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Category: Science

  • MIL-Evening Report: Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Climate change is the most pressing problem humanity will face this century. Tracking how the climate is actually changing has never been more critical.

    Today, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published its annual State of the Climate report, which found heat records kept being broken in 2024. It’s likely 2024 was the first year to be more than 1.5°C above the Earth’s pre-industrial average temperature. In 2024, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere hit the highest point in the last 800,000 years.

    The combination of heat and unchecked emissions, the organisation points out, had serious consequences. Attribution studies found a link between climate change and disasters such as Hurricane Helene, which left a trail of destruction in the southeastern United States, and the unprecedented flooding in Africa’s arid Sahel region.

    Slowing these increasingly dangerous changes to Earth’s climate will require a rapid shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

    The record heat of 2024

    From the North Pole to the South Pole, the oceans and our land masses, the report catalogues alarm bells ringing ever louder for Earth’s vital signs.

    Steadily rising global average temperatures show us the influence of the extra heat we are trapping by emitting greenhouse gases. The ten warmest years on record have all happened in the past ten years.

    The report shows 2024 was the warmest year since comprehensive global records began 175 years ago. The planet was an estimated 1.55°C (plus or minus 0.13°C) warmer than it was between 1850 and 1900.

    Together, 2023 and 2024 marked a jump in global mean temperature from previous years. There was a jump of about 0.15°C between the previous record year (2016 or 2020 depending on the dataset) and 2023. Last year was even warmer – about 0.1°C above 2023.

    Last year was the first year the planet was likely more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This doesn’t mean we have broken the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of holding warming under 1.5°C – temperatures would need to be sustained over a number of years to formally lose that fight. But it’s not good news.

    There are a few extra factors at play in this record-breaking global temperature, including an El Niño event boosting eastern Pacific Ocean temperatures in the first part of 2024, falling pollution from shipping leading to less cloud over the ocean, and a more active sun as well.

    Researchers are hard at work unpicking why the Earth’s average temperature jumped in 2023 and 2024. But it is clear the 2024 record-breaking warmth and most other damning statistics in the report would not have occurred if it wasn’t for human-induced climate change.

    Much of the Northern Hemisphere was more than 2°C warmer in 2024 than 1951-1980 levels and many equatorial areas saw new annual temperature records.
    NASA GISS, CC BY-NC-ND

    Carbon dioxide up, glacial melt up, sea ice down

    It’s not just global temperatures breaking records.

    Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere reached 427 parts per million last year. Sea level rise has accelerated and is now about 11 centimetres above early 1990s levels, and the oceans are at their highest temperatures on record.

    Seasonal sea-ice in the Arctic and around Antarctica shrank to low levels (albeit short of record lows) in 2024, while preliminary data shows glacial melt and ocean acidification continued at a rapid pace.

    Almost all parts of the world were much warmer in 2024 than even recent averages (1991–2020) and much of the tropics experienced record heat.

    From cyclones to heatwaves, another year of extreme events

    In the English-speaking media, extreme events affecting North America, Europe and Australia are well covered, such as the devastating Hurricane Helene in the US and the lethal flash flooding in Spain.

    By contrast, extreme weather and its fallout in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia get less coverage.

    In September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi killed hundreds and caused widespread damage through the Philippines, China and Vietnam. Later in the year, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte and Mozambique causing more than 100,000 people to be displaced. Hundreds died in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan due to spring floods following an unusual cold wave.

    Unusual flooding hit parts of the arid Sahel and even the Sahara Desert. Meanwhile the worst drought in a century hit southern Africa, devastating small farmers and leading to rising hunger.

    Much of South and Central America was hit by significant drought. Huge tributaries to the Amazon River all but dried up for the first time on record. Severe summer heat hit much of the Northern Hemisphere, while more than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca as heat and humidity pushed past survivable limits.

    Globally, extreme weather forced more people from their homes than any other year since 2008, which had widespread floods and fires.

    Did climate change play a role in these extreme events? The answer ranges from a resounding yes in some cases to a likely small role in others.

    Scientists at World Weather Attribution found the fingerprints of climate change in Hurricane Helene’s large-scale rain and winds as well as the flooding rains in the eastern Sahel.

    Paying the price for decades of inaction

    This report is a dire score card. The numbers are sobering, scary but sadly, not surprising.

    We have known the basic mechanism by which greenhouse gases warm the planet for over 100 years. The science behind climate change has been around a long time.

    But our response is still not up to the task.

    Currently, our activities are producing ever more greenhouse gas emissions, trapping more heat and causing more and more problems for people and the planet. Every fraction of a degree of global warming matters. The damage done will keep worsening until we end our reliance on fossil fuels and reach net zero.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    Linden Ashcroft has received funding from the Australian Research Council and is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather

    – ref. Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records – https://theconversation.com/flooding-in-the-sahara-amazon-tributaries-drying-and-warming-tipping-over-1-5-c-2024-broke-all-the-wrong-records-252490

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Preparing for catastrophic fire danger days a challenge for many older Australians – Flinders University

    Source: Flinders University

    Most older Australians recently surveyed by Flinders University would not follow the Country Fire Services’ advice regarding catastrophic fire danger days.

    “With bushfires expected to become more frequent, severe, and destructive in residential areas, preparation is crucial for saving lives and reducing financial losses,” says report lead researcher Professor Beverley Clarke, a geographer in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

    “Older Australians have unique challenges in disaster preparedness due to potential mobility or health issues and limited familiarity with digital emergency communication tools.

    “However, our study also found that many older Australians also possess strong community ties and historical knowledge of past bushfire events, which greatly impacts how they understand and respond to the advice.”

    Looking to understand their preparedness for a bushfire and responses to early warning messages, the researchers interviewed 61 older residents in three high-risk regions in South Australia – the Adelaide Hills, the Coorong, and the Yorke Peninsula – as well as aged care service providers and emergency responders.

    “On catastrophic fire days, emergency services advise that the safest option is to leave the threatened region in advance, either the night before or early in the morning, but only 10 percent of those we spoke to indicated they would heed that advice,” says report co-author Professor Kirstin Ross, a professor of environmental health in the College of Science and Engineering.

    “Many indicated they planned to stay until the fire posed an immediate threat, citing the desire to protect their home, uncertainty about evacuation destinations and logistical difficulties such as pets and mobility issues as reasons to stay.

    “Warning fatigue from past alerts that did not result in fires was also highlighted as a reason to delay evacuations.”

    The study found the few participants who did express willingness to leave early were influenced by adequate insurance coverage, personal experience with bushfires, exposure to compelling survivor testimonies, recognition of personal physical limitations, or, access to clear and practical information.

    A significant gender divide also emerged, with women more inclined to evacuate early, while men were more committed to staying and defending their property.

    The researchers also investigated residents’ bushfire action plans, finding while most had some kind of plan very few had a written plan.

    Several factors prevented the formulation of written plans including challenges accessing electronic communication, such as limited internet access or outdated devices, and limited recall of where to access emergency service information.

    “Many participants found bushfire preparedness information overwhelming and confusing, or found the generalised nature of the messaging not resonating with them,” says sociologist Dr Zoei Sutton, another researcher involved in the study in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

    “Yorke Peninsula participants in particular highlighted they did not have a clear, reliable safer place to evacuate to on a catastrophic fire danger day, adding to the complexity of their planning.”

    Many residents said they relied on informal networks such as family and community members for guidance and decision-making around when to leave ahead of a bushfire.

    The researchers say their report highlights the need for more tailored bushfire preparedness messaging that takes into account differing geographic and social factors.

    “Older Australians have a wealth of knowledge and much experience to offer. If we involve them in production of messaging it may resonate better with them, and we may see more older residents heed warnings and leave bushfire prone locations much earlier on catastrophic fire danger days,” says Professor Clarke.

    “Australia’s population is ageing, and the risk of bushfires is increasing. It is important vulnerable members of the community have access to meaningful messaging that is clear, practical and engaging. This will improve bushfire resilience that will ultimately save lives.”

    The team was assisted by South Australia’s Country Fire Service to undertake the research.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Crypto Announcements – DDC Announces Strategy to Create Bitcoin Reserves and Appoints Crypto Asset Expert Alex Yang as Strategic Advisor

    Source: DDC Enterprise, Ltd.

    Bitcoin reserve to be established with up to 100 BTC injection and premium-priced placement of DDC Class A Ordinary shares at $0.50 to $1.25 per share

    NEW YORK – DDC Enterprise, Ltd. (NYSEAM: DDC), (“DayDayCook,” “DDC,” or the “Company”), a leading multi-brand Asian consumer food company, today announced a transformative initiative to adopt Bitcoin as part of its treasury reserves, alongside an announcement that brings seasoned Web3 and Crypto Assets Management Expert Alex Yang to DDC as Strategic Advisor. An investor group will inject up to 100 BTC in exchange for DDC Class A Ordinary shares at a range of $0.50 to $1.25 per share, representing a 100% to 400% premium to recent trading levels.

    Strategic Alignment with Institutional Confidence

    “This partnership is a testament to the shared conviction in DDC’s future and the value of Bitcoin and potentially other crypto currencies as a strategic asset,” said Ms. Norma Chu, Chairwoman and CEO of DDC Enterprise. “This strategic decision to launch a bitcoin reserve not only diversifies our balance sheet but also secures a premium-priced equity agreement that reflects our partner’s belief in our long-term growth. This move is the first of many that we will be making to integrate Web3 innovations to the DDC consumer community. Our next step is for the parties to enter into definitive agreements and then complete the initial Bitcoin purchase in the next 30 days.”

    Key Terms of the Planned Arrangement

    100 BTC Injection: Over the course of approximately 3 months, an investor group will contribute 100 BTC (valued at approximately $8,000,000 to $8,500,000 based on current prices) to DDC’s treasury reserves.
    Equity Issuance: DDC will issue shares to the investor group at a tiered premium pricing model starting at $0.50 per share to $1.25 per share every 4-6 weeks starting with an injection of the first 25 BTC at the initial closing
    Long-Term Commitment: Shares issued to the group will be subject to a minimum of 180-day lock up and performance milestones, underscoring the partner’s commitment to DDC’s long-term success.

    Strategic Rationale

    Balance Sheet Diversification: 100 BTC adds exposure to Bitcoin’s long-term upside potential.
    Premium Equity Pricing: The tiered share issuance model rewards DDC’s growth trajectory while protecting existing shareholders from dilution at undervalued levels.
    Institutional Validation: This new investor group’s participation signals confidence in DDC’s leadership and crypto-forward strategy.

    Industry Veteran Joins DDC as Strategic Advisor

    Mr. Alex Yang is a well respected veteran in the crypto and digital assets space. He is the CEO of Volmart, a market maker that cross trades among TradFi and digital assets on CME, Eurex, Bursa, and TFEX. Prior to Volmart, Mr. Yang was the CEO of Virtual Economy Tech Limited, a Blockchain service provider for CMI and CGSE. Mr. Yang is the vice chairman of Chinese Financial Association of Hong Kong, and Deputy Director of Innovation Center of Data Science, SUSTech. He is also a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

    ABOUT DAYDAYCOOK

    DayDayCook is on a mission to share the joy of Asian cooking culture with the world, offering a suite of accessible and healthy ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-heat products that cater to the global palate. DayDayCook has evolved from a culinary content authority to a multi-brand powerhouse, curating a broad range of products that champion authenticity, nutrition, and convenience. The company’s growing portfolio includes DayDayCook, Nona Lim, Yai’s Thai, Omsom, MengWei, and Yujia Weng.

    Follow the Company on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing definitive agreements with the Bitcoin investor and closing on the acquisitions of Bitcoin, NYSE and SEC compliance, estimated revenue, margins, cash and growth and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

    People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    GENEVA, March 18 — China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Senior residents learn calligraphy at an elderly care center in Dongcheng District in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    Women attend an event celebrating the International Women’s Day with their children at a kindergarten in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on March 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development.

    This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Claire Anderson to the Spectrum Summit 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Nanaimo, British Columbia
    March 18, 2025

    Claire Anderson, Commissioner for British Columbia and Yukon
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    Check against delivery

    Thank you for the introduction and the warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here today on the territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. I understand that in the Sarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854, the British Crown recognized Snuneymuxw self-determination and Aboriginal title, and that today, Snuneymuxw governance is rooted in Snawayalth (teachings), and this model of governance upholds the Nation’s self-determination and territorial sovereignty.

    It is a real pleasure to be here with all of you today. I want to thank the Indigenous Connectivity Institute for inviting me to speak and for gathering us all together to discuss this important subject. The Institute is an important, Indigenous-led voice helping to tackle the challenges that affect our own Indigenous communities. This includes the digital divide that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and affects their ability to fully participate in the 21st-century global economy.

    As participants to this Summit, many or most of you have insight into what those challenges look like and how deep their roots grow. And that places you in a unique position to examine solutions that work best for your own communities.

    Access to wireless frequency ranges, or spectrum as we have come to call it, is critical to any telecommunications service provider. Access to spectrum helps a company provide its customers with reliable and clear wireless services. So it only makes sense that as more and more Indigenous-led companies and community groups look to improve connectivity in their communities, they are increasingly interested in spectrum management and access to this vital resource.

    Spectrum management and the CRTC’s role

    This is why I was so happy that we all had the chance to hear this morning from Mark Saunders at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (or ISED). ISED is responsible for managing spectrum in Canada, including how spectrum is allocated through the auction system that Mark touched on.

    Indigenous communities and companies who want to create local solutions to their community’s connectivity challenges need spectrum access. ISED’s ‘use it or lose it’ policy and, most importantly, its announcement of a new licensing framework for unused spectrum in rural, remote and Indigenous areas, should improve this access. This included, as Mark touched on, the ongoing development of the Indigenous priority window spectrum policy framework. I look forward to the seeing the results and the final policy when it is released.

    At the CRTC, our work focuses on telecommunications companies and the services they provide over spectrum, as well as the infrastructure that facilitates access to these services.

    Support structures, small cells and access

    For example, one of our areas of focus in the recent past has been working on regulatory measures to make access to telecommunications poles and other forms of existing infrastructure easier and more efficient.

    In fact, less than two months ago we released a decision designed to make it easier for companies to deploy new communications networks. It laid out the terms and conditions which will allow companies to access the poles, lines and other support structures controlled by large telephone companies, so that smaller competitors – such as Indigenous-led companies and co-ops – can deploy their own networks.

    There are several more granular and detailed changes that were made, as part of this decision, which I won’t cover today. But I will point out that all were made with the intent of making this new access as smooth and as easy as possible for new competitors to enter new markets. It will improve competition, lower prices, and provide high-quality telecom services to communities across the country, while also supporting continued investment.

    Building on this access, we are working on another decision concerning wireless attachments to these poles. Ensuring high-speed wireless connectivity on 5G networks and beyond will require the deployment of thousands of additional cell sites across Canada.

    We are now in the final stages of a consultation on whether the CRTC should allow third parties to attach wireless equipment like small cells onto poles across Canada. As this is still a matter before the CRTC, I cannot hint at the details of any decision that the Commission might make. But what I can say is that we expect to release a decision soon.

    Broadband Fund

    As we work on these key regulatory issues, we are also a part of the Government of Canada’s larger effort to connect all communities to reliable high-speed Internet services. In 2019, the CRTC launched the Broadband Fund to help connect rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the country. The Broadband Fund’s focus is broader than our scope today, focusing on wireline broadband services in addition to wireless services.

    To date, the fund has improved high-speed Internet and cellphone services in more than 270 communities, connecting essential institutions such as schools, health care facilities and community centres. We are wrapping up our evaluations of the projects proposed in our third call for applications – a call that garnered applications seeking more than $1.9 billion in funding. In the past year alone we committed funding that will better connect Inuit communities in northern Quebec and Nunavut, improve access along nearly 100 kilometres of major roads in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario, and improve connectivity along roads and to rural communities in Yukon, northern Manitoba, and right here in B.C.

    In addition to these funding commitments, we are also working to improve the fund itself. We want to make it easier for prospective recipients to apply for funding and make the evaluation process simpler and more transparent. And once an application is approved, we want to consolidate and simplify reporting requirements.

    As part of this review, we are also looking at how we can better engage with Indigenous communities and facilitate their access to the Broadband Fund. This includes changing the way we consult and engage with Indigenous communities, and we have created our Indigenous Relations Team within the CRTC to help. Furthermore, we are in the process of developing a distinct Indigenous stream of the Broadband Fund. I look forward to sharing more details as it progresses.

    Spectrum, telecom, and economic reconciliation

    And as I continue today, I want to acknowledge the opportunities for reconciliation that are found through telecommunications. Historically, when we spoke about reconciliation, it seemed as though there was an expectation that one party to a relationship had to reconcile or compromise their values to serve a larger interest. But we are moving away from that understanding of reconciliation, and placing a stronger emphasis on hearing how Indigenous communities can heal from historically damaging colonial relationships.

    I’ve been attending Indigenous connectivity conferences and learning from you about the opportunities that exist for communities to create revenue through telecommunications. The Commission has heard in multiple proceedings what communities stand to gain if they are included in the management and ownership of networks: jobs are created, skill sets are expanded, and relationships are nourished. Reconciliation is advanced through partnerships with existing telecom providers, but also when we have wholly Indigenous-owned service providers.

    Often, Indigenous communities are on the fringes of society, geographically and, unfortunately, politically speaking. And a way for Indigenous nations to assert self-determination and sovereignty has been through ownership of major critical infrastructure, including telecommunications infrastructure and services. The importance of jobs in remote communities where services and employment opportunities are sparse cannot be overstated. Keeping money in the community can be a deciding factor in whether or not a family has food in the fridge.

    One of the objectives of the Broadband Fund review that I mentioned earlier is to help advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As we noted in one of our policy decisions resulting from that ongoing review, Indigenous groups told us of the barriers they face that discourage them from applying for Broadband funding. We have taken steps to streamline the application process and make it easier for Indigenous people to pick up the phone and call a point of contact in our Indigenous Relations Team instead of having to navigate our processes alone. We also are exempting Indigenous funding recipients from having to provide wholesale open access to transport infrastructure, because we believe they should have the choice to make that determination for themselves.

    Additionally, we are providing funding for up to two years of technical training for Indigenous staff in communities that propose to serve as part of funded capital projects, and we aren’t requiring a 10% holdback on projects with approved funding of $5 million or less.

    Furthermore, we are requiring each Broadband Fund applicant to obtain and show consent from any Indigenous community in which it plans to build infrastructure as part of its funded capital project. Meaningful consultation and community consent means that Indigenous communities are able to benefit from funded projects that happen on their territories.

    These are measures that result in capacity training, job growth and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and people.

    Conclusion

    I believe the Commission is on the right path of advancing reconciliation, because reconciliation is integral to the public interest, and at the CRTC, the public interest is at the heart of everything we do. In everything I have discussed today, from our regulatory work to our funding decisions, we are supporting continued investments in our networks while also putting the needs of everyone in this country first.

    That includes our Indigenous communities. But while we can’t go back and change the past, we can ensure that the regulatory and funding decisions we make chart a course for a better future.

    And everyone gathered here today can influence that future. Every decision we make is based on an extensive public record including consultations, hearings, and public outreach.

    So I encourage you to get involved in our processes. Make your voice, and the voices of your community, heard. If you are unsure how to do that, get in touch with our Indigenous Relations Team or contact your regional CRTC Commissioner.

    Because the only way we can build that brighter future is by doing so together.

    If we have time for some questions, I’d like to invite any Indigenous youth to ask questions before moving on to questions from Indigenous participants and then all other participants.

    Thank you. Gunalcheesh.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Helps Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Broadband Service for Rural and Underserved Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 03.18.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped lead bipartisan legislation to improve federal programs that help ensure rural and underserved communities have equitable access to broadband service. The Rural Broadband Protection Act – which Peters cosponsored with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and John Curtis (R-UT) – would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to certify that federal funding goes toward companies and internet service providers with proven track records in deploying broadband in rural areas. The bill recently passed the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. 
    “Access to affordable, high-speed internet is essential, whether it’s for school, work, seeing your doctor, or running a business, and I’ve been proud to secure robust federal investments in our state to help ensure every Michigander can get connected,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “This bipartisan legislation would make sure these federal resources are awarded to organizations with experience in effectively delivering broadband service to rural and underserved communities who need it most.”   
    The FCC’s Connect America Fund (CAF) provides funding to ensure consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to essential broadband services. In 2022, more than $8 million in fines were filed against CAF awardees who did not meet the requirements of their funding agreements to improve service in underserved areas. The Rural Broadband Protection Act would require future applicants, either under CAF or a new high-cost universal service program, to undergo a vetting process to help ensure broadband infrastructure investments are effectively implemented in the intended communities.   
    Peters is committed to expanding high-speed internet access across Michigan. In June 2023, he announced that Michigan would receive more than $1.5 billion in federal funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, known as BEAD, to increase high-speed internet access. In 2023, Peters announced a more than $38 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support rural communities across Michigan, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. In 2024, he secured $27 million for Northern Michigan University to upgrade their Educational Access Network, enabling the university to expand broadband access beyond the thousands of students and families they serve in communities across the Upper Peninsula.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Climate change: Paris Agreement goals still within reach, says UN chief

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    The effects of human-driven climate change surged to alarming levels in 2024, with some consequences likely to be irreversible for centuries – if not millennia – according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 

    The latest State of the Global Climate report confirms 2024 as the hottest year since records began 175 years ago, with a global mean temperature of 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels – surpassing the critical warming threshold of 1.5°C for the first time.  

    While a single year above 1.5°C doesn’t break the Paris Agreement‘s long-term goals (a long-term average below 1.5°C), it is a stark warning of the urgent need for emissions reduction.

    Multiple climate indicators also set new records. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are at their highest in 800,000 years, and the oceans continue to warm at unprecedented rates.  

    Glaciers and sea ice are rapidly melting, contributing to a rise in global sea levels that threatens coastal ecosystems and infrastructure worldwide.

    Furthermore, tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards last year led to the highest number of new displacements recorded in 16 years, contributing to worsening food crises, and fuelling massive economic losses.  

    Leveraging renewables and early warning systems

    Despite these alarming trends, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the Paris Agreement goals are still achievable and called on world leaders to step up their efforts in response to the mounting crisis.

    “Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen –seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies – with new national climate plans due this year’’, he urged.

    WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called the report findings a “wake-up call” to the increasing level of deadly risk facing human life, economies and the planet.

    “WMO and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services to help decision-makers and society at large be more resilient to extreme weather and climate. We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster”, she said.  

    Irreversible changes

    The report explains that the record-breaking global temperatures in 2023 and 2024 were primarily driven by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, amplified by the transition from La Niña to El Niño.  

    Other factors that might have contributed include solar cycle variation, volcanic activity and changes in ocean circulation.

    Scientists also underscore the urgency of taking action, outlining some already irreversible changes – including the rate of sea level rise – that has doubled since satellite measurements began.

    Projections show that ocean warming, which reached its highest level on record, will continue over the rest of the 21st century and beyond, even if the world were to significantly reduce emissions. Similarly, ocean acidification will continue to increase for the rest of this century, at rates dependent on future emissions.

    Other key findings

    • Globally, each of the past ten years were individually the ten warmest years on record.
    • Each of the past eight years has set a new record for ocean heat content.
    • The 18 lowest Arctic sea-ice extents on record were all in the past 18 years.
    • The three lowest Antarctic ice extents were in the past three years.
    • The largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record occurred in the past three years.
    • In 2024, ocean heat content reached its highest level in the 65-year observational record.
    • Tropical cyclones were responsible for many of the highest-impact events of 2024. These included Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam, the Philippines and southern China.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Multimillion-pound investment gives rocket boost to South West space sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Multimillion-pound investment gives rocket boost to South West space sector

    Minister Jones has announced a multimillion-pound investment in Bristol’s space sector from leading German space company OHB.

    • New multimillion-pound investment from leading German space company OHB to support Plan for Change by creating specialist jobs in Bristol.
    • OHB’s UK expansion sees job-boosting new subsidiary at Bristol & Bath Science Park to develop cutting-edge satellite and spacecraft tech.
    • Industry Minister Sarah Jones announces investment in keynote speech at opening of Farnborough International Space Show. 

    The South West will benefit from a multimillion-pound investment from leading German space company OHB, creating up to 50 specialist jobs in Bristol working on satellites and exploration spacecraft, and supporting the government’s Plan for Change in delivering more skilled jobs, higher living standards, and productivity growth in every part of the United Kingdom.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones will announce the investment in a speech to the Farnborough International Space Show today [19 March], welcoming the news as a major win for the South West’s world-leading aerospace cluster, and the latest vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment. 

    The Farnborough International Space Show, supported by ADS – the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors – will be a significant event for the space industry, with 50 different countries exhibiting and many high-value commercial deals expected to be signed. 

    OHB’s initial multimillion-pound investment will create a new UK subsidiary based at Bristol and Bath Science Park to develop cutting-edge tech for satellites and spacecraft, and was secured by the Department for Business and Trade working together with the Space West cluster, Invest Bristol & Bath and the UK Space Agency. 

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones is expected to say:

    The UK is open for business, and today’s investment from OHB is a major win for Bristol’s world-leading aerospace and tech industry which will create high-skilled local jobs and ensure the UK remains a partner of choice for space agencies around the world. 

    This is the latest vote of confidence in our Industrial Strategy, which will give our space sector the certainty it needs to stay at the cutting edge of global innovation, driving growth and good jobs across the UK and showing our Plan for Change is working.

    The British space sector generates £18.9 billion each year, supporting over 50,000 jobs, and will be a top priority in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, which has identified advanced manufacturing and digital & technologies as key growth-driving sectors. 

    The UK’s space workforce is also highly qualified and more than twice as productive (2.3x) as the average UK worker, while the global space market is expected to be worth over £1 trillion by 2035, according to the latest figures from global management consultancy McKinsey. 

    OHB CEO Marco Fuchs said:

    I am truly glad that we have finally established a presence in one of Europe’s key space markets. The Bristol region, with its high-tech cluster, provides a great environment for OHB to develop innovative and competitive space products and systems from the UK for the national and European markets.

    West of England Mayor Dan Norris said:

    Today’s announcement means more high skilled jobs for local people – and that’s fantastic news. OHB SE setting up shop in the West of England is a big win for our region and a real rocket boost for our space industry.  

    I’m really proud that they’ve chosen the Bristol & Bath Science Park as their UK base. We’re proving once again that this is the place to be for world-class innovation, job creation, and serious economic growth.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS welcomed the announcement:

    The UK space sector – a jewel in the UK’s advanced manufacturing crown – has seen impressive growth in recent years. The space economy in the UK spans a wide range of capabilities employing around 50,000 people, with strengths in small satellite technology, sustainability, and emerging areas such as in-space manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. 

    Representing more than 500 businesses operating in space, ADS wholeheartedly welcomes the ongoing commitment to developing our sector throughout the country. Space will secure the UK’s domestic, future and technological advantage!

    Background: 

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Launches Advanced Real-Time Host Management Features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), the premier provider of real-time analytics and customer engagement solutions for the gaming and hospitality industries, today announced the launch of its latest enhancements to the QCI Platform. These enhancements address industry challenges related to coding and offer management, dynamic host incentive programs, and cross-platform communication—capabilities that set QCI apart from their competitors.

    Comprehensive Integration with Casino Management Systems for Coding and Offer Management

    QCI’s updated platform streamlines the intricate process of coding offers, importing and pushing lists, and integrating directly with casino management systems. By providing robust programmatic interfaces, the platform enables properties to seamlessly manage complex coding requirements and deliver tailored offers to guests in real time. This level of integration and flexibility empowers operators to maximize their campaign performance and guest engagement.

    Lynette O’Connell, VP of Customer Success for QCI, commented “With this enhanced integration, casinos can now execute highly targeted campaigns with greater accuracy and efficiency. By simplifying offer management and streamlining complex coding, we’re empowering operators to maximize guest engagement and ROI.”

    Dynamic Metrics Adjustments and Tiering for Host Incentive Programs

    Building on QCI’s core principle of real-time customization, the platform now offers advanced functionality to dynamically adjust player metrics and targets—such as theo net freeplay and comps—and reassign goal parameters based on mid-quarter book changes. These new tools enable properties to create adaptive host incentive programs with tiered goals and thresholds, ensuring that every incentive structure remains both profitable and continually optimized. Targets are cascaded down to the player level, giving hosts clear direction on who to engage and how to manage their players effectively.

    Nick Salemi, Sr. Customer Engagement Manager for QCI, stated “One of the biggest compliments I hear about our software is how easy it makes managing host books and their targets. Player development leaders can focus on coaching and developing their teams, knowing the math behind host targets is accurate. If player relationships change, managers can trust that the data and targets will reflect those updates. From a host’s perspective, my favorite insight to highlight is the relationship between ADT and visit frequency, showing just how valuable each guest and visit truly is.”

    Seamless Host Communication and Task Management Across Platforms

    Responding to the industry need for a unified host workflow, QCI’s latest enhancements centralize text message tracking, email integration (including Outlook), and real-time task assignments under one intuitive user interface. Hosts and property managers can collaborate more efficiently, gain immediate visibility into host activities, and document performance for comprehensive reporting—far surpassing capabilities offered by QCI competitors.

    Julie Margeson, Sr. Customer Engagement Manage for QCI, explained “Collaboration between Hosts, Slots, and Marketing is transforming how casinos engage with their customers. Slots teams coordinate with Hosts and players when games are added or removed from the floor, Hosts gain visibility into non-redeemers for Marketing campaigns, and Marketing creates targeted campaigns to promote new Slot Floor sections—inviting select players to generate excitement around new areas or games. By working together, these teams ensure players stay informed, enhance retention, and deliver a seamless, holistic customer experience rather than addressing isolated aspects of their journey.”

    Executive Commentary

    “In today’s rapidly evolving gaming environment, operators need agile solutions that bridge all aspects of player development—from comprehensive coding in IGT to dynamic host management and communications,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence. “We are committed to providing these high-level capabilities in a seamless platform so that our partners can maximize their revenue and strengthen player relationships.”

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, Denver and Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    ABOUT Lynette O’Connell
    Lynette’s expertise is comprised of 20 years of high-volume gaming operations experience in CRM, database marketing, analysis, and loyalty club development. She leads the QCI customer team as well as being the customer advocate at QCI, focused on customer adoption, best practices, gathering feedback, and working to ensure that the customer’s goals are achieved satisfactorily, thus helping to increase sales as well. She defines and optimizes the customer’s journey post-installation, helping them develop best practices and working with them to measure success and see the ROI in QCI products.

    ABOUT Nick Salemi
    Nick earned a B.S. in Business Management and followed that up with a decade working in customer related roles from hockey teams to video technology companies, eventually finding his place in the casino gaming industry. He then focused on casino operations specifically as it pertains to customer loyalty and retention by delivering a positive experience and managing these relationships. He now brings all of this experience to the QCI Customer Success Team.

    ABOUT Julie Margeson
    Julie is a diversely skilled Technical Engineer with over 20 years of experience helping businesses in the casino industry maintain smooth operations and an optimal workflow. She is committed to applying emerging technologies to streamline product development and business operations. Her extensive background includes several years spent at top casinos in Las Vegas including The Cosmopolitan, Wynn, Encore and The Mirage. Now she brings her exceptional industry skills to work with the QCI Customer Success Team.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam. What was in it?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ipek Kurtböke, Associate Professor in Microbiology, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Anthony Rowland

    Two windswept beaches 80km south of Adelaide have been closed to the public after locals reported “more than 100” surfers fell ill on the weekend. Their symptoms included “a sore throat, dry cough and irritated eyes” or blurred vision. Dead sea dragons, fish and octopuses have also washed up on the beaches.

    Water samples have been taken for testing and health authorities suspect toxins from an algal bloom may be to blame.

    But the “mysterious foam” in the water is a health hazard in its own right.

    My research shows people should not go in the sea when it is foaming. These bacterial smoothies can contain more harmful pathogens than a sewage treatment plant – and you wouldn’t go swimming in sewage.

    Beware of sea foam

    Sea foam doesn’t look dangerous. But looks can be deceiving. This foam is likely to contain a mixture of many different types of microbes and pollutants.

    On beaches with lots of sea foam, people should avoid all contact with the water – and definitely avoid surfing or breathing in the contaminated water droplets in the air.

    I have been studying sea foams since 2003. In 2021, my PhD student Luke Wright and I published research on our discovery of infectious disease-causing microbes in the sea foams of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

    Named Nocardiae, these microbes are filamentous bacteria that can cause foaming in wastewater treatment plants, particularly when there’s a high load of fats, oils and greases. We now know the bacteria can cause foaming in the sea too.

    We detected 32 strains of Nocardiae in samples of sea foam from beaches at Noosa and south to Caloundra.

    Some of these species were new to science. So we named them Nocardia australiensis and Nocardia spumea (“spumea” meaning froth or foam).

    Nocardiae bacteria are known to cause skin, lung and central nervous system infections in both humans and animals. But the infection usually only takes hold in people with weakened immune systems. The bacteria can cause abscesses in the brain, lungs and liver.

    The incubation time can range between one and six months, depending on the strain of bacteria and the health status of the person involved.

    This means it will take some time for people to get infected and show symptoms. Long-term medical monitoring is required to detect the condition, as it can be masked by other disease-causing microbes such as the infectious agent that causes tuberculosis.

    Where is the sea foam coming from?

    During heavy winds, microbial spores from the soil can end up on the surface of the ocean.

    If the water is polluted with floating fats and grease as well as asphaltene, motor oil and hydrocarbons, these spores soon form bacterial colonies or biofilms that go forth and multiply.

    That’s because these microbes use pollution as a food source. Seawater is increasingly polluted by runoff from farmland or hard surfaces such as roads. Everything washed into the stormwater drains out to sea. During heavy storms accidental overflow from sewage systems can also occur, as Rockhampton has experienced in the past.

    Algae is another food source for these microbes, as they can crack open algae cells to access the nutritious oils inside. Sea foams have been observed in northern France during algal blooms.

    Warm water makes matters worse, as the warmth increases the survival rate for Nocardiae. In our laboratory on the Sunshine Coast, we were able to replicate a foaming event. We found foaming started at water temperatures of 24°C and above.

    What can be done about it?

    Reducing stormwater pollution will reduce the growth of sea foams. Any potential incident of infections of these surfers can raise awareness of the problem.

    But sea foam can also be found in pristine environments such as national parks, where it is mostly due to oils leached from trees. We proved this fact at Noosa National Park.

    In my experience on the Sunshine Coast, the council and other local authorities have been very receptive to advice on how to fix the problem. They have supported our research and also completed major upgrades at sewage treatment plants over the last 20 years.

    Once there’s an outbreak in the environment it is very difficult to control. That’s because ocean is an open system, as opposed to the closed system of a sewage treatment plant, where operators can use special chemicals or mechanical equipment to break the foam down. In open sea it’s impossible. So we just have to wait for it to go away.

    In this case, teams of researchers from different disciplines should come together to explore the issue. Microbiologists, marine scientists, meteorologists and chemists should team up to find out what’s going on. Ocean currents should be followed to determine where the pollutants end up.

    Sea foam is a global issue

    Earlier this month Tropical Cyclone Alfred whipped up sea foam all the way along the coast from South East Queensland to northern New South Wales. I was horrified to see footage of people playing in the thick, sticky sea foam, blissfully unaware of the dangers.

    But the problem is not confined to Australia, sea foam can be found at polluted beaches all over the world. Examples include India and Turkey.

    I have been telling this story ever since I first observed it on the Sunshine Coast in 2003. Every time there’s a major sea foam event, the media is interested. But research support is also needed in the gaps in between. We scientists need to monitor the shorelines continuously.

    As long as humanity continues to produce pollution, the problem will increase. It will also worsen as the world warms, because sea foams like it hot.

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

    – ref. Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam. What was in it? – https://theconversation.com/dozens-of-surfers-fell-ill-after-swimming-in-seas-that-turned-into-a-bacterial-smoothie-of-sea-foam-what-was-in-it-252506

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sand-sized fossils hold secrets to the history of climate change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yuhao Dai, Research Fellow in Earth Sciences, Australian National University

    N-2-s/Shutterstock

    Between 18,000 and 11,000 years ago, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere suddenly shot up. This caused rapid global warming, the mass melting of glaciers, and the end of the last ice age.

    Much of this sudden influx of atmospheric CO₂ came from the Southern Ocean around Antarctica, highlighting the key role this body of water plays in regulating the global climate.

    However, we have a poor understanding of how and why CO₂ release from this region changed during periods such as the end of the last ice age. But our new study, published in Nature Communications, reveals how much CO₂ was released to the atmosphere from the polar Southern Ocean during this period – and what factors were responsible.

    We reached these conclusions by examining the chemistry of sand-sized fossils, called foraminifera, from the seafloor south of Tasmania.

    Tiny shells preserved in mud

    Foraminifera are tiny single-celled organisms, either floating in the ocean surface or living on the seabed. Most of them build shells made of calcium carbonate to protect themselves. After death, these foraminifera shells are preserved in the mud on the seabed.

    Newer generations of foraminifera shells stack over older ones, like adding new pages to a book. Over time, these foraminifera shells form a book on the seabed that can be dated back to millions of years ago.

    Even more fascinating, trace amounts of elements in the seawater are incorporated into the calcium carbonate shells of foraminifera. In some foraminifera species, the amount of these elements is sensitive to the environment they live in.

    For example, the amount of boron in a species called Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi is sensitive to carbonate ion concentrations, and the amount of cadmium in another species (Hoeglundina elegans) is sensitive to phosphate concentrations.

    By looking at trace elements in these foraminifera shells found in the sequence of mud on the seabed, we can decipher mysteries about the past seawater condition in the book left by foraminifera on the seabed.

    In some species of foraminifera, such as Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi (pictured here), the trace amount of elements found in their shells is sensitive to their environment.
    Le Coze, François/WoRMS, CC BY-SA

    A giant metal straw

    How do scientists do this? First we go out to the ocean to collect mud.

    In this process, a giant metal straw is dropped to the seabed and then raised to our research ships, fully filled with mud. We take these mud samples back to our lab. There, we slice them into pieces and examine them separately.

    This allows us to extract information from each page of the book in chronological order. Foraminifera shells are washed out of the mud, and specific shells are picked out under a microscope, cleaned, and finally analysed for their chemical composition.

    Foraminifera have lived almost everywhere in the ocean for millions of years. Based on their chemical composition, scientists have reconstructed a continuous record of seawater temperature during the past 66 million years in great detail.

    Among a few places in the ocean where you cannot find foraminifera is the polar Southern Ocean. Although some foraminifera live there, seawater in this region is often too corrosive for their shells to preserve on the seabed. The lack of foraminifera in the polar Southern Ocean brings a huge challenge for scientists eager to understand past changes in CO₂ exchanges between the ocean and the atmosphere.

    Among a few places in the ocean where you cannot find foraminifera is the polar Southern Ocean.
    Mathias Berlin/Shutterstock

    From Antarctica to Tasmania

    We decided to tackle the problem using mud on the seabed 3,300 metres below the surface just south of Tasmania.

    Seawater at that depth near Tasmania is ideal for studying the chemistry of the polar Southern Ocean. That’s because seawater from the polar Southern Ocean sinks to the bottom of the ocean, moves northwards, and eventually occupies the seabed south of Tasmania.

    Seawater chemistry – including concentrations of carbon, phosphate and oxygen – does change along its way at the bottom of the ocean.

    These changes are, however, generally proportional to each other. So if all these concentrations are known for seawater at depth near Tasmania, we can work out their concentrations in the polar Southern Ocean.

    Fortunately, there were plenty of foraminifera shells in the mud for all these reconstructions at the site we examined near Tasmania.

    Reconstructing ancient chemical concentrations

    Using the chemistry of foraminifera, we reconstructed changes in concentrations of carbonate ion (which is largely related to carbon), phosphate and oxygen at the bottom of the ocean near Tasmania during the end of the last ice age roughly 20,000–10,000 years ago. This period is known as the last deglaciation.

    Based on these reconstructions, we calculated the amount of CO₂ released from the polar Southern Ocean during the last deglaciation. Some of this CO₂ came from biological processes – changes in the amount of carbon used by microscopic organisms living near the ocean surface. The rest was from physical processes – CO₂ molecules escaping from seawater directly to the air.

    We found that biological processes were more important for CO₂ releases during the earlier stages of the deglaciation, while the physical processes contributed more during the later stages.

    From the polar Southern Ocean, seawater sinks to the bottom of the ocean and moves northwards to reach the seabed south of Tasmania.
    Steve Todd/Shutterstock

    So why is this important?

    Scientists use climate models to predict future climate and to reproduce past atmospheric CO₂ changes.

    Our results provide testing targets for climate models to reproduce.

    Better reproduction of past changes will improve climate model design for predicting future changes.

    This will help us understand how future changes in the polar Southern Ocean can affect atmospheric CO₂, contributing to making effective plans to mitigate CO₂ emissions.

    Yuhao Dai receives funding from the Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative, Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science.

    – ref. Sand-sized fossils hold secrets to the history of climate change – https://theconversation.com/sand-sized-fossils-hold-secrets-to-the-history-of-climate-change-250928

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: WuBlockchain Talks with BitMart Founder Sheldon: From Bitcoin in College to 7 Years of Entrepreneurship and U.S. Regulations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celebrating BitMart’s 7th anniversary, Wu Blockchain—one of the cryptocurrency industry’s leading media platforms—conducted an exclusive interview with BitMart founder Sheldon. The interview provides an in-depth retrospective on Sheldon’s journey from discovering Bitcoin as a college student to founding and scaling BitMart into a global digital asset exchange. It also explores the exchange’s evolution over the past seven years, key industry trends, and insights into the regulatory landscape shaping the future of crypto trading.

    The full interview is presented below.

    Sheldon, founder of BitMart, first encountered Bitcoin as a college sophomore in 2013 after reading about an ASIC mining breakthrough. That summer, he attended a Bitcoin conference in Hangzhou, meeting industry figures like CZ, Star Xu, Mo Buyi, and James Gong.

    After earning his master’s degree in 2017, he founded BitMart, which later secured investment from Fenbushi Capital in 2020. In 2024, BitMart launched its in-house derivatives system. With a CCO in place from day one, the exchange has maintained a relatively light regulatory burden.

    BitMart’s user retention hinges on data asset appreciation and interactive services. While Bitcoin’s downside risk appears limited, the broader crypto market remains sluggish. If political leadership shifts in four years, stricter regulations could follow.

    Encountering Bitcoin in Sophomore Year: Thought It Was Really Cool

    Colin: Sheldon, this year marks the 7th anniversary of BitMart. Congratulations on your continued growth and overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Could you start by briefly introducing your background, including your educational experience and your story before entering the crypto space?

    Sheldon: Recently, our platform celebrated its 7th anniversary. The company has actually been established for over 7 years, with about 9 months spent in preparation before our official launch on March 15, 2018, coinciding with the date of 3.15.

    Let me briefly introduce my past experiences. I studied computer science at Hangzhou Dianzi University. This background allowed me to come into contact with blockchain early on, given the close relationship between computer science and blockchain. I first encountered Bitcoin in early 2013 while I was a sophomore, filled with interest in new technologies and eager to explore cutting-edge innovations.

    At that time, I was still using Renren, a social media platform, where I operated my own small site on a platform called “Renren Xiaozhan,” writing code and collecting interesting news in the tech field to share. One day, I came across a news article about Brooklyn, New York, mentioning two young people who improved ASIC mining algorithms, increasing Bitcoin mining speeds by hundreds of times. This news piqued my interest, and I began to delve deeper into Bitcoin.

    At first, I was extremely excited, but to be honest, I only understood computers and programming and had no knowledge of finance. I considered Bitcoin to be a revolutionary technology that could change the world. From the perspective of financial freedom, it made global transfers free and convenient, which was an attractive concept for me at that time. Young people always pursue freedom, and I thought Bitcoin was really cool.

    2013 Hangzhou Bitcoin Conference: Met CZ, Star, and Others

    Colin: So, did you mine back then?

    Sheldon: Yes! While I was still studying, I tried mining using my own computer. The industry was still small back then, and I often met people at offline events. For instance, during the summer of 2013, I attended a Bitcoin conference in Hangzhou and met people like CZ, Star Xu from OK, Jame Gong, Mo Buyi, and Nick Chong. Everyone participated out of enthusiasm for blockchain, and there was quite a bit of interaction, which allowed me to meet many future industry partners.

    Colin: Did you continue to explore the industry after that?

    Sheldon: During college, I did some blockchain development and even created my own coin, which was quite well-known in 2013. Afterwards, I chose to focus on my studies and went to Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, USA, to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. While academically returning to the traditional computer field, I continued to follow developments in blockchain.

    Overall, Bitcoin indeed inspired me, especially the financial innovations it brought. What truly deepened my understanding of this industry was in 2016, when a fellow alumnus from my university, who had gone to the US before me and was working at SAP in Seattle, became the group leader of our overseas alumni association. We often chatted and exchanged views on blockchain and Bitcoin. During those years, I also attempted algorithmic trading and discussed related issues with him.

    Sheldon: Later, I read the Ethereum white paper, and after finishing it, I felt invigorated. At that time, Ethereum’s vision was to build a “world computer,” putting computation and storage entirely on-chain. This model was more intuitive compared to Bitcoin, with a grander vision and broader imaginative space, along with richer practical application scenarios.

    Colin: Was this in 2015?

    Sheldon: It was in the second half of 2016, just before Ethereum’s explosive growth. After reading its white paper, I felt it was a completely new world. Unlike Bitcoin’s philosophy, Ethereum could support smart contracts and had greater extensibility, which elevated my understanding of blockchain to another dimension.

    Subsequently, I and some classmates began to try coding and created some small applications on Ethereum. At the same time, I also participated in the cryptocurrency trading frenzy, accumulating some initial capital in the market. I experienced two bull market cycles and made some profits, but compared to those early players fully devoted to the industry, my capital accumulation was not that large.

    2017: The Opportunity and Preparation for BitMart’s Establishment

    In 2017, after graduating with my master’s degree, the market was particularly favorable for cryptocurrencies. I began considering my next direction and ultimately decided to start a business with some friends I met in 2013. Our idea was to establish a trading platform, so we began preparations in September 2017 and officially launched on March 15 of the following year. During those 8 to 9 months, we faced many challenges, including team building and fundraising. The entire process was quite tortuous, but we managed to launch the exchange right at the end of the bull market.

    Since then, BitMart Exchange has officially entered a fast-paced development track. The seven years have been both long and filled with challenges. Joining the crypto space was actually a coincidence, but fundamentally, it was driven by my interest in technology and the intriguing nature of blockchain. On the other hand, my understanding of traditional finance was limited, while blockchain offered a brand-new financial paradigm that could potentially disrupt the traditional financial system from a technical standpoint. Therefore, I ultimately decided to immerse myself in this industry and have persevered ever since.

    Colin: What was your strategy when you first started the exchange? Did you have a clear direction at that time?

    Sheldon: Our initial idea was quite simple. On one hand, the crypto market was in a rapid development phase, and on the other hand, competition in the exchange industry was not as fierce as it is now, with a high demand for listing coins. From the perspective of market demand, we believed there was significant potential for growth in exchange operations.

    Additionally, we identified three core areas in the industry: exchanges, mining, and chips. Ultimately, we chose exchanges as our entrepreneurial direction since the other two fields were not our areas of expertise.

    Our competitive strategy has actually remained largely unchanged from that time to now. The core value of an exchange lies in providing a trading venue, liquidity, and quality trading assets, so we decided from the outset to adopt a rich listing strategy. However, in 2017, the industry infrastructure was still underdeveloped, and optimizing product richness, liquidity, and technical foundation was much more challenging than it is today.

    At that time, there was a severe shortage of talent in the entire industry. There were almost no real blockchain practitioners, and most of the talent had to be cultivated or solutions had to be explored independently, making technical difficulties relatively high. However, we consistently adhered to our competitive strategy, which has continued to this day.

    Our team had a strong global presence, which led to BitMart being highly regarded worldwide. When the exchange launched, it garnered significant attention, and the subsequent user structure remained consistent across the globe.

    2017-2021: BitMart’s Journey from Startup to Rapid Development

    Colin: If you were to divide BitMart’s 7 to 8 years of development into different phases, how would you define these phases? What are their characteristics?

    Sheldon: I believe that BitMart’s development phases are closely linked to changes in the company’s organizational structure, talent framework, and business scale. If we were to categorize the phases, I believe the company is currently in the fourth phase.

    The first phase includes the years 2017 to 2019, during which BitMart was in its startup stage as a company. At that time, our team was small, and our business level and market share were still in the early stages of development.

    The bear market in 2019 and the market slump in early 2020 were significant tests for the team. The entire industry was extremely cold at that time, leading us to undergo a wave of personnel adjustments, with many early core members choosing to leave due to the changing market environment. I believe that during that phase, every exchange faced immense survival pressure. It was the most challenging period.

    Following that, from 2020 to 2021, we entered the second phase, which was a rapid development phase. In early 2020, Fenbushi Capital invested in our equity, which, although not a large amount, was highly significant for us.

    In 2020, we upgraded the team comprehensively, and the organizational structure underwent a major adjustment. Many key core members joined at that time and have remained with the company, becoming the backbone of today’s organization, taking on crucial management roles. This organizational adjustment laid the foundation for BitMart’s rapid growth thereafter.

    Sheldon: In 2020 and 2021, with the optimization of our talent structure, we also welcomed a bull market. During those two years, asset issuance was exceptionally frantic, and DeFi summer drove the expansion of the entire crypto industry’s asset scale, also creating numerous opportunities for the appreciation of emerging assets. This industry trend directly propelled the business growth of BitMart Exchange.

    Especially in mid-2021, our performance data reached an extraordinarily exaggerated growth level, with monthly trading volume increasing by 100 times compared to 2020. In terms of user growth, the number of retail traders and app downloads surged, and we briefly entered the top 20 of the Apple Store, even surpassing PayPal at one point. During that time, BitMart’s daily downloads reached hundreds of thousands, with daily registrations peaking in the tens of thousands, rapidly increasing our market share. It can be said that at that time, our exchange business ranked at least in the top five globally.

    Our success primarily relied on a rich asset issuance strategy and the user-friendliness of our platform products.

    2022-2023: Strengthening Risk Control and Security Investments

    Sheldon: We define the years 2022 and 2023 as the “consolidation phase” of development. The main focus of our investment has been on products, research and development, security, and risk control. We have conducted another round of upgrades and optimizations for our internal management processes, product research systems, operational SOPs, and team structure.

    The years 2017 to 2019 were led by the first generation of BitMart’s management team, while 2020 to 2021 saw the introduction of the second generation of core leadership. In 2022 to 2023, we welcomed the third generation of core leadership, gradually moving towards a professional managerial approach, bringing in many key personnel from traditional finance industries and other leading exchanges. At the same time, we also undertook large-scale upgrades and iterations of our technical systems, optimizing the exchange’s infrastructure.

    Moreover, the construction of our risk control and security systems has also been further strengthened, with substantial investment in security facilities. To some extent, we view the bear market as an opportunity to focus on internal optimization and enhance overall stability and risk resistance.

    2024: Launching an In-house Developed Derivatives System

    Sheldon: I believe that the period from 2024 to 2025 will be the fourth development stage for BitMart, marking a new growth phase. The core growth areas during this phase will primarily focus on contracts and derivatives business.

    In 2024, we officially launched a brand-new an in-house developed derivatives system, which is a fully in-memory trading clearing and settlement system that greatly enhances trading efficiency and performance. In terms of derivatives products, this system has nearly bridged the gap between us and first-tier exchanges. The launch of this complete clearing and settlement system has made the expansion of our derivatives business much smoother. Over the past year, the growth rate of derivatives trading has been rapid, becoming a new growth engine for the company.

    Additionally, to accommodate this growth, we have also made adjustments and optimizations to our fourth-generation leadership team, further introducing new core management. This evolution of organizational structure is actually an inevitable trend, as it is difficult to advance the company to the next stage without adapting the organizational structure to changes in business models.

    BitMart’s Core Strategy for Compliant Development

    Colin: I remember you have always emphasized compliance. Compared to other trading platforms, your strategy seems somewhat different. How did you formulate your compliance strategy back then?

    Sheldon: Yes, BitMart established a CCO (Chief Compliance Officer) from the very beginning. Our core executive team also includes someone specifically responsible for legal affairs. In the early stages, we conducted in-depth analyses of the compliance environment for business development and formulated a comprehensive compliance operation plan, closely cooperating with law firms to ensure our business operations were legal and compliant. Thus, we have a relatively light historical burden.

    Sheldon: I believe that the founders of each exchange have different personalities and decision-making styles. As entrepreneurs, the most important thing is to clearly understand what you truly want, what you have, and what you are willing to give up.

    Some exchanges choose an extremely aggressive growth model, willing to take compliance risks in pursuit of excess returns. We, on the other hand, clearly chose a more stable development path from the outset, unwilling to take unnecessary legal risks. This reflects the differing considerations of various entrepreneurs regarding risk and return; each exchange will have its unique considerations.

    Future Market Expansion Directions: Focus on Asia and Europe

    Colin: Has your user base changed? You just mentioned the derivatives business, and in certain markets, you clearly cannot conduct derivatives trading. Has there been any adjustment in the geographic distribution of your users?

    Sheldon: Our derivatives business was relatively small before 2024. Compared to derivatives trading, spot trading has relatively lenient regulatory requirements, so we have remained in a relatively controllable state regarding regulatory pressure.

    From 2021 to 2024, there has been a noticeable change in our user distribution, shifting from primarily North American users to being dominated by Asian and European markets. Currently, our derivatives trading remains mainly concentrated in the Asian market, where user activity and trading demand are still the highest.

    Core Value of Retaining Users Lies in “Appreciation of Data Assets” and “Interactive Services”

    Colin: So, how is your overall revenue and profitability situation now? How has the company performed in terms of revenue?

    Sheldon: Overall, the situation is quite good. Our ability to list coins has always been strong. If you conduct market research, you will find that we are consistently one of the exchanges with the most and fastest listings in the industry. Our accelerated listing strategy has kept our overall revenue at a relatively stable high level, especially in terms of revenue from spot trading fees, where we have always maintained a leading position.

    In 2023, we explicitly proposed a strategy for diversifying our “revenue pillars,” expanding from solely spot revenue to include derivatives revenue. In 2024, the growth of derivatives trading significantly boosted our overall revenue. This has also led to some expansion within our team, though we still maintain streamlined operations. Currently, the company has nearly 500 employees, more than doubling in size compared to 2021.

    Colin: Will there be any new changes in the company’s strategy this year?

    Sheldon: Yes, BitMart’s core strategy has been evolving, but there is a core vision and mission that has never changed. Over the past five years, during every annual and quarterly meeting, we have repeatedly emphasized our vision—to become the infrastructure of the future Web3 world.

    Colin: You mentioned the vision that the company has consistently adhered to. If you were to summarize the core values of BitMart’s development over the years or the most important aspects of corporate culture, how would you define them?

    Sheldon: From a user-facing perspective, we have always aimed to provide a free trading venue, offering users the opportunity for asset selection, and creating an open, free, and trustworthy Web3 platform. Therefore, our products and trading tools are always designed from the user’s needs, striving to meet user demands as much as possible in terms of trading experience and asset support. This philosophy has enabled BitMart to maintain a high user retention rate and continuously expand its market.

    Colin: What kind of values do you advocate in terms of the company’s internal culture?

    Sheldon: The core values of our internal culture can be summarized in five keywords: trust, reliability, simplicity, efficiency, and persistence.

    These values permeate the company’s daily communication, strategy formulation, and business execution processes. Whether in team collaboration or decision-making in response to market changes, we consistently adhere to these five core principles.

    From the revenue strategy perspective, we are promoting the expansion from spot income to derivatives income to achieve diversified growth. From a long-term strategic viewpoint, this year we also formulated a “decentralized wallet strategy.” In the third quarter of 2025, we plan to launch our own decentralized wallet and integrate it with existing CEX wallets.

    For exchanges, the core value of retaining users lies in the “appreciation of data assets” and “interactive services.” The wallet strategy is extremely important to us as it is not merely a storage tool but also serves as the gateway for users to enter the Web3 world. Based on this entry point, we can establish a complete asset appreciation system and provide services such as asset management and information interaction. This aligns with the core direction of our long-term vision and mission.

    Colin: Is it necessary to develop a wallet in-house? For instance, acquiring existing on-chain products or wallets might also be a good choice, much like Binance acquiring Trust Wallet back in the day?

    Sheldon: Indeed, acquisition is a feasible option, but we have already built substantial technical expertise in this area. Our asset management framework also collaborates with some third-party custodians, such as Copper, Fireblocks, and Cobo. However, our internal team has accumulated significant experience in wallet technology over a long period. The year 2025 is a suitable time, so we decided to develop it in-house rather than pursue an acquisition directly.

    The Trend of Integration Between CEX and DEX

    Colin: Your strategy is also an issue that all CEXs must face. Just like in 2017 when Binance capitalized on the altcoin market boom, today CEXs may face challenges from DEX and on-chain economies. Do you think this challenge will fundamentally impact CEXs?

    Sheldon: I believe that CEX and DEX each have their distinct advantages, and the user groups they serve differ significantly. Currently, it is unlikely that the product forms of the two will fully merge in the short term, but in the medium to long term, CEX and DEX will gradually converge, borrowing from and integrating with each other’s technologies.

    For example, many DEXs rely on decentralized backends for clearing and settlement, but the front-end presentation and interaction still use centralized methods. Similarly, CEXs are beginning to integrate decentralized self-custody wallets into their internal centralized wallets, enhancing users’ control over their assets.

    I think that in the future, both CEX and DEX will continue to grow in market size and ultimately form a state of integration. DEXs have clear advantages in terms of transparency, self-custody, and censorship resistance, while CEXs still dominate in high-frequency trading, high liquidity, and support for complex trading strategies. Therefore, neither will completely replace the other; instead, they will continually move closer in their respective areas of expertise, forming a complementary relationship.

    Colin: Do you think the market space for CEX will become smaller? On one hand, it faces competition from DEX, and on the other, local compliance exchanges are also developing rapidly.

    Sheldon: This question needs to be analyzed separately. In terms of absolute market value, the market size of CEXs will continue to grow over the next 5 to 10 years. However, in terms of market share, the outlook may not be as optimistic.

    Currently, regulation on DEX is relatively lenient. For instance, the withdrawal of lawsuits against DEX-driven protocols like Uniswap has provided many opportunities for DEX to grow. Therefore, the market share of DEX may continue to rise.

    However, the growth of CEXs still relies on the overall expansion of assets in the crypto industry. Especially with the trend of digital financial assets, the advent of the AI era will generate a large number of new data assets, significantly increasing their application and interaction frequency. Overall, the market size of the industry (especially for CEX exchanges) will continue to grow and is unlikely to stagnate at least in the next 5 to 10 years.

    Nonetheless, changes in market share may suggest that more emerging entrepreneurs will find greater opportunities in DEX or other DeFi areas.

    Bitcoin Market Prediction: Long-Term Target of $1 Million, Short-Term Influenced by Federal Reserve Policies

    Colin: You have a lot of observations about the US market, and we’ve discussed the current market state. How do you see the upcoming market trend? What impact might adjustments in US policies have on the market? The US government is indeed loosening regulations and providing greater support to the industry, but at the same time, macro factors like rising inflation may have some influence on the market. How do you view the future market trends? From the company’s perspective, you must also assess these factors, as they will directly impact future investments and growth planning. Additionally, how do you view the opportunities that changes in the US regulatory environment may bring to the industry?

    Sheldon: From the perspective of the secondary market, Bitcoin has gradually decoupled from other asset classes, but it still remains highly correlated with US macroeconomic policies. Therefore, in the long term, most people’s view is consistent—Bitcoin will eventually rise to $1 million. However, in the short term, Bitcoin’s price movements are still largely dependent on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut policies, the inflow of funds for Bitcoin spot ETFs, and any potential national Bitcoin reserve plans.

    Currently, the downside potential for Bitcoin seems limited, and while market liquidity is somewhat constrained, Bitcoin’s fundamentals remain solid. However, aside from Bitcoin, the market situation for other crypto assets is relatively bleak. The market currently lacks new capital influx, and there are no truly valuable “trust-level” protocols or applications emerging from the product side. Therefore, in terms of value creation and liquidity, the entire market remains in a sluggish state.

    This recent market surge’s funding primarily comes from traditional financial institutions and the inflow of US ETFs. Bitcoin’s ultimate destination is to be held by banks and a few compliant custodians, rather than flowing into DEXs or unregulated entities as it did in the past. Thus, the overall leverage in the market has significantly decreased. In previous bull markets, offshore exchanges or unregulated entities had very high leverage, leading to market over-expansion, while the deleveraging process frequently resulted in liquidation waves, creating massive volatility. However, in this round, the leverage spillover effect is relatively weak; even though Bitcoin’s turnover rate is high, the proportion of retail holdings has significantly decreased. Consequently, the entire secondary market, especially the altcoin market, remains in a relatively challenging phase.

    Sheldon: From the perspective of the US policy environment, the potential return of Trump could bring certain opportunities to the market. In the past, the US government’s regulatory model was primarily enforcement-driven, as the crypto industry has long lacked clear legal foundations. Enforcement mainly relied on securities laws and anti-money laundering regulations. Furthermore, multiple agencies (SEC, CFTC, DOJ, etc.) have regulated the crypto industry under a traditional financial framework, with a very tough stance. This multi-agency regulatory model has led to a significant outflow of domestic companies, causing market funds to remain in a prolonged wait-and-see state.

    Trump’s election, while not immediately resulting in new legislation, could positively influence the regulatory attitude. From the legislative process perspective, after a bill is proposed in the House, it needs to be reviewed by the Senate, followed by multiple rounds of amendments. Therefore, forming a stable regulatory framework will take a long time. However, the Trump administration’s attitude might bring short-term positive impacts on the market, especially for institutional investors who are currently hesitant, as this could serve as an important incentive, releasing suppressed market capital and the energy for product innovation.

    Currently, enforcement agencies maintain a strong crackdown on illegal activities and financial crimes in the crypto industry. However, in terms of securities regulation, especially regarding innovative businesses involving crypto assets, such as tokenization and DeFi compliance, there is a possibility of greater policy leniency. Overall, the trend suggests that the future US crypto industry will gain a more stable policy environment to a certain extent, rather than being in a high-pressure and uncertain state as in the past few years.

    Colin: But are you concerned that US policies may undergo drastic changes with party shifts? For instance, two or four years down the line, if Congress changes, could there be a significant reversal in policy direction?

    Sheldon: That possibility does exist, and it can even be said to be highly likely. This four-year period is better described as a postponement of enforcement rather than a cessation. For example, several crypto-related companies were prosecuted right before the election last year, and some significant fines and settlements were also finalized during Biden’s term. If political parties change again in four years, the likelihood of stricter regulatory policies remains high. 

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus.

    Disclaimer:
    Use of BitMart services is entirely at your own risk. All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

    The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Leads Seattle Doctors and Patients in Saying No to Medicaid Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.18.25

    Cantwell Leads Seattle Doctors and Patients in Saying No to Medicaid Cuts

    Cantwell releases second snapshot report featuring new data about Medicaid’s crucial role in keeping Seattle-area residents healthy

    SEATTLE, WA  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, held a press conference with Seattle-area health care professionals and patients to discuss the harms that would result from proposed cuts to Medicaid.

    “This is a tsunami of cuts coming at the people of Washington and the United States of America,” said Sen. Cantwell, “And I guarantee you this is not a drill.”

    Whitney Stohr, advocate and mother of Malachi, who was born with spina bifida, spoke about Medicaid’s role in her son’s treatment: “While I was taking care of him in those early days in the hospital I knew that there was no way my family could afford the care. We couldn’t pay for it then, we couldn’t pay for it now – at least not without Medicaid.”

    “For families like mine, for kids like Malachi, Medicaid is the lifeline,” Stohr added.

    McKenzi Fish, a childhood cancer survivor and founder of Forever Fighters, who was covered by Medicaid during her fight against Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager, said: ”Fourteen months of my treatments, scans, medications, and tests would have cost her [single mom] $500,000 … Cancer fighters endure many challenges emotionally, mentally, and physically during their fight. Financial worries and complications should not serve as an additional stress to an already exhausting struggle.”

    “Cuts of the magnitude that are being discussed are existential for Harborview,” said Sommer Kleweno-Walley, CEO of Harborview Medical Center. “We simply could not exist as we do today if the proposals being discussed were to move forward.”

    On February 25, House Republicans voted to advance President Trump’s budget resolution, which proposes up to an $880 billion cut from Medicaid.

    Also today, Sen. Cantwell released a second snapshot report with new data showing the crucial role that Medicaid – known as Apple Health in Washington state – plays in funding Seattle-area health care.

    • Medicaid funded 22.6% of inpatient care and 18.1% of outpatient care at hospitals in Western Washington in 2023. Western Washington hospitals saw 623,549 Medicaid patients in 2023.
    • In the Federal Way, Burien, SeaTac, and Kent areas, more than 70% of children are enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid in the State of Washington).
    • Medicaid is the largest payer at Seattle Children’s, accounting for over 50% of patients. 39% of Harborview’s revenue came from Medicaid in 2024.
    • The State of Washington ranks 51st in the nation in patient-to-bed ratio, at 1.6 beds per 1,000 residents. By causing likely closures of hospitals in rural areas, Medicaid cuts would worsen our state’s patient-to-bed ratio.

    “We need everyone to call their member of Congress and the White House and say ‘this level of massive cuts to Medicaid is not what we want,’” said Sen. Cantwell.

    Last month, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on the health care system statewide.

    That snapshot included new data on the percentage of Medicaid patients in each of the State of Washington’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as by region. In the 7th Congressional District, 26% of children and 12% of adults are on Medicaid. In the 9th Congressional District, 56% of children and 21% of adults are on Medicaid.

    The other speakers at today’s event were Dr. Jason Deen, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and pediatric cardiologist at the University of Washington; Dr. Ettore Palazzo, CEO of Evergreen Health; and Yi-Hui Chi, Behavioral Health Director at Neighborcare Health. Their comments can be viewed on video.

    Video of today’s entire press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the rescued astronauts return, space law is still in orbit over who’s responsible when missions go wrong

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Marie Brennan, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    Now back on Earth thanks to Space X’s Dragon capsule, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will be breathing fresh air again after a gruelling nine months onboard the International Space Station.

    Stranded in June 2024 after their experimental Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned and was deemed too risky to carry passengers back to Earth, their stay was further extended last week when the recovery mission was postponed due to launchpad problems.

    A successful rescue mission will be a relief to NASA, which had the unprecedented task of figuring out how to get the astronauts home. But the crisis has also raised difficult questions about space missions and what happens if they don’t go to plan.

    This is complicated by civilians now going into space, including actor William Shatner and business tycoons Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Later this year, pop star Katy Perry and talk show host Gayle King will blast off on board Blue Origin’s NS-31 Mission.

    Corporations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab and Virgin Galactic are increasingly at the forefront of the new space race, but they operate in a legal vacuum as well as an atmospheric one.

    With the law not keeping pace with this rapid rise in commercial space exploration and exploitation, just who has a duty to rescue so-called space tourists and astronauts is unclear. Urgent legal reform is needed.

    Privatisation of space

    International space law contains a special duty for countries to rescue astronauts, regardless of their nationality.

    According to the United Nations Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, all member countries of the treaty, not just the country that launched the mission, have a duty to take “all necessary steps” to assist spacecraft crew in distress.

    This includes missions still in space as well as spacecraft that crash land in another state’s territory or at sea. The state conducting the rescue mission must safely return the astronauts to Earth – and to the country they originally launched from.

    But it’s not clear whether private space companies will have a similar duty. Some experts worry space tourists may have no real legal protection.

    Space law dates from the 20th century, when the 1967 Outer Space Treaty was adopted. But the original space race involved superpowers, and the possibility of corporations one day crossing the “final frontier” wasn’t even considered.

    So, if space tourists become stranded like Williams and Wilmore have been, there’s a possibility – in law at least – they could be left to fend for themselves.

    NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on their way to the launch craft of the ill-fated mission in June 2024.
    Getty Images

    Who is an ‘astronaut’?

    Space policy experts are now calling on the international community to adopt a broad interpretation of the term “astronaut” to ensure anyone has a right to be rescued regardless of their legal status.

    They’re also calling for new rules to determine who is responsible for rescuing private citizens if they get into trouble. Despite the several treaties and conventions regulating space activity, none address space tourism.

    Currently, space tourism involves lower atmosphere travel, but SpaceX’s Elon Musk has talked about sending tourists to Mars. However realistic that is, space law is struggling to keep up with such ambitions.

    With the rise of private space missions, there is now a strong argument for the companies involved being required to shoulder or share the associated costs and responsibilities.

    Described by the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs as “envoys of humankind”, astronauts undergo years of arduous training before taking part in space missions. They are acutely aware of the risks of space travel – but have embraced it.

    The same can’t be said for civilians. Space tourism is still in its early days, but the companies promoting it will need to act responsibly and sustainably. This means making their customers aware of the dangers and implementing rescue procedures and protocols.

    Without proper regulatory oversight, however, space tourism companies could require prospective customers to sign legal agreements waiving their right to rescue if they are in danger.

    The challenge for space law now is to find a workable compromise between human safety and corporate profit motives.

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

    – ref. As the rescued astronauts return, space law is still in orbit over who’s responsible when missions go wrong – https://theconversation.com/as-the-rescued-astronauts-return-space-law-is-still-in-orbit-over-whos-responsible-when-missions-go-wrong-252594

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views on the future of European University Alliances – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    University © Adobe Stock

    On March 19th, the Committee on Culture and Education will hold an exchange of views on the future of European University Alliances. The discussion will focus on plans to make the European University Alliances sustainable and strengthen them to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness and innovation and touch upon the European Degree.

    The Key speakers will be Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Prof. Szeptycki for the Polish Presidency and Ms. Susanne Conze from the European Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Science Continues After Firefly’s First Moon Mission Concludes

    Source: NASA

    After landing on the Moon with NASA science and technology demonstrations March 2, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 concluded its mission March 16. Analysis of data returned to Earth from the NASA instruments continues, benefitting future lunar missions.
    As part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander delivered 10 NASA science and technology instruments to the Mare Crisium basin on the near side of the Moon. During the mission, Blue Ghost captured several images and videos, including imaging a total solar eclipse and a sunset from the surface of the Moon. The mission lasted for about 14 days, or the equivalent of one lunar day, and multiple hours into the lunar night before coming to an end.
    “Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 marks the longest surface duration commercial mission on the Moon to date, collecting extraordinary science data that will benefit humanity for decades to come,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “With NASA’s CLPS initiative, American companies are now at the forefront of an emerging lunar economy that lights the way for the agency’s exploration goals on the Moon and beyond.”
    All 10 NASA payloads successfully activated, collected data, and performed operations on the Moon. Throughout the mission, Blue Ghost transmitted 119 gigabytes of data back to Earth, including 51 gigabytes of science and technology data. In addition, all payloads were afforded additional opportunities to conduct science and gather more data for analysis, including during the eclipse and lunar sunset.
    “Operating on the Moon is complex; carrying 10 payloads, more than has ever flown on a CLPS delivery before, makes the mission that much more impressive,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters. “Teams are eagerly analyzing their data, and we are extremely excited for the expected scientific findings that will be gained from this mission.”
    Among other achievements, many of the NASA instruments performed first-of-their-kind science and technology demonstrations, including:

    The Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity  is now the deepest robotic planetary subsurface thermal probe, drilling  up to 3 feet and providing a first-of-its kind demonstration of robotic thermal measurements at varying depths.
    The Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment acquired and tracked Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals, from satellite networks such as GPS and Galileo, for the first time enroute to and on the Moon’s surface. The LuGRE payload’s record-breaking success indicates that GNSS signals could complement other navigation methods and be used to support future Artemis missions. It also acts as a stepping stone to future navigation systems on Mars. 
    The Radiation Tolerant Computer successfully operated in transit through Earth’s Van Allen belts, as well as on the lunar surface into the lunar night, verifying solutions to mitigate radiation effects on computers that could make future missions safer for equipment and more cost effective.
    The Electrodynamic Dust Shield successfully lifted and removed lunar soil, or regolith, from surfaces using electrodynamic forces, demonstrating a promising solution for dust mitigation on future lunar and interplanetary surface operations.
    The Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder successfully deployed five sensors to study the Moon’s interior by measuring electric and magnetic fields. The instrument allows scientists to characterize the interior of the Moon to depths up to 700 miles, or more than half the distance to the Moon’s center.
    The Lunar Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager captured a series of X-ray images to study the interaction of the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field, providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces surrounding Earth affect the planet. 
    The Next Generation Lunar Retroreflector successfully reflected and returned laser light from two Lunar Laser Ranging Observatories, returning measurements allowing scientists to precisely measure the Moon’s shape and distance from Earth, expanding our understanding of the Moon’s inner structure. 
    The Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies instrument captured about 9,000 images during the spacecraft’s lunar descent and touchdown on the Moon, providing insights into the effects engine plumes have on the surface. The payload also operated during the lunar sunset and into the lunar night.
    The Lunar PlanetVac was deployed on the lander’s surface access arm and successfully collected, transferred, and sorted lunar soil using pressurized nitrogen gas, demonstrating a low-cost, low-mass solution for future robotic sample collection.
    The Regolith Adherence Characterization instrument examined how lunar regolith sticks to a range of materials exposed to the Moon’s environment, which can help test, improve, and protect spacecraft, spacesuits, and habitats from abrasive lunar dust or regolith.

    The data captured will benefit humanity in many ways, providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces may impact Earth. Establishing an improved awareness of the lunar environment ahead of future crewed missions will help plan for long-duration surface operations under Artemis.
    To date, five vendors have been awarded 11 lunar deliveries under CLPS and are sending more than 50 instruments to various locations on the Moon, including the lunar South Pole and far side.
    Learn more about NASA’s CLPS initiative at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/clps
    -end-
    Alise Fisher Headquarters, Washington202-617-4977alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
    Natalia Riusech / Nilufar RamjiJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111nataila.s.riusech@nasa.gov / nilufar.ramji@nasa.gov
    Antonia JaramilloKennedy Space Center, Florida321-501-8425antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, USGS, Industry Explore Off-World Resource Development

    Source: NASA

    NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) welcomed a community of government, industry, and international partners to explore current technology needs around natural resources – both on Earth and “off world.” During a workshop held in February at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, participants discussed technologies that will improve the ability to detect, assess, and develop resources, such as critical minerals and water ice to be found on our Moon, other planets and their moons, and asteroids.
    More than 300 attendees, taking part in person and virtually, worked to define the elements needed to find and map resources beyond Earth to support the growing space economy. These include sensors to image the subsurface of planetary bodies, new platforms for cost-effective operations, and technologies that enable new concepts of operation for these systems.
    Scientific studies and measurements of off-world sites will be key to detecting and characterizing resources of interest, creating an important synergy with technology goals and helping to answer fundamental science questions as well.
    The workshop was the third in a series called Planetary Subsurface Exploration for Science and Resources. By leveraging the expertise gained from decades of resource exploration on this planet and that of the space technology and space mission communities, NASA and USGS aim to spark collaboration across industry, government, and academia to develop new concepts and technologies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to 62nd Annual Goddard Space Science Symposium

    Source: NASA

    Media are invited to meet leaders in the space community during the 62nd annual Goddard Space Science Symposium, taking place from Wednesday, March 19, to Friday, March 21, at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland. The symposium will also be streamed online.
    Hosted by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) in conjunction with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, the symposium examines the current state and future of space science and space exploration at large by convening leading minds across NASA, other government agencies, policy, academia, and industry – collectively navigating a path forward by identifying the opportunities and challenges ahead.
    This year’s theme, “Pathways and Partnerships for U.S. Leadership in Earth and Space Science,” highlights the evolving collaborative landscape between the public and private sectors, as well as how it is helping the United States remain and grow as a leading space power. 
    “Earth and space science are complex by nature, with a growing list of public and private enterprises carving out their space,” said Christa Peters-Lidard, co-chair of the symposium planning committee and Goddard’s director of sciences and exploration. “It’s an exciting time as we work to determine the future trajectory of space exploration in this new era, and the Goddard Space Science Symposium is an instrumental tool for gathering the insights of leading experts across a broad spectrum.”
    AAS President Ron Birk and Goddard Deputy Center Director Cynthia Simmons will deliver the symposium’s opening remarks on March 19, followed by panels on enabling science and exploration from the Moon to Mars and navigating space science and exploration policy. Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy at the University of Central Florida, will deliver the keynote address. The first day will conclude with an industry night reception.
    The second day of the symposium on Thursday, March 20, will feature panels on enhancing U.S. economic leadership through science, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, and the confluence of public science and the private sector. Gillian Bussey, deputy chief science officer for the U.S. Space Force, will serve as the luncheon speaker.
    Panels on the third and final day, March 21, will discuss integrating multi-sector data to advance Earth and space science, the Heliophysics Decadal Survey, and the space weather enterprise. Mark Clampin, acting deputy associate administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, will provide the luncheon address.
    Media interested in arranging interviews with NASA speakers should contact Jacob Richmond, Goddard acting news chief.
    For more information on the Goddard Space Science Symposium and the updated program, or to register as a media representative, visit https://astronautical.org/events/goddard.
    For more information on NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, visit https://www.nasa.gov/goddard.
    Media Contact:Jacob RichmondNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SoftServe Prepares Enterprises for Next AI Stages with New Agentic AI Solution at NVIDIA GTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoftServe, a premier IT consulting and digital services provider, today introduced the SoftServe QA Agent, an agentic AI solution aiming to accelerate quality and assurance (QA) processes with AI test automation. Launched during NVIDIA’s annual conference, GTC 2025, this new offering is SoftServe’s latest development on AI agents, preparing enterprises for a future where agentic AI and physical AI converge to redefine automation, robotics, and decision-making in real-world environments.

    Agentic AI

    The SoftServe QA Agent will boost developers’ productivity by automating repetitive code and testing tasks. It was built with a custom reasoning model to transform manual test creation, execution, and validation for dramatically reduced overhead, enhanced inference, and increased coverage. The new solution would support the newly launched NVIDIA Llama Nemotron Reason open reasoning models, as well as the DeepSeek-R1 model available as an NVIDIA NIM microservice, to drive intelligent automation and decision-making with greater transparency and control.

    “As applications become more complex, organizations struggle to keep pace with ever-growing test requirements,” said Volodymyr Karpiv, Research & Development Director at SoftServe. “The SoftServe QA Agent is a game-changer. All of our AI agents are specialized, task-driven systems built on pre-trained language models and integrated with infrastructure to deliver three-times the efficiency gains in software modernization and testing. These agents will automate well-defined repetitive tasks and bridge skill gaps with efficiency and intelligence, generating market disruptions with lower costs and shorter time to market.”

    The SoftServe QA Agent focuses on training models that observe screens, build internal knowledge graphs of the application’s structure, and then acts on the information to simplify deployments and maximize security and data privacy across any infrastructure, such as cloud, data center, and edge environment.

    Whether businesses are maintaining legacy systems or rolling out new features, SoftServe QA Agent adapts to specific needs while delivering higher-quality software at lower costs.

    Physical AI

    The SoftServe QA Agent is one step in the direction of the next stage in AI development: building agentic AI systems beyond the enterprise to prepare facilities for physical AI. Throughout a facility, multiple AI agents can automate processes, assist operators, and enforce proper safety precautions.

    During GTC, SoftServe and Bright Machines discuss smarter manufacturing design and how digital twins serve as the first step – or a bridge – to preparing for physical AI in a live demo developed on NVIDIA Omniverse at booth #1009 March 18-20 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. PT.

    ABOUT SOFTSERVE
    SoftServe is a premier IT consulting and digital services provider. We expand the horizon of new technologies to solve today’s complex business challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes for our clients. Our boundless curiosity drives us to explore and reimagine the art of the possible. Clients confidently rely on SoftServe to architect and execute mature and innovative capabilities, such as digital engineering, data and analytics, cloud, and AI/ML.

    Our global reputation is gained from more than 30 years of experience delivering superior digital solutions at exceptional speed by top-tier engineering talent to enterprise industries, including high tech, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail, energy, and manufacturing. Visit our website, blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter) pages for more information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ACM Research Appoints Charlie Pappis to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, today announced the appointment of Charlie Pappis to its Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2025. With the addition of Mr. Pappis, ACM’s Board of Directors now comprises five members, further strengthening its leadership and expertise as the company executes its long-term growth strategy.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Pappis to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. David Wang, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACM. “His deep industry knowledge, proven leadership in scaling global operations, and commitment to customer-driven innovation align perfectly with ACM’s mission to become a key supplier of capital equipment to major global semiconductor companies. His insights will be invaluable as we increase our investments and business expansion in the U.S. to support our growth initiatives to new markets beyond mainland China.”

    Charlie Pappis is a semiconductor industry veteran with more than 40 years of leadership experience in global operations, customer engagement, and business growth. He currently serves as President of Pappis Consulting, advising semiconductor equipment and supply chain companies. Previously, he spent more than 30 years at a major global U.S.-based semiconductor equipment company, where he held key executive level leadership roles. Mr. Pappis holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an Executive MBA from Stanford University.

    About ACM Research, Inc.

    ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com.

    © ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, this trademark appears in this press release without a ™ symbol, but that practice does not mean that ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademark.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In the United States: The Blueshirt Group
    Steven C. Pelayo, CFA
    +1 (360) 808-5154
    steven@blueshirtgroup.co
       
    In China: The Blueshirt Group Asia
    Gary Dvorchak, CFA
    gary@blueshirtgroup.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

    CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The State-wise list of centrally controlled/ administered Agricultural Universities/ colleges is placed at Annexure.

    The agriculture including agricultural education is a state subject, therefore, state governments establish agriculture universities/colleges as per their requirement.

    Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed ‘ICAR Model Act (Revised 2023)’ for Higher Agricultural Educational Institutions in India and ‘Minimum Requirements for Establishing the Agricultural Colleges’. 

    There is no such proposal to open an agricultural school in the aspirational district of Sirohi.  However, Sirohi district has 01 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) which provides skill development trainings to farmers including local youth.

    Agricultural education, being the State subject, the State Governments have their own policies and guidelines to promote private universities and colleges.  ICAR only provides accreditation to agricultural colleges and universities based on their demand.  During last five years, number of private accredited agriculture colleges increased from 05 (2020-21) to 22 (2024-25) in the country.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    Annexure

    State

    Name of Universities

    Constituent Colleges

    Central Agricultural Universities:

    Bihar

    Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
    1. Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
    2. College of Fisheries, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
    3. Pandit Dindayal Upadhayay College of Horticulture and Forestry, Piprakothi, Motihari, Bihar
    4. College of Community Science, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
    5. College of Agriculture Engineering, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
    6. College of Basic Science and Humanities, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
    7. Post-Graduate College of Agriculture, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
    8. School of Agri-business and Rural Management (SAB&RM), Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar

    Manipur

    Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur
    1. College of Agriculture, Imphal, Manipur
    2. College of Food Technology, Imphal, Manipur
    3. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, Nagaland.
    4. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl, Mizoram.
    5. College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, Mizoram
    6. College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam, Meghalaya
    7. College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya
    8. College of Community Sciences, Tura, Meghalaya
    9. College of Agricultural Engg. And Post Harvest Technology, Ranipool, Sikkim
    10. College of Horticulture, Bermiok, Sikkim
    11. College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura
    12. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
    13. College of Agriculture, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh

    Uttar Pradesh

    Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
    1. College of Agriculture, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
    2. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
    3. College of Fisheries, Datia, Madhya Pradesh
    4. College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Datia, Madhya Pradesh

    Deemed to be Universities:

    Delhi

    ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

    Haryana

    ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana

    Uttar Pradesh

    ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh

    Maharashtra

    ICAR-Central Institute on Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra

    ******

    (Release ID: 2112391)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog organises National Workshop on ‘Empowering State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative Approach for Improving India’s R&D Ecosystem’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:52PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move to enhance India’s Science and Technology (S&T) landscape, NITI Aayog today held a pivotal workshop titled “Empowering State S&T Councils: Catalyzing Innovation for India’s Future.” The event was graced by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and other dignitaries from the various scientific ministries and departments. Representatives from 25+ States/ UTs attended the workshop. It brought together government leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to address critical challenges in the nation’s state S&T councils.

    State S&T Councils play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and socio-economic development at the regional level. Despite their significant contributions in areas like R&D, patent facilitation, and technology transfer, these councils continue to face challenges that hinder their transformative potential. The workshop aimed to identify strategic solutions to strengthen these councils and amplify their impact.

    During the workshop the participants engaged in comprehensive deliberations on the current status of State S&T councils, examining their governance frameworks, operational efficiencies and resource allocation. Best Practices from various states were highlighted, showcasing successful models. Additionally the role of robus monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were underscored.

    The workshop set the stage for the development of a “Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils“, which lays out a comprehensive framework for fostering policy support, improving governance, and facilitating stronger industry-research linkages. This roadmap will guide actionable recommendations for sustainable funding, infrastructure development, and enhanced collaborations between state councils, R&D institutions, universities, and the private sector.

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    MJPS/SR/BM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DG – International Atomic Energy Agency Inaugurates S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership

    Source: Government of India

    DG – International Atomic Energy Agency Inaugurates S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership

    IAEA Introduces Six-Month Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering to Foster Future Experts

    India Strengthens Role in Global Nuclear Research with New GCNEP Facility

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 18th March 2025

    The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, inaugurated S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi today. He also introduced the Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering during the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, DG, IAEA, Grossi, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in nuclear science and capacity-building. Secretary, DAE & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology and global cooperation for societal and economic development using nuclear energy.

    The newly inaugurated S N Bose Building, named in honour of the eminent Indian physicist Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose will serve as an advanced hub for research and training in nuclear science and technology. The facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories catering to GCNEP’s specialised schools, enhancing its capabilities in nuclear security, reactor technology, radiation safety, nuclear material characterisation, and radioisotope applications.

    The Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering, introduced during the event, is a six-month programme designed to provide in-depth knowledge on reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycle, radiological safety, nuclear safeguards, and emerging applications of nuclear technology. The course is planned to be opened to all the signatories of GCNEP globally and would cater to 40 international and 10 national participants in a batch. The course aims to foster a new generation of nuclear professionals equipped to contribute to the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy.

    GCNEP Member countries reaffirmed their commitment to global nuclear collaboration, emphasising advanced reactor technologies, workforce development, education and training, and public outreach. Discussions highlighted international partnerships, non-proliferation, and expanding bilateral cooperation. The role of nuclear energy in ensuring energy security while mitigating climate change was underscored, alongside its contributions to healthcare, cancer care, technical cooperation, and global health research.

    Diplomats of GCNEP partner countries, senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) were present at the event.

    The Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership continues to strengthen India’s role as a global leader in nuclear research, innovation, and capacity-building, supporting the broader vision of achieving Net Zero and fostering sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

     

    PIB Mumbai | DL/EC/PM

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com   /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh addresses the Inaugural Session of the National Workshop on India’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) on Climate Change

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh addresses the Inaugural Session of the National Workshop on India’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) on Climate Change

    Adaptation is ‘Not Just an Option but an Absolute Necessity’ – a continuous cycle of planning, implementing, learning and refining: Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh

    India’s threefold NAP priorities – Strengthening Knowledge Systems, Reducing Exposure to Climate Risks and Enhancing Adaptive Capacity: MoS Shri Singh

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

    “The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) we are building today will be a cornerstone of our march towards Viksit Bharat”, said Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, in his inaugural address today at the national level workshop on National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change. The workshop was organised by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the ongoing Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme.

    The workshop focused on engaging with stakeholders in identifying sectoral adaptation priorities and understanding regional vulnerabilities across nine key sectors namely water, agriculture, disaster management & infrastructure resilience, health, forests, ecosystems & biodiversity, poverty alleviation & livelihoods, traditional knowledge & heritage and adaptation resourcing covered under India’s upcoming first National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The consultation also explored cross-cutting themes, including gender, traditional knowledge, and technology in adaptation strategies.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Singh said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has taken an important role in tackling Climate Change. He stated that now the country has emerged as an inspiration for nations around the world when it comes to tackling global issues pertaining to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He also stated that India’s ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047 is fundamentally anchored in the vision of inclusive and sustainable development.

    Shri Singh mentioned that India’s National Adaptation Plan is not just a document but a dynamic process, evolving with time, driven by science and innovation, and guided by grassroot realities. He highlighted that it will be a blueprint for how we integrate adaptation into national development plans and policies across economic sectors, ensuring a systematic and long-term approach. It will contribute to building resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate-related risks across various sectors such as agriculture, water resources, the Himalayan region, coastal regions, health, disaster management etc., the Minister added.

    The Minister further emphasised that India aims to develop a comprehensive and inclusive Adaptation Plan that aligns with sustainable development goals and ensures climate resilience for all regions and sectors. He added that NAP priorities identified for India are threefold: Strengthening knowledge systems, reducing exposure to climate risks and enhancing adaptive capacity. Shri Singh stressed that Adaptation is not just an option but an absolute necessity. Rather than being a one-time exercise, it’s a continuous cycle – planning, implementing, learning and refining, the Minister added.

    Secretary (MoEFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar, emphasized that India’s adaptation plan would be guided by the latest climate data, validated research & risk assessments and aligned with existing policies and programmes. He also mentioned that India’s NAP will be based on the eight key principles i.e., Country-driven, Integrated & Multi-sectoral, Gender-responsive, Participatory & Transparent, Inclusive of Vulnerable Groups, Communities & Ecosystems, Science-driven & Informed by Traditional Knowledge, Iterative & Adaptive and through a coordinated ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach.  He also emphasized upon the ‘Mission LiFE’, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for adopting environment-friendly lifestyle as an important step in combating climate change.  The role of ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’, launched by the Prime Minister, was also emphasized in combating Climate Change.

    Speaking at workshop, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India, Dr. Angela Lusigi, emphasized the critical role of the NAP in embedding climate adaptation across key sectors in India. She also highlighted that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is more than a policy document – it serves as a strategic roadmap to build climate resilience and ensure sustainable development.

    Additional Secretary (MoEFCC), Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, mentioned that India’s NAP will guide our adaptation & resilience priorities and actions moving forward. Economic Advisor (MoEFCC), Ms. Rajasree Ray, presented India’s ongoing NAP process, vulnerability and adaptation needs.

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    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California strengthens its position as the global AI leader with new working report issued by experts and academics

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 18, 2025

    What you need to know: With the release of a new draft working report by leading artificial intelligence experts, California continues to lead in advocating for the responsible use of emerging AI technology and the study of its impacts and opportunities. 

    SAN FRANCISCO – California’s leadership in the AI industry is helping to guide the world in the responsible implementation and use of this emerging technology. Today, a group of world-leading AI academics and experts, convened at the request of Governor Newsom, released a new draft report on workable guardrails based on an empirical, science-based analysis of the capabilities and attendant risks of frontier models — which will help pave the way for the use of AI for the benefit of all Californians. 

    “The future happens in California first – including the development of powerful AI technology. As home to over half of the world’s top AI companies, our state carries a unique responsibility in leading the safe advancement of this industry in a way that improves our communities, maintains our economic dominance, and ensures that this fast-moving technology benefits the public good.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    AI is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. As the fifth-largest economy in the world and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate this sector as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide. In addition to championing responsible use of this emerging industry, California is harnessing its potential to increase efficiency and support state operations.  

    Studying AI’s risk and opportunities 

    Today’s working report is a result of the Governor’s convening of leading experts on artificial intelligence and policy to help California develop workable guardrails for deploying generative AI (GenAI), focusing on developing an empirical, science-based trajectory analysis of frontier models and their capabilities and attendant risks. Authors include the  “godmother of AI,” Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Founding Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute;  Mariano-Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar, President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Social and Ethical Implications of Computing Research; and Dr. Jennifer Tour Chayes, Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at UC Berkeley.

    The working report includes recommendations on ensuring evidence-based policymaking, balancing the need for transparency with considerations such as security risks, and determining the appropriate level of regulation in this fast-evolving field.  As a working white paper, the authors invite public participation. Academics, experts, and other stakeholders can submit comments or suggestions regarding their recommendations here. 

    California’s AI global leadership 

    California has launched efforts to help the state take advantage of this emerging technology, while also creating responsible policy guardrails to protect Californians, businesses, and workers. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed an executive order laying out California’s measured approach to state GenAI procurement. That EO has shaped the future of ethical, transparent, and trustworthy GenAI deployment, all while California remains the world’s GenAI leader. 

    Harnessing the power of AI

    In 2024, Governor Newsom announced the state’s efforts to help utilize GenAI technologies to solve challenges, everything from reducing traffic to helping address homelessness.

    Governor Newsom also co-hosted a GenAI summit in May 2024 with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians.  

    First-of-its-kind effort with NVIDIA 

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to:

    • Train students, educators and workers
    • Support job creation and promote innovation
    • Use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians

    Among other goals, it strives to bring new AI resources into community colleges from NVIDIA – including curriculum and certifications, hardware and software, AI labs and workshops, and more – to open new pathways for students, educators, and workers to learn new skills and advance their careers.

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 17, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his…

    Mar 17, 2025

    News Lo que necesita saber: California tiene un nuevo compañero en Sonora, México para impulsar el desarrollo de recursos energéticos renovables, la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro y el transporte limpio. To read this release in English, click here. Sacramento,…

    Mar 17, 2025

    News What you need to know: California has a new partner in Sonora, Mexico to boost the development of renewable energy resources, supply chain resilience, and clean transportation. Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí. Sacramento, California –…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IndiaAI and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, launched the IndiaAI Hackathon to revolutionize AI-driven mineral targeting

    Source: Government of India (2)

    IndiaAI and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, launched the IndiaAI Hackathon to revolutionize AI-driven mineral targeting

    Encouraging AI and ML solutions for identification of new potential areas for exploration of critical minerals like REE, Ni-PGE, and copper, as well as other commodities like diamond, iron, manganese, and gold

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi

    In a groundbreaking move to modernize mineral targeting in India, IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, has launched the IndiaAI Hackathon on Mineral Targeting.

    The initiative is aimed at leveraging AI and ML technologies to enhance mineral discovery and geological analysis. Participants will use multi-parametric geoscience datasets, including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, and borehole data, to identify concealed and deep-seated ore bodies. The hackathon aims to:

    1. Identification of new potential areas for exploration of critical minerals like REE, Ni-PGE, and copper, as well as other commodities like diamond, iron, manganese, and gold within a pre- defined 39,000 sq. km area in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, India.
    2. Emphasis on locating unrevealed & deep-seated mineralised bodies with depth modelling.
    3. Developing AI/ ML algorithms for data cleaning, integration, modelling, and validation.
    4. Generation of mineral predictive maps showing exploration targets visualised through maps, sections, etc.

    Exciting prizes for Hackathon Winners

    The hackathon is open to Startups & Companies; Academic & Research Institutions; Autonomous bodies, including public sector organizations; students or researchers associated with educational institutions, or working professionals can participate in their individual capacity or as teams. The prize money for the hackathon is as follows.

    •  First Prize: ₹10 Lakh
    •  Second Prize: ₹7 Lakh
    • Third Prize: ₹5 Lakh
    • Special Prize of INR 5 lakhs for All-Women Teams (if no women team in top 3)

    This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth and responsible development of AI. For more details and to apply, visit https://indiaai.gov.in/article/ai-for-mineral-targeting-join-the-indiaai-hackathon-on-mineral-discovery. The last date for submission is May 12, 2025.

    Significance of the Hackathon

    This initiative aligns with IndiaAI’s mission to democratize AI adoption in critical sectors, fostering technological self-reliance and responsible use of AI. By applying AI to mineral targeting, the government aims to improve discovery, efficiency and strengthen India’s mining sector while ensuring sustainable mineral exploration.

    For further details, visit indiaai.gov.in.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews Mission Mausam and Other Projects of IMD, Pushes for Enhanced Weather Forecasting

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews Mission Mausam and Other Projects of IMD, Pushes for Enhanced Weather Forecasting

    India to Expand Doppler Radar Network for Better Weather Forecasting: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Directs IMD to Boost Public Outreach of Weather Alerts via Social Media

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, reviewed the progress of key meteorological initiatives, including “Mission Mausam”, pushed for enhanced weather forecasting and assessed the status of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) installations across India.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of real-time and impact-based weather forecasting, emphasizing that no weather hazard should go undetected or unpredicted. The expanding Doppler Weather Radar network of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was a key highlight, with the Minister reviewing site selections for upcoming installations in Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, Port Blair, and other locations.

     

    With 73 Doppler Weather Radars set to be operational by 2025-26 and 126 by 2026, the network aims to enhance India’s capability in tracking extreme weather events, benefiting disaster response teams and the general public, the Minister was informed.

    The Minister also instructed IMD to strengthen public outreach by leveraging social media for disseminating timely weather forecasts and warnings. Stressing the need for better citizen engagement, he directed officials to explore digital platforms and mobile applications such as Mausam, Meghdoot, and Umang, which provide weather updates and agro meteorological advisories.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing weather monitoring systems, highlighting the role of satellite meteorology, numerical weather prediction models, and radar-based forecasting in enhancing accuracy. The meeting also reviewed financial allocations and pending approvals for weather infrastructure projects, ensuring steady progress in India’s meteorological advancements.

    With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the government’s focus on expanding radar coverage and improving dissemination mechanisms marks a crucial step in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. The discussion at the review meeting set the stage for faster implementation of weather monitoring projects, reinforcing India’s leadership in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

    The review meeting, attended by Secretary, MoES, Dr. M. Ravichandran, DG, IMD Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra and other senior IMD officials, focused on improving weather forecasting accuracy and expanding outreach to the public.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Murders, Additional Shootings

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TYJON PRESTON, also known as “TJ,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 264 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang, including two murders and additional shootings.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

    The investigation revealed that Preston and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

    On April 24, 2024, Preston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that on April 27, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members attempted to kill a rival gang member and shot him in the leg; on May 19, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, and shot and killed an associate of a rival gang; on May 20, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members shot and attempted to kill rival gang members; and on July 5, 2021, he and another Exit 8 member shot and killed a 22-year-old woman after she made a rap song containing derogatory comments about Exit 8.

    Preston has been detained since September 9, 2021.

    This investigation has been conducted by the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor announces confirmation of Keith E. Sonderling as Deputy Secretary

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced Keith E. Sonderling as the 38th Deputy Secretary of Labor.

    Sonderling returns to the department, where he served as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. He most recently served as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity from 2020-2024. 

    During his first stint at the Department of Labor from 2017-2020, the Wage and Hour Division set records for enforcement collections and educational outreach events. Sonderling also oversaw the development and publication of large-scale deregulatory rules and authored numerous Opinion Letters, Field Assistance Bulletins, and All-Agency Memorandums. In addition, Sonderling was instrumental in developing the division’s first comprehensive self-audit program, which collected more than $7 million for nearly 11,000 workers.

    “Keith’s institutional knowledge and policy expertise will continue to be invaluable in our fight to put the American Worker First,” Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m thrilled to have him on the team and look forward to working alongside him to renew the American Dream.”

    “Returning to the U.S. Department of Labor, where I began my career in government, is truly an honor,” said Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. “In my new role, I am committed to helping Secretary Chavez-DeRemer in advancing President Trump’s labor agenda and most importantly putting American Workers first!” 

    Before entering government service, Sonderling was a partner at Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest law firms. There, he counseled employers and litigated labor and employment disputes. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University. He has also been a Professional Lecturer in the Law at the George Washington University Law School, teaching employment discrimination.

    MIL OSI USA News –