel included representatives from The Alchemist Brewery, the Old Stagecoach Inn, Mad River Distillers, Burton, J Skis, Waterbury Sports & Power Play Sports, and Hen of the Wood. 
    “You’re running a real business, with real employees, with real customers, with real expenses. And every one of you has an obligation to your employees, you have an obligation to your shareholders and owners, you have an obligation to producing a quality product. And it’s pretty inspiring. That is, so much, in contrast with these tariffs. It’s about an abstract policy. It’s not grounded in the reality of your businesses—whether it’s retail, or food, or hospitality. And that’s what is so maddening to me. My colleagues—we represent everybody in the country, and there are a lot of different points of view—but we could have a group just like you in Texas, in Iowa. These are people who have your responsibility in those communities and they would be, I’m sure, saying the exact same thing. My challenge is to bring this to the attention of some of my colleagues who are willing to go down with the ship, which is what is going to happen with these tariffs. And these concrete examples that you’ve given are really compelling,” said Senator Welch at the conclusion of the event. 
    Read remarks shared during the event by Vermont business leaders:  
    “These tariffs are really going to affect us a lot. But I think I speak for all of us when I say we don’t know how they’re going to affect us, we just know they’re going to affect us. And that’s really the hardest thing as a businessperson—because you want to have a budget; you want to do projections; you want to plan for your year. But we can’t do that. What we do know is that these tariffs are happening. We do know prices are going to go up, but we don’t know how much.” said Jen Kimmich, co-founder of The Alchemist.  
    On tariffs that will impact production costs, Jen said: “We have a global economy that works. So that recycled aluminum goes from Brazil, goes to Canada where it is made into big, recycled aluminum sheets, and then it comes to the United States…Beyond that, our lids come from Mexico. Those are subject to a tariff, and we don’t know what’s going to happen. All of our malt comes from the U.K. It’s a special malt that we have grown by a small family farm we’ve invested in. Right now, it doesn’t get hit by a tariff because it’s a food product, but we’re told that it might.  
    “Beyond that, our other big concern is the decline in tourism, so that stings. Third, we have a looming recession. So even with these increasing prices and decreased business, we can’t increase prices. And number four—and this is the thing that concerns me the most, concerns our employees the most—is cuts to local organizations and social services. If Medicaid gets cut and Copley closes down, or Central Vermont, because they can’t stay profitable, then we’re screwed. We do not have a hospital within an hour of The Alchemist. What about our employees that have students that need special education? Our business—we’re scared. But that is a drop in the bucket compared to the fear I feel for our community, our state, and our country, when our services are cut. And then beyond those things, there’s ICE. We have a huge international population here in Stowe—people working—and I know people who are scared,” Jen concluded.  

    “We sell about 40% of our product in November and December, so we don’t really know how it’s going to affect us until it’s too late for the year-end. The recession, the lack of consumer confidence that’s coming, we need to really hedge our bets. We’ve already planned on cutting 70% of our marketing, and there’s really no other choice. We have to cut because we’re going to pay more for product. Our product is made in Canada, just over the border. I’m very proud to be making it in Canada. I’ve had a relationship with them over a decade…there’s no other factory in North America, that close to us, even as an option. We already placed our order last year for this product. No matter what policy changes are made we can do nothing about it at this point, because our product has been ordered for months. And what we pay we don’t know—depending on where that tariff is it could be anywhere from 10-25%,” shared Jason Levinthal, Founder of J Skis. “And unfortunately, a lot of people in America just don’t understand that this is essentially a tax on the consumer. That’s a huge challenge, and that message has to get out. It needs to be crystal clear, very simple. So, there’s more pressure to change than simply politicians telling them to change. It has to come from the people—the power of the people.” 

    “Tariffs radically affect our manufacturing arm by raising the price of raw materials. In our case, glass bottles and cardboard packaging sourced from Canada, and the sugar we use to make rum, which is imported from Africa…Although we don’t export abroad, many American whiskey companies do, and we expect there to be an oversupply of domestic whiskey this year that was bound for international markets, particularly Asia. That will now stay in the United States. We anticipate prices will fall even though our raw material prices will increase, as large companies need to liquidate the oversupply. And also keep in mind that everything we’re selling today was made years ago, so yes, we can lower our production because of rising costs but that won’t affect us for years.” said Mimi Buttenheim, President of Mad River Distillers. “On the home front we have retail stores in both Burlington and Stowe, which are typically filled with Canadian visitors over the summer…all of these factors are similar for the 22 members of the Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont. In addition, several of our members who export to Canada have had contracts stalled as the provinces have pulled American spirits off their shelves. 
    “For our small businesses, it’s the uncertainty that’s the worst part. Because our businesses are seasonal and occasion-based, and they’re susceptible to changing consumer sentiment. We don’t have large reserve coffers to fall back on,” Mimi Buttenheim concluded.  

    “This is having a major impact on our business…We have over 800 employees around the world, 400 of which are based in the Burlington area, and that’s inclusive of our retail store, but primarily manufacturing, sales, service, marketing, you name it. The way we look at this—the one thing is a distraction for our organization. Our time is being absorbed across all elements of the company to figure out what the hell is going on. We’re trying to navigate in the uncertainty of the reality that we are in. We source two-thirds of our product across far-east Asia—be it Vietnam, China, or in all areas of Europe—and this uncertainty plays everyday with some new level of potential cost. Some level of how we’ll be able to import goods. What are the rules on manufacturing when it comes to raw material? And how that’s all going to add up and impact the consumer…” John Lacy, CEO of Burton Snowboards, shared. “Knowing we’ve got two-thirds of our goods, and you’re looking at 46-145% increases on the cost of goods, it goes directly to the consumer…This is tough as a private company.”  
    “There’s not a lot of options to pick up and move. It takes three, four years. We had moved to Vietnam 8-10 years ago because it was a safe haven, according to our Administration. There’s nothing safe any longer. We are exploring other alternatives and different areas of manufacturing, but by the time we set up who knows what will happen next,” John Lacy continued. “…We’ve received a lot of input on things to do, but how can you navigate the playbook if you don’t know what the rules of the board are?”  

    “As an inn, 95% of my business is tourism, and about 5% locals…Of that 95%, typically 15% are Canadian. We were all excited about having a banner ski season and it was good, but it wasn’t amazing. It was down about 4% over last year. When you start to look at it month-by-month and look at the timing of certain events and rhetoric, January was actually up 16%, February down 15%, March down 9%, the trend is continuing…But the other concern for me is some of the forward-leaning indicators—when we look at our web traffic, as people plan a vacation they’re doing web searches and that predicts our revenues for the rest of the year. Canada, last year, represented 27% of our web searches. This year it’s 4%. Last year, five of the top ten locations in our city data were Canadian cities. This year, there isn’t one in the top ten year-to-date. And as you look at the April data, as more of this has had chance to build, there is not a Canadian city in our top 150 cities. And Canadian search volume is 1.6%, down from 27%,” said Christa Bowdish, owner of the Old Stagecoach Inn. 
    Christa Bowdish shared a letter from a Canadian tourist that canceled because of President Trump’s rhetoric against Canada and Canada’s leaders, and then said: “It’s not just the tariffs. It’s not something that will be solved as soon as we conclude trade negotiations. This is long-lasting damage to a relationship and emotional damage takes time to heal. While people aren’t visiting Vermont, they’ll be finding new places to visit, making new memories, building new family traditions, and we will not recapture all of that.” 

    “My bigger concerns are more broad, big picture social concerns and bigger economic concerns—and how they’ll be making their way to Vermont. If Burton would have been hiring however-many people next year, and now maybe they’re not hiring anyone. Bigger companies that were going to grow. Kids out of school that thought they were going to have a job and now they’re not going to have one? What happens in five months, ten months, 12 months, two years? That’s where I get a little bit more nervous—the ups and downs of the economy and what happens to people coming to the state of Vermont,” said Eric Warnstedt, the Hen of the Wood. “We’ve had people that have been coming to us for almost 20 years: ‘We love you, thank you, just so you know we’re not coming this summer.’ That hurts, that’s disappointing. I think they know most of us are on their side and my hope is that maybe when some of the heat gets turns down, summer comes, maybe they’ll put that aside.”  

    “The big challenge for me is going to be supply chain issues. At my two stores, because we’re general sporting goods stores, I work with over 100 vendors who are making products literally across the globe—from Dubai, to China, to right down the road in Waterbury. So now a huge number of those products are going to be affected by these tariffs. Not a day that goes by I’m not getting an email from one of those vendors saying ‘Here’s what we think’ and of course—they don’t know what to do and they don’t know what’s going to happen because nobody knows what’s going to happen because it’s such a moving target,” said Caleb Magoon, Owner of Waterbury Sports & Power Play Sports. “Your quality of life and my bottom line are all being impacted by these decisions…We’re really worried about price increases. Some [vendors] are pausing shipments of their products. We got pretty good gear this year, and that was really nice, But if those products are paused before they get sent over here, we’re worried about availability in the fall. If I don’t have the product, I can’t sell it.” 
    “As Jason [of J Skis] said, these tariffs are a tax. They are a tax on you and me. We’re all going to pay for it. It’s all going to get passed on to us. And what really is unsettling to me is, where is that money going to go? If a bunch of local kids aren’t going to get to learn to ski and snowboard because millionaires and billionaires are getting a tax cut that really doesn’t sit well with me at all,” Caleb Magoon concluded. 
    View photos from the event here: 

    Media Note: A recording of the event is available on request.  
    Read more about the event. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on April 9, 2025 2025-04-15 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered recent media queries concerning the military, on the afternoon of April 9, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Zhang Xiaogang: I have three pieces of information to announce on the top.

    Firstly, the Second Military Translation Challenge of the Chinese Armed Forces will be held at the College of International Studies, National University of Defense Technology from April to August. This year’s contest features an innovative competition system, updated language categories, and expanded scope of participants. It aims to support stronger exchanges and cooperation with foreign militaries and the building of a world-class military by enhancing defense language capabilities of the PLA.

    Secondly, the Ministry of National Defense will hold the 3rd International Security Cooperation Seminar for Foreign Military Attachés to China at the International College of Defense Studies of the National Defense University from April 10 to 11. Foreign defense attachés and the representatives of some international organizations will attend. During the event, civilian and military experts will be invited to deliver themed presentations, discussions and exchanges will be conducted on topics including strengthening international military cooperation and addressing regional security challenges, and a visit to model new rural communities will be organized. The seminar is to help foreign military attachés better understand China and the Chinese military, and to further enhance friendship and mutual trust.

    Thirdly, at the invitation of the Pakistan military, the PLA Army will send a unit to Pakistan to participate in the Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS)-2025 international military skills competition. The main subjects include nighttime reconnaissance and infiltration, ambush and counter-ambush, combat swimming, etc. It aims to test and improve combat capabilities of participating troops and strengthen exchanges and mutual trust among militaries of all participating countries.

    On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    Journalist: It’s reported that President Xi Jinping and the Indian President have exchanged congratulatory messages, and agreed to advance a sound and steady growth of bilateral ties. How will the Chinese side grow its military relationship with India?

    Zhang Xiaogang: To celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and India, President Xi Jinping has exchanged congratulatory messages with the Indian President, which set the course of the bilateral relationship. As two ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South, China and India are both in a crucial stage of modernization. Being partners of mutual success serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Indian side to implement the important consensus reached between the two state leaders, strengthen communication and strategic mutual trust, safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas, promote a sound and stable mil-mil relations, and maintain peace in the region and beyond.

    Journalist: According to reports, the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream has been officially inaugurated and put into operation. China and Cambodia militaries launched the “Golden Dragon-2025” joint exercise at the center. Could you tell us more about that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The construction of the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream embodies the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation between the two countries. It complies with domestic regulations of both countries, the relevant international law, and international practices, and will add new energy and dimensions to China-Cambodia mil-mil relations. The Chinese and Cambodian militaries will further strengthen substantive cooperation in areas such as joint training and exercises, personnel training, and professional exchanges, to continuously enhance their capabilities for maintaining regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: It is reported that during his recent visit to Japan, the US Secretary of Defense said Japan as a “warrior country” was indispensable for tackling “Chinese aggression” and complimented the “valor” of Japanese soldiers in the Battle of Iwo Jima. His remarks have aroused controversies in the US. Do you have any comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: History shall not be forgotten, and the right and wrong must not be confused. The international community has long had a fair judgment on who launched wars, aggression and expansion, and who fought for peace during the Second World War. This year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Some people in the US are making a political stunt by distorting facts and whitewashing Japan’s militarism. It is a betrayal to soldiers who died in fighting fascists and has aroused public anger back in the US. It will surely be opposed by the international community and disdained by history. We urge relevant countries to stop spreading erroneous narratives, stop turning the Asia-Pacific into a hunting ground for geopolitical rivalry, stop stoking bloc politics and military confrontation, and stop undermining security and well-being of people in the region.

    On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    Journalist: It is reported that the US Secretary of Defense reiterated US commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter the so-called “China threat” on his visit to the Philippines. During his visit, the Philippines, the US and Japan conducted a joint patrol in the South China Sea. Recently, the US approved selling F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. Do you have any comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the US is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threaten and coerce China. This approach will simply not work. It needs to be pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocations against China. Outside countries led by the US have made continued efforts to destabilize the South China Sea through playing up tensions and providing weapons. It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. For the Philippine side, “relying on foreign support to make waves at sea” will backfire and a pawn will only be used and discarded. We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date.

    Journalist: According to US media reports, the US Secretary of Defense signed a secret internal guidance memo, which identifies China as the “sole pacing threat,” allegedly prioritizing “denial of the mainland’s seizure of Taiwan” and strengthening US homeland defense. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: We have noted relevant reports. It seems that the US side’s “paranoia toward China” is increasingly severe. Viewing China as a threat is a serious strategic miscalculation that will only lead to disastrous consequences. It must be emphazised that China will and must achieve reunification. It is an unstoppable historical trend that no one or force can hold it back.

    On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    Journalist: It is reported that Taiwan has received the first F-16V fighter jet ordered from the US, with an additional 65 scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. Some analysts suggest that this move is aimed at countering the increasingly modernized air force of the Chinese mainland. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: We have noted relevant reports. This is yet another instance of the double standard of the US where it broke its solemn political commitments, breached the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I want to underline that the US arms sales to Taiwan cannot change the strength contrast between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait much less impede the historical and inevitable trend of China’s reunification. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have squandered taxpayers’ money, which should have been used to benefit the people, to fill the bottomless hole of harming and ruining Taiwan. The attempts to solicit US support for “Taiwan independence” and to resist reunification by force will only plunge Taiwan into a dangerous and precarious situation of war and ultimately lead to its own destruction.

    Journalist: According to reports, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the European Union’s High Representative issued a statement on the joint exercises around Taiwan island conducted by the PLA in early April. The statement accused China of making “provocative actions” that escalate tensions across the Strait, opposed any unilateral actions to threaten the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant countries and organizations blatantly violate the one-China principle and grossly interfere in China’s domestic affairs. We strongly deplore and resolutely oppose this. The joint drills of the PLA Eastern Theater Command around Taiwan Island deter the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces with overwhelming power and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a firm commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and safety and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan.

    The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China and how to resolve it brooks no foreign interference. The PLA remains in a combat-ready posture to fight against “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and pursue national reunification. We will resolutely thwart any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence” and external interference.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: EIA projections show U.S. energy consumption decreasing in the near term, increasing after early 2040s

    Source: US Energy Information Administration – EIA

    Headline: EIA projections show U.S. energy consumption decreasing in the near term, increasing after early 2040s

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 15, 2025

    U.S. energy consumption decreases in the next several years and doesn’t increase again until the early 2040s through 2050, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025). U.S. energy consumption in 2050 is lower than in 2024 in most of the scenarios modeled in AEO2025, but the range of outcomes varies significantly based on the underlying assumptions in the scenarios EIA analyzed.

    AEO2025 explores long-term energy trends in the United States. It relies on a Reference case that assumes laws and regulations in effect as of December 2024 remain in effect through 2050. AEO2025 also includes scenario-based analyses of separate side cases that make various other assumptions about the energy sector:

    • The Alternative Electricity case assumes electric generators can operate under regulations that existed prior to April 2024, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a new rule targeting carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing generating units.
    • The Alternative Transportation case assumes recent rules targeting vehicle fuel economy and emissions from the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the California Air Resource Board are not in place.
    • The High Oil Price case assumes the price of Brent crude oil increases to $155 per barrel (b) in 2050, compared with $91/b in the Reference case and $47/b in the Low Oil Price case.
    • The High Oil and Gas Supply case assumes ultimate recovery for new tight oil, tight gas, or shale gas wells are 50% higher than in the Reference case. The case also assumes 50% higher undiscovered resources in Alaska and offshore fields. Technological improvement is assumed to be 50% faster. The Low Oil and Gas Supply case assumes the converse.
    • The Low Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes faster cost declines for zero-emissions electricity-generating technologies resulting in 40% lower costs in 2050 than in the Reference case. The High Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes no additional cost reductions with additional deployment.
    • The High Economic Growth case assumes the compound annual growth rate for U.S. GDP is 2.1% through 2050, compared with 1.2% in the Low Economic Growth case and 1.8% in the Reference case.

    For AEO2025, EIA significantly updated the model that underpins the results, adding a hydrogen market module; a carbon capture, allocation, transportation, and sequestration module; and an enhanced upstream oil and natural gas resources module. EIA also enhanced many existing modules to better reflect market dynamics and emerging technologies.

    The full Annual Energy Outlook 2025 is available on the EIA website, including full projection tables, a brief narrative, and a detailed description of the assumptions used in each case.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Important information: postal votes

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Postal votes for the Kent County Council election on Thursday 1 May are being sent out from today (Tuesday 15 April).

    Around 16,500 postal votes have been applied for, with the bulk of them being sent to households today. Those applied for close to the application cut off will be sent in the following days.

    Many people will be familiar with the arrangements for returning them, but for those new applicants or as a general reminder, these are the options:

    • Post it back to us via Royal Mail using the envelope included in the pack sent out to you
    • Hand it in at our reception at the Rose Lane office in Canterbury during working hours. You will need to complete a postal vote return form as well, otherwise the postal vote will be rejected
    • Hand it in at a polling station on 1 May. Again, you will need to complete a postal vote return form, otherwise it will be rejected

    REALLY IMPORTANT: if you just put the postal vote through our letterbox at Rose Lane without completing the form referred to above, your postal vote will be rejected.

    The maximum number of postal votes that can be handed in at one time is five, plus your own.

    Finally, a reminder about proxy votes and voter identification.

    If you require a proxy vote for the election, the deadline to apply is Wednesday 23 April at 5pm.

    And accepted photo identification will be required for anyone voting in person at a polling station on 1 May. See the full list of accepted photo ID.

    If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for photo ID (called a Voter Authority Certificate), by Wednesday 23 April at 5pm.

    Polling stations will be open between the normal hours of 7am and 10pm on 1 May.

    The count will then take place during the day on Friday 2 May with results published on KCC’s website.

    Published: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged with Threatening Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Her Family

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    ATLANTA – Aliakbar Mohammad Amin has been arrested and charged pursuant to a criminal complaint with transmitting interstate threats to injure Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard and her family. 

    “Threatening to harm public officials is a criminal act that cannot be excused as political discourse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr.  “Our Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these acts of violence.”

    “The FBI sees all threatening communications as a serious federal offense. We will employ every investigative tool and resource available to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this arrest serve as a clear warning: if you engage in this kind of criminal behavior, you will be caught and you will go to prison.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the complaint, and other information presented in court: Between March 29 and April 1, 2025, Amin allegedly sent text messages that included threats against DNI Gabbard and her husband, including the following statements: 

    • “You and your family are going to die soon” and “I will personally do the job if necessary.”
    • “Death to America means death to America literally, Tulsi is living on borrowed time.
    • “The home you two own . . . is a legitimate target and will be hit at a time and place of our choosing.”
    • “Prepare to die, you, Tulsi, and everyone you hold dear. America will burn.”

    During the investigation, federal agents also discovered similar threats allegedly made by Amin in social media posts, including an image depicting a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard,  and a second image of a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard and her husband. Federal agents later recovered a firearm while executing a warrant to search Amin’s home.

    Aliakbar Mohammad Amin, 24, of Lilburn, Georgia, was charged on April 11, 2025, via a previously sealed criminal complaint alleging a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). He was ordered detained pending trial by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after making his initial appearance in federal court.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson: If Democrats Have Their Way, Americans Will See the Largest Tax Increase in American History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released an op-ed on Tax Day warning of the disastrous consequences if Congress does not extend the tax cuts passed in 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

    Read the op-ed here or below:

    This Tax Day, remember: if Democrats in Congress have their way, Americans will see the largest middle-class tax hike in history come next year.

    That’s because the Trump tax cuts Republicans passed in 2017 are set to expire this December. Unless Congress intervenes, the average American will see a 22% increase in their taxes. For the average family of four, that means a $1,700 hike, and a Child Tax Credit that’s slashed in half for 40 million households.

    The big picture for the American economy would be just as bad. Over 26 million businesses would see their federal tax rate jump to 43%, and we’d lose nearly six million jobs and $1 trillion in GDP. By every metric, allowing the Trump tax cuts to expire would be devastating for our nation and its economy.

    Thankfully, last week, House Republicans took a critical step to ensure this doesn’t happen. The budget resolution we passed lays the groundwork to extend the 2017 tax cuts and rein in wasteful spending so Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money.

    Right on cue, all the Left’s familiar voices trotted out the same tired talking point: “it’s just a tax break for the rich.” Of course, those voices are lying. In the aftermath of the 2017 tax cuts, middle-class families actually came out ahead. Even the left-leaning Tax Policy Center found that over 90% of middle-income earners enjoyed a tax decrease – and an economy with much greater opportunity. There were millions of new jobs, revenues were spiking, and incomes were rising in every metro area across the country for the first time in three decades. In just two years, median household incomes jumped by $5,000 – more than in the previous eight years combined.

    Americans experienced the greatest economy under President Trump because we followed a simple formula for success: we produced energy at home, cut regulations, reduced the size and scope of government, and cut taxes for working families and businesses.

    After four years of Bidenomics failing the American people, our country needs a new direction. Congressional Republicans are working closely with the Trump Administration to bring back the growth and prosperity everyone remembers. That starts with keeping taxes low for American families and the businesses that power our economy.

    Our best days are still ahead of us.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA projections show U.S. energy consumption decreasing in the near term, increasing after early 2040s

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 15, 2025

    U.S. energy consumption decreases in the next several years and doesn’t increase again until the early 2040s through 2050, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025). U.S. energy consumption in 2050 is lower than in 2024 in most of the scenarios modeled in AEO2025, but the range of outcomes varies significantly based on the underlying assumptions in the scenarios EIA analyzed.

    AEO2025 explores long-term energy trends in the United States. It relies on a Reference case that assumes laws and regulations in effect as of December 2024 remain in effect through 2050. AEO2025 also includes scenario-based analyses of separate side cases that make various other assumptions about the energy sector:

    • The Alternative Electricity case assumes electric generators can operate under regulations that existed prior to April 2024, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a new rule targeting carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing generating units.
    • The Alternative Transportation case assumes recent rules targeting vehicle fuel economy and emissions from the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the California Air Resource Board are not in place.
    • The High Oil Price case assumes the price of Brent crude oil increases to $155 per barrel (b) in 2050, compared with $91/b in the Reference case and $47/b in the Low Oil Price case.
    • The High Oil and Gas Supply case assumes ultimate recovery for new tight oil, tight gas, or shale gas wells are 50% higher than in the Reference case. The case also assumes 50% higher undiscovered resources in Alaska and offshore fields. Technological improvement is assumed to be 50% faster. The Low Oil and Gas Supply case assumes the converse.
    • The Low Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes faster cost declines for zero-emissions electricity-generating technologies resulting in 40% lower costs in 2050 than in the Reference case. The High Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes no additional cost reductions with additional deployment.
    • The High Economic Growth case assumes the compound annual growth rate for U.S. GDP is 2.1% through 2050, compared with 1.2% in the Low Economic Growth case and 1.8% in the Reference case.

    For AEO2025, EIA significantly updated the model that underpins the results, adding a hydrogen market module; a carbon capture, allocation, transportation, and sequestration module; and an enhanced upstream oil and natural gas resources module. EIA also enhanced many existing modules to better reflect market dynamics and emerging technologies.

    The full Annual Energy Outlook 2025 is available on the EIA website, including full projection tables, a brief narrative, and a detailed description of the assumptions used in each case.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Natural Disaster-Proofing Your Life: What to Do Before and After the Worst Happens

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    This column is released for publication in full, attributable to the Missouri State Archives.

    April 15, 2025

    Natural Disaster-Proofing Your Life: What to Do Before and After the Worst Happens

    From the Missouri State Archives, a division of Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ Office

    When disaster strikes – whether a tornado, fire, or flood – our first thoughts are of safeguarding lives, finding shelter, and securing essential supplies. But once the immediate danger passes, the questions begin: Where are the family birth certificates? Insurance papers? The deed to the house?

    Navigating a disaster’s aftermath often means navigating paperwork, and the Missouri State Archives wants you to be prepared before that moment comes.

    The most important step? Pre-planning. “Where’s our stuff?” may not be the first thing that pops into your head during a crisis, but it’s a question you’ll wish you’d answered ahead of time if you didn’t. Whether it’s a personal safe, lockbox, or cloud storage, make sure your essential documents and records are secure and accessible. “Essential,” in this case, however, means more than just birth and/or marriage certificates. Think driver’s licenses, banking information, insurance policies, and emergency contact lists.

    Digital storage can be a lifesaver, literally and figuratively. But don’t let a jumble of unorganized files slow you down in the wake of a disaster. Keep backups in multiple locations – and share important files (both documents and photos) with trusted family and/or friends. Most importantly, store your backups in a different building than the originals.

    If you do lose physical documents, local health departments and recorders of deeds can usually replace them quickly. The Missouri State Archives may be able to help with older records, but preparedness is largely up to you in our current digital age.

    What about destroyed items that can’t be replaced? Home inventories, with photos, can speed up insurance claims. And don’t forget family keepsakes and photos. While not needed in the immediate response, these are the items we grieve most when lost.

    For government offices, disaster readiness means robust records managements practices and procedures are in place, with microfilmed records and digital backups stored offsite. A single incident can create years of red tape and recovery headaches without these precautions.

    The Missouri State Archives offers grants to local governments and emergency preparedness training opportunities to both officials and the public.  With both groups, as State Archivist John Dougan puts it, “Safe storage is key to protection, and attics and basements tend to be two of the most vulnerable locations. Whether you’re a private citizen or local official, they’re a good place to start.”

    Disasters are unpredictable, but recovering afterwards doesn’t have to be. With a little planning today, you can save yourself weeks – or years – of intense stress tomorrow.

    About the Missouri State Archives

    The Missouri State Archives, established in 1965, serves as the official repository for the state’s permanent and historical records. Its extensive collections date back to 1770 and encompass executive, legislative, and judicial documents; state department and agency records; land and military records; state publications; photographs; maps; county and municipal records on microfilm; and various manuscripts and reference materials. With holdings exceeding 336 million pages of paper, 770,000 photographs, 9,000 maps, 66,000 reels of county government records on microfilm, 560 cubic feet of published state documents, and 1,000 audio/video items, the Archives plays a crucial role in preserving Missouri’s rich history. These resources are accessible to government officials, historians, students, genealogists, and the general public through the Archives’ research room.

    About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins

    Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families.

    For more information, please contact: Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anderson Man Found Guilty of Impersonating Homeland Security Officer and Possessing Molotov Cocktails

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— A federal jury has found Joshua W. Stearman, 42, of Anderson, Indiana, guilty of unlawfully possessing incendiary bombs, commonly referred to as Molotov cocktails, and falsely impersonating an officer or employee of the United States.

    According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on December 12, 2023, at approximately 1:47 a.m., a police officer in Ingalls, Indiana, was dispatched to an address that had recently been vandalized multiple times, including with fires set in the driveway and inside the mailbox at that address. Dispatch received a report of a suspicious man walking toward the house carrying something but who ran back to his red Toyota RAV4 when the house’s security lights came on.

    The officer located the RAV4 and pulled it over. As the officer approached, Stearman pressed against the window his ID as well as an unknown government identification that included a government seal at the bottom. Repeatedly, Stearman claimed he was a Homeland Security Officer returning from a “mission.” Stearman was wearing black gloves with black duct tape around his wrists.

    Eventually, Stearman exited the vehicle and was placed in custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found four bottles containing a yellow-brown liquid that gave off an odor of fuel, as well as what appeared to be small pieces of wood or kindling inside of them. All four had a piece of cloth or fabric sticking out from under the cap. Officers also found a lighter in the vehicle.

    During the trial, experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified about their analysis of the four bottles. An ATF Forensic Chemist testified that she had analyzed the liquid inside the bottles, and each was found to contain gasoline. Then, an ATF Destructive Device Examiner testified how each of the bottles was designed to be used as an incendiary bomb: The wick is ignited by an open flame and the device is thrown against a surface, with the intent that the ignitable liquid and wooden sticks inside will spread fire to a combustible surface against which it was thrown.  Incendiary bombs, commonly known as Molotov cocktails, are a type of destructive device that is generally unlawful to possess under federal law.

    The ATF and Ingalls Police Department investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by Lapel, Indiana Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt presided over the trial and will sentence Stearman at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who are prosecuting this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer — Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team execute search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 19, 2025, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant on a residence in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Red Deer. As a result of the search warrant, police have seized approximately 800 grams of cocaine, packing materials, a digital scale and approximately $14,495 of Canadian currency.

    A youth (16) was arrested on scene and was found in possession of 16 pre-packaged bags of cocaine and 2 spitballs of cocaine. The youth, who cannot be named under Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

    • Proceeds of crime over $5000

    • Illegal possession of government documents

    The youth was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a Release Order with conditions. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 3, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

    “This arrest is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt street level drug trafficking within Red Deer. Drug trafficking poses a threat to the safety and well-being of everyone, and we are committed to holding those involved responsible,” said Sgt. Robert Daisley. “We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. If you see something, say something”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Full List of 2025 National Small Business Week Cosponsors

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its cosponsors for the 2025 National Small Business Week, taking place May 4-10. SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and an SBA resource partner, will co-host this year’s National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, a free online event May 6-7 featuring more than a dozen cosponsors leading educational workshops, access to federal resources, and networking and mentorship opportunities.

    “SBA is grateful for the private-sector cosponsors who make National Small Business Week possible,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said. “Along with SCORE, these businesses are stepping up to deliver an informational and insightful week with important resources that will empower entrepreneurs to build their businesses. Their support helps us spotlight America’s job creators – who power our economy and strengthen local communities every day.”

    “The National Small Business Week Virtual Summit is an exciting opportunity for both aspiring and current small business owners to gain insights from experienced mentors and industry experts,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “As SCORE celebrates 60 years of providing valuable mentoring services to America’s small businesses, we are eager to share what we’ve learned with today’s entrepreneurs – wherever you are on your business journey.”

    An agenda for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit will be published soon; registration is required. The following cosponsors lead the sessions:

    Platinum Level Sponsor

    Gold Level Sponsors

    • T-Mobile
    • Google

    Silver Level Sponsors  

    • Verizon
    • Paychex
    • U.S. Bank
    • Amazon
    • Constant Contact
    • Block
    • JP Morgan Chase

    Bronze Level Sponsors

    • Lockheed Martin
    • Worldpay

    The National Small Business Week Virtual Summit is part of SBA’s year-round efforts to leverage technology to reach small business owners in communities across America. An in-person, national award celebration will take place on May 5 in Washington, D.C., and local winners will be recognized at award events across the nation.

    Details on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, registration and speakers are featured on National Small Business Week and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on Find upcoming events and are identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek. 

    # # #

    About SCORE 

    SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    Cosponsorship Authorization #24-44-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What caused the crisis at British Steel?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hossein Zarei, Assistant Professor of Operations Management, Aston University

    The two blast furnaces at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant are the last of their kind in the UK. Baxter Media/Shutterstock

    The two blast furnaces at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant in England are the last of their kind in the UK. The UK steel industry was once a world leader, powering the industrial revolution. But these days it is in crisis.

    The Chinese owner of the plant, Jingye Group, stopped ordering the raw materials needed for steel production and recently announced the furnaces would close down for good. Around 2,700 jobs are at risk at the plant – which is reportedly losing £700,000 a day.

    In response, the UK government introduced emergency powers to take control of production in a scramble to stop the furnaces from going cold. But its future remains uncertain.

    So why couldn’t the government just buy the raw materials needed to keep the furnaces burning? With steel, there are peculiarities around the production and supply chain.

    Virgin steel is the strongest form of the material and is used in key industries like railways, construction and manufacturing. It will be vital for the government’s ambitions to invest in UK infrastructure, from housing to green energy. Virgin steel is made using the extreme heat from a blast furnace, which must run 24 hours a day all year round.

    Manufacturing in other industries can be paused when demand goes down and then resumed once products are needed again. But for blast furnaces, if paused, the molten iron inside solidifies. And once reheated, it expands and cracks the furnace.

    To keep the blast furnaces running, it needs steady supplies (and “steady” is a key word here) of coking coal and iron ore. These are the two main raw materials needed for virgin steel.

    Planning for a steady supply requires inventory management, a science that aims to avoid either over-supply or shortages in the production process.

    Within inventory management, there are various models. For the steel industry, the “economic order quantity” model minimises the costs of ordering and holding raw materials to work out the best order size.

    When ordering costs go up, for example, due to increased shipping costs, the model adjusts the order size by buying larger batches. This should eventually keep the total inventory cost to a minimum.

    Ordering steel supplies builds on models like this, accompanied by other inventory management techniques. This ensures that costs are minimised while keeping enough iron ore and coking coal on hand to keep the furnaces burning.

    This is opposite to the “just-in-time” model, which recommends smaller quantities are ordered only when and where needed. Models like just-in-time are a better fit further downstream in supply chains, closer to the end customers. Here there is more variability in demand as customers’ tastes change.



    Read more:
    The past, present and uncertain future of the UK’s steel industry

    Virgin steel, on the other hand, follows a much more stable demand pattern. It prioritises cost-efficiency over agility.

    But problems arise when supply chains are distorted by external factors. The UK government has questioned whether Jingye was guilty of neglecting the plant. There is no doubt that if the furnaces in Scunthorpe went cold, the UK would become the only country in the G7 without the ability to produce its own virgin steel.

    It would then have to turn to China, the single largest global producer of steel (subsidised by the Chinese state), for imports.

    Where did it go wrong?

    Research on geopolitical tensions in supply chains shows that larger firms often adopt a “wait and see” strategy, rather than a proactive one in the face of these tensions. And geopolitical risks are less damaging to firms that have planned their supply chain resilience better, and that have greater cash holdings.

    Both of these were overlooked at British Steel, which has been struggling with financial problems and inefficient planning in recent years.

    Research on supply chains also shows that in the face of disruptions, firms can reconfigure their supplier networks. They can adopt a more diversified base of suppliers, create parallel supply chains, and consider reshoring (moving operations back from overseas).

    Again, the opposite is true for British Steel. It transitioned from domestic coking coal suppliers to international ones due to stricter UK environmental regulations and cheaper prices overseas.

    Another factor is lead times – the time from when an order is placed until it reaches the plant’s gate. Unlike the downstream of the supply chain, which is based on agile response to changing customer demands (the “pull” concept), the upstream of supply chains, where commodities like steel are manufactured, works in anticipation of demand (“push”) for the weeks and even months to come.

    Here, the lead times are long and cost-efficiency, not responsiveness, is the main objective. For steel production supplies, the lead time is around 45 days in normal times. The government has been able to secure emergency shipments from US, Australia and Sweden to tackle the supply shortage for now.

    But there are other factors that exacerbate British Steel’s problems. The 25% tariffs imposed by the US on steel imports and fears of a global trade war may drive down the already declining global demand for steel.

    The energy demands of blast furnaces are immense.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Second, producing virgin steel in blast furnaces is extremely energy-intensive compared to other methods of production like electric arc furnaces (although these cannot produce virgin steel). And the UK already has higher energy costs than rival steel-producing nations.

    Third, after years of apparent neglect, the Scunthorpe furnaces are now near the end of their lives. They should retire soon, even without Jingye’s decision to shut them down. All these elements have accelerated British Steel’s loss of competitive edge, leading to it filing those huge daily losses.

    Supply chain issues compounded by global tensions and an uncertain market create a perfect storm for the demise of British Steel. Government efforts to secure supplies are half measures that will merely keep the old furnaces operational for another few years. Whether it is eventually nationalised or acquired by a new parent company, the long-term sustainability of British Steel lies in investment in newer, greener virgin steel production methods – and getting a hold of the supply chain.

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

    – ref. What caused the crisis at British Steel? – https://theconversation.com/what-caused-the-crisis-at-british-steel-254557

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia

    The bin workers’ strike in Birmingham – which began on March 11 – is set to continue after the latest pay offer was “overwhelmingly” rejected.

    Not only are the growing mountains of refuse unsightly and creating foul odours, they could pose significant threats to local residents’ health. Birmingham city council has declared the situation a “major incident”. This enables council leaders to request extra support from central government.

    This is not the first time bins have gone uncollected in the UK, though. Glasgow experienced a major refuse strike in 2021, while Birmingham previously saw significant disruption to refuse collection in 2017.

    Internationally, one of the most infamous garbage crises occurred in Naples, Italy, where mismanagement and mafia involvement led to a waste buildup that lasted over a decade. It finally ended in 2008.

    Surprisingly, studies on the health effects of the build up of domestic refuse in towns and cities are scarce. The few studies that do exist tend to be in developing countries or in people living close to waste treatment centres.

    Several studies have suggested increased deaths, cancer rates and birth defects associated with the Naples garbage crisis. However, these were associated with exposure over several years.

    The most comprehensive review that I can find dates back to 1967 before several of the major infectious concerns were even discovered.

    Rats

    Probably the most apparent danger from the Birmingham crisis is the reported appearance of rats – which some locals have described as being “bigger than cats”.

    Rats can transmit several diseases to humans. The infection of most concern is Weil’s disease, which can severely damage the liver and kidneys and can cause neurological problems. It can even be fatal.

    This infection is transmitted in rats’ urine and gains entry to the human body through cuts and grazes on the skin. Infections are mostly acquired during immersion in water contaminated by rats’ urine. There have been outbreaks associated with swimming in contaminated water or during flooding.

    Another infection is rat bite fever, a bacterial infection acquired following rodent bites. Both these infections are rare but can be fatal if not promptly treated.

    Then there is Seoul hantavirus, a viral infection that is mainly caught from breathing in aerosols (fine sprays) of rat urine and faeces. All of these rat-associated infections are quite rare. But even excluding these infections, rat bites can be severe and, like all animal bites, can become infected.

    Bacteria

    Another worry is stomach bugs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E coli, as well as bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Wild animals, such as birds and foxes, might tear open bin bags, pick up these germs and then spread them to people through food or water. Even contact with pet dogs or cats can be a risk, since they can carry some of these bacteria.

    Seagulls can pick up Salmonella and Campylobacter from waste dumps and then pass that infection onto humans. At least one outbreak of Campylobacter was caused by birds pecking through milk bottle tops.

    Flies breed in rubbish and can also spread Campylobacter infections.

    Needles

    Finally, there is the issue of clinical waste such as needles being inappropriately disposed of in domestic refuse. Such clinical waste could include needles that could cause injury and spread blood-borne viruses, especially HIV and hepatitis B.

    Figuring out the likelihood of these harms is not that easy, though. But top of my list of concerns would be sharps injuries from contact with inappropriately discarded clinical waste. I would be particularly concerned about children playing around collections of waste. Bites from rats and other vermin attracted to waste would also be high on my list.

    Until the piles of refuse can be removed, children and pets must be kept away from them. If you need to move refuse sacks, make sure you wear a mask, strong gloves and as much protective clothing as possible.

    Paul Hunter consults for the World Health Organization and sits on a science advisory committee for Suez. He receives funding from National Institute for Health Research and has received funding from the World Health Organization and the European Regional Development Fund.

    – ref. Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health – https://theconversation.com/birmingham-bin-strikes-a-threat-to-public-health-254400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Enhertu: drug approved for advanced cancers – here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

    A new cancer drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan, also known as Enhertu, has just been approved in the UK. This drug is designed to help adults with certain types of advanced cancer that cannot be removed by surgery, or which has spread to other parts of the body.

    It targets cancers linked to a protein called HER2. This approval is an exciting development because it could save lives and offer hope to patients who may have run out of treatment options.

    The drug has been authorised for use in the UK on the back of positive data, where patients were randomly assigned to this drug or the previous existing best treatment, which I have led studies on with large teams of researchers.

    Using this new precision medicine or targeted therapy, those who received the drug, had longer lives (as measured by these clinical trials). Other research I have been involved with has shown, that this is what matters most for the patients themselves, though, of course, quality of life is a priority too.

    Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges we face today. While there are many treatments available, not all cancers respond well to them. Some cancers grow and spread very quickly, making them harder to control. Others stop responding to treatments that initially worked, leaving patients with few options. For people with these types of cancers, new drugs can make a huge difference. They can help patients live longer, improve their quality of life, and provide hope when other treatments fail.

    Targeted treatment

    One reason new drugs are so important is that they often offer better ways to treat cancer. Older treatments like chemotherapy can be effective but often harm healthy cells along with cancer cells, causing unpleasant side effects. Newer drugs are more targeted, meaning they focus on killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone as much as possible. This makes treatment less harsh and more effective. Drugs like Enhertu represent this new generation of targeted therapies, though it can have very serious side effects.

    To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know about HER2. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some cells in the body. It helps cells grow and divide normally, but in certain cancers, there’s too much HER2. This overproduction causes the cancer to grow faster and become much more aggressive. These types of cancers are called HER2-positive cancers, and they can occur in places like the breast, stomach and lungs.

    Enhertu is part of a newer type of cancer treatment called antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). It works like a delivery system for medicine, even a “biologic missile”. Imagine you’re trying to deliver a package (a powerful cancer-killing drug) directly to a specific house (the cancer cell). You don’t want the package to end up at the wrong house (healthy cells), because it could cause damage there. An ADC uses an antibody, a special protein that acts like a guide, to make sure the package is delivered to the correct address.

    Trojan horse

    First, the antibody part of the drug finds and attaches itself to HER2 on the surface of cancer cells. Once attached, the drug gets pulled inside the cancer cell like a Trojan horse. Inside the cell, it releases its chemotherapy agent, a strong medicine that kills cells and destroys the cancer from within.

    The drug can also kill nearby cancer cells that might not have as much HER2 but are still part of the tumour. This precise targeting means fewer healthy cells are harmed during treatment.

    The approval of Enhertu in the UK is great news for patients with advanced HER2-positive cancers that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery. Up to 20% of breast cancers are HER2 positive and many of these are cured before they spread. What’s even more exciting is that this drug also works for people with lower levels of HER2 (called HER2-low cancers), which means it could help even more patients in the future.

    For patients with advanced or hard-to-treat cancers, this approval offers new hope. Many people with HER2-positive cancers have already tried treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Most of those will have had other anti-HER2 drugs but will still need help because their cancer has come back or spread further. This drug has shown in clinical trials that it can shrink tumours and help patients live longer than standard treatments. It gives doctors another option when other treatments aren’t working anymore.

    This approval also highlights how international collaboration can speed up access to life-saving drugs. The investigators here worked collaboratively across numerous countries in the world to undertake these studies.

    But while Enhertu brings hope to many patients, it’s important to remember that no drug is perfect. Like all medicines, it comes with some risks and side effects. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue and low blood counts. A rare but serious side effect is interstitial lung disease, which affects the lungs and can be dangerous if not treated quickly. Doctors will carefully monitor patients taking this drug to catch any problems early and stop the drug if necessary.

    Despite these risks, in most situations doctors and patients feel that the potential benefits outweigh them. It offers a chance for better outcomes, in those for whom it is suitable.

    This approval also represents progress in how we treat cancer using personalised medicine (an approach where treatments are tailored specifically for each patient based on their unique biology or the genetic makeup of the cancer) to treat the right person at the right time with the right drug.

    Every breakthrough like this brings us closer to a world where fewer people die from cancer, and where those who do face it have better chances of living longer and healthier lives.

    Justin Stebbing 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. Enhertu: drug approved for advanced cancers – here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/enhertu-drug-approved-for-advanced-cancers-heres-what-you-need-to-know-254254

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How architecture shapes video game play

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gabriele Aroni, Senior Lecturer in Games Art at the School of Digital Arts, Manchester Metropolitan University

    When players enter the virtual worlds of video games, they are greeted by complex architectural environments. These virtual spaces do more than serve as mere backdrops for gameplay. The design of buildings, streets and entire cities guides player emotions, behaviours and even advances the narrative.

    As an architect specialising in digital media, I am interested in how video games use architecture to convey meaning. Virtual worlds in video games are often rooted in real-world architectural principles.

    Game rules are technically completely disjointed from our physical world: we could easily traverse a concrete wall as if made of air. However, how players understand how to play is the opposite. For instance, if I see a door in a game, I can assume that it can opened, or that it leads somewhere. Players need a frame of reference to understand games, and this is why most game environments resemble, at least in some way, real-world architecture.

    Video game architecture varies wildly. There are realistic historical cities like the ones in Assassin’s Creed or the contemporary Japan of Like a Dragon. Fantastic interpretations of architecture range from the ancient Chinese scenery of Black Myth: Wukong to the science fiction metropolis of Cyberpunk 2077.

    Visionary architectural sceneries are less common, as they are harder to relate to. Their design displays architectural forms that are so transformed in their size, shape or materials that they look distant from normal architectural conventions and the laws of physics. Examples of this can be seen in experimental independent games such as Manifold Gardenor NaissanceE.

    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.

    Much like real-world architecture, game architecture must work. There is a budget, even though it is based on how many polygons and textures buildings can be made of, rather than their construction costs. There is no building code to comply with, but distances and paths must follow the coded rules of the game.

    Take Assassin’s Creed II, where the protagonist runs and climbs buildings in 15th-century Florence. The reconstruction is relatively accurate, so much so that people who played the game can reasonably orientate themselves in the real Florence. But there are several adjustments which were necessary on technical and gameplay terms.

    The whole city and all of the buildings are noticeably scaled down to offer shorter distances to traverse and jump across. While not a large city, taking half an hour to traverse it on foot is an eternity in video game time.

    Environmental storytelling

    In addition to guiding gameplay, architecture in video games plays a critical role in telling stories. This is known as environmental storytelling. Unlike traditional forms of narrative, where story is told through dialogue or cutscenes, environmental storytelling allows the world itself to communicate plot and themes.

    In games, the design of spaces can hint at a game’s backstory, themes or the emotions players should feel at a given moment. For instance, in the cyberpunk game Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, shady corporations dominate the world. To establish this narrative, their buildings are designed to manifest their power through impenetrable monolithic structures which loom over the skyline of future Prague.

    Some games exclusively use their environments to tell their stories. This is the case in Manifold Garden, a puzzle game created by artist William Chyr. Players are catapulted in a world where space repeats in every direction and objects that fall down reappear from the top, including the player. Chyr was inspired by the visionary art of M.C Escher – you might know his artwork Relativity where staircases go off in all directions and appear upside down. Chrys was also inspired by real architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando. As such, he used architectural elements to guide players in this strange world, such as placing windows strategically in order not to lose their orientation.

    All these elements are implemented most successfully when they are seamlessly blended into the game space and setting, while not being too conspicuous. In Mirror’s Edge, a game set in a sterile modern metropolis dominated by white skyscrapers, primary colours on common structural elements are used to indicate directions and interactable items, such as red pipes or doors. This way, players are easily and rapidly directed by objects that are not out of place, but distinct enough to be noticeable.

    When clues indicating what to do are too evident, they are usually not looked upon too well by players. For instance, in the recent games Resident Evil 4 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, splotches of yellow paint have been placed on the objects necessary to progress. This was met with ridicule from many players.

    So game architecture must always walk a fine line between presenting engaging environments and helping gameplay without being too obtrusive. As games continue to evolve, the role of architecture will remain central to the ways in which digital environments are designed to engage, challenge and inspire players.

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

    – ref. How architecture shapes video game play – https://theconversation.com/how-architecture-shapes-video-game-play-254632

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting Veterans and Our Communities – Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program Intake Now Open

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 15, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan, Royal Canadian Legion – Saskatchewan Command and the Saskatchewan Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) would like to announce the Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program intake for 2025-26 is currently open.

    Introduced in 2019-20, the program provides grants for facility upgrades, operations, events and other activities to advance the work and help strengthen the long-term sustainability of veteran service organizations across the province.  

    “Our province’s veterans service organizations play a vital role – they enrich our communities, preserve local history and work tirelessly on behalf of veterans who have faithfully served our province and our country,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “We cannot thank them enough for their continued efforts and look forward to continuing to this important work.”  

    Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2025.

    In 2024-25, grants were provided to 81 Legion branches, ANAVETS units and other registered, non-profit veterans organizations across the province.  

    “The Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program has resulted in many achievements and accomplishments,” Royal Canadian Legion – Saskatchewan Command President Carol A. Pedersen said. “It is not by chance that our Legion branches in Saskatchewan find success, but by the dedication and hard work of Legion members and the support of the Government of Saskatchewan. This program ensures the work of the Royal Canadian Legion, directed toward veterans and our communities, will continue. I express the deepest gratitude of the Royal Canadian Legion for the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program.”

    The program is delivered collaboratively by the Royal Canadian Legion – Saskatchewan Command, the Saskatchewan ANAVETS and the Government of Saskatchewan.

    “On behalf of the ANAVETS members, staff and directors, I would like to thank the Saskatchewan government for this wonderful grant program,” ANAVETS Saskatchewan Command President Rick Taylor said. “Our units, their members and friends have greatly benefited from these grants during the past years. We have used previous grants for furnishings, flooring, roofs, and appliances. We look forward once again to enhancing our units with this year’s grants. Thank you very much.”  

    More information about the program, guidelines and applications are available through the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command at 306-525-8739 or admin@sasklegion.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke announces Government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    15th April 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke today announced Government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, alongside a suite of immediate measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness

    We are living in a time of significant global change, marked by growing geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and persistent cost pressures affecting businesses both large and small. While Ireland continues to perform strongly in international competitiveness rankings, we cannot be complacent. To safeguard our economic future and support our enterprises, we must act decisively on the domestic factors we can influence.

    Therefore, the Government has today agreed to fast-track the creation of a vital Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, aiming to produce a draft within 12 weeks for discussion at a Ministerial Summit in July. This plan will identify concrete, actionable reforms across government to enhance our competitive edge.

    As part of this plan, we are implementing a range of immediate, targeted measures by May 2025. These actions focus on key areas including enhancing international trade promotion supports for firms facing disruption, addressing business costs through regulatory adjustments and targeted initiatives, and improving energy security and infrastructure delivery.

    I remain committed to the introduction of the Living Wage, and to fair wages for all workers. Government has approved substantial increases in the minimum wage, particularly over the last couple of years. The National Minimum Wage increased by €1.40 per hour in 2024, and by 80 cents per hour in January of this year. These uplifts have seen real increases in lower paid workers’ wages, exceeding inflation and wage growth across the economy.

    I want to make sure that any further increases in the National Minimum Wage are managed in a sustainable way, and in a way that does not threaten employment or competitiveness. I will make sure we find a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.

    Government recognises the important work of the independent Low Pay Commission, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage later this year

    These combined efforts – the accelerated long-term plan and the immediate support measures – demonstrate our commitment to proactively managing challenges and maintaining Ireland as an attractive and competitive location for business.”

    Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon said:

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a vital source of jobs and innovation in every town and community across Ireland. In today’s complex global environment, it’s more important than ever that we provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive. The measures announced today — from enhanced trade supports to tackling the cost of doing business reflect a strong, targeted response to the real challenges entrepreneurs and retailers are facing on the ground.

    The establishment of a dedicated Small Business Unit and the creation of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, will ensure the voice of small business is heard clearly in shaping future policy. As we fast-track the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, I am committed to making sure small firms are not only protected but empowered to grow, create jobs, and continue contributing to a vibrant, resilient economy.”

    Also welcoming the announcement, Minister Smyth – Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation commented:

    The rapidly evolving international economic landscape underscores the critical role of competitiveness in fostering sustainable growth within an open economy like ours. The upcoming Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity reflects the Government’s recognition of the need to address these challenges and its commitment to creating tangible growth opportunities for enterprises in Ireland.

    Ahead of the Action Plan, the introduction of short-term measures demonstrates the Government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging developments. I particularly welcome the initiatives aimed at bolstering Ireland’s international trade promotion. Diversifying our trade relationships will be essential to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    Background:

    The Government’s focus on competitiveness comes amid a changing international context and heightened EU attention on bolstering Europe’s economic dynamism, as highlighted in recent reports and the European Commission’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’. While Ireland benefits from a skilled workforce and success in attracting high-value FDI, challenges remain, notably in infrastructure capacity and the high cost of doing business compared to competitor nations.

    The Programme for Government mandated the development of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, intended to cover areas critical to Ireland’s economic performance including industrial policy, regulatory burden reduction, infrastructure, energy, trade, and innovation. By expediting this Plan, the Government aims to align key decisions with the upcoming Budgetary process, enabling swift implementation. The approach will be evidence-based, involving consultation across Government Departments and with stakeholders.

    In addition to accelerating the Action Plan, the Government has approved the following high-level short-term measures for implementation by May 2025:

    Enhancing International Trade Promotion: Actions will focus on implementing enhanced advisory supports for exporters facing disruption, accelerating progress on key international trade agreements like CETA, developing a strategic approach to market diversification, streamlining security clearance processes for exporters, and bringing forward a National Semiconductor Strategy.

    Addressing Business Costs: Measures include adjusting the implementation timeline for the Living Wage to 2029 but the Government remains committed to the introduction of a Living Wage during its term. Decisions on youth sub-minimum wage rates will be deferred, and further changes to statutory sick pay paused. A new Cost of Business Advisory Forum will be established, we will proceed with omnibus changes to simplify the CSRD regulations, a Small Business Unit will be created, and competition and consumer protection enforcement strengthened.

    Improving Energy Infrastructure: Steps will be taken to provide policy certainty regarding data centres, publish plans for connecting large energy users to the grid, foster collaboration between Government and industry on offshore renewable energy development, accelerate the deployment of critical electricity grid infrastructure, and explore options for development routes to market for zones B, C and D in South Coast DMAP to provide pathway for future offshore wind energy to meet growing electricity demand

    ENDS

    Back to Department News

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State welcomes Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and Government of Ireland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Secretary of State welcomes Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and Government of Ireland

    The statement follows the agreement of an MoU between the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and Government of Ireland

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.

    Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, said:

    I welcome the Irish Government’s commitment to co-operate with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry through this memorandum of understanding.

    This is a very positive step that will help enable the independent Inquiry to do its job and provide answers for families.

    The Omagh bombing was a heinous atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when communities in Northern Ireland were looking forward to peace and stability.

    It caused immense pain and suffering to the many families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured. They will always be in our thoughts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bringing Broadband to Hardest to Serve Areas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the ConnectALL Deployment Program Request for Applications (RFA) for Priority, Reliable, and Alternative Technology Solutions, a critical milestone in the multi-year process to secure affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to the final remaining unserved and underserved locations across New York State. ConnectALL will accept applications from April 15 through May 5, 2025 to fund projects deploying traditional fiber optic, cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and licensed fixed wireless broadband service, and federally designated alternative technologies such as unlicensed fixed wireless and low earth orbit satellite services. Applicants can view the Request for Applications and submit a proposal by May 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

    “Today marks a watershed moment in New York’s digital future as we launch the final application phase of our historic ConnectALL Deployment Program,” Governor Hochul said. “Broadband is no longer a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and daily life. With this program, we are ensuring that every single New Yorker, regardless of their zip code or economic circumstances, will have access to high-speed internet. By leveraging innovative technologies to reach our most remote communities, we are fulfilling our commitment to create a more equitable and connected Empire State.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Closing the digital divide in New York requires innovative approaches and strong partnerships between government and the private sector. This RFA represents the culmination of years of strategic planning and implementation to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, reliable broadband service. By embracing a range of technology solutions, including alternative options for our hardest-to-reach areas, we are demonstrating our commitment to leaving no community behind in the digital age.”

    The RFA is open for applications and information on the Project Areas and eligible locations is available on the ConnectALL website. Organizations that have not yet completed the prequalification process, which was conducted from June 2024 to February 2025, will have an additional opportunity to submit these materials as part of their RFA response.

    The Deployment Program is the component of the Governor’s ConnectALL Initiative that exclusively addresses locations in the state that have no option for reliable, high-speed internet service. The Program launched in December 2022 with a statewide mobilization to improve the accuracy of federal broadband maps. ConnectALL, along with federal, county, and local partners, have since secured commitments for service for thousands of homes and businesses that allowed the Deployment Program to focus on approximately one percent of locations in the state. Following an earlier RFA that focused exclusively on fiber optic and other reliable solutions, ConnectALL is currently reviewing proposals to serve more than half of those locations. The Request for Applications announced today focuses on the approximately 20,000 homes and businesses that have not yet received proposals, do not have other commitments in place, and cannot currently be connected by a standard installation from an earth-based broadband provider.

    ConnectALL will make the planned awards for the full $644 million in federal grants available for public comment upon submitting them to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval by the federally-mandated deadline of July 25, 2025. Pending NTIA approval, selected projects are expected to commence in 2025 with completion within four years.

    Governor Hochul’s ConnectALL Initiative

    Governor Hochul has made expanding broadband access a cornerstone of her administration’s efforts to create a more equitable New York. Through the ConnectALL initiative, New York State is investing $1 billion to transform the state’s digital infrastructure, enhance competition among providers, and ensure that every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. To date, ConnectALL has overseen the successful launch and implementation of several programs to advance broadband access, including:

    • The Digital Equity Program will invest $50 million, including a federal allocation of at least $37 million, to implement the New York State Digital Equity Plan to close the digital divide. On March 24, ConnectALL closed the Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant Request for Applications, through which ConnectALL expects to award approximately $15.5 Million of the federal allocation.
    • The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program will provide up to $100 million in grants to bring new broadband infrastructure to homes in affordable and public housing leveraging funds from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund. The first awards under this program are securing $10 a month broadband service and $30 a month Gigabit service for over 14,000 low-income households in Buffalo, New York City and Rochester. The program continues to accept applications from internet service providers and expressions of interest from housing owners and public housing authorities.
    • The Municipal Infrastructure Program will fund broadband expansion projects owned by a public utility or publicly controlled. ConnectALL is accepting applications to Phase 4 through April 25, 2025. To date, ConnectALL has awarded over $240 million through the program, funding construction of nearly 2,400 miles of broadband infrastructure that will reach 98,000 locations across New York State. Visit the ConnectALL Projects Dashboard for more information on Municipal Infrastructure Program projects.
    • The Connectivity Innovation Program advances innovation and new broadband solutions, business models, and technologies in order to increase private sector investment and entrepreneurship; drive equity and innovation in the broadband marketplace; and reinforce a thriving research, development, and manufacturing ecosystem to support connectivity innovation in New York. ConnectALL is accepting applications to the Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service RFA through June 17, 2025.

    State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “As Chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee, I’m proud to support the launch of this next phase of the ConnectALL Deployment Program. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to ensuring every New Yorker, in every part of our state, can access affordable, high-speed internet.”

    Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Difficult to reach locations present the greatest challenge to providing all New Yorkers high-speed broadband access. This is a noteworthy request for applications that invites innovative and alternative approaches to provide access to hard-to-reach locations and underserved communities. Governor Hochul and Empire State Development’s ConnectALL office are national leaders in the drive for broadband expansion by encouraging varied approaches that fit the situation. This Deployment program is another example of why New York’s programs continue to break new ground.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Preston County Convicted Felon Admits to Firearms Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Pedro Antonio Pacheco, age 46, of Kingwood, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. 

    According to court documents, Pacheco was stopped for a traffic violation. The officer noticed a firearm laying on the passenger seat. Pacheco is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony drug convictions.

    Pacheco is facing up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Forging Futures: How Samsung’s PrePARe Programme is Pioneering a New Era of Research Leadership

    Source: Samsung

     
    In today’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, the ability to translate academic research into real-world impact has become a defining need. Recognising this, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B) launched the Ph.D. Internship Programme for Advanced Industrial Research (PrePARe) in 2022.
     
    The programme is designed to empower India’s brightest Ph.D. scholars with industry exposure, deep tech research opportunities, and mentorship from seasoned experts, enabling them to work on next-generation technologies such as Generative AI, Deep Learning, 6G, MIMO, AI in Wireless, and Computer Vision.
     
    Through PrePARe, Samsung is creating a unique platform where academic brilliance meets industrial scale. Scholars selected for this six-month internship are given the chance to contribute to high-impact projects that align with Samsung’s vision of building a better future through innovation.
     
    “We continue to strengthen our R&D capabilities with next-gen thinking and fresh ideas. PrePARe connects our seasoned experts with the top Ph.D. scholars to co-create impactful technologies. The programme offers interns an unmatched opportunity to tackle real-world challenges while shaping their careers. I wish them a meaningful and purpose-driven journey with us,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, SRI-B.
     
    Research scholars for this programme are selected from top-tier institutions including IISc, IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Madras, Hyderabad, Roorkee, BHU, Kharagpur), and IIITs (Hyderabad, Bangalore). They go through a rigorous selection process based on their research track record, relevance of their thesis, and innovation potential.
     
    More than 80 scholars have joined the programme so far, contributing to patents, publications, and future-ready tech solutions. At SRI-B, they are not treated as interns—they are seen as domain experts. Each is entrusted with meaningful projects that push the boundaries of applied research.
    For Chaitra D Desai, joining SRI-B as a Ph.D. intern was a turning point.
     
    “Beyond theoretical research, I am gaining robust experience working with large-scale datasets, optimizing models for edge devices, helping me inculcate a product-focused approach. Transitioning from academia to industry was an eye-opening experience,” she said.
     
    Chaitra is currently working on innovations in Robotics, AR/VR, and Autonomous Driving. Meanwhile, Bhogavalli Satwika is tackling a different challenge—integrating Radio Frequency (RF) sensing capabilities into the 5G framework to enhance network efficiency.
     
    The exposure to real-world innovation is what sets PrePARe apart. Interns work closely with SRI-B mentors, contribute to ongoing research projects, and present their findings to SRI-B leadership at the end of the programme—receiving critical insights on how their work fits into Samsung’s broader innovation strategy.
     
    Most of them also speak highly of the collaborative, high-performance culture at SRI-B.
     
    “The hands-on experience I get at Samsung will significantly improve my research,” said Sumit Sharma, while Yamini Shankar said, “I’m loving the collaboration and support my team empowers me with.”
     
    In just three years, PrePARe has emerged as a high-impact initiative one that not only nurtures academic talent but also enables them to contribute meaningfully to industry innovation. As these Ph.D. scholars push the boundaries of what is possible, they are not just gaining experience, together with Samsung, they are helping shape the technologies of tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

    Florin-Petrica Bodale, who was a sole trader operating as a building contractor, exaggerated his turnover to obtain the maximum Bounce Back Loan.

    • Florin-Petrica Bodale was a building contractor and sole trader, operating in Harrow.  

    • He claimed his business had a turnover of more than £200,000 to claim the maximum Covid Bounce Back loan.  

    • He was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.  

    A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.  

    Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.  

    In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.  

    But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.  

    In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500. 

    On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.   

    He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.  

    Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said: 

    Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.  

    These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to. 

    We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.

    In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service. 

    The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process. 

    Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government. 

    The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business. 

    Further information:  

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New, adaptive mountain-biking trail opens in Alice Lake Park

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    A new, beginner-friendly adaptive mountain-biking trail at Alice Lake Park is now open, giving more people better access to local trails and a more inclusive experience.

    “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy active, outdoor recreation, and as more people choose to spend their weekends and holidays in B.C., we are continuing to ensure our parks are welcoming and inclusive,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “The South Coaster Adaptive Trail is a fantastic addition to Alice Lake Park, making it easier for people with diverse abilities to explore our beautiful forests.”

    The new one-kilometre South Coaster Adaptive Trail is a $180,000 investment from the Government of B.C., in partnership with the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA). It includes wide and smooth terrain to support adaptive mountain-bike users and links to Miki’s Magic and Cardrona trails, opening access to a nine-kilometre adaptive mountain biking loop. Adaptive mountain bikes are specialized bikes designed for riders with diverse mobility needs; they include things such as extra wheels, hand cranks and custom seating.

    “SORCA has been working closely with BC Parks staff for approximately six years to bring this trail to fruition,” said Ian Lowe, executive director, SORCA. “Initially, the focus of the trail was to provide a significantly improved experience for less-experienced riders. However, BC Parks amplified SORCA’s original vision by making this an adaptive mountain-bike friendly trail, which will be enjoyed by a wide spectrum of riders and user groups.”

    The new trail addresses a growing need for mountain-biking trail access in the Sea to Sky region, which continues to be a popular area for people to visit. It builds on recent improvements to Stawamus Chief Park and Garibaldi Park. Parking lots have been expanded at Stawamus Chief and the Diamond Head chain-up lot in Garibaldi to provide more opportunities for people to access these popular parks. Trail upgrades are ongoing at Stawamus Chief Park. 

    With its trailhead located near the parking lots and campground, the South Coaster links to the Bob McIntosh Memorial Trail, expanding year-round trail options for all mountain bikers in the region.

    “Everyone should have access to outdoor recreation, and these trails provide a means to experience the joy and beauty of our region,” said Armand Hurford, mayor of Squamish. “The District of Squamish is committed to building an inclusive community in which all people can thrive. Thank you to BC Parks and the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association for creating this opportunity and considering the needs of all trail users, with adaptive mountain bike users in mind.”

    The upgrades are part of a five-year, $21.5-million provincial investment to increase and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation in B.C. They also support the Province’s renewed and expanded commitment to make BC Parks more inclusive and accessible spaces.

    Accessibility upgrades continue to be made in parks throughout the province. Universal design standards are incorporated in new campgrounds and recreation expansion projects.

    Quick Facts:

    • There are four different types of adaptive mountain bikes that can be ridden on the South Coaster: cross-country, all-mountain, all-mountain (kneeling) and all-electric.
    • B.C.’s first purpose-built adaptive mountain-biking trail, Spine Trail in the Kootenays, opened in 2017.
    • In addition to trails, Alice Lake Park offers 108 campsites, 96 of which are vehicle-accessible.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about adaptive trail standards, visit: https://kootenayadaptive.wordpress.com/adaptive-mountain-biking-trail-standards/

    To learn more about Alice Lake Park, visit: https://bcparks.ca/alice-lake-park/

    To learn more about the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, visit: https://www.sorca.ca/

    To learn more about BC Parks’ Commitment to Inclusion, visit: https://bcparks.ca/about/commitment-to-inclusion/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Genomics research will advance treatment for B.C. patients

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is accelerating the future of patient care and advancing testing for cancer, heart disease, transplants and infections with eight new genomics research projects, in partnership with Genome BC and Genome Alberta.

    Genomics is the study of an organism’s genetic material and how genes work together. In medicine, genomics is used to develop personalized treatments based on a person’s genetic makeup. Researchers from B.C.’s health authorities and the University of British Columbia are involved in all eight genomic research projects.

    “Genomics is transforming health care, offering new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By supporting Genome BC, we are helping to advance research to improve patient outcomes and make precision medicine more accessible to people across British Columbia. These efforts will contribute to faster diagnoses, more precise treatments and improved health-care outcomes for patients.”

    The eight research projects are part of Genome BC’s and Genome Alberta’s Healthy Outcomes through Genomic Innovations program, which aims to help new innovations in genetic testing and precision medicine reach hospitals and clinics faster.

    “This initiative is designed to drive the adoption of genomics-based technologies into clinical practice, focusing on projects that deliver tangible patient benefits in the near future,” said Suzanne Gill, president and CEO, Genome BC. “Whether it’s detecting cancer earlier, improving transplant success or tailoring medications to an individual’s genetic makeup, these projects are about making health care work better for everyone.”

    These projects, valued at almost $6 million, of which $1.7 million came from the Province via Genome BC, will allow care providers to get new tools to enhance diagnosis, treatment and patient care sooner. The projects focus on:

    • safer chemotherapy for children;
    • improving kidney transplant monitoring;
    • more precise cancer testing;
    • heart-failure detection;
    • at-home lung cancer screening;
    • faster diagnosis of blood-stream infections;
    • combating drug-resistant infections in hospitals; and
    • standardizing formats for genetic drug sensitivity test results.

    “Genomic research is advancing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of disease, driving precision medicine and transforming health care,” said Dr. Paul Keown, lead researcher on one of the projects and professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia, speaking on behalf of fellow researchers Dr. James Lan and Karen Sherwood. “We are working on innovations that are close to adoption by the health-care system. These projects will deliver meaningful results that directly improve patient care.”

    The research projects are part of B.C.’s Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy and the broader StrongerBC Economic Plan, which seeks to foster innovation, create high-paying jobs and enhance health and pandemic preparedness domestically and internationally.

    Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation since 2000, growing a world-class life-sciences sector in B.C. The organization strives to enhance health care and address environmental and natural-resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC supports responsible research and innovation, fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public.

    Learn More:

    For details about the eight genomic research projects, visit: https://www.genomebc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BACKGROUNDER-Healthy-Outcomes-Through-Genomic-Innovations-Announcement.pdf

    For information about Genome BC, visit: https://www.genomebc.ca/

    To read the Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/technology-industry/life-sciences-biomanufacturing/bc_life_sciences_biomanufacturing_strategy_final_april_2023.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: I was a child soldier – here’s what it’ll take to protect young lives in conflict zones

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Charles Wratto, Associate Professor of Peace, Politics, and Conflict Studies, Babes Bolyai University

    The use of child soldiers is a profound human tragedy that continues to scar generations across the world.

    According to the United Nations, over the years, thousands of children, some as young as six years old, have been manipulated, indoctrinated and coerced into joining armed groups.

    Many of these children have fought against peacekeeping troops in Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and US-led coalition soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

    The devastating effect of this grave, yet persistent, tragedy extends beyond the individual child. It tears communities and families apart and leaves generations scarred with the trauma of war long after the guns fall silent.

    International agreements like the Optional protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, the Paris principles and commitments, the Rome statute and the Cape Town principles have condemned the practice. They provided legal and practical pathways to stop the use of child soldiers.

    Intervention campaigns like Child Soldiers International, the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, and the Kony 2012 campaign were launched to combat unlawful recruitment. They also raise awareness to protect child combatants in conflict regions.



    Read more:
    Why some rebel groups force kids to fight: it depends on how they are funded

    The International Criminal Court has held trials and convicted warlords responsible for the abduction and arming of children.

    The United Nations has published a list to “shame” governments and non-state actors that enlist minors in their armies.

    Despite these efforts, the problem persists as governments and insurgent groups recruit minors in various regions of the world.

    One of the reasons may be that children’s presence on the battlefield throws the training and ethics of professional soldiers off balance. Children are widely considered innocent, harmless, and deserving of care and protection. Harming them can cause severe emotional and psychological distress that conventional soldiers are ill-equipped to handle. Armed groups who use children can get a strategic advantage if they make adult soldiers feel guilt, terror, shame and cowardism.

    As a researcher in peace, politics and conflict studies and a former child soldier in the Liberian civil war, I have centred my studies on children in armed conflict and how states respond to crises and conflict.

    I am passionate about protecting children in conflict zones because I know what it means to experience violence at a very young age.

    I also understand, from my own experience, what it means to return to a society that saw me as a dangerous and irredeemable person and to find purpose in a world that labelled people like me as a “lost generation”.

    Based on my personal experiences and interaction with child soldiers, I identify six ways society can help protect children in conflict zones. They are: cutting off arms sales to conflict regions; providing continuous education during conflict; providing life-saving essentials; working with local communities; listening to children’s voices; and involving child soldiers in the implementation of disarmament and reintegration programmes.



    Read more:
    The old ways of reintegrating young veterans need to be abandoned

    Six ways to protect children in conflict zones

    Cut arm sales to conflict regions

    Armed groups often rely on the constant flow of small arms and light weapons to maintain their operations.

    The availability of these weapons enables groups to enlarge their forces, often using vulnerable children. Stopping weapons sales would undermine the effectiveness of these groups.

    If there are fewer arms, warlords will find it harder to lure children with false promises of protection and power. Warlords might have to create pathways for peace talks, and children could be demobilised.

    Under Charles Taylor, Liberia was a regional hub for illicit weapons trade and child soldier recruitment. The UN arms embargo in 2001 limited Taylor’s ability to resupply his troops, leading to his eventual exile and an end to the war in 2003. While an effective arms embargo may not end a war or child recruitment immediately, it can erode armed groups’ combat ability, pressuring them to negotiate, collapse, or lose their grip over vulnerable children.

    Provide life-saving essentials

    In war-torn places, poverty and starvation sometimes push families to hand over their children to armed groups in exchange for food.

    Given life-saving essentials such as food, shelter and medical care, families can be shielded from poverty. This will reduce voluntary enlistment.

    Microfinance initiatives that support small businesses, and provision of vocational training programmes, can also lift families from poverty.

    Continuous education during conflict

    Governments and multilateral institutions must provide emergency education
    and train teachers and caregivers in camps for internally displaced people.

    Being able to carry on with schooling in a safe environment can curb child recruitment and empower young people for the post-war reconstruction of their nations. Such sanctuaries should also include mobile counselling and trauma therapy centres where children can process their grief and experiences to rebuild trust.



    Read more:
    Adolescent girls in five African conflict zones share stories about their lives

    Work with local communities and leaders

    Governments, NGOs and policymakers must address existing grievances and empower local communities to assist in reintegrating former child soldiers. Reintegration involves not only children returning home but also ensuring communities are better prepared and equipped to welcome them.

    Partnering with local communities can also strengthen awareness about the dangers of child (re) recruitment.

    Ex-child soldiers as part of disarmament and reintegration

    Governments and humanitarian agencies must include former child soldiers in the design and implementation of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes.

    Their firsthand knowledge of the conscription process, combat realities, fears, nightmares and reintegration struggle offers unique insights. They can help create programmes that meet real needs.

    Although the current disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration guidelines emphasise children’s rights to disarm, they do not mention children’s inclusion in the development of effective life changing programmes.

    Listen to children’s voices

    Educational institutions, governments and peacebuilding agencies must take children’s contributions to peacebuilding seriously.

    Children bear the wounds of war. They have seen the destruction firsthand and have experienced various forms of loss and pain. This makes them not only observers of violence but also powerful advocates for peace.



    Read more:
    War affects girls and boys differently: what we found in our study of children in the DRC

    Why the world must act

    My experiences have taught me that no child is beyond redemption, particularly when given the right support and care they need.

    Child soldiers, though shaped by unfortunate circumstances, are not inherently violent. They should not be feared or stigmatised. They are victims who deserve healing, love and education.

    I was not given a gun because I was strong. I was handed one because I was weak, because children, stripped of alternatives, can be manipulated and turned into weapons of war.

    I survived not because I was better than others, I survived because someone, a Nigerian, refused to reduce me to the war I was forced into. This is why I believe everyone can play a role to protect children in conflict zones. Those who can, but refuse to, are no different from the warlords who enlisted the children.

    Charles Wratto is affiliated with the Center for Peace and Violence Prevention.

    – ref. I was a child soldier – here’s what it’ll take to protect young lives in conflict zones – https://theconversation.com/i-was-a-child-soldier-heres-what-itll-take-to-protect-young-lives-in-conflict-zones-245517

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria’s Cross River State second to commence construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CALABAR, Nigeria, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Nigeria’s Cross River State became the second to mark construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone after the country’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina broke ground at the project site on Thursday 10 April.

    The SAPZ aims to tackle food insecurity, enhance local production, and position Nigeria as a food export leader by leveraging Cross River’s ports and research assets to boost global trade, reduce food imports, and drive prosperity through the agro-industrialization of crops like cocoa and cassava.

    The groundbreaking in Cross River follows that of Kaduna (http://apo-opa.co/42Mquvu) which took place few days earlier. Six other states – Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory – are included in Phase 1 of the $538 million SAPZ program, with plans to expand to the remaining 28 states this year pending the African Development Bank’s Executive Board approval for Phase 2 funding.

    Shettima emphasized the project’s priority and need for national collaboration: “The SAPZ program has been recognized as a national priority for food security in Nigeria.” He noted, “There is no better time than now for the federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector, and our communities to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the SAPZ project.”

    Adesina celebrated the milestone, saying, “Today is a big day for Nigeria,” and added, “The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones is bringing good news to Nigeria, State Governments and Local Governments. Good news to farmers, agribusinesses, and all rural areas of Nigeria. Good news of jobs, wealth, and prosperity with agriculture as a business.

    “With the abundant arable land, cheap labor and vast agro-ecological areas, Nigeria should not be importing food,” said Adesina who was accompanied by his wife Grace Yemisi Adesina.

    The Bank Group president highlighted Cross River’s export potential: “Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.”

    The 130-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo will leverage the Calabar Sea Port, Bakassi Deep Sea Port, a 23 kVA power plant in Tinapa, and a 630 kVA Calabar Power Plant. Its Agricultural Transformation Centre, supported by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the University of Calabar, lies less than 45 minutes from Ikom, Etung, and Boki, boosting cocoa production for global markets.

    Governor Bassey Otu outlined the state’s vision, saying, “For us in Cross River State, the establishment of clusters of smallholder farmers focused on staple and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, and oil palm is a vital step toward agro-industrialization.”

    “These initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security, diversifying our state’s economy toward export-oriented agriculture, and boosting our GDP,” added Governor Otu, saying the state should expect to see a big difference in two years. 

    The African Development Bank Group is investing $210 million, including $50 million from its Africa Growing Together Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is contributing $150 million, the International Fund for Agricultural Development is contributing $100 million, the Green Climate Fund is contributing $60 million, and the government is contributing $18 million.

    Speaking during the occasion, the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s Country Director, Dede Ekoue, noted that the SAPZ will build on the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project which has empowered 26,000 youth and women agripreneurs in the Niger Delta, including 4,000 in Cross River, with plans to scale to 100,000 by 2028.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said, “The SAPZ program is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and import substitution. By investing in agro-processing development, we are investing in the future of our communities.”

    The African Development Bank Group has committed $934 million to SAPZs in 11 African countries. The 2024 Africa Investment Forum (http://apo-opa.co/42eqx33), held in Morocco, recorded $2.2 billion in investor interest for 28 Nigerian states, which make up the second phase of the project.

    Adesina explained that with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Nigeria will reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand local production and processing of food and agricultural commodities, strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment into the development of agricultural value chains.

    The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones will also revive and transform rural economies and create millions of jobs.

    Adesina was accompanied by the African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Dr Beth Dunford, the Director General for Nigeria Dr Abdul Kamara, Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation, Director Richard Ofori-Mante, Director of the Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department, and Dr Yusuf Kabir, National Coordinator for SAPZ, Nigeria.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) Appoints APO Group Founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, to Advisory Board

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and leading press release distribution service, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been appointed to the newly formed Advisory Board of the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

    With its mission being to position Africa as a leader in critical minerals, CMAG (www.CMAGAfrica.com) is dedicated to advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable development of Africa’s critical mineral resources, while ensuring that local economies benefit from the continent’s mineral wealth. With approximately 40% of the world’s essential minerals reserves estimated to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the region plays a key role in the global energy transition and advanced technologies.

    Pompigne-Mognard’s appointment to the Advisory Board follows the announcement of a strategic partnership between APO Group and CMAG aimed at raising the global prominence of Africa’s critical minerals sector. The partnership leverages APO Group’s public relations and strategic communications expertise and CMAG’s industry leadership. Complementing this, Pompigne-Mognard’s ability to connect clients with key stakeholders from governments, private companies, and organisations of all sizes will be invaluable in showcasing Africa’s role in the global essential resources supply chain and elevating the profile of Africa’s critical minerals sector.

    Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the CMAG Advisory Board. His vast network across industries, governments, and institutions, his deep understanding of Africa’s media and technology landscapes, and his extensive business experience will equip him to work alongside fellow Advisory Board members to shape positive perceptions of Africa’s critical minerals sector amongst global stakeholders and audiences.

    A Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and the Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

    Nicolas’ wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. It serves more than 300 clients, including global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, Network International, the African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

    “Being appointed to the Critical Minerals Africa Group Advisory Board is an immense honour. CMAG is vital in safeguarding Africa’s critical minerals for future generations. In my advisory role, I look forward to supporting all initiatives as CMAG showcases Africa’s critical minerals potential in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group.

    Other members of the Advisory Board include Natznet Tesfay, Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics, S&P Global, and Richard Morgan, Former Head of Government Relations, Anglo-American PLC.

    MIL OSI Africa –