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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Images provide taste of what’s to come inside new City Learning Quarter college campus

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The city centre state of the art facility is currently under construction by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey and forms part of phase 2 of Wolverhampton Council’s transformational masterplan to boost skills and employment.

    Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the former Faces nightclub building once stood, the development is also utilising the existing Metro One building – it will open to City of Wolverhampton College students in the autumn.

    Alongside improvements to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational provision that will enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region.

    It will offer A Levels in a range of subjects and vocational qualifications in art, design and photography, business and management, catering and hospitality, computing and digital, creative media, games design and e-sports, hair and beauty, health and social care, music technology, performing arts, and science.

    Construction on phase one of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – has been completed and opened to students in September 2024.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The City Learning Quarter has been a long held ambition of the council and fantastic progress is being made by the contractors in the construction of this skills and education hub that will open later this year, unlocking future opportunities for all in the city.

    “The development is already a prominent feature in the city centre and when completed will act as a focal point, increasing footfall to support neighbouring businesses.

    “It’s excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes also means this inspirational facility will be easily accessible to everyone in Wolverhampton and beyond.”

    Peter Merry, Deputy Principal and Chief Executive at the College, said: “After many years of discussions and planning it is really exciting for us to be able to unveil the images of the building and for current and potential students and apprentices, staff, employers and local people to see what the interior will be like and the fantastic training facilities that will be provided on the site.”

    The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.

    It will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build much needed housing.

    The college forecasts that over a 10 year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.

    Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.

    See how the City Learning Quarter college campus is shaping up inside by watching the video below.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Statement Statement of the forty-first meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The 41st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 06 March 2024 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat.  The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Wild poliovirus

    Since the last Emergency Committee meeting, 36 new WPV1 cases were reported, three from Afghanistan and 33 from Pakistan bringing the total to 99 WPV1 cases in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents more than four-fold increase in Afghanistan and more than 12-fold increase in Pakistan in the number of WPV1 cases from 2023 to 2024.  A total of 741 WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in 2024, 113 from Afghanistan and 628 from Pakistan. In 2025, 80 WPV1-positive environmental samples have been reported, 9 from Afghanistan and 71 from Pakistan.

    The upward trend in WPV1 cases and environmental detections has persisted in both endemic countries throughout 2024. In Pakistan, this increase has been evident since mid-2023, initially in environmental samples and later in paralytic polio cases, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan. In Afghanistan, the rise in WPV1 detections, both in environmental samples and cases during 2024 has been predominantly in the South Region. The Committee noted the geographic spread of WPV1 to new provinces and districts in both endemic countries in 2024 and observed that WPV1 transmission has re-established in historical reservoirs, including Kandahar (Afghanistan), Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta Block (Pakistan). Currently, the most intense WPV1 transmission is occurring in the southern cross-border epidemiological corridor, encompassing Quetta Block (Pakistan) and the South Region (Afghanistan). The Committee also noted the ongoing WPV1 transmission in the epidemiologically critical South KP and Central Pakistan blocks of Pakistan.

    Review of the molecular epidemiology indicates that there has been progressive elimination of the genetic cluster ‘YB3C’ in 2022 and 2023, with its last detection in November 2023 in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. However, there has been persistent transmission of YB3A genetic cluster since May 2022, resulting in its split into two: YB3A4A and YB3A4B. During the first half of 2024, the cluster YB3A4A was mainly circulating in the northern and southern cross-border corridors. During the second half of 2024 there was distinct expansion of both these genetic clusters seen in Pakistan, more pronounced for YB3A4A. In Afghanistan, the predominantly circulating genetic cluster in YB3A4A.

    Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to implement an intensive and mostly synchronized campaign schedule focusing on improved vaccination coverage in the endemic zones and effective and timely response to WPV1 detections elsewhere in each country. Afghanistan implemented five sub-national vaccination rounds during the second half of 2024, targeting infected and high-risk provinces, while Pakistan implemented two nationwide and a large scale sub-national vaccination round from September through December 2024. After encouraging progress towards implementing house-to-house campaigns in all of Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, Afghanistan programme has not been able to implement house-to-house campaigns during most of the second half of 2024. All vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan since October 2024 have been implemented using alternate modalities (mostly site-to-site). The committee was concerned that site-to-site campaigns are usually not able to reach all the children, especially those of younger age and girls, which may lead to a further upsurge of WPV1 with geographical spread in Afghanistan and beyond. Afghanistan programme is taking measures to maximize the reach of site-to-site campaigns through adequate operational and social mobilization measures. The Committee noted overall high reported coverage of the vaccination campaigns in Pakistan; however, variations were observed about the quality at the sub-provincial and sub-district levels, relating to operational implementation challenges and increasing insecurity, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Nearly 200,000 and 50,000 missed children were reported from the South KP and Quetta Block (Balochistan) in Pakistan at the end of October and December 2024 campaigns.

    In addition to seasonal movement patterns within and between the two endemic countries, the continued return of undocumented migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan compounds the challenges faced. The scale of the displacement increases the risk of cross-border poliovirus spread as well as spread within both the countries.  This risk is being managed and mitigated in both countries through vaccination at border crossing points and the updating of micro-plans in the districts of origin and return. The programme continues to closely coordinate with IOM and UNHCR. The Committee noted ongoing coordination between the programmes of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the national and sub-national levels.

    In summary, the available data indicate that globally transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries; however, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries in 2024.

    Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV)

    In 2024, there have been 280 cVDPV cases, of which 265 are cVDPV2, 11 cVDPV1 and four are cVDPV3. Additionally, 257 environmental samples were positive for cVDPV, 254 positive cVDPV2 and three cVDPV3. Of the 265 cVDPV2 cases in 2024, 94 (36%) have occurred in Nigeria. Of the 11 cVDPV1 cases in 2024, 10 were reported from DR Congo and one from Mozambique. All the four cVDPV3 cases in 2024 were reported from Guinea.

     A total of 528 cases have been confirmed with cVDPV in all of 2023, of which 395 are cVDPV2 and 134 are cVDPV1 (one case co-infected with cVDPV1 and cVDPV2). Of the 528 cVDPV cases reported in 2023, 226 (43%) have occurred in the DR Congo.

    Since the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, new cVDPV2 detections were reported from Finland, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and new cVDPV3 detections from Guinea.

    In 2024, the total number of circulating cVDPV2 emergence groups detected to date is 26, compared to 27 in 2023, 22 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 44 in 2019. Of the 26 emergence groups circulating in 2024, eleven are newly detected in 2024, 10 derived from the novel OPV2 vaccine. There have now been 25 nOPV2 derived cVDPV2 emergences since 2021. The committee noted that the nOPV2 vaccine continues to demonstrate significantly higher genetic stability and substantially lower likelihood of reversion to neurovirulence relative to Sabin OPV2.

    A total of 11 cVDPV1 cases have been reported in 2024, 10 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. This compares to 134 cVDPV1 cases in all of 2023 (106 in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 in Madagascar, four in Mozambique), representing a 92% reduction in the global cVDPV1 paralytic burden from 2023. However, one new emergence has been reported from the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC-TSH-3). This is the first cVDPV1 emergence reported since September 2022. The committed noted encouraging progress in Madagascar towards interrupting local cVDPV1 transmission, with no detections for more than 16 months.

    In 2024, two countries reported cVDPV3 outbreaks: French Guiana (French territory in South America) and Guinea. Both cVDPV3 outbreaks in 2024 were due to new emergences, leading to three positive environmental samples in French Guiana (May to August 2024) and four cVDPV3 cases in Guinea (July to November 2024). The committee noted that these cVDPV3 outbreaks were reported after a significant interval, with the last cVDPV3 outbreak reported in March 2022.

    In 2024, DR Congo and Mozambique reported co-circulation of cVDPV1 and cVDPV2, while Guinea detected co-circulation of cVDPV2 and cVDPV3.

    The Committee noted that the risk of cVDPV outbreaks is largely driven by a combination of inaccessibility, insecurity, high concentrations of zero-dose and under-immunized children, and ongoing population displacement.

    Conclusion

    The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following factors:

    Ongoing risk of WPV1 international spread:  

    Based on the following factors, there remains the risk of international spread of WPV1:

    • Intensifying WPV1 transmission with geographical spread into formerly endemic areas and core reservoirs of Afghanistan (South) and Pakistan (Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Block) as well as other epidemiologically critical areas like Central Pakistan, and parts of Punjab province in Pakistan that were without any WPV1 detection for prolonged periods of time.
    • That WPV1 transmission has been re-established in the south region of Afghanistan and Karachi, and Quetta Block of Pakistan.
    • This intensifying WPV1 transmission in both endemic countries during the low transmission season indicates sizeable cohort of unimmunized and under-immunized children.
    • Lack of house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan represents a major risk of further WPV1 spread and intensification of its transmission.
    • Certain geographies and population pockets in the epidemiologically critical areas of Pakistan continue to have inconsistent campaign quality and substantial number of unimmunized and under-immunized children due to insecurity, operational gaps, and vaccine hesitancy.
    • Ongoing population movement between the two endemic countries, including the returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan, leading to cross-border WPV1 transmission.
    • Ongoing population movement from the two endemic countries to other countries, neighbouring and distant.

    Ongoing risk of cVDPV international spread:

    Based on the following factors, the risk of international spread of cVDPV appears to remain high:

    Risk categories

    The Committee provided the Director-General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of WPV1 and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

    1. States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3.
    2. States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission.
    3. States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months.

    Criteria to assess States as no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV:

    • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental or other samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
    • Environmental or other isolation of WPV1 or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental or other sample (such as from a healthy child) PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
    • These criteria may be varied for the endemic countries, where more rigorous assessment is needed in reference to surveillance gaps.

    Once a country meets these criteria as no longer infected, the country will remain on a ‘watch list’ for a further 12 months for a period of heightened monitoring.  After this period, the country will no longer be subject to Temporary Recommendations. 

    TEMPORARY RECOMMENDATIONS

    States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    WPV1                                                                                                                                         

    Afghanistan                            most recent detection 27 Jan 2025

    Pakistan                                  most recent detection 30 Jan 2025

    cVDPV1

    Mozambique                           most recent detection 17 May 2024

    DR Congo                               most recent detection 19 Sep 2024

    cVDPV3

    French Guiana (France)       most recent detection 06 Aug 2024

    Guinea                                  most recent detection 21 Nov 2024

    These countries should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency and implement all required measures to support polio eradication; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained as long as the response is required.
    • Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
    • Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
    • Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (road, air and / or sea).
    • Further enhance cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional, and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travelers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travelers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, including sharing coverage data, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new infections and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.
    • Provide to the Director-General a regular report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel.

    States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission:

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    1. Algeria                                                        most recent detection 13 Jan 2025
    2. Angola                                                        most recent detection 24 Aug 2024
    3. Benin                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    4. Cameroon                                                  most recent detection 04 Nov 2024
    5. Chad                                                           most recent detection 30 Aug 2024
    6. Côte d’Ivoire                                               most recent detection 27 Nov 2024
    7. Democratic Republic of the Congo             most recent detection 22 Nov 2024
    8. Djibouti                                                         most recent detection 20 Oct 2024
    9. Egypt                                                           most recent detection 01 Aug 2024
    10. Equatorial Guinea                                        most recent detection 26 Mar 2024
    11. Ethiopia                                                        most recent detection 04 Dec 2024
    12. Finland                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    13. Gambia                                                         most recent detection 15 Feb 2024
    14. Germany                                                       most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    15. Ghana                                                           most recent detection 20 Aug 2024
    16. Guinea                                                           most recent detection 12 Jun 2024
    17. Indonesia                                                       most recent detection 27 Jun 2024
    18. Kenya                                                              most recent detection 31 Jul 2024
    19. Liberia                                                            most recent detection 08 Jun 2024
    20. Mali                                                                most recent detection 02 Jan 2024
    21. Mozambique                                                  most recent detection 05 Mar 2024
    22. Niger                                                              most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    23. Nigeria                                                           most recent detection 01 Nov 2024
    24. occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)                most recent detection 09 Jan 2025
    25. Poland                                                           most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    26. Senegal                                                          most recent detection 21 Oct 2024
    27. Sierra Leone                                                  most recent detection 28 May 2024
    28. Somalia                                                          most recent detection 05 Jun 2024
    29. South Sudan                                                  most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    30. Spain                                                              most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    31. Sudan                                                              most recent detection 24 Jan 2024
    32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain

      and Northern Ireland                                     most recent detection 11 Dec 2024

    33. Uganda                                                         most recent detection 07 May 2024
    34. Yemen                                                           most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    35. Zimbabwe                                                      most recent detection 25 Jun 2024

    States that have had an importation of cVDPV2 but without evidence of local transmission should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the prevention or interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency.
    • Undertake urgent and intensive investigations and risk assessment to determine if there has been local transmission of the imported cVDPV2, requiring an immunization response.
    • Noting the existence of a separate mechanism for responding to type 2 poliovirus infections, Members States should request vaccines from the global novel OPV2 stockpile.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Intensify surveillance for polioviruses and strengthen regional cooperation and cross-border coordination to ensure the timely detection of poliovirus.

    States with local transmission of cVDPV2, with risk of international spread, in addition to the above measures, should:

    •  Encourage residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status.
    • Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus, and vaccinate refugees, travelers and cross­border populations.

    For both sub-categories:

    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of circulation of VDPV2 in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
    • At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the Director-General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

    States no longer polio infected, but previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2024)

    WPV1

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    cVDPV

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    1. Botswana                                          cVDPV2            25 Jul 2023
    2. Burkina Faso                                    cVDPV2            12 Dec 2023                
    3. Burundi                                             cVDPV2            15 Jun 2023
    4. Central African Republic                   cVDPV2            07 Oct 2023
    5. Republic of Congo                            cVDPV2            07 Dec 2023
    6. Israel                                                 cVDPV2            13 Feb 2023
    7. Madagascar                                      cVDPV1            16 Sep 2023
    8. Mauritania                                         cVDPV2            13 Dec 2023
    9. United Republic of Tanzania             cVDPV2             20 Nov 2023
    10. Zambia                                              cVDPV2             06 Jun 2023 

    These countries should:

    • Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
    • Enhance surveillance quality, including considering introducing or expanding supplementary methods such as environmental surveillance, to reduce the risk of undetected WPV1 and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
    • Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
    • Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of WPV1 and cVDPV, and vaccination of high-risk population groups.
    • Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high-quality surveillance and vaccination activities.

    Additional considerations

    The Committee noted that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs to reconsider its priorities and reprogram its operations in response to the current fiscal constraints. The current financial shortfall poses a significant risk to eradication efforts. The Committee acknowledges and appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent confirmation of its $500 million commitment to global polio eradication. The committee urged donor countries and organizations to enhance their financial support, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The Committee also called on national governments to prioritize polio eradication in their domestic funding allocations to ensure sustained progress toward eradication.

    The Committee expressed deep concern over the escalating and expanding WPV1 transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The persistence of WPV1 transmission despite ongoing vaccination campaigns highlights gaps in immunization quality. The Committee also noted that the current levels of WPV1 transmission during the low season could further intensify during the high transmission season if uniform, high-quality campaigns, particularly in core reservoir areas, are not ensured.

    The Committee remains concerned about the continued inability to conduct house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. This challenge places infants and young children, particularly girls, at a heightened risk of missing polio vaccination. The Committee appreciates the efforts to improve women’s participation in site-to-site polio vaccination as well as for border vaccination and encourages to expand these efforts to high-risk South Region of Afghanistan.

    The Committee acknowledged the strong political commitment to polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee emphasized that this commitment must translate into concrete operational actions to strengthen community engagement and implement high-quality vaccination campaigns. These efforts are essential to interrupt the ongoing intense WPV1 transmission and mitigate the risk of national and international spread. In Afghanistan. The Committee specifically recommended the resumption of house-to-house vaccination campaigns and the recruitment of additional female vaccinators to enhance community acceptance and improve coverage.

    The Committee is encouraged by the improving cVDPV1 situation in the African Region, particularly in Madagascar, which has not reported any cases for over 16 months. The Committee emphasized the need to sustain high-quality vaccination efforts, particularly in the DR Congo and Mozambique, the only two countries that have reported cVDPV1 cases in 2024.

    The Committee noted the ongoing transmission of cVDPV2 in the African Region, particularly in northern Nigeria. While there has been an overall decline in cVDPV2 cases in 2024, the Committee expressed concern over the increase in cases reported by Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen compared to 2023. The Committee also noted the concerning cVDPV2 epidemiological situation in Chad and Algeria and recommended the implementation of high-quality vaccination campaigns to boost population immunity. The Committee noted the challenges in implementing high-quality immunization responses in critical areas of the African Region and northern Yemen. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns over surveillance gaps in northern Yemen, which may further hinder early detection and response efforts.

    The Committee noted the detection of cVDPV3 in Guinea and French Guiana in 2024, after more than two years with no reported detections globally and emphasized the need for a high-quality surveillance and immunization response to contain these outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that several cVDPV-affected countries continue to face conflict and insecurity, which disrupts both routine immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. The Committee also noted that ongoing health emergencies and disease outbreaks in several countries further complicate the timely and effective implementation of polio vaccination campaigns. Given the diverse challenges across countries and sub-national areas, the Committee emphasized the need for context-specific, tailored interventions to ensure high-quality campaigns and ultimately stop cVDPV outbreaks. The Committee also underscored the importance of synchronized sub-regional approaches and strong cross-border coordination to address challenges related to permeable borders and shared operational constraints across affected countries.

    The Committee noted some good practices in several countries, particularly in cross-border collaboration and surveillance. The Committee encourages countries to document and share these best practices and suggests that GPEI facilitates this process.

    The Committee noted the ongoing cross-border spread of cVDPV2 in the African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, as well as the recent detection of cVDPV2 in five countries of the European Region. This reinforces that polio remains a global risk until it is fully eradicated. The Committee acknowledged the ongoing response efforts of Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in strengthening surveillance and addressing sub-national immunity gaps. The Committee also appreciated the inter-country coordination in the European Region, facilitated by the WHO European Regional Office, in response to the cVDPV2 detections in the region. The Committee recommended continued surveillance strengthening across the European Region, along with regular risk assessments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of emerging polio risks.

    The Committee highlighted the importance of maintaining sensitive surveillance in polio-infected and high-risk countries and recommended that GPEI provide all possible support under the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan. The Committee also underscored the importance of high-income countries maintaining high-quality surveillance for polioviruses, given the ongoing risk of importation, as recently demonstrated by cVDPV detections in the European Region. Robust surveillance remains essential for early detection and timely response to importations and newly emerging outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that novel OPV2 continues to demonstrate greater genetic stability compared to Sabin OPV2. However, the risk of new cVDPV2 emergences increases when the interval between outbreak response campaigns exceeds four weeks or when vaccination quality is suboptimal, underscoring the need for timely and high-quality immunization efforts.

    The Committee noted that the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) through resolution WHA77.17 (2024), were notified to States Parties on 19 September 2024 and that they would come into effect on 19 September 2025 for 192 States Parties.  Regarding any potential effects of these amendments on the Committee, the Secretariat informed the Committee that it would be premature to assess any such effects at this time but would brief the Committee ahead of their entry into force in September 2025, should the Committee continue to be convened under the IHR at this time.

    Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV.  The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 09 April 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Opening of Expo 2025 Osaka

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 10-04-2025 | 14:37

    On 13 April 2025 the World Expo kicks off in Osaka, Japan. The Netherlands is participating with a pavilion based on a circular design concept and on the theme of ‘Common Ground’. The pavilion underlines the importance of international cooperation on major challenges such as the energy transition and maintaining a liveable planet. For six months, an extensive programme will support Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and other organisations in connecting with Japan, fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

    Enlarge image

    Image: ©Zhu Yumeng

    Taking part in Expo 2025 brings opportunities to deepen bilateral relations with Japan. As a reliable partner in East Asia, and the world’s fourth largest economy, Japan is important to the Netherlands. This year marks 425 years of ties between our two countries. These longstanding relations form the basis for strong cooperation in areas such as security, economic resilience, trade, agriculture, food security, defence, cyber protection and innovation.

    Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever: ‘Expo 2025 is a unique opportunity for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions to present their expertise to a large international audience. As a powerhouse of innovation, the business community plays a vital role in addressing global challenges, such as those related to food security and health.’

    Potential growth sectors

    Over the course of six months, an extensive programme of more than 100 events will give Dutch companies and institutions the opportunity to present themselves and meet Japanese companies. Various theme weeks will focus on potential growth sectors such as food, health, energy and tech, and there will be an ongoing cultural programme with work by Dutch artists and ensembles. Six economic missions will visit from the Netherlands. On the 22nd of April Prime Minister Schoof will officially open the Netherlands pavilion during his visit to Japan.

    Common Ground

    The Netherlands’ participation is inspired by its unique relationship with water. Our country’s location, partly below sea level, taught us centuries ago to work with each other. Now, as we face new challenges in 2025, cooperation is once again of great importance, this time on an international level. The Netherlands therefore invites Japan and other countries to join it on common ground and work together on solutions.

    Pavilion based on circular design concept

    The Netherlands pavilion was designed and built by Dutch-Japanese consortium A New Dawn (AND BV), consisting of architecture firm RAU, engineering consultancy DGMR, experience design studio Tellart and Japanese construction company Asanuma. The design consists of a rectangular building with a luminous sphere in the centre, symbolizing a ‘man-made sun’: a clean and endless energy source. On the outside are slats shaped like ocean waves. Together these are exactly 425 metres long, in honour of the 425-year trade relationship with Japan. The pavilion is also an excellent example of circular construction. Records have been kept of exactly what materials have been used, so that nothing goes to waste. After Expo the pavilion will be dismantled and the materials reused.

    Interactive visitor experience

    When visitors arrive at the pavilion, they are given a small luminous sphere. This reacts to installations at various points in the building, taking them on a journey through the history of the Netherlands and Japan and our battle against water. In the highlight of the show, visitors step into the large sphere in the centre of the pavilion to see an AI film in a 360-degree dome. Before they exit, visitors can share their own ideas and dreams for the future through an interactive artwork.

    Dutch innovations

    The pavilion revolves around ten impressive Dutch innovations, all harnessing the power of nature. In their own way, each contributes to changing how we generate energy, travel and grow food. Among the innovations being showcased are cultivating fish from cells (Upstream Foods), harnessing ocean waves to generate electricity (Weco) and using self-steering boats for fast and clean transport (Roboat).

    Expo 2025 Osaka runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Around 160 countries and organisations are participating. The exhibition organisers are expecting more than 28 million visitors.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – General al-Burhan launches full-scale diplomatic offensive

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 10 April 2025 war  

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – As the war in Sudan continues, the diplomatic activism of the government headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), is intensifying. This April 10, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding a session to hear the appeal filed by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The case revolves around alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, particularly with regard to the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur.According to al-Burhan’s government, the Emirates are complicit in the crimes committed against civilians by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo, by providing them with logistical and financial support.As part of international efforts to halt the conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, the United Kingdom will host a diplomatic conference in London on April 15. This conference will be attended by some twenty countries and international organizations—including France, Germany, Kenya, and the UAE, but not the two parties in conflict. This exclusion has been harshly criticized by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf, who sent a letter of protest to his British counterpart, David Lamy, calling it an “obstacle to peace efforts.” He also questions the participation of countries such as Chad and Kenya, which he called “actors involved in the conflict.”Despite the tensions, General al-Burhan met on April 9 in Port Sudan with the British Special Envoy for Sudan, Richard Crowder, who assured him that the conference’s objective is to promote peace and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, without “imposing external solutions.”This was not the only significant diplomatic meeting for the Sudanese leader in recent days. Al-Burhan also received the heads of the intelligence services of Egypt and Mali. At the same time, Minister Ali Yusuf participated in a ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process in Cairo on April 9, where he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the fight against illegal immigration. Launched in 2014, the Khartoum Process promotes international cooperation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and has expanded its scope to include initiatives for legal migration, development, and regional peace.Finally, according to Sudanese press sources, Lieutenant General Sadiq Ismail, al-Burhan’s special envoy, made a secret visit to Israel last week. The objective was reportedly to improve al-Burhan’s image with the new US administration and to coordinate actions with Israeli officials in the face of the growing tensions between the UAE, al-Burhan, and the SAF. The envoy reportedly stressed that the recent resumption of relations with Iran responds to the urgent need for military support, given Sudan’s international isolation.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 10/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO and southern neighbourhood partners boost dialogue and cooperation on regional security challenges

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s North Atlantic Council and southern neighbourhood partners recently met within the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) frameworks, to take stock of their partnerships and share views on regional security challenges, especially in the Sahel and the Gulf regions, respectively.

    On 9 April 2025, NATO’s Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, chaired a meeting with representatives of the four ICI partners (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates). This followed a 19 March meeting, chaired by NATO’s Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, with representatives of the seven MD partners (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

    The Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General underscored NATO’s commitment to the southern neighbourhood and its readiness to engage more actively with MD and ICI partners on security issues of shared interest. They noted that growing instability in the Sahel region and the latest developments in the Gulf have direct implications for the security of NATO’s partners in the region and for the Euro-Atlantic area.

    The NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Mr Javier Colomina, used both occasions to brief on the efforts undertaken to enhance political dialogue and practical cooperation with these NATO partners and further synergies with regional and international organisations, in accordance with NATO’s Southern Neighbourhood Action Plan, which was agreed at the July 2024 Washington Summit. He also highlighted the first agenda for tackling security challenges, developed between NATO and the southern neighbourhood partners, which was approved by NATO Foreign Ministers in early April 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: High Wire Networks’ Overwatch Cybersecurity Unit Anticipates Surge in Cyberwarfare Amid Tariff War Escalation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BATAVIA, Ill., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI), a global leader in managed cybersecurity, anticipates that its Overwatch cybersecurity division will see a sharp rise in cyberwarfare activities as global tariff tensions intensify. The Company believes this geopolitical pressure, particularly between the U.S. and China, will drive increased demand for robust, scalable cybersecurity solutions.

    “The cyberwarfare landscape is constantly changing and evolving, with nation-states focused squarely on U.S. businesses of all sizes,” said Mark Porter, Chairman and CEO of High Wire Networks. “We expect the pace and avenues of attack to accelerate with the ongoing tariff trade war.”

    While High Wire Networks has already anticipated organic growth for 2025, Porter notes that the macro-economic environment may be a catalyst for further upside. “With forecasts and predictions all over the place, when we filter out the noise created by the turmoil and the chaotic market action and look at what is happening with the customers we already protect and defend, and the ones we are talking to about taking over their defense, we see certain trends,” he said.

    Cyber threats tied to global conflicts have become a significant concern for U.S. companies. China, in particular, has been identified as a leading actor in cyber espionage and digital disruption. “As you might already know, China is a global sponsor of cyberwarfare. We already see signs that their efforts to attack the U.S. economy will not be limited to the trade war. Strong indications of amped-up cyber-attacks are already being seen, and we expect more to follow,” Porter continued.

    Cybersecurity remains the top threat to all businesses. In 2024, the average cost of a U.S. data breach reached $9.48 million, the highest globally, according to IBM Security’s Cost of a Data Breach Report. Meanwhile, Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of breaches involved a human element, underscoring the complexity of defending against evolving threats.

    “When you look at some of the more dire short-term predictions of recession and slowing economic growth for U.S. businesses, they can ill afford to drop their defenses,” said Porter. “This may force some to do the same or more, with fewer resources. Outsourcing their defense to Overwatch can not only help businesses accomplish that mission, but a shared services model can be far more effective than going it alone as you eliminate technical and personnel debt and gain the knowledge that can only come from serving thousands of other customers as well.”

    High Wire Networks remains poised to deliver critical cybersecurity capabilities for businesses navigating an increasingly hostile digital environment. Its 100% U.S.-based 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) is based in Chicago and has more than 1,100 customers across its global network.

    About High Wire Networks
    High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI) is a fast-growing, award-winning global provider of managed cybersecurity. Through over 200 channel partners, it delivers trusted managed services for more than 1,100 managed security customers worldwide. End customers include Fortune 500 companies and many of the nation’s largest government agencies. Its U.S.-based 24/7 Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center is located in Chicago, Illinois.

    High Wire was ranked by Frost & Sullivan as a Top 15 Managed Security Service Provider in the Americas for 2024. It was also named to CRN’s MSP 500 and Elite 150 lists of the nation’s top IT managed service providers for 2023 and 2024.

    Learn more at HighWireNetworks.com. Follow the company on X, view its extensive video series on YouTube or connect on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    The above news release contains forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this document that are not statements of historical fact, including but not limited to, statements identified by the use of terms such as “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and other variations or negative expressions of these terms, including statements related to expected market trends and the Company’s performance, are all “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to a wide range of external factors, uncertainties, business risks, and other risks identified in filings made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any statement is based except as required by applicable law and regulations.

    High Wire Networks Contact
    Mark Porter
    Chief Executive Officer
    High Wire Networks
    Tel +1 (952) 974-4000

    Media Contact
    Lori Aleman
    Director of Marketing
    O: 630-635-8477 | C: 602-920-0902
    Email: lori.aleman@highwirenetworks.com
    Website: www.highwirenetworks.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Versatility Of Commercial Drones Performing Growing Number of Tasks is Driving Rapidly Increasing Adoption Rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Commercial Drones are remotely piloted, optionally piloted, or fully autonomous aerial vehicles that play a significant role in the commercial sectors. They are commonly termed drones and are mostly known for their wide usage in various functions, such as Surveying & Mapping, Inspection & Monitoring among others. These vehicles are also used for mapping, surveying, and determining the weather conditions of a specific area. Drones are being increasingly adopted in industries such as agriculture for crop monitoring, in construction for site inspection, in energy for inspecting power lines among others. The versatility of drones to perform various tasks efficiently is driving their adoption. A report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the Commercial Drone market is projected to grow from USD 5.32 billion in 2024 to USD 9.34 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. The report said: “As drone technology advances, regulatory bodies globally are proactively shaping clearer and more supportive regulations to facilitate drone operations. This strategic initiative aims to lower operational barriers and enhance safety, thereby accelerating the adoption of drones across various sectors. Enhanced regulatory frameworks are anticipated to unlock significant business opportunities and drive innovation in drone applications.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The report continued: “Drones are particularly important for inspecting difficult-to-reach locations at certain altitudes or in contaminated surroundings. The use of drones has modernized the telecommunication tower scrutiny as they can be used to carry out supervision of these towers cost-effectively and in less time. Drones can also be employed for aerial evaluation of buildings and other infrastructures, such as pipelines, electric grids, offshore plants, and solar plates. They can use thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots on solar plates; spots where energy is not spreading evenly. This can enhance the productivity of solar power plants by the instant identification of potentially problematic areas. For instance, the Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies Indago quadrotor can be used for inspections near energy generation plants. Drones can be used to deliver medical supplies in difficult terrains. Drones are considered the future of the last-mile delivery for consumer supplies since they will reduce cost per delivery, along with delivery time. As the wages of delivery persons persist to rise, autonomous delivery or human-less services will become gradually advantageous, especially in developed countries. The major players in the Commercial Drone market have adopted various growth strategies such as contracts, joint ventures, partnerships & agreements, acquisitions, and new product launches to further expand their presence in the Commercial Drone market.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Miller Land Surveying Corporation, a Third Southeast Acquisition and a Fourth Nationally for the Drone as Service (DaaS) Rollout – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces the closing of its acquisition of Miller Land Surveying Corporation (“Miller”) of Lake Worth, Florida, a land survey and mapping company with a 40 year history and deep portfolio of business customers in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida.

    This is ZenaTech’s third acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for their speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also furthers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business rollout as the fourth US acquisition.

    “Miller Land Surveying brings a wealth of experience and customer relationships as a second-generation company known across Palm Beach County for quality land surveys and mapping. Their pioneering team is well suited to helping us bring drone innovation to premium residential and business land surveys. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy business verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s DaaS business will incorporate the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series of multifunction autonomous drones to provide a variety of service solutions from land surveys to power line inspections or power washing, made accessible and cost effective through an Uber-like business model on a regular subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving superior results, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision farming applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Domestic Manufacturing for US Commercial Customers and US Defense Without Needing to Increase Prices – ZenaTech, Inc. (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, today provides an update on its US-based ZenaDrone subsidiary’s expansion plans for “Made in America” manufacturing in light of the recent expanded tariffs announced by the current US Administration. ZenaTech maintains its commitment to domestic manufacturing for US defense drone solutions, including strategic local investments and military-compliant supply chains. ZenaDrone will now move some of its commercial drone production for US commercial customers to Arizona, meaning no need to increase prices for customers to offset tariff costs.

    ZenaDrone’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona, which includes sales, administration, research and development, and aerial testing operations. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities over the next two months to produce drones for US commercial customers in addition to planned production for the US military. This expansion will include up to 2,000 additional square feet of production space. This will be the second global manufacturing facility; the company currently has development and production facilities for the ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drones at its 10,000-square-foot facility in Sharjah, UAE.

    In response to the evolving trade landscape, ZenaTech also expects that the expansion of its Phoenix-based manufacturing facility will bring over 150 new jobs to the region by the end of 2026.

    “While tariffs can be challenging, they also reveal which companies are truly agile. ZenaTech has always been long-term in our thinking; engaging in smart resource management and supply chains and prepared to navigate global shifts,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “With increased US bans on Chinese drones and components and local incentives for domestic production, we are well-positioned to expand our manufacturing in Arizona, also creating more high-quality American jobs,” added Mr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently released that they have been selected as the primary UAS provider by Balko Technologies, an industry-leading company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-performance LiDAR payloads and post-processing software.

    This announcement follows the integration and testing of Balko LiDAR products on the Draganfly Commander 3XL and Apex UAS, providing Balko customers with a suite of modular LiDAR and Drone platforms supporting a wide variety of performance requirements, budgets, and operating scenarios.

    Under this agreement, Balko becomes an official distributor of Draganfly’s products throughout North America, expanding access to cutting-edge drone technology for industrial, energy, and environmental monitoring applications. Since signing the agreement, multiple customers have issued purchase orders for the Draganfly Commander 3XL to be paired with Balko’s innovative modular Connectiv LiDAR sensor with one delivery completed in Q1.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced the appointment of Shawn Webb as President of FlightWave Aerospace Systems Corporation (“FlightWave”), a Red Cat company, effective immediately.

    Webb brings more than 25 years of experience leading operational strategy and engineering across commercial and military aerospace sectors. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations at AeroVironment Inc., where he led the largest capacity and revenue expansion in the history of the company’s Loitering Munition Systems Business Segment.

    Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (“Liberty” or the “Company”) recently announced that The Honorable Mary Beth Long, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and Independent Director of AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has joined our new Strategic Advisory Board. This new Board will help focus and guide Liberty Defense in scaling its groundbreaking technology globally and executing its growth strategy as a leader in security and detection applications.

    Mary Beth Long served as US Assistant Secretary of Defense under Secretary Robert Gates, making her the first woman confirmed to a four-star military equivalent position in U.S. history, and also served as the Chair of NATO’s Nuclear and Missile Defense High-Level Group. Before that, she served as a career clandestine CIA officer, and she has been deeply involved in aviation and related security matters for nearly two decades.

    EHang (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced that recent tariff developments between China and the United States are not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s operations.

    Recent U.S. tariff adjustments on certain Chinese goods have triggered global market volatility, and EHang has experienced short-term share price fluctuations driven by market sentiment. In response, the Company hereby clarifies the following: Recent tariff measures announced by both governments are not expected to have any material impact on EHang’s operations. The Company does not currently export its autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) or related products to the U.S. market, nor does it rely on U.S.-origin components in its manufacturing processes. We do not use U.S.-restricted semiconductors, aerospace components, or other controlled technologies. Our supply chain remains secure and independent, ensuring no operational disruption due to trade policy changes.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OSS to Present at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 April 23, 2025 to April 24, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ESCONDIDO, Calif., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS or the Company) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leader in rugged Enterprise Class compute for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and sensor processing at the edge, today announced that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 in partnership with MicroCapClub on April 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM PT.

    To access the live presentation, please use the following information:

    Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 in partnership with MicroCapClub
    Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
    Time: 3:30 – 4:00 PM PT
    Webcast: https://event.summitcast.com/view/YNz6mnmEsXyrdRxb78w2nX/guest_book?session_id=3oUaBZRsjbv3k9PyooFjFH

    If you would like to book 1×1 investor meetings with OSS, and to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 in partnership with MicroCapClub, please make sure you are registered here: REGISTER

    1×1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV

    The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 in partnership with MicroCapClub website is available here: HOME PAGE

    If you can’t make the live presentation, all company presentations “webcasts” will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab “Agenda”: AGENDA

    About One Stop Systems
    One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

    OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

    OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

    As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

    OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

    About Planet MicroCap
    Planet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company for the MicroCap investing community. Planet MicroCap has cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and staying ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.

    If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 in partnership with MicroCapClub, please register here: REGISTER

    Forward-Looking Statements
    OSS cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by OSS or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results participating in the Planet MicroCap Conference, any results relating to one-on-one meetings with management, and the expansion of the Company’s offerings and/or relationship with commercial customers and/or investors. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Media Contacts:
    Robert Kalebaugh
    One Stop Systems, Inc.
    Tel (858) 518-6154
    Email contact

    Investor Relations:
    Andrew Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    Tel (216) 464-6400
    Email contact

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition prepares to soften Australia’s 2030 climate target, while reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute

    The Coalition has been forced to reassert its commitment to the Paris climate agreement after its energy spokesman Ted O’Brien appeared to waver on the pledge on Thursday.

    O’Brien faced off against Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen at a debate in Canberra, weeks out from a federal election in which energy policy is emerging as a hot-button issue.

    Under the landmark Paris deal, Australia has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by the end of the decade, compared to 2005 levels. O’Brien on Thursday said the Coalition would review the target if it wins office. He deflected a question on whether a Dutton government would remain a signatory to the Paris Agreement, saying the Coalition would “always act in the national interest”.

    Within hours of the debate, the Coalition was forced to clarify O’Brien’s comments and reaffirm its commitment to Paris. But the Coalition appears intent on winding back the 2030 target if it is elected next month – a move that would weaken our bipartisan commitment to net zero by 2050 and be against the interests of the global climate.

    The 2025 Climate and Energy debate | ABC NEWS.

    Resetting the 2030 target

    The Coalition has long disputed Labor’s claims that the 43% target would be met.

    In June last year, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed the Albanese government has “no hope of achieving the targets and there’s no sense signing up to targets you don’t have any prospect of achieving”.

    In January this year, Dutton said a Coalition government would remain party to Paris, despite United States President Donald Trump’s move to withdraw his nation from the deal.

    On Thursday, O’Brien confirmed a Coalition government would review the 43% target. In doing so, it would consider three factors: Australia’s emissions trajectory, the state of the economy and the Coalition’s suite of policies – including nuclear power and more gas.

    O’Brien went on to say:

    Labor, the Coalition, nobody in this country will be able to achieve the emission target set by Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese. The difference between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese is that Peter Dutton has been honest and upfront about that.

    O’Brien would not rule out withdrawing Australia from the Paris deal, but later released a statement saying the Coalition remained committed to the agreement.

    Will Australia meet the 43% target?

    During the debate, Bowen claimed Australia is “on track” to meet its emissions-reduction goal. He pointed to analysis by his department released late last year showing emissions are projected to be 42.6% below 2005 levels in 2030.

    Australia will have to work hard to meet the target, with our emissions reductions having stalled since 2021. The government’s projection assumes it achieves its target of 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030 – possible but very challenging from about 45% today.

    It also depends on two policies to reduce emissions outside electricity, neither of which have yet demonstrated their progress.

    The first is the safeguard mechanism, which aims to reduce emissions from heavy industry. It began in mid-2023 but its results are not yet clear. Second is the new vehicle efficiency standard, introduced from January this year.

    What if Dutton does walk back Australia’s Paris commitment?

    Even if a Dutton government remained in the Paris Agreement, walking back on the 43% emissions target is problematic, for a number of reasons.

    Most obviously is that the threat of dangerous climate change is real, and growing. The Paris deal aims to keep average global temperatures “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally, limit warming to no more than 1.5°C.

    But according to official data, Earth’s monthly global average temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 11 months last year. So meeting the Paris commitment is already looking shaky.

    While the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty, there has been much debate as to the real meaning of “legally binding”. Some argue that national commitments to reduce emissions are not legally binding, and can be revised in either direction. While a downward revision is liable to draw criticism, it could be a legally available option under the Paris Agreement. Transgressors don’t get kicked out of the club.

    But any downward revision on the targets is a bad look on the global stage. University of Melbourne climate law expert Jacqueline Peel has argued that any moves by a future Coalition government to water down Australia’s 2030 target, or to submit a 2035 target weaker than our current pledges, would:

    go against the spirit, if not the letter, of the Paris Agreement, and – in some circumstances – could constitute a breach of those obligations.

    Where to now?

    The Albanese government chose not to announce a 2035 target before the election. The Opposition says it won’t set a 2035 target until it’s in government.

    That means voters will be left in the dark on this important issue as they head to the ballot box.

    At the moment, the Coalition appears to be relying on its controversial nuclear power plan to meet the bipartisan goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. But analysts have warned the plan will lead to much more emissions between now and then.

    Meanwhile, there is far more work to be done outside the energy sector – in agriculture, transport, industry and more – to meet Australia’s climate commitments.

    Australia’s cost of living crisis has garnered much attention during the election campaign so far. There has been very little talk about how Australia’s entire economy will get to net-zero.

    That’s a terrible reflection on the state of our politics. Ultimately, unmitigated climate change will be bad for the planet and very bad for Australia.

    Tony Wood may own shares in companies in relevant industries through his superannuation fund.

    – ref. The Coalition prepares to soften Australia’s 2030 climate target, while reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-prepares-to-soften-australias-2030-climate-target-while-reaffirming-its-commitment-to-the-paris-agreement-249945

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to dither, delay and destroy rather than engage seriously towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Russia continues to dither, delay and destroy rather than engage seriously towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s hollow words about peace while it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. It is now 29 days since Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept a full, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire. If Russia reciprocated, we would be a huge step closer to ending this terrible war. They are yet to take this step.

    Instead of showing a commitment to peace, President Putin has chosen to dither, delay and destroy. We have heard desperate and false accusations about the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratically-elected President. This week the Kremlin said there remained questions “hanging in the air”, including what they say is Ukraine’s lack of control over those defending their homeland and its so-called militarisation. These accusations come from a government that has deployed North Korean troops to the front line and has just ordered the biggest conscription since the war began. They are absurd.

    While the Russian state delays a ceasefire, it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population with indiscriminate aerial attacks. Earlier this week we met to condemn Russia’s awful missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, which claimed the lives of 20 people, including nine children, on 4 April. This attack came only a day after a further five civilians were killed by Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv and was followed by further civilian casualties during aerial attacks over the weekend. Since Ukraine committed to pursue a full ceasefire, Russia’s aerial attacks have increased.

    Russia claims to have been respecting an energy ceasefire since 18 March, but it continues to launch attacks which result in damage to energy infrastructure, including two in the last week which left 50,000 people without power. Even when it appeared that Russia had agreed to the proposed Black Sea ceasefire, it immediately backtracked, imposing new and unwarranted conditions. And yet Russia has the cheek to accuse Ukraine of not being serious about peace.

    Killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure is not the behaviour of a state genuinely willing to pursue meaningful peace talks. These attacks on the people of Ukraine, including its children and most vulnerable citizens, demonstrate the Russian Government’s true intentions. Their words of peace are so far hollow. We urge the Russian government to commit to peace, end the barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilians, and finally demonstrate the sincerity of its words.

    Thank you, Madame Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Admits to Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Alberto Camarena Rocha, age 31, of Mexico, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization that sold cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. 

    Rocha has pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and illegal reentry. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rocha, living in California, used his connections with the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico to supply controlled substances to the drug trafficking operation. Others then would sell cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

    Rocha is facing at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the drug charge and faces up to two years for the reentry charge.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.

    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).

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

    Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/twenty-five-charged-drug-trafficking-eastern-panhandle

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Kolstoe, Associate Professor of Bioethics, University of Portsmouth

    SamaraHeisz5/Shutterstock

    Scientists, professors, engineers, teachers and doctors are routinely ranked among the most trustworthy people in society. This is because these professions rely heavily on research, and good research is viewed as the most reliable source of knowledge.

    But how trustworthy is research? Recent news from the US suggests that the Trump administration wants to fund more “reproducibility studies”.

    These are studies that check to see if previous results can be repeated and are reliable. The administration’s focus seems to be specifically on studies that revisit the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism.

    This is a worrying waste of effort, given the extensive evidence showing that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the harm that suggesting this link can cause. However, the broader idea of funding studies that attempt to repeat earlier research is a good one.

    Take research on Alzheimer’s disease as an example. In June 2024, Nature retracted a highly cited paper reporting an important theory relating to the mechanism of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 18 years to spot the errors and retract the paper.

    If influential studies like this were regularly repeated by others, it wouldn’t have taken so long to spot the errors in the original research.

    Alzheimer’s is proving a particularly tricky problem to solve despite the large amounts of money spent researching the disease. Being unable to reproduce key results contributes to this problem because new research relies on the trustworthiness of earlier research.

    More broadly, it has been known for almost ten years that 70% of researchers have problems reproducing experiments conducted by other scientists. The problem is particularly acute in cancer research and psychology.

    The Trump administration wants to fund more ‘reproducibility studies’.
    Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

    Research is difficult to get right

    Research is complicated and there may be legitimate reasons research findings cannot be reproduced. Mistakes or dishonesty are not necessarily the cause.

    In psychology or the social sciences, failure to reproduce results – despite using identical methods – could be due to using different populations, for instance, across different countries or cultures. In physical or medical sciences problems reproducing results could be down to using different equipment, chemicals or measurement techniques.

    A lot of research may also not be reproducible simply because the researchers do not fully understand all the complexities of what they are studying. If all the relevant variables (such as genetics and environmental factors) are not understood or even identified, it is unsurprising that very similar experiments can yield different results.

    In these cases, sometimes as much can be learned from a negative result as from a positive one, as this helps inform the design of future work.

    Here, it is helpful to distinguish between reproducing another researcher’s exact results and being given enough information by the original researchers to replicate their experiments.

    Science advances by comparing notes and discussing differences, so researchers must always give enough information in their reports to allow someone else to repeat (replicate) the experiment. This ensures the results can be trusted even if they may not be reproduced exactly.

    Transparency is therefore central to research integrity, both in terms of trusting the research and trusting the people doing the research.

    Unfortunately, the incentive structure within research doesn’t always encourage such transparency. The “publish or perish” culture and aggressive practices by journals often lead to excessive competition rather than collaboration and open research practices.

    One solution, as new priorities from the US have suggested, is to directly fund researchers to replicate each other’s studies.

    This is a promising development because most other funding, alongside opportunities to publish in the top journals, is instead linked to novelty. Unfortunately, this encourages researchers to act quickly to produce something unique rather than take their time to conduct thorough and transparent experiments.

    We need to move to a system that rewards reliable research rather than just novel research. And part of this comes through rewarding people who focus on replication studies.

    Industry also plays a part. Companies conducting research and development can sometimes be guilty of throwing a lot of money at a project and then pulling the plug quickly if a product (such as a new medicine) seems not to work. The reason for such failures is often unclear, but the reliability of earlier research is a contributing factor.

    To avoid this problem, companies should be encouraged to replicate some of the original findings (perhaps significant experiments conducted by academics) before proceeding with development. In the long run, this strategy may turn out to be quicker and more efficient than the rapid chopping and changing that occurs now.

    The scale of the reproducibility, or replicability, problem in research comes as a surprise to the public who have been told to “trust the science”. But over recent years there has been increasing recognition that the culture of research is as important as the experiments themselves.

    If we want to be able to “trust the science”, science must be transparent and robustly conducted.

    This is exactly what has happened with research looking at the link between vaccines and autism. The topic was so important that in this case the replication studies were done and found that there is, in fact, no link between vaccines and autism.

    Simon Kolstoe works for the University of Portsmouth, and is a trustee of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). He receives research and consultancy funding from charities, universities and government. He chairs research ethics committees for the UK Health Research Authority, Ministry of Defence and Health Security Agency.

    – ref. Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism – https://theconversation.com/scientists-should-try-to-repeat-more-studies-but-not-those-looking-for-a-link-between-vaccines-and-autism-253696

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement of the OSCE Mission to BiH on the renewed co-operation between the media and the City of Zenica

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

    Headline: Statement of the OSCE Mission to BiH on the renewed co-operation between the media and the City of Zenica

    The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) welcomes the renewed co-operation between the media and the City of Zenica as well as the City Council’s decision to lift restrictions on coverage of council sessions. As stipulated by the fundamental media freedoms and to ensure the public remains well-informed about critical issues,  journalists must be able to report freely on the work of local government. This essential human right should always be protected in the interest of citizens. 
    The Mission encourages other local administrations still imposing improper and disproportionate limits on media access to public institutions or parliamentary sessions to follow Zenica’s example and take concrete steps to respect and enable media freedom.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Byrna Technologies Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a personal defense technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today reported select financial results for its fiscal first quarter (“Q1 2025”) ended February 28, 2025.

    Fiscal First Quarter 2025 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • Launched Byrna’s first store-within-a-store concept at Sportsman’s Warehouse flagship location in Saratoga Springs, Utah, with 12 additional locations expected to open by early May.
    • Opened three company-owned retail stores in high-foot-traffic areas in the Greater Nashville Area, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Salem, New Hampshire, generating between $1,000 and $1,700 in daily sales per store in their first full month of operation. A fourth store in Fort Wayne, Indiana is opening today.
    • Increased launcher production capacity by 33% to 24,000 launchers per month and began producing payload ammo rounds at its new Fort Wayne ammo facility, capable of producing 8 million rounds per year.
    • Strengthened domestic sourcing, achieving 92% U.S.-made components for Byrna’s flagship model, the Byrna SD, as part of Byrna’s ongoing ‘Made in America’ initiative.
    • Partnered with celebrity influencers Charlie Kirk, Megyn Kelly, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. to amplify brand awareness and promote the normalization of less-lethal solutions, while continuing to optimize marketing spend for maximum impact.

    Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
    Results compare Q1 2025 to the 2024 fiscal first quarter ended February 29, 2024 unless otherwise indicated.

    Net revenue for Q1 2025 grew 57% year-over-year to $26.2 million from $16.7 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2024 (“Q1 2024”). The strong year-over-year growth was primarily attributable to continuing sales momentum, channel expansion, and broader brand adoption.

    Gross profit for Q1 2025 increased to $15.9 million (61% of net revenue) from $9.6 million (58% of net revenue) in Q1 2024. The increase in gross profit was driven by a reduction in component costs driven by a mid-2024 initiative focused on “design for manufacturability” and the economies of scale resulting from increased production volumes.

    Operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $14.2 million, compared to $9.8 million for Q1 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher variable selling expenses, payroll costs, and increased discretionary marketing spend.

    Net income for Q1 2025 was $1.7 million, a significant improvement from $17,000 for Q1 2024. This increase was driven by an overall increase in product sales.

    Adjusted EBITDA1, a non-GAAP metric reconciled below, for Q1 2025 totaled $2.8 million, compared to $1.2 million in Q1 2024.

    Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at February 28, 2025 totaled $19.3 million compared to $25.7 million at November 30, 2024. The decrease reflects planned increases in inventory ahead of the Compact Launcher release and normal seasonal working capital movements. Inventory at February 28, 2025 totaled $23.2 million compared to $20.0 million at November 30, 2024. The Company has no current or long-term debt.

    Management Commentary
    Byrna CEO Bryan Ganz stated: “We delivered a strong start to the fiscal year with 57% revenue growth and our second-highest quarter ever, only 6% below our record $28 million Q4, despite Q1 traditionally being our slowest seasonal period. The strong results reflect continuing sales momentum, increasing adoption of less-lethal self-defense options, and rising brand visibility. As expected, January sales softened due to post-holiday consumer fatigue and waning consumer confidence; however, we saw daily sales improve month-over-month in both February and March. Looking ahead, we believe our performance will continue to be supported by Byrna’s expanding retail footprint, growing Amazon presence, and sustained awareness-building efforts – all of which lay the groundwork for the upcoming Compact Launcher release.

    “We launched our first store-within-a-store at Sportsman’s flagship store in Saratoga Springs, Utah in March, and the partnership is off to a strong start. Byrna products are expected to be available in 12 additional store-within-a-store locations by early May as part of our 13-store pilot program. Each location will be supported by a Byrna representative during the rollout period to help ensure the strongest possible launch. Sportsman’s has demonstrated a strong commitment to the partnership, and we are jointly funding the buildout, with Byrna covering half of the roughly $15,000 cost per installation. Depending on store layout, these store-within-a-store locations will either include a Byrna-branded firing range – converted from a former archery bay – or a self-contained shooting lane with dedicated display cases and shelf space. Separately, Sportsman’s plans to add Byrna point-of-sale displays at an additional 41 locations, which will also include a Byrna shooting experience.

    “Assuming that these stores perform similarly to Byrna’s retail stores, Sportsman’s intends to continue opening the Byrna store-within-a-store installations in additional stores. Based on the early performance of the initial stores, we could expand to approximately 30 store-within-a-store locations by the end of August, with a goal of reaching 50 by year-end and potentially adding another 50 in 2026.

    “At the same time, we opened three company-owned stores in Q1. While our current emphasis is on capital-efficient retail expansion through partnerships like Sportsman’s, we remain excited about the long-term potential of Byrna-branded stores, particularly in regions not served by our retail partners. Additionally, these stores act as flagship stores for Byrna, where we can run training programs, host celebrities, and bring in local groups. Early results for the new stores have exceeded expectations, with daily sales averaging between $1,000 and $1,700 per store. These locations have proven especially effective at reaching first-time Byrna customers, and we’re seeing strong walk-in traffic and local engagement. As we evaluate our broader retail strategy, these stores continue to provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and brand building in high-foot-traffic areas.

    “On the operations front, we increased monthly launcher production capacity to 24,000 units across four active production lines. In the first quarter, we built inventory across our SD and LE platforms in preparation for the launch of the Compact Launcher. While the ultimate launcher mix remains to be seen, our Fort Wayne factory has the flexibility to shift production between CL, SD, and LE models based on real-time demand.

    “In March, we also began producing payload rounds at our new ammunition manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which has the capacity to produce up to 8 million rounds annually. Several machines are already operational, with additional machines coming online over the next few months to support future volume growth. We also have four additional dosing and welding machines on order as we expect to see significant increases in ammo demand with the release of the Compact Launcher, particularly as the CL uses a .61 caliber round which will only be available from Byrna for the foreseeable future.

    “As part of our commitment to domestic manufacturing, we’ve made significant progress with our ‘Made in America’ initiative. Today, 92% of the components used in the manufacture of our flagship SD launcher are sourced from U.S. suppliers, which is up from just 34% a few months ago. We remain on track to exceed 90% domestic sourcing for all products by the end of 2025, a milestone that enhances our supply chain reliability, reduces tariff risk, and supports our brand story.

    “We continued to refine our roster of celebrity and influencer partners, recently adding personalities such as Megyn Kelly, Charlie Kirk, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. to our existing lineup. These partnerships support our strategy to normalize the category and reach new audiences across demographic segments.

    “In financial matters, we expect our effective tax rate to increase to approximately 23% in 2025 as we transition into full taxpayer status. Our balance sheet remains strong, and while we expect some working capital investment in Q2 as inventory builds ahead of the CL launch, we will very quickly start turning the inventory into cash once the launcher is released. Accordingly, we anticipate continued cash generation in the second half of the year.

    “With momentum across our channels, scalable partnerships in place, and a highly anticipated new product on the horizon, we remain confident in our ability to continue to execute through 2025 and beyond.”

    Conference Call
    The Company’s management will host a conference call today, April 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time (6:00 a.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Toll-Free Dial-In: 877-709-8150
    International Dial-In: +1 201-689-8354
    Confirmation: 13752594

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at 949-574-3860.

    The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here and via the Investor Relations section of Byrna’s website.

    About Byrna Technologies Inc.
    Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company’s investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a less-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company’s e-commerce store.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” or “be achieved,” or “will be taken.” Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to our statements related to our expected sales during 2025, our ability to scale production lines, Byrna’s ability to remain self-sustaining, profitable and cash flow positive, Byrna’s ability to open new retail locations and realize revenue growth from them, the expected scale, timing and benefits of Byrna’s store-within-a-store partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse, the benefits and continued success of Byrna’s celebrity endorser strategy, Byrna’s ability to re-shore production and cease purchasing parts from China on the anticipated timeline, the expected benefits of re-shoring production, the anticipated growth and potential size of the U.S. less-lethal market, and Byrna’s positioning for sustained growth in 2025 and 2026. Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.

    Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, disappointing market responses to current or future products or services; prolonged, new, or exacerbated disruption of our supply chain; the further or prolonged disruption of new product development; production or distribution disruption or delays in entry or penetration of sales channels due to inventory constraints, competitive factors, increased transportation costs or interruptions, including due to weather, flooding or fires; prototype, parts and material shortages, particularly of parts sourced from limited or sole source providers; determinations by third party controlled distribution channels, including Amazon, not to carry or reduce inventory of the Company’s products; determinations by advertisers or social media platforms, or legislation that prevents or limits marketing of some or all Byrna products; the loss of marketing partners; increases in marketing expenditure may not yield expected revenue increases; potential cancellations of existing or future orders including as a result of any fulfillment delays, introduction of competing products, negative publicity, or other factors; product design or manufacturing defects or recalls; litigation, enforcement proceedings or other regulatory or legal developments; changes in consumer or political sentiment affecting product demand; regulatory factors including the impact of commerce and trade laws and regulations; and future restrictions on the Company’s cash resources, increased costs and other events that could potentially reduce demand for the Company’s products or result in order cancellations. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in the Company’s SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

    Investor Contact:
    Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BYRN@gateway-grp.com

    -Financial Tables to Follow-

             
    BYRNA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
    (Unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
        February 28
          2025       2024  
    Net revenue   $ 26,190     $ 16,654  
    Cost of goods sold     10,266       7,015  
    Gross profit     15,924       9,639  
    Operating expenses     14,228       9,803  
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS     1,696       (164 )
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)        
    Foreign currency transaction loss     (80 )     (58 )
    Interest income     186       280  
    Loss from joint venture     –       (42 )
    Other income (expense)     –       1  
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES     1,802       17  
    Income tax expense     (140 )     –  
    NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 1,662     $ 17  
             
    Foreign currency translation adjustment for the period     (130 )     (115 )
    Unrealized gain on marketable securities     60       –  
    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   $ 1,592     $ (98 )
             
    Basic net income (loss) per share   $ 0.07     $ 0.00  
    Diluted net income (loss) per share   $ 0.07     $ 0.00  
             
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic     22,587,099       22,035,249  
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted     24,098,635       22,838,827  
             
             
    BYRNA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
             
        February 28   November 30,
          2025       2024  
        Unaudited    
    ASSETS        
    CURRENT ASSETS        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 7,669     $ 16,829  
    Marketable Securities     11,620       8,904  
    Accounts receivable, net     2,900       2,630  
    Inventory, net     23,182       19,972  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     3,441       2,623  
    Total current assets     48,812       50,958  
    LONG TERM ASSETS        
    Deposits for equipment     3,669       2,665  
    Right-of-use-asset, net     2,218       2,452  
    Property and equipment, net     4,651       3,408  
    Intangible assets, net     3,273       3,337  
    Goodwill     2,258       2,258  
    Deferred tax asset     5,468       5,837  
    Other assets     689       1,007  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 71,038     $ 71,922  
             
    LIABILITIES        
    CURRENT LIABILITIES        
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 11,183     $ 13,108  
    Operating lease liabilities, current     572       539  
    Deferred revenue, current     482       1,791  
    Total current liabilities     12,237       15,438  
    LONG TERM LIABILITIES        
    Deferred revenue, non-current     11       17  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current     1,963       2,098  
    Total liabilities     14,211       17,553  
             
             
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Preferred stock     —       —  
    Common stock     25       25  
    Additional paid-in capital     133,895       133,029  
    Treasury stock     (21,253 )     (21,253 )
    Accumulated deficit     (55,121 )     (56,783 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (719 )     (649 )
             
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     56,827       54,369  
             
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 71,038     $ 71,922  
             

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to providing financial measurements based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we provide an additional financial metric that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP (non-GAAP) with presenting non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure, in addition to GAAP financial measures, to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for financial and operational decision making, for planning and forecasting purposes and to evaluate our financial performance. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure helps us to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of certain expenses that we exclude in the calculations of the non-GAAP financial measure.

    Accordingly, we believe that this non-GAAP financial measure reflects our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful comparisons and analysis of trends in the business and provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects.

    This non-GAAP financial measure does not replace the presentation of our GAAP financial results and should only be used as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations in the use of non-GAAP measures, because they do not include all the expenses that must be included under GAAP and because they involve the exercise of judgment concerning exclusions of items from the comparable non-GAAP financial measure. In addition, other companies may use other non-GAAP measures to evaluate their performance, or may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measure as a tool for comparison.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net (loss) income as reported in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income excluding the impact of (I) depreciation and amortization; (ii) income tax provision (benefit); (iii) interest income (expense); (iv) stock-based compensation expense, (v) impairment loss, and (vi) one time, non-recurring other expenses or income. Our Adjusted EBITDA measure eliminates potential differences in performance caused by variations in capital structures (affecting finance costs), tax positions, the cost and age of tangible assets (affecting relative depreciation expense) and the extent to which intangible assets are identifiable (affecting relative amortization expense). We also exclude certain one-time and non-cash costs. Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is as follows (in thousands):

          For the Three Months Ended
          February 28
            2025       2024  
    Net Income (Loss)   $ 1,662     $ 17  
               
    Adjustments:        
      Interest income     (186 )     (280 )
      Income tax expense     140       –  
      Depreciation and amortization     185       338  
    Non-GAAP EBITDA   $ 1,801     $ 75  
               
    Stock-based compensation expense     840       938  
    Severance/Separation/Officer recruiting     130       163  
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA   $ 2,771     $ 1,176  
               

    1 See non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation and a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CURRENC Group Inc. Regains Full Compliance with Nasdaq’s Continued Listing Rule

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced that on April 9, 2025, it received written notice from Nasdaq stating that the Listing Qualifications Staff of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) has determined that for at least the last ten consecutive business days, the Company’s ordinary shares have maintained a minimum market value of publicly held shares (“MVPHS”) of $5,000,000 or greater, satisfying The Nasdaq Global Market’s continued listing requirement set forth in Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(C) (the “Rule”). Accordingly, the Company has regained compliance with the Rule, and this matter is now closed by Nasdaq.

    Ronnie Ka Wah Hui, CEO of CURRENC, commented, “We are pleased to have regained compliance with the MVPHS Rule thanks to our team’s continued dedication to strengthening the foundation of our business. Maintaining our Nasdaq listing is vital to the Company’s strategy, offering credibility and exposure within the capital markets. We remain committed to disciplined execution and innovation, positioning CURRENC to drive long-term shareholder value.”

    About Currenc Group Inc.
    CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.  

    Forward-Looking Statements
    The information in this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to CURRENC. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “aim,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that investors may not receive the same benefits as an investor in an underwritten public offering, (ii) the risk that CURRENC’s securities may experience a material price decline due to market forces, (iii) the risk of product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to CURRENC’s business, (iv) the ability of CURRENC to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq, (v) the ability to attract new partners, merchants and users and retain existing partners, merchants and users in order to continue to expand, (vi) the ability of CURRENC to fund its capital requirements through additional debt and equity financing under commercially reasonable terms and the risk of shareholding dilution as a result of additional capital raising, if applicable, (vii) the risk of cyber security or foreign exchange losses, (viii) the risk that CURRENC is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (ix) failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and to accurately and timely report CURRENC’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, and (x) those factors discussed in INFINT’s filings with the SEC and that are contained in the proxy statement relating to the Business Combination. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the “Risk Factors” section of the proxy statement and other documents to be filed by CURRENC from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and while CURRENC may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. CURRENC does not give any assurance that it will achieve their respective expectations.

    Investor & Media Contact 
    CURRENC Group Investor Relations
    Email: investors@currencgroup.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cuttlefish plan launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Cuttlefish plan launched

    An action plan to support the cuttlefish fishery in English waters has been launched by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) following engagement with stakeholders.

    Cuttlefish is critical to the businesses of fishers working in ICES areas 7d and 7e, and there are concerns that stock levels are at risk of being over exploited.

    Work on the Channel Demersal Non-Quota Species Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) identified a need to better understand fishing impact on numbers and the health of stocks.

    Further engagement with stakeholders, including commercial fishing representatives, last year demonstrated that formal management measures would not be required right now and would risk causing economic harm to fishers on the south coast.

    After listening to stakeholder feedback, MMO fisheries managers developed the cuttlefish action plan to better monitor and collect data to help with future decisions on potential management, including testing technical measures to conserve stocks.

    The plan is an important part of the implementation of the Channel Demersal Non-quota species FMP published in December 2023.

    MMO has now:

    • Introduced a voluntary code of practice on trap and pot handling in English waters from the 6nm limit out to 200nm in ICES divisions 7d and 7e. This is designed to improve survival rates for cuttlefish eggs and development of juveniles
    • Launched three cuttlefish species identification cards to help fishers to correctly identify and report catches and landings of specific species of cuttlefish. Better species-specific data will support improved understanding of stocks levels and their health so future decisions can be made based on evidence.
    • Undertaken monitoring and market sampling to better understand cuttlefish catch composition.

    The full action plan can be read here or email sustainablefisheries@marinemanagement.org.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear Reviews: DO NOT Spend A Dime Till You Have Read This Eyeopener Report!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of dealing with stubborn nail fungus that just won’t go away? Have you tried countless creams, pills, or treatments that promise results but fail to deliver? Are you looking for a safe, painless, and effective solution to restore the health of your nails? Nail fungus is a common yet often embarrassing condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by thick, discolored, and brittle nails, it can lead to discomfort and a lack of confidence when displaying one’s feet. Traditional treatments, including topical antifungals and oral medications, can be ineffective and may lead to unwanted side effects.

    Fortunately, the Welnax BioClear offers a revolutionary solution to this persistent problem, using advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target and eliminate nail fungus at its source. Welnax not only promotes healthy nail growth but also boosts the immune system to help prevent future infections.

    In recent years, the demand for effective, drug-free solutions for nail fungus has surged, as more individuals seek safe and convenient treatments. The Welnax BioClear stands out in a crowded market by providing a clinically proven method that can be used in the comfort of one’s home. Users report significant improvements in the condition of their nails after just a few sessions, with many expressing reliefs from the embarrassment and discomfort associated with nail fungus.

    According to many research findings and expert reports, Welnax Bioclear has been referred to as the “Ultimate Toenail Fungus Cure” in the United States of America, Canada and Australia. Unlike messy creams or medications with potential side effects, Welnax is designed to be gentle, effective, and easy to use, with just seven minutes a day, you can experience visible improvements in nail health within weeks.

    In this review, we will analyze every aspect of the Welnax BioClear, including its operation and real consumers reports and complaints experiences. In order for you to determine whether Welnax is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for in your quest for healthier nails, let us give you an unbiased analysis of everything it has to offer. Stay tuned as we explore the details and discover what makes Welnax BioClear the best solution for nail fungus in the United States.

    What Is Welnax (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a legitimate at-home device designed to help improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. Welnax offers an innovative solution using clinically proven low-level laser therapy to help restore the natural appearance of nails. Every review confirms that Welnax features 15 high-performance lasers that penetrate deep into the nail bed, targeting and breaking down fungal cells at their root. With regular use, users will see noticeable improvements in nail health, including the restoration of clear, smooth nails.

    Developed by leading podiatrists and dermatologists, the Welnax BioClear is a safe, drug-free and reliable solution suitable for anyone struggling with nail fungus. Welnax BioClear epitomizes a pioneering breakthrough in fungus-fighting technology, utilizing a groundbreaking, medical-grade light therapy to eradicate fungal infections at their source. All reviewers revealed that Welnax BioClear has been recognized for its superior performance and ultimate reliability thereby making it the best device for curing nail fungal infections among many customers in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada.

    In rigorous testing against some of the worst cases of nail infections, Welnax BioClear has delivered exceptional outcomes. Real users, including Mark, who battled a seven-year-long infection, Susan, a 62-year-old who canceled a potentially invasive surgery, and Jason, an athlete sidelined by painful fungus, have all experienced revolutionary improvements within weeks of daily, seven-minute sessions. With an impeccable star rating, Welnax BioClear commands an excellent performance from majority of the consumers that have used it, these success stories reinforce the Welnax’s ability to destroy fungal growth and revive the natural clarity and strength of the nails indicating that even the most chronic infections can be treated.

    Many Welnax reviews say that the Welnax BioClear is, without doubt, the most affordable and best nail fungus solution with an array of very incredible features and functions. The Welnax BioClear has 4.97-star ratings given by the consumers of Canada & USA for its superior low-level laser therapy technology, reliability, and noninvasive treatment, which unequivocally make it the most efficient and reliable device for toenail fungus device on the market in the USA and Canada.

    Engineered with optimal performance and convenience in mind, Welnax BioClear offers a non-invasive, risk-free alternative to costly treatments and harsh prescription medications. Its lightweight and intuitive model enables quick, at-home sessions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. With no adverse side effects, no need for chemical applications, and a promise to wipe out infections where they hide, Welnax BioClear has become a dependable ally for those tired of ineffective creams and prolonged treatment sessions. Welcome to the future of nail care and reclaim the confidence of healthy, clear nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    What Are The Unique Features of Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Advanced-Grade Light Therapy Technology: Welnax BioClear uses improved, advanced -grade light therapy that releases specific wavelengths to combat fungal cells deep within the nail bed. This feature guarantees that the light energy is targeted precisely on the infected area, penetrating through the nail’s surface layers. The technology is formulated to destroy fungus, offering an approach that directly tackles the source of the infection. Its accuracy in wavelength selection is a key technical attribute of the device.
    • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Operation: One of the most outstanding features of Welnax BioClear is its non-surgical, drug-free design. Welnax is designed to provide effective treatment without chemical agents or oral medications, removing the risk of side effects associated with traditional treatments. The system functions entirely through light therapy, making it a safe choice for users with sensitive skin or allergies. This design underscores its commitment to delivering a soothing yet powerful treatment solution.
    • Deep Penetration Capability: A great feature of Welnax BioClear is its ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed, intercepting fungal infections beneath the surface. Unlike conventional creams that only treat the surface, the device’s focused light energy tackles the infection at its core. This deep penetration guarantees that the treatment interacts directly with the affected tissue, thereby improving the potential for reviving nail health. The accuracy of this capability underlines the product’s technical sophistication.
    • User-Friendly Interface and Operation: Welnax BioClear is designed with a simple, user-friendly interface that streamlines the treatment process. Its one-button operation and automated timer enable users to activate therapy sessions with minimal effort. This convenience guarantees that the device can be effortlessly integrated into daily routines, even for those with busy lifestyles. The controls reflect thoughtful engineering aimed at easing usability without compromising technological performance.
    • Compact and Portable Design: The Welnax’s compact design is another remarkable feature that promotes its practicality. Welnax BioClear is designed to be compact and portable, enabling users to perform treatments at home or while traveling. Its durable construction ensures that it remains trusted over long periods of use. The portability does not compromise its productivity, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a high-performance treatment tool easily integrated into various environments.
    • Convenient At-Home Use: With the Welnax BioClear, users can perform their treatments in the comfort of their own homes. This convenience eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming visits to dermatologists or podiatrists for laser treatments, making it an accessible solution for everyone. The Welnax is designed for easy use, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their daily routines effortlessly.
    • Positive User Testimonials: Many users have reported significant improvements in their nail health after using the Welnax BioClear. Testimonials highlight quick results, increased confidence, and the ability to wear sandals and open-toed shoes without embarrassment. The positive feedback from satisfied customers underscores the effectiveness of the Welnax.

    Does the Welnax BioClear Really Work? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear works exceptionally by utilizing advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to effectively treat nail fungus. Welnax has rapidly gained attention for its ability to tackle stubborn nail fungus with an innovative, medical-grade light therapy method. Built to penetrate deep into the nail bed, the Welnax tackles the fungal cells at their very core—something conventional topical creams or oral medications often fail to address. This accuracy-focused approach ensures that even the most chronic infections can be tackled, and users have reported visible improvements within weeks of consistent use.

    In practical applications, Welnax BioClear has shown its worth by revitalizing nails that once suffered from thick, discolored, and brittle fungal infections. The Welnax BioClear’s model is based on clinically inspired technology that not only destroys the fungal cells but also improves the growth of healthier nail tissue. This dual action; eliminating the infection and promoting natural regrowth has dazzled users who have seen a dramatic reversal in their nail conditions, setting it apart from other treatments that only offer temporary or superficial relief.

    Ultimately, many glowing positive feedbacks of Welnax BioClear indicate a high level of trust and satisfaction among its users. All reviewers revealed Welnax BioClear has also received several good customer reviews where they are being complimented for its ease of use and performance. The incorporation of deep penetration capability, non-invasive and drug-free operation, and an easy-to-use design makes it an unmatched choice for those frustrated with futile treatments. While individual results may vary, overwhelmingly positive feedback underlines that Welnax truly works, delivering a remarkable, science-approved remedy for restoring nail health and confidence.

    Why Is Welnax Better Than Similar Products on the Market? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear sets a new standard in nail fungus treatments by leveraging cutting-edge medical-grade light therapy that penetrates deep into the nail bed—where most treatments fail. Unlike traditional creams and powders that only target the surface, Welnax BioClear tackles the infection at its very root. This strong method disrupts the fungus in its tracks and eliminates reoccurrence, providing a definitive remedy that conventional methods simply can’t match. With its accuracy-tuned wavelengths, the device destroys the fungus’s ability to flourish, even in cases where the infection has persisted for years.

    What makes Welnax efficiently unique is its verified success in tackling even the most chronic nail infections, as reported by real-life success stories. Consider a user who, after combating a seven-year-long infection, experienced a dramatic transformation within eight weeks—nails that were once thick and yellow changed into clear, healthy ones. Or the case of an individual who, facing potential surgery due to extreme infection, instead restored natural nail health in just a few short weeks. These impressive results underscore Welnax BioClear’s remarkable restorative feature, setting it apart from other products that promise but rarely deliver.

    Beyond its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear prides itself on its user-centric build and ease. In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours on treatments or enduring costly procedures is not an option. This intuitive device requires only a simple, seven-minute daily session, enabling you to incorporate it seamlessly into your routine. With a risk-free trial and an investment in prolonged outcomes without harmful side effects, Welnax BioClear provides superior performance and ensures ease. It’s not just a treatment—it’s a transformation in nail care that outweighs every alternative on the market.

    What Are The Powerful Benefits of the Welnax BioClear

    • Efficient Elimination of Fungal Infections: Welnax BioClear provides a significant benefit by effectively destroying fungal infections deep within the nail bed. Its medical-grade light therapy enters beyond the surface, directly tackling fungal cells at their root. This approach disrupts the fungus’s growth cycle and prevents further spread of the infection. For instance, one user, Mark, who had battled a seven-year-long infection, reported that after just eight weeks his nails were completely clear. Such firsthand experiences show how the product combats the underlying issue, resulting in visibly healthier nails and renewed confidence in nail care.
    • Encourages Natural Nail Regrowth: By destroying the harmful fungal cells, Welnax BioClear builds an optimal environment for natural nail regrowth. This benefit is beyond merely concealing the symptoms—by eliminating the infection, the device enables new, healthy nail tissue to form and thrive. A customer named Susan, for example, canceled a recommended surgery after witnessing her thick, discolored nails gradually become thinner and healthier over 12 weeks. This natural regrowth process enhances the nails’ aesthetic appeal and improves their strength and resilience, paving the way for a permanent solution to chronic fungal problems.
    • Safe and Gentle Treatment Without Harsh Chemicals: One of the most impressive benefits of Welnax BioClear is its safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment approach. Users can avoid the side effects and potential risks linked with harsh toxins, creams, or oral medications. Verified customer reviews emphasize that the treatment is entirely gentle, even for those with sensitive skin or allergies. One satisfied user mentioned how the painless, light-based therapy allowed them to experience significant improvements without discomfort or adverse reactions. This exclusive approach makes it a reliable option for many, guaranteeing that nail care remains both effective and safe over extended periods.
    • Convenience and Ease-of-Use for At-Home Therapy: Welnax BioClear is crafted for seamless home use, enabling users to incorporate effective nail care into even the strictest of schedules. Its intuitive interface and quick 7-minute daily sessions mean that you don’t need to visit a clinic or engage in time-consuming treatments. Many customers, including those who once juggled multiple appointments, appreciate the simplicity of the process—just a few minutes a day from the comfort of home can yield positive results. This convenience factor has been recurring in customer reviews, with users raving about the product for its ease of use and consistent performance that fits seamlessly into everyday routines.
    • Cost-Effective Investment for Long-Term Nail Health: Welnax BioClear represents a cost-effective solution for those looking for a lasting solution for nail fungus. Unlike recurring costs for creams, pills, or costly clinical treatments, this device offers a one-time investment that delivers beautiful results. Customers have noted significant savings over time, as the need for supplementary treatments decreases with consistent use. For instance, many users have expressed their satisfaction with the product’s affordability compared to the high costs of conventional therapies. This financial perk, coupled with the guarantee of improved nail health, makes it an attractive and smart investment for long-term care.
    • Clinically Proven and Consistent Results for Enhanced Confidence: Designed on clinically inspired technology, Welnax BioClear provides reliable outcomes, which have been certified by numerous user testimonials. Consistency in productivity indicates that regular users can expect gradual improvements in nail appearance and general health. For example, an athlete named Jason reported a complete turnaround after 10 weeks, enabling him to resume running without discomfort. Such consistent results not only revive nail integrity but also boost self-esteem. With each session underscoring its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear instills a sense of credibility and confidence in its users, certifying that the product’s transformative approach is both effective and dependable.

    Why Should I Buy the Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    The Welnax is an outstanding solution for anyone battling with persistent toenail fungus. Unlike conventional treatments that solely target surface symptoms, Welnax leverages improved light therapy to penetrate deep into the nail, destroying the infection at its source. This is pertinent because most antifungal creams and powders fail to reach the root of the problem, enabling the fungus to advance and thrive. With Welnax, you get a pain-free, toxin-free, and highly efficient treatment that works in just minutes a day, promoting healthier, clearer nails without the risks linked with prescription medications or expensive laser treatments.

    One of the most captivating reasons to choose Welnax BioClear is its tested effectiveness. Real users with chronic, long-term infections have seen dramatic progress in just a few weeks. Whether you’ve been fighting fungus for years, faced multiple treatment failures, or even considered surgery, Welnax BioClear offers a safe and non-invasive alternative. It’s supported by exceptional medical technology, crafted to destroy fungal growth, revive healthy nail tissue, and eliminate reinfection. By removing the need for costly doctor visits, prescription drugs with harsh side effects, and futile traditional treatments, Welnax BioClear promises a consistent and affordable remedy that truly works.

    Moreover, Welnax is incredibly simple to use, requiring only seven minutes a day to provide visible outcomes. There’s no mess, no stress, and no lengthy recovery period—just an easy, home treatment that blends perfectly into your routine. Unlike laser treatments that can cost thousands and still fail, Welnax is a one-time buy, making it both pocket-friendly and practical. Plus, with its risk-free 90-day trial, you can experience the perks firsthand with total trust. Say goodbye to the shame and pain of fungal infections and enter into a future of powerful, healthy, and fungus-free nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How to Use Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a robust remedy curated to destroy stubborn nail fungus and revive healthy, clear nails. Follow these three simple steps to maximize its effectiveness:

    • Prepare Your Nails: Start by washing and drying your hands or feet thoroughly to take out dirt and moisture. Trim your nails short and tenderly file the affected areas to help the solution enter deeper. Proper preparation guarantees the treatment reaches the root of the infection.
    • Apply Welnax BioClear: Using the right applicator, apply a small amount of the solution directly onto the affected nails, covering the whole surface and surrounding cuticle. Massage it calmly to improve absorption. For best results, apply twice daily—morning and night.
    • Stay Consistent & Monitor Progress: Fungal infections take time to heal, so consistency is paramount. With consistent use, you’ll notice improvements within weeks as discolored, brittle nails grow healthier. Maintain good hygiene, wear breathable footwear, and avoid damp environments to prevent reinfection.

    Is the Welnax BioClear Safe? (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Yes, using the Welnax BioClear at home is very safe. Furthermore, Welnax is legit. It’s a reliable and effective solution designed to eradicate and improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. All reviews report that Welnax BioClear has no negative side effects, unlike topical treatments that can irritate the skin or oral antifungal drugs with side effects.

    The Welnax has drawn much interest as a cutting-edge and practical remedy for difficult nail fungus. Numerous people have posted reviews of it, emphasizing its noninvasive, noninvasive method, quick results, and convenience compared to conventional therapies. Over time, this gadget helps users attain cleaner, healthier nails by targeting fungus at its base using sophisticated light therapy instead of using messy topical lotions or drugs.

    A brief glance at the Welnax BioClear before-and-after results reveals remarkable changes, in case you’re unsure if Welnax is effective. Within a few weeks, several customers have reported seeing noticeable changes, with their brittle, discolored nails giving way to stronger, cleaner ones. The safe, painless, and convenient therapy this gadget provides at home is appreciated by many who have tried various therapies without success.

    Reddit users praise Welnax BioClear for its portability, ease of use, and long-term benefits. With no adverse effects, it’s a top choice. Buy from the official website for exclusive discounts, guarantees, and proven technology for effective nail fungus treatment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Is Welnax BioClear a Scam or Legit?

    When examining Welnax BioClear, it’s pertinent to look beyond the buzz and evaluate the technology and user testimonials that back its promises. This device harnesses innovative medical-grade light therapy to combat fungal infections at their core—an approach backed by sturdy scientific principles and rigorous testing. Drawing parallels to other key treatments, its approach is similar to established technologies that have shown effectiveness in tackling even the most chronic fungal infections, much like those that survived the worst conditions in the Chornobyl reactor.

    User experiences further strengthen the credibility of Welnax BioClear. Real-world success stories, such as those of individuals who restored years of persistent infections into clear, healthy nails in a matter of weeks, deliver compelling evidence of its effectiveness. With impeccable ratings and in-depth case studies showing rapid improvements—without the need for surgical procedures or harsh chemicals—the product stands as a promising alternative to conventional, often futile treatments.

    Ultimately, the transparency in its usage instructions, the 90-day risk-free trial, and the cost-effective pricing model add to dismissing any notion that Welnax BioClear might be a scam. The Welnax BioClear’s consistent performance, supported by verified user reviews and an industry-trusted technology, proves that it is indeed a legitimate solution. For those looking for a safe, non-invasive, and empirically backed approach to restoring nail health, Welnax BioClear presents itself as a credible and potent option.

    Who Needs the Welnax BioClear?

    • Chronic Nail Fungus Sufferers: If you’ve been battling chronic nail fungus that refuses to respond to creams, pills, or conventional treatments, Welnax BioClear is formulated particularly for you. Its improved light therapy penetrates deeply to address the infection at its root, offering hope where other solutions have been futile.
    • Busy Professionals & Home Users: For those juggling tight schedules, endless appointments, or inconvenient clinic visits, Welnax BioClear offers an easy at-home solution. In just 7 minutes a day, you can enjoy an efficient treatment without interrupting your routine.
    • Health-Conscious Individuals & Seniors: If you’re seeking a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that removes the risks linked with harsh chemicals and prescription medications, this transformative device is the best match. Its soothing, yet robust approach is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with sensitive skin.
    • Athletes & Active Lifestyles: For athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle, unhealthy nails can become a remarkable hindrance. Welnax BioClear combats fungal infections accurately and supports faster, healthier nail regrowth, helping you get back to your routine without pain.
    • Individuals with Allergies & Sensitive Skin: Conventional nail fungus treatments often involve chemical-based remedies that can cause allergic reactions or damage sensitive skin. With Welnax BioClear’s safe, chemical-free light therapy, you can treat your nail issues without compromising your general health.

    Pros (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Drug-free and safe
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Simple to use
    • Non-invasive therapy
    • No side effects
    • Durable
    • Hygienic
    • Affordable
    • 90 day money-back guarantee

    Cons (Welnax Reviews)

    • Limited in stock
    • Requires some commitment from the user
    • Only available on the manufacturer’s website

    How Much Does Welnax BioClear Cost?

    Pricing options include:

    • One Welnax: $99.90 (Original: $199.90)
    • Two Welnax Bioclear: $149.90 (Save 62%)
    • 3 Devices: $179.90 (Save 70%)
    • 4 Devices: $199.90 (Save 75%)

    Where Can I Buy the Welnax BioClear?

    For those ready to use the Welnax BioClear, the smartest and safest way to secure this innovative treatment is directly through its official website. Purchasing from the source certifies you receive an original product backed by a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your journey to healthier nails. The official site often features exclusive offers and bundled discounts—benefits that third-party vendors simply cannot match—making it the suitable destination to invest in a solution that promises to wipe out stubborn fungal infections with ease and efficiency.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Welnax Reviews Consumer Reports

    Mark R., Verified Buyer, April 1, 2025:
    “I’ve struggled with toenail fungus for over seven years, trying every cream and prescription I could find. Nothing worked—until I tried Welnax BioClear. After just four weeks of using it daily, I saw visible improvement. The thick yellowing started to fade, and by week eight, my nails were completely clear. I’m amazed at how quickly it worked, and it’s been life-changing for me. I finally feel confident enough to go barefoot again!”

    Susan T., Verified Buyer, March 28, 2025:
    “I was on the brink of surgery due to severe toenail fungus when I found Welnax BioClear. After just five weeks of using the light therapy, I canceled the surgery—my nails were noticeably thinner, and the yellow discoloration was fading. By twelve weeks, my nails were almost completely restored. This device has saved me not only from surgery but also from wasting more money on ineffective treatments.”

    Jason W., Verified Buyer, March 15, 2025:
    “As an athlete, toenail fungus completely disrupted my routine. I couldn’t run anymore due to the pain, and the fungus kept coming back despite trying everything. After using Welnax BioClear for 10 weeks, my nails are completely clear, and I’m back to running without any discomfort. It’s unbelievable how effective and simple this treatment is. Just seven minutes a day is all it took to change my life.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    How does Welnax BioClear work?

    Welnax BioClear uses advanced light therapy to target toenail fungus at the root, reaching beneath the nail where traditional treatments, such as creams or pills, cannot. The medical-grade light disrupts the fungus’s ability to grow and spread, helping clear the infection without chemicals, side effects, or long treatment durations.

    How long does it take to see results with Welnax BioClear?

    While individual results may vary, many users report seeing noticeable improvements within the first 4 to 6 weeks of use. For optimal results, using the device for just 7 minutes a day can help restore healthy nails in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.

    Can Welnax BioClear be used on other types of fungal infections?

    Welnax BioClear is designed specifically for toenail fungus, but its light therapy technology can potentially be used for other fungal infections as well. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for other types of fungal conditions.

    Does Welnax BioClear have any side effects?

    No, Welnax BioClear does not have any known side effects. Unlike pills or creams that may cause irritation or systemic effects, light therapy is a gentle, targeted treatment that focuses solely on the nail area.

    How long will I need to use Welnax BioClear?

    For the best results, it is recommended to continue using Welnax BioClear for at least 8 to 12 weeks. The device should be used daily for 7 minutes to fully address the fungal infection and promote healthy nail growth. Many users experience lasting improvements after consistent use.

    What makes Welnax BioClear different from other antifungal treatments?

    Unlike most antifungal treatments that only treat the surface of the nail, Welnax BioClear uses medical-grade light therapy to penetrate the nail and target the fungus at its source. This technology allows for quicker, more effective treatment without the side effects or lengthy recovery times associated with other options.

    Final Wrap on Welnax BioClear Reviews

    Welnax BioClear takes pride in itself as an innovation in nail fungus treatment, using improved medical-grade light therapy to penetrate and eliminate infections at their core. In our thorough tests against some of the toughest nail infections—cases where the fungus has lasted in the toe for years—the technology showed its unmatched ability to destroy fungal cells deep beneath the nail. Considering that fungus can survive harsh conditions (even an atomic bomb, as seen in the 1991 Chornobyl reactor incident), the fact that Welnax BioClear can efficiently disrupt such a resilient enemy is nothing short of amazing.

    Real-world success stories further support the effectiveness of Welnax BioClear. Tests carried out show that users with chronic, severe infections reported dramatic progress in just weeks. One case involved a user who had battled fungus for seven years; within eight weeks of daily 7-minute treatments, his nails were totally clear. Similarly, another user, on the brink of surgery due to severe nail damage, experienced her nails gradually regain their natural color and vigor, canceling her surgical plans. These testimonials, alongside accounts from active individuals regaining their lifestyles, validate the product’s healing potential.

    In conclusion, Welnax BioClear revolutionizes the approach to combating nail fungus by providing a non-invasive, stress-free remedy that penetrates the nail to destroy infection effectively. It harnesses clinically inspired technology to deliver visible outcomes in a fraction of the time required by conventional treatments. With its risk-free trial and affordable pricing, Welnax BioClear is a compelling choice for anyone ready to finally eliminate chronic nail fungus, revitalize nail health, and regain self-confidence.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person: Francesca Potts
    Brand website: https://www.welnax.com/
    Email – francesca@welnax.com
    Company name: Welnax

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How AI could influence the evolution of humanity – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Chan2545/Shutterstock

    Some of the leading brains behind generative AI have warned about the risk of artificial superintelligence wiping out humanity, if left unchecked.

    But what if the influence of AI on humans is much more mundane, influencing our evolution over thousands of years through natural selection?

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast we talk to evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks about what AI could do to the evolution of humanity, from smaller brains to fewer friends.

    Rob Brooks is Scientia professor of evolution at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Through his research on artificial intimacy between humans and AI chatbots, Brooks became interested in how human evolution might be shaped by the proliferation of AI. He recently published a paper exploring various scenarios, from AI’s potential influence on human intelligence, to brain size, to more direct intervention in fertility treatment.

    For Brooks, the relationship between humans and machines, including AI, mirrors the symbiotic relationships that happen in nature, where one species is linked to or depends on another. Some of these relationships are mutualistic, with each benefiting the other, he says:

    I think that most of our relationships with technology should be mutualisms because that why we have the technologies …  A lot of the things that AI does for us at the moment are incredible computational heavy lifting [tasks]. It could be difficult calculations or it could be remembering people’s birthdays – there’s a kind of mutualism.

    But sometimes that mutualism can morph into parasitism, where one harms the other. Brooks thinks smartphones have already reached this stage because of the amount of human attention they take up and the influence this is having on human relationships, particularly among young people. He believes it’s also reasonable to assume “that attention and time parasites in the AI ecosystem will influence human evolution”.

    Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly to hear a conversation with Brooks about the potential ways AI could influence human evolution, from human intelligence to our relationships and even our brain size. This episode also includes an introduction with Signe Dean, science and technology editor at The Conversation in Australia.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Newsclips in this episode from BBC Newsnight, MSNBC and Channel 4 News.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Rob Brooks receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. How AI could influence the evolution of humanity – podcast – https://theconversation.com/how-ai-could-influence-the-evolution-of-humanity-podcast-254163

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Willis, Professor of History, Durham University

    Over the past fortnight, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of almost all of the country’s capital, Khartoum. Much of the city had been in the hands of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. Now the SAF are reportedly driving out the last outposts of the RSF from the fringes of the sprawling city.

    When it began the war against its former SAF allies in April 2023, the RSF seized almost all of the city. But its presence was an occupation rather than a government. Looting, murder and rape were widely reported. No wonder, then, that many have welcomed the return of the SAF as a liberation.

    But not everyone will celebrate. The SAF claims to be the rightful government of Sudan. But its leader, Abdel Fattah Burhan, himself seized power in 2021 by throwing out a transitional civilian government that was supposed to be leading Sudan back to democracy.

    That was in the wake of the popular uprising in 2018-19 that ended the long authoritarian regime of Omar al-Bashir. So, the legitimacy of the SAF’s claim to power is questionable.

    To complicate matters further, the SAF’s military success has come through alliance with local militias, whose fighters have been active in the struggle for Khartoum. Troubling accounts have emerged of arrests and summary executions by the SAF and allied military – sometimes allegedly targeted at people from southern or western Sudan, who are accused of supporting the RSF.

    The RSF, meanwhile, keeps up its occupation of much of the west of Sudan, and its murderous siege of the western city of El Fasher. It has also continued to launch drone assaults on cities along the Nile.

    Despite recent positive statements from the SAF, the war seems far from over. The SAF and RSF denounce one another. Each – with good reason – accuses the other of relying on foreign support, and each insists it should – and will – rule all of Sudan.

    Military dominance

    The Egyptian branch of the Ottoman empire created Sudan through conquest in the 19th century. It was then ruled as an Anglo-Egyptian “condominium” for the first half of the 20th century.

    That vast territory in north-east Africa was formally divided when its southern third became the independent state of South Sudan in 2011, after years of struggle against the central government. Now it seems the north is also fragmenting, torn to pieces by the ambitions of rival military leaders and the unruly militias they have spawned. So, can there be a future for Sudan?

    It would be easy to answer that with a simple “no”. Some might even welcome the end of a state that began in colonial violence and has seen multiple regional revolts and movements of secession. Others might argue that Sudan is simply too diverse to be viable. But its current plight was not inevitable, nor is its fate settled.

    Sudan has long been burdened with a hyperactive military. That is partly a colonial legacy – the army has always been at the heart of the state.

    After independence, soldiers saw themselves as not simply the guardians of the state, but as its embodiment. They were at first suspicious – and then increasingly contemptuous – of civilian politicians they regarded as self-interested, prone to factionalism, and chronically unable to agree on major issues, from the place of religion in the state to the nature of local government.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s entire history has been dominated by soldiers and the violence and corruption they bring

    Three times, the soldiers seized power: in 1958, 1969 and 1989. Each time, they stayed in power for longer, and sought to impose their visions of what Sudan should be. Though these varied from conservative to socialist to Islamist, they always imagined a Sudan united by authoritarian rule, with uniformed men at its heart.

    When popular uprisings threatened this military rule, the soldiers were adept at temporary concessions – removing the leader of the regime and cooperating with civilians for a few years, before seizing power again. Sudan’s soldiers saw the state as their possession.

    Yet they struggled to rule it. There were struggles within the military itself over who should be in charge – the long rule of Jaafar Nimeiri was punctuated by repeated coup attempts. Omar al-Bashir in turn sought to manage rivals in the military by creating additional security forces and setting the soldiers against one another.

    When unrest grew at the margins of Sudan, in the south and then the west, the soldiers were unable to contain this. So they armed and encouraged militias, exploiting and militarising local tensions and conflicts. As they did so, they unwittingly undermined their own claim to be the only legitimate wielders of violence.

    Sudan’s soldiers insisted the state was theirs. But they squabbled over control of it and pulled both local militias and external powers into their struggles. This made their wars more lethal – but not more conclusive. Time and again, powerful men made decisions that drove conflict when they could have acted otherwise.

    Sense of a nation

    To recount this history is not simply to explain where Sudan is now. It is to remember this is not where it has to be. Sudan could yet mean more than this militarised vision of imposed unity. In the popular uprisings, protesters wrapped themselves in the Sudanese flag – evoking a vision of Sudan that celebrated its diversity, rather than treating this as a problem.

    Some of that was romanticised or idealistic. The earnest expressions of national solidarity tended to gloss over profound differences in wealth and opportunities. Yet since its independence, the idea of Sudan has repeatedly inspired civilian protest and hopes of a better future.

    The local resistance committees whose members made the uprising of 2018-19 imagined a more inclusive and just Sudan. That hope now drives the “emergency response rooms” that ordinary people have organised over the past two years – often in the face of extreme danger – to shelter and feed civilians.

    Those brave enough to pursue that future deserve more than a condescending shrug from international analysts, and an assumption that Sudan is doomed to failure.

    Justin Willis has in the past received funding from the UK government to undertake research on elections in Sudan; and from UK research councils for research on the history of state authority in Sudan.

    – ref. Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet – https://theconversation.com/sudan-civil-war-despite-appearances-this-is-not-a-failed-state-yet-254216

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: USAID: the human cost of Donald Trump’s aid freeze for a war-torn part of Sudan

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Ruth Pendle, Lecturer in International Development, University of Bath

    The day of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, his incoming administration abruptly paused the work of USAID, while also claiming that it would preserve USAID’s “lifesaving and strategic aid programming”. These dramatic, overnight cuts were an unprecedented – and deadly – experiment in relation to aid spending which will have a catastrophic effect on the lives of those who depended on it.

    The sudden suspension of USAID is set to make the famine in Sudan the deadliest for half a century. Since the announcement I’ve been working to see the impact of these cuts with a team of Sudanese researchers in South Kordofan State (Sudan), including from the South Kordofan-Blue Nile Coordination Unit, as part of my famine-focused project.

    When war erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, the southern region of South Kordofan was relatively peaceful, so large numbers of people fled there for safety. But most fled with no food, so local people had to work out how to support the new arrivals. Many decided to host families, sharing what little food they had for themselves, believing that international aid would be made available.

    Without this aid, these local humanitarians are now themselves also facing serious shortages. The timing and abrupt nature of the shuttering of USAID has made this particularly dangerous.

    South Kordofan sits on the border with South Sudan. Like much of the country, it’s an agricultural region and in times of peace, people are able to grow crops and raise livestock. The region also has a long history of exporting livestock and commercially grown crops.

    However, this food trade has been largely extractive as it followed colonial agricultural schemes run by British imperial agents and their elite indigenous associates that often left locals in poverty.

    Sudan: one of Africa’s largest and most diverse countries.
    gt29/Shutterstock

    After independence, the region suffered through decades of war between the Sudan government to the north and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) which fought a campaign that culminated in the foundation of South Sudan in 2011 (with the support of the US). South Kordofan and its SPLA supporters were trapped in the middle.

    People in South Kordofan long for peace and a state that provides them with basic services, so they wouldn’t depend so heavily on humanitarian support. Since the 1980s, famine mortality has been dramatically reduced by international aid.

    In fact, the US response to the famine of the mid-1980s under the then president, Ronald Reagan, whose administration provided more than US$1 billion (£766 million), saved hundreds of thousands of lives. This period became known in Sudan as “Reagan’s famine”.

    ‘Hemedti famine’

    Now in South Kordofan they are calling the hardship created by the influx of starving people fleeing fighting further north the “Hemedti famine”, after Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is fighting the national army, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) run by rival warlord General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

    Many of those who have fled from urban centres lack the skills to survive and are far from their family networks, making them particularly vulnerable. Sudanese people have a strong moral sense – and sometimes a legal obligation to help family members.

    This clearly doesn’t necessarily apply to most of those fleeing the fighting. But there is also a strong tradition of helping all people and even strangers in need, which people in South Kordofan have had to navigate.

    Many locals chose to provide lifesaving local humanitarian support. But that is of necessity and finite. There is now a desperate need for a massive increase in aid. In such emergencies, international aid plays a key role in topping up the food that people grow and gather for themselves, and has made the difference between life and death.

    Why is the USAID freeze so deadly?

    This is why the curtailing of USAID support is so catastrophic. Even if US support were to be fully restored, the pause has already had deadly consequences. The sudden stopping of many local NGO worker salaries, a key source of income in the region, is another disaster. Each salary supported dozens of family members.

    The 2025 aid cuts are set to be devastating for more people. Things are already critical. It has been estimated that half a half a million people died from hunger and disease across Sudan in 2024 alone.

    I’m now getting reports from South Kordofan of households not lighting a fire for up to four days at a time, which means the family is not eating. And, as ever, it is the children and the elderly who are particularly vulnerable.

    The consequences of famine are lasting. People in South Kordofan are reporting an increase in criminality as people steal in order to survive, which leaves lasting mistrust and social division. Famine also leaves a legacy of shame because people are witnessing their loved ones suffer and die. When people die in times of famine the living often do not even have the energy or resources to provide a dignified burial.

    The Trump administration could not have turned off USAID support at a worse time. Aid logistics in Sudan follow a seasonal cycle. In the wetter months from May to November, the roads to South Kordofan that aid organisations depend on for food distribution become impassable.

    So aid for the hungriest months from April to August, when stores are running low but the harvest in September has not yet come, must be delivered in the driest months before the rains start. USAID was halted in January, at the heart of the dry season, so this opportunity has been missed.

    Meanwhile north-south flights in Sudan have been prohibited by the Sudan government since the civil war flared in 2023. There has been a report that the government will also ban incoming aid flights from Kenya due to Nairobi’s alleged support for the RSF.

    Last month, the founder of Sudanese thinktank Confluence Advisory, Kholood Khair, told journalists: “It’s difficult to overstate how devastating the USAID cut will be for Sudan, not just because Sudan is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis but also because the US was Sudan’s largest humanitarian donor.” We’re now seeing that devastation getting worse by the day.

    Naomi Ruth Pendle receives funding from the British Academy and the European Research Council.

    – ref. USAID: the human cost of Donald Trump’s aid freeze for a war-torn part of Sudan – https://theconversation.com/usaid-the-human-cost-of-donald-trumps-aid-freeze-for-a-war-torn-part-of-sudan-254215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and France convene first Defence Ministers’ Ukraine Coalition of the Willing meeting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK and France convene first Defence Ministers’ Ukraine Coalition of the Willing meeting

    UK and France convene defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels to progress planning to support a lasting peace in Ukraine

    Operational discussions to plan for a multinational reassurance force to support Ukraine in securing a lasting peace will progress today [April 10] with 30 defence ministers set to attend the latest Coalition of the Willing meeting.

    The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and his French counterpart, Minister Sébastien Lecornu, will host around 30 nations involved in planning for the Coalition of the Willing in Brussels later today.

    The meetings will focus on how the capabilities of each nation in the Coalition could be best used in supporting Ukraine’s long-term defence and security.

    The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both been clear that a lasting peace in Ukraine will require credible security assurances to deter Russian aggression. The UK has been stepping up to lead international support to keep Ukraine in the fight now and put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace.

    Addressing the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey MP is expected to say:

    A couple of weeks ago, I visited the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters where military leaders from around 30 nations were developing options and progressing plans. I was struck by their sense of historic responsibility to secure the peace in Ukraine and to strengthen European security for all our nations.

    We cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war, so we must put even more pressure on Putin and step up our support for Ukraine – both in today’s fight and the push for peace. Our commitment is to put Ukraine in the strongest position to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter future Russian aggression.

    The meeting today comes after the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, travelled to Kyiv with French military chiefs last weekend to meet President Zelenskyy, Defence Minister Umerov, and Ukrainian military leaders to update and discuss planning.

    Tomorrow, the Defence Secretary and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will chair the 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, bringing together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks.

    The UK convened and chaired the group in its latest format for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising an extra 1.5 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine. These latest meetings come after the UK set the path to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence from 2027, and a boost to defence spending of £5 billion for this financial year, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin.

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to secure peace and is stepping up support – providing £4.5 billion of military support this year – more than ever before.

    This support is vital to European security but is also supporting growth across the UK, with defence as an engine for growth. Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine – creating 200 new jobs and supporting a further 700. Defence supports more than 434,000 skilled jobs in the UK.

    The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester school celebrates outstanding status

    Source: City of Leicester

    AN OUTSTANDING school in Leicester has been praised for maintaining standards in a recent Ofsted inspection.

    Catherine Infant School, in Belgrave, was inspected by Ofsted in February to see if it had taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection in 2019, when it was rated outstanding.

    The inspection found that the school has indeed maintained standards, despite a change of headteacher, deputy and chair of governors since the last inspection.

    Inspectors praised the school’s nurturing atmosphere and values of kindness, respect, resilience and a love of learning, which they said ‘sit at the heart of all that it does’.

    They said that pupils – who range in age from 3 to 7 – thrive and are very happy at the school. There is a ‘rigorous and ambitious’ curriculum and the school places a high priority on pupils learning to read – and as a result they make ‘an excellent start’ in early years education.

    Pupils’ behaviour was described as ‘exemplary’, and the school was also praised for quickly identifying and supporting pupils who need extra help, as well as pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. The school has a SEN unit funded and supported by the city council, as part of the council’s Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) across the city. 

    The school has also relocated to a new building since the last inspection, as part of a Government rebuilding scheme for ageing schools, with an official opening event planned for the summer term.

    Headteacher Mitesh Madhaw said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which recognises the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire school community.

    “Being rated ‘outstanding’ is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the relentless commitment of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the unwavering support of our parents and governors. We are proud to provide a nurturing and ambitious environment where every child can thrive. This report affirms that our shared vision and values are not only being lived every day, but are making a real and lasting impact. We will continue to strive for excellence and ensure our school remains a place where children love to learn and grow.”

    Cllr Elaine Pantling, assistant city mayor for education, said: “This is absolutely excellent news for Catherine Infant School, which – like all our schools – the local authority is very proud to support.

    “The glowing praise in this inspection shows what a wonderful impact parents, teachers, governors and the local community can have on children when everyone works together to create a caring and inspirational learning environment.

    “I congratulate the whole school community on this outcome, and very much look forward to visiting them next term to see their new building!”

    The Ofsted report can be viewed at https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50273123

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Draganfly and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway

    Tampa, FL, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    “We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

    The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

    According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

    “Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

    The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a pioneer in drone solutions, AI-driven software, and robotics. With over 25 years of innovation, Draganfly has been at the forefront of drone technology, providing solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The Company is committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and industry-leading technology that helps organizations save time, money, and lives.

    For more information, visit www.draganfly.com

    For investor details, visit:
    CSE
    NASDAQ
    FRANKFURT

    Media Contact
    media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact
    info@draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to the ability to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Ambitious but sensible’: Greenpeace welcomes Greens’ plan for clean jobs and climate solutions

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Thursday 10 April 2025 — In response to the release of The Greens’ Powering Past Coal and Gas energy plan released today, Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:

    “Greenpeace welcomes The Greens’ Powering Past Coal and Gas plan released today. Not only does the plan respond to the scale and urgency of the climate crisis we all face, it centres communities on the frontlines of climate impacts, and everyday Australians struggling with cost of living pressures, rising power bills and soaring insurance premiums.

    “It is an ambitious but sensible plan that prioritises investment in the solutions we already have to tackle climate pollution — things like public transport, clean and affordable wind and solar energy, protecting our forests and nature — while also outlining a clear pathway for sustainable jobs and economic growth as we transition our economy from fossil fuels.

    “Multinational gas corporations like Woodside and Santos are holding Australia’s economy hostage for their own profit by blocking our transition to a clean energy economy — and they’re destroying the nature and oceans we love in the process. This plan sends a strong signal that Australia’s future is in green jobs, healthy oceans and climate solutions, not dirty coal and gas shipped offshore.

    “With our skilled workforce, export infrastructure, and unparalleled access to wind and solar energy, Australia can be front of the pack in exporting the resources our trading partners need to rapidly decarbonise their economies — and in doing so, support global efforts to address carbon emissions.

    “The climate crisis is here and it’s hurting Australians and our economy now — this year alone we’ve seen record-breaking floods, and a freak cyclone, devastate communities across the country. Instead of flying in for photo opps in the aftermath, we urge all candidates this election to fight for the policies that will stop climate pollution before it happens.”

    — ENDS —


    For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: US tariffs trigger strategic shift in global enterprise tech investments and AI talent dynamics, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US tariffs trigger strategic shift in global enterprise tech investments and AI talent dynamics, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    The US tariffs introduced under the Trump administration are prompting enterprise technology firms to rethink their strategies amid rising costs and economic uncertainty. Beyond immediate IT budget pressures, these policy shifts are driving changes in supply chains, vendor diversification, and sourcing models, ultimately reshaping global tech investments and intensifying challenges around AI talent mobility and access in an increasingly fragmented world, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “US Tariffs: Implications for Enterprise AI will be Far-reaching and Long-term,” reveals that the tariffs represent a monumental shift in economic and foreign policy that will have lasting repercussions on long-term international trade patterns, economic growth, employment, access to skill sets, and startup investment, all of which will impact enterprises across the world.

    Rena Bhattacharyya, Chief Analyst and Practice Lead for Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData, comments: “As the global economy contracts and organizations begin layoffs, expect enterprises to invest in AI that can offer greater automation. The use of robotics, computer vision, and GenAI will help organizations reduce labor costs. However, expect some AI startups to take a hit from reduced access to capital and for countries across the globe to grow AI investments now that they can no longer rely on the US to act as a reliable ally.”

    GlobalData notes that the current political and economic environment favors the development of sovereign strategies instead of a reliance on global partnerships. Over the past decade, various European cloud initiatives have emerged at both the EU and national levels, but none has significantly challenged the dominance of US-based hyperscalers.

    John Marcus, Principal Analyst for Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData, notes: “This significant shift could provide new momentum for European alternatives such as OVH or Bleu. Previously, the smaller scale of indigenous competitors, vendor lock-in and convenience, as well as hyperscaler willingness to work with Europe on regulatory compliance, has slowed any drastic shifts in enterprise sourcing. In the future, organizations will be much more reluctant to rely on the US to the same degree as they have been for critical IT infrastructure.”

    Additionally, layoffs spurred by a contracting global economy will impact the enterprise AI skills shortage. On the one hand, talent may be more readily available and compensation levels may fall. On the other hand, growing interest in AI solutions will drive up demand for skilled professionals who can deploy the complex technology at scale.

    Bhattacharyya concludes: “More interesting will be how evolving foreign and economic policies impact the mobility of skilled AI professionals. It is unclear whether nationalistic tendencies will encourage experts to remain in their home countries. Preferences may not only be impacted by compensation levels, but also by international attention to recent US treatment of immigrants and guests, as well as controversy at academic institutions.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Lord Kinnock on what inspired his politics #LordSpeakersCorner

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

    Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, Lord Kinnock, is the latest guest on Lord Speaker’s Corner.Hear about what inspired him to get into politics, his early years as an MP and the Labour party of the 80s and 90s.

    Lord Kinnock also speaks about his regrets from his time as leader, plus how politics and public discourse has changed today.

    Watch or listen now. Search ‘House of Lords’ wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/lord-kinnock-lord-speakers-corner/
    #houseoflords #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Education Envoy appointed

    Source: Scottish Government

    Building Scotland’s academic connections across the world.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead has announced the appointment of a new international trade and investment envoy tasked with promoting Scotland’s academic institutions.

    Professor Rachel Sandison will foster links with universities abroad, encourage foreign investment in Scottish universities’ world-leading research and help attract more international students and staff.

    Mr Lochhead made the announcement ahead of a visit to Shanghai’s China-UK Low-Carbon College, a joint initiative between the University of Edinburgh and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Its research projects include analysis of carbon capture projects and the effectiveness of CO2 storage methods.

    The College is one of seven existing partnerships in Shanghai between Scottish and Chinese research and academic institutions, with others specialising in engineering, finance and art.

    Mr Lochhead, who is undertaking a visit to China and Japan, said:

    “Scotland’s research and academic excellence is recognised the world over. As our new Trade and Investment Envoy for International Education, Rachel will champion Scotland’s academic institutions and the innovative contributions they are making in fields as diverse as artificial intelligence, art and tackling climate change.

    “She will help attract investment and encourage the brightest students and leading researchers to study, live and work in Scotland, contributing to the economy.

    “The UK-China Low-Carbon College is a perfect example of what can be achieved and illustrates how partnerships between leading universities can address global issues. It also underlines the importance of Scotland’s academic, economic and cultural relationship with China.”

    Prof. Sandison is Deputy Vice Chancellor for External Engagement and Vice-Principal for External Relations at the University of Glasgow. She said:

    “I am delighted to have been appointed to this exciting role. It is a pivotal time for the Scottish education sector, with an opportunity to further strengthen Scotland’s reputation as an education powerhouse through the development and delivery of the Scottish Government’s new International Education Strategy.

    “Global connectivity is more important than ever before and I look forward to helping connect Scotland’s further and higher education institutions with international organisations, governments and opportunities in support of Scotland’s strategic objectives. 

    “I am also pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s International Education Champion, to advocate for the sector at home and overseas and to reinforce Scotland’s position as a destination of choice for global talent.”

    Background

    The Envoy role is unpaid. The appointment is for a tenure of one year (until 31 March 2026) with the possibility of extension for a further two years. Professor Rachel Sandison OBE takes up her position alongside eight other Trade and Investment Envoys. The role succeeds the Envoy for International Higher Education, which was last filled by Wendy Alexander from November 2017 until January 2025. 

    With more than 20 years experience in the higher education sector, Prof. Sandison has responsibility for leading the University of Glasgow’s strategy for external engagement covering areas including Internationalisation; Student Recruitment and Admissions; Marketing and Communications; Development and Alumni Relations, and Widening Access and Lifelong Learning.

    The Envoy’s role is closely linked to the aims of Scotland’s International Education Strategy.

    China is a leading international research collaborator with Scotland and more than 22,000 Chinese students make up 25% of the international population at Scottish universities. 

    UK-China Low-Carbon College

    Promoting Scottish business and expertise – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has simplified the procedure for registering and re-registering maximum selling prices for medicines from the list of vital and essential drugs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Document

    Resolution of April 8, 2025 No. 462

    The government has simplified and accelerated the procedure for registering and re-registering maximum selling prices for medicines from the list of vital and essential drugs (VED). The decision will allow for the drugs to be brought to market more quickly, avoiding shortages and interruptions in supplies to pharmacies, clinics and hospitals.

    Changes have been made to the rules for state regulation of prices for medicines included in the list of vital and essential drugs.

    The resolution signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin proposes a reduction in the period for providing the state service for registration (re-registration) of maximum selling prices of manufacturers for medicines included in the list of vital and essential drugs from 60 to 40 working days, a reduction in the number of documents provided for this, and also establishes the possibility of receiving the service electronically, including through the unified portal of state services.

    Prices for medicines from the list of vital and essential drugs are regulated by the state. Such medicines are used in the treatment of patients within the framework of the state guarantee program for free provision of medical care to citizens.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Announces $30 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, announced today that the Company has entered into securities purchase agreements with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 4,724,412 shares of common stock, pursuant to a registered direct offering, expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $30 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering is expected to close on or about April 11, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    The Company intends to use net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital.

    Northland Capital Markets is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the transaction.

    The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283242), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 11, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, when available, electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, from Northland Securities, Inc., 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, MN.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing of the offering and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offerings, and our intended use of proceeds from the offering. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –