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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: Guterres condemns killing of people seeking food as humanitarian conditions deteriorate

    Source: United Nations 2

    Stéphane Dujarric was speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York a day after dozens of Palestinians were killed seeking food aid.

    He said the Secretary-General deplored the growing reports of both children and adults suffering from malnutrition and strongly condemned the ongoing violence, including the shooting, killing and injuring of people attempting to get food.

    Not a target

    “Civilians must be protected and respected, and they must never be targeted,” said Mr. Dujarric, noting that the population in Gaza remains gravely undersupplied with the basic necessities of life.

    He stressed that “Israel has the obligation to allow and facilitate by all the means at its disposal the humanitarian relief provided by the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations.” 

    Mr. Dujarric said the Secretary-General noted that the recent intensification of hostilities comes as the humanitarian system in Gaza is being impeded, undermined and endangered.

    New evacuation orders

    He pointed to a new evacuation order issued for parts of Deir Al-Balah, which is pushing people into more desperate conditions and sparking further displacement, while restricting the UN’s ability to deliver aid.

    He reported that two UN guesthouses in Deir Al-Balah were struck, despite the parties being informed about their locations. 

    “They suffered damage,” he said, responding a reporter’s question. “The UN staff inside was, to say the least, rattled.”

    Mr. Dujarric underscored that the UN intends to remain in Deir Al-Balah.

     Ceasefire now

    The Secretary-General reiterated his urgent call for the protection of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and for the provision of essential resources to ensure their survival.

    He once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    Mr. Dujarric said the UN stands ready to significantly scale up its humanitarian operations in Gaza, adding “the time for a ceasefire is now.” 

    More to follow…

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Cruel Directive Unlawfully Restricting Access to Head Start, Other Public Benefit Programs

    Source: US State of California

    Statute and longstanding federal policy have allowed access, regardless of immigration status, to specific community programs, including those deemed necessary for protection of life or safety 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today sued the Trump Administration over its abrupt decision to restrict access to more than a dozen public benefit programs based on immigration status. This decision is contrary to law and a reversal of nearly three decades of federal practice allowing access, regardless of immigration status, to certain public benefits programs that have historically been determined to protect life or safety and contribute to the overall welfare of communities. In doing so, the Trump Administration has thrown programs across California into chaos and cruelly jeopardized the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable families. At risk is access to Head Start, childcare services for low-income people, adult education, mental health and substance use disorder programs, and shelters for at-risk youth and domestic violence survivors, among many other safety-net programs. Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 20 other attorneys general, asks the court to enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing this devastating change, arguing that these new polices threaten the outright collapse of the states’ social safety nets.

    “Let’s be clear: This latest salvo in the President’s inhumane anti-immigration campaign primarily goes after working moms and their young children. We’re not talking about waste, fraud, and abuse, we’re talking about programs that deliver essential childcare, healthcare, nutrition, and education assistance, programs that have for decades been open to all because we understand that we are better off when everyone has the chance to succeed.” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s abrupt reversal of nearly three decades of precedent – and decision to put at risk not just support for undocumented families, but ultimately families who rely on these programs nationwide – is cruel, but unfortunately unsurprising. So is its lack of regard for the law. Six months into the second Trump Administration, I’ll repeat a familiar refrain: We’ll see President Trump in court.” 

    Since 1997, the federal government has interpreted The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) to permit states’ use of federal funds for certain programs that serve communities based on need regardless of immigration status. These programs work precisely because there are few barriers to access and include: 

    • Short-term shelter or housing assistance for people who are unhoused, for survivors of domestic violence, or for at-risk youth.
    • Programs, services, or assistance to help individuals during periods of heat, cold, or other adverse weather conditions (e.g., cooling centers).
    • Soup kitchens, community food banks, senior nutrition programs such as meals on wheels, and other such community nutritional services for persons requiring special assistance.
    • Medical and public health services (including treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries) and mental health, disability, or substance use treatment. 
    • Early childhood education, childcare services for low-income people, and adult education programs.

    Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, and Department of Education issued notices related to the interpretation of “federal public benefit” under PRWORA restricting numerous “noncitizens” from receiving benefits under federally funded programs. Around the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued its own notice revoking every one of the “life or safety” exemptions that DOJ had put in place 29 years earlier. 

    In California, the effects of these actions will be devastating – and immediate. The Head Start Program, founded in 1965, was designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing young children from families with low incomes a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and educational needs. In 2023-24, California’s 100 direct Head Start regional recipients served over 80,345 children and families at 1,842 individual site locations. The Trump Administration’s new polices, which will require programs to verify immigration status, are expected to have a chilling effect, leading to decreased enrollment from participants, and an administrative and financial burden for recipients. Moreover, if regional recipients do not hit mandatory 97% enrollment targets, they will lose federal funding and these programs will shut down, harming all the children they serve, as well as the more than 25,000 staff members these programs employ, including in rural communities where Head Start is often a large employer.  

    Examples like this are countless across the public benefits programs at risk through the Trump Administration’s actions. Survivors of domestic violence and at-risk youth may be fearful of seeking services at shelters. Mixed status families may forgo access to public benefit services all together. Requiring citizenship or immigration status verification of any kind fundamentally creates a barrier to access. People will be reluctant to reach out to access needed services or to call for help for others who might benefit from such services. And requiring programs to expend resources to implement systems and train staff to verify citizenship or immigration status will impose a time and resource burden on programs already struggling to operate on narrow financial margins.

    In today’s filings, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that the Trump Administration’s abrupt announcement further limiting access to public benefit programs for undocumented individuals fails to provide notice and an opportunity to comment, is arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, and fails to give the states “fair notice” as required under the Spending Clause. They highlight that instead of saving money, the new verification requirements will lead to an overall cost to their states’ economies in the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars each year and will endanger the ability of these programs to continue providing services to all of the residents of their states, not just noncitizens. They urge the court to preliminary enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing the order to prevent programs from shuttering, uncertainty, and tremendous impacts on the public health, education, and welfare of their states.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Washington, Rhode Island, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The Breakthroughs Powering Samsung’s Thinnest, Most Refined Foldables

    Source: Samsung

    Ever since Samsung created the foldable category by unveiling the first foldable smartphone in 2019, Samsung has pursued one goal: to give users large screens in a pocket-friendly device. Years and thousands of design and engineering advancements later, Galaxy foldable devices have again not only exceeded that goal but set a new standard for mobile foldable innovation.
    The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldables to date.
    Pocket-friendly Proportions
    Galaxy Z Flip7 slides into your pocket at just 6.5 mm thin when open and 13.7 mm when closed. An ultra-high-density circuit board makes sure there is no wasted space internally and Samsung enhanced the battery’s energy density, boosting its capacity by 300 mAh while reducing its thickness.

    Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Fold7 is nearly half the thickness of the original Fold, measuring just 8.9 mm folded and 4.2 mm unfolded. This 48% reduction combined with a wider, brighter screen and a new 21:9 bar-phone aspect ratio, delivers a foldable device that is both portable and intuitive to use.
    Stronger, Slimmer Hinges

    Galaxy Z Fold7 introduces a third-generation Armor FlexHinge that is 27% thinner and 43% lighter than its predecessor. Key upgrades include:

    Thinner critical rotating and supporting elements, resulting in a hinge that is smaller in size while maintaining strength.
    New alloy components that increase yield strength by over 14%allow the hinge to better withstand repeated folding.
    Separate supporting and rotating functions add structural stability and greater design flexibility.
    A wingplate that opens widerdelivers a flatter and cleaner screen for a more premium viewing experience.

    Galaxy Z Flip7 features Samsung’s thinnest FlexHinge yet. It’s 29% slimmer than the hinge on Galaxy Z Flip6 yet still supports full FlexMode and day-to-day toughness.
    Thinner, Stronger Displays

    The display is a cornerstone of Galaxy Z Fold7’s hardware innovations, with a focus on greater durability while ensuring the device is lighter and thinner:

    Reduced display thickness by more than 39%by completely reoptimizing the panel structure and introducing advanced materials.
    Titanium-based lattice replaces carbon fiber for 64% improved durability and better resistance.
    Achieved a slimmer profileby redesigning the panel layer to better absorb external stress and ensure consistent rigidity.
    Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) is 50% thickerthan the UTG on Galaxy Z Fold6 for a smoother, less-visible crease and improved performance.

    With Galaxy Z Flip7, Samsung maintains the Z Flip series’ iconic design but packs more power in a smaller package:
    A new edge-to-edge Infinity Cover Display removes the black notch to provide more content and cleaner visuals.

    The HID camera is precisely corner-mounted, keeping visuals clean and symmetrical.
    The display bezel shrinks from 3.94 mm to 1.25 mm, a 68% reduction that makes Galaxy Z Flip7 the world’s thinnest display bezel on a foldable.

    Pro Cameras, Optimized for Potability

    Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers an ultra-level camera experience, providing flagship technology in a sleek and light design.

    First 200 MP wide-angle camera in a foldablethat’s made possible by a new thin actuator and a complete structural redesign.
    The camera module shrunk by 18% and ran nearly 30,000 simulations, culminating in the thinnest 200 MP camera on a foldable device that doesn’t sacrifice image quality.

    On Galaxy Z Flip7, the camera module has been reengineered from the ground up, delivering flagship image quality in a slimmer housing. To achieve a thinner design while maintaining high performance, Samsung streamlined the internal structure of the entire module, incorporating a smaller actuator to ensure high-performance autofocus with less bulk.
    Tougher Materials, Lighter Feel   

    Samsung reinforced Galaxy Z Fold7’s thin profile with stronger, more advanced materials. The cover screen now features Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 21, making it 30% stronger2 in material strength than the previous generation. Additionally, the frame and hinge cover have been upgraded to Advanced Armor Aluminum3, a material that is 10% tougher4 than the Armor Aluminum previous used in Galaxy Z Fold6.

    The Bottom Line
    Every hinge, display layer and camera component inside Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 was redesigned for one purpose: give consumers a refined foldable that feels as effortless as any premium smartphone.
    Welcome to the new era of pocket-ready power.

    1 Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2 is applied to the front of the device and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 is applied to the rear.
    2 Based on Corning internal lab testing. Comparison is at the material level between Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2 and Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, as used on Galaxy Z Fold6.
    3 Advanced Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel.
    4 Based on Samsung internal testing of Advanced Armor Aluminum versus Armor Aluminum used in Galaxy Z Fold6. Improvement measured at the material level and may not reflect overall device durability.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Seoul Searching: How Galaxy AI Became My Travel Companion in South Korea

    Source: Samsung

    Experiencing South Korea as both a traveler and a Samsung Brand Manager was an opportunity to see how our technology could help turn my jam-packed itinerary into something seamless. From overcoming jet lag to translating conversations on the fly and even recreating meals when I got home, Galaxy AI became more than a tool – it was a true travel companion.
    Prepping for Jet Lag, AI Style

    Before I boarded the flight to South Korea, I already had a plan in place for managing jet lag, thanks to Galaxy AI1. I used the sleep coaching program2, tailored to my “Nervous Penguins” sleep style profile3 (yes, that’s a thing – find it in the Samsung Health app!), and started adjusting my routine days before I flew out.

    It was all in the simple things: going to bed at the same time each night, tweaking the temperature on my thermostat, rethinking my sleep position and – surprise! – learning I snore thanks to the Galaxy Watch. A couple of extra pillows later and I was steadily improving my Sleep Score with deep, uninterrupted rest. Thanks to the changes I made, it was the first time I arrived in a new country without feeling like I was walking through molasses.

    Language Barriers? Not So Much
    In a new country, the right tools make all the difference. I’d been practicing Korean through language learning apps for a few months prior to the trip, but getting around Seoul by myself was a little intimidating at first. Hailing a cab was easy, but pronouncing directions or street names was a challenge. Galaxy AI’s Live Translate tools, especially Listening and Conversation Mode, made communication not just possible, but genuinely connective. I even chatted with drivers about where I’m from (New York), and more than once got a “Go Yankees!” in return. It was a reminder that language should be a bridge, not a barrier.

    Capturing the Moment

    Some of the most magical moments came through the lens of my Galaxy Z Flip6. At Bukchon Hanok Village (with its postcard-perfect streets packed with visitors), I didn’t have to stress about getting the perfect photo. Instead, I captured what I could and used Object Eraser to clean up the background later by tapping the tools icon and highlighting them. The result was exactly what I wanted: clean, focused photos that captured the energy of the place without wasting time waiting for the picture perfect moment.

    Tastes Worth Tracking Down
    I’m a big foodie, so naturally, my camera roll was full of street eats – and Circle to Search4 became my secret weapon. Whether live searching in the moment or when I was craving beef KBBQ days after landing back home, I used photos from my trip to find similar recipes instantly. Pairing that with the Samsung Food+ app meant I could re-create some of those dishes – I went from “that looks delicious” to “here’s how to cook it” in minutes. AI even helped me rate the healthiness of each dish, so I didn’t feel totally off-track after the trip.

    Finding Routine on the Road

    But maybe the biggest gift Galaxy AI gave me was routine – something that’s so easy to lose when you travel. After learning that repetition is key for good sleep from the Galaxy Watch’s sleep coach, I developed easy nighttime habits. I programmed my devices to allow social media scrolling only between 8–10PM with Do Not Disturb in the background, and dark mode kicking in after. It was a small thing, but it helped me wind down, unplug and reset. Even thousands of miles away from home, I still felt grounded.

    This trip was the first time I traveled with tech that didn’t just document the journey or help make it more fun, but it truly enhanced it from beginning to well beyond the end. With Galaxy AI as my travel companion, I didn’t just navigate Seoul – I truly experienced it. And I came back with memories, habits and a camera roll full of photos that, thanks to AI, look as good as they felt in the moment.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK pledges lifesaving aid for Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK pledges lifesaving aid for Gaza

    Tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza will receive additional humanitarian aid funded by the UK government.

    • UK government announces new £60m humanitarian aid package to support healthcare, food and water.
    • Includes vital funding to treat patients at UK-Med field hospitals in Gaza
    • Aid package will help provide emergency food, shelter and support for over 2 million people

    Tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza will receive additional humanitarian aid funded by the UK government.  

    In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy outlined that food assistance programmes, water and sanitation services and maternal and children’s healthcare will be scaled up through this new £60 million funding.  

    This will include continued support to two field hospitals in Gaza run by UK-Med. UK-Med are a frontline medical organisation deployed to crises who have now treated over 500,000 Gazans over the course of the conflict. 24,000 of these were in the past fortnight alone, with UK-Med treating a range of medical conditions as well as injuries related to the conflict.   

    This announcement also includes £20 million in support for UNRWA’s essential services for Palestinian refugees. This funding will provide emergency food, shelter and other support for over 2 million people, as well support UNRWA’s wider work across the region. UNWRA’s work in Gaza ensures water provision reaches up to 600,000 people monthly across Gaza. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    UK aid has been saving lives and under the most appalling circumstances, it is saving lives today.

    Today I am announcing extra humanitarian assistance in Gaza to support tens of thousands of civilians that are urgently in need this year. This includes supporting UK-Med to sustain the vital operations they perform right now in Gaza. 

    The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths – almost 1000 civilians have been killed since May seeking aid. We continue to call for, work for, and vote for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages at every possible opportunity. We will keep doing so until this war is over.

    UK-Med CEO David Wightwick said:

    I have never seen a crisis of this scale and severity, and it has only deteriorated in recent months.

    UK Government funding is vital in supporting UK-Med to deliver over 500,000 patient consultations in Gaza during this conflict.

    I want to thank our 400-strong team on the ground for their determination, professionalism and tireless work to address the medical needs of Gazans in incredibly difficult circumstances.

    This announcement is part of the £101 million of Official Development Assistance the UK has committed to the OPTs this financial year. It demonstrates the UK’s commitment to playing a leading role in alleviating Palestinian suffering and building security, in support of the government’s Plan for Change.   

    The Foreign Secretary reflected on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza in his statement and thanked medics and humanitarian workers for the work they are doing in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.  

    He said the new aid system in Gaza – which has seen almost 900 people killed since May while seeking food and water – was creating further disorder for Hamas to exploit.

    The Foreign Secretary reiterated his complete condemnation of the Israeli defence minister’s plan for the forcible displacement of Gaza’s entire population into Rafah, with the potential for deportation.

    The UK also announced £7m of support to strengthen governance in the OPTs, including supporting the Palestinian Authority’s delivery of their reform agenda. 

    The UK continues to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a path towards long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

    Background: 

    ·       This £60m funding is part of the UK’s £101m programme for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year. 

    ·       Of this, £7.5m will go to UK-Med to operate their two field hospitals  

    ·       £20m for UNRWA to support their essential services for Palestinian refugees 

    ·       £7m will go to strengthen governance, accountability and civic space in the OPTs, including supporting the PA’s delivery of their reform agenda. 

    ·       Please see the Foreign Secretary’s statement to parliament: Foreign Secretary statement on the Middle East, 21 July 2025 

    ·       Please see the joint statement on behalf of 26 partners on the OPTs: Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025 – GOV.UK

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada signs $300 million grant to launch one of the world’s largest Indigenous-led land conservation projects

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Danny Yakeleya, Chair of the Our Land for the Future Trust, signed a historic grant agreement to launch NWT: Our Land for the Future, one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Backed by $375 million in new investments, including $300 million from Canada and $75 million from philanthropic partners, NWT: Our Land for the Future will support Indigenous-led stewardship and conservation across some of the world’s most intact boreal and tundra ecosystems while creating hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs across the territory.

    Indigenous partners to NWT: Our Land for the Future aim to conserve and steward up to 380,000 square kilometres of land and inland water, which is nearly 30% of the territory, including the protection and conservation of over 2% of Canada in new terrestrial and freshwater areas. This represents a space almost seven times the size of Nova Scotia.

    Key activities and initiatives that could receive funding include:

    • Indigenous Guardians, with support for operations, training, recruitment, and career development of Guardians who monitor ecological health, protect cultural sites, and safeguard sensitive areas and species.
    • Establishing and stewarding Protected Areas, Conserved Areas, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), both new and existing.
    • Climate action, including research, impact assessments, adaptation strategies, and mitigation activities related to climate change.
    • Local and regional conservation-based economic developments, such as Indigenous harvesting economies, ecotourism, cultural tourism, traditional arts, and artisanal enterprises will not only contribute to environmental preservation but also provide sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and the region at large.

    This groundbreaking partnership involves 21 Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors working together to advance Indigenous-led stewardship in the North for the benefit of all Canadians.

    Today marks a pivotal moment in our efforts toward climate action and conservation. NWT: Our Land for the Future stands out as one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation efforts globally, aiming to foster sustainable practices and economic growth throughout the Northwest Territories. This initiative, led and governed by Indigenous peoples, will advance large-scale, long-term conservation, stewardship, and economic development throughout the Northwest Territories. It will generate hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs, sustaining Indigenous ways of life for generations to come and drive climate action and resilience. This initiative shows the progress possible through a tailored regional approach, engaging communities to identify important ecological and cultural areas. This not only provides clarity for industries but also streamlines conservation planning and project approvals. Initiatives like this will make it possible to protect these natural spaces for future generations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: NWT: Our Land for the Future

    Source: Government of Canada News

    A transformative Indigenous-led conservation initiative in the Northwest Territories

    NWT: Our Land for the Future is one of the world’s largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives. With a focus on environmental protection, cultural revitalization, and sustainable economic development, the initiative will support long-term stewardship of the Northwest Territories’ land and water. It brings together 21 Indigenous governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors in a collaborative approach.

    Our Land for the Future is a Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative, with federal support first announced at COP15 in December 2022. Project Finance for Permanence initiatives unite governments and private donors to create large-scale, lasting investments that protect ecosystems, sustain local economies, and advance Indigenous leadership. By taking a big-picture approach, Project Finance for Permanence initiatives deliver broad, lasting benefits for both people and the land.

    The Government of Canada is investing $300 million, with private donors contributing an additional $75 million. Donors have committed to match $1 for every $4 of federal investment. This represents the largest single investment in a Project Finance for Permanence initiative in Canada to date.

    The $375 million is being managed through the Our Land for the Future Trust. Indigenous government-appointed directors will make the key decisions about how funds are disbursed each year, guided by an annual operating plan approved by all partners. These funds will support the protection of vast, ecologically significant areas in the Northwest Territories; strengthen Indigenous leadership; and help build a resilient, Northern economy.

    This initiative will help diversify the Northern economy. It will bring millions of dollars into the territory and create hundreds of culturally meaningful jobs. This will mean many jobs in more communities, not just concentrated in Yellowknife.

    Indigenous governments and partners to the Our Land for the Future agreement are the sole beneficiaries of the Trust and will aim to conserve and steward up to 380,000 square kilometres of land and inland water. This includes protecting over 2% of Canada in new terrestrial and freshwater areas, representing a space almost seven times the size of Nova Scotia and contributing significantly to the national goal of conserving 30% of land and water by 2030.

    Key activities and initiatives that could receive funding include:

    Indigenous Guardians

    • Support for Indigenous Guardians initiatives to monitor land, water, and wildlife health; safeguard cultural sites; and contribute to environmental stewardship.

    Climate action and resilience

    • Climate-related research—such as impact assessments, adaptation planning, and mitigation strategies—to address challenges like wildfires and water scarcity.

    Sustainable economic development

    • Advance conservation-based economies, including ecotourism, traditional harvesting, artisanal enterprises, and land-based cultural programs.
    • Create hundreds of culturally meaningful jobs annually across Northwest Territories’ communities.

    Partners of NWT: Our Land for the Future

    • Gwich’in Tribal Council
    • North Slave Métis Alliance
    • Tłı̨chǫ Government
    • Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
    • Fort Good Hope Dene and Métis
    • Tulita Dene and Métis
    • Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah
    • Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Ndilo
    • Smith’s Landing First Nation
    • Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation
    • Deninu K’ue First Nation
    • Northwest Territory Métis Nation
    • Fort Resolution Métis Government
    • Dehcho First Nations
    • Tthets’éhk’edélî First Nation
    • Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation
    • Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band
    • Pehdzeh Ki First Nation
    • Sambaa K’e First Nation
    • Acho Dene Koe First Nation
    • Kátł’odeeche First Nation
    • Government of Canada
    • Government of the Northwest Territories
    • The Pew Charitable Trusts
    • The Waltons Trust
    • Metcalf Foundation

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Wasserman Schultz, Miller-Meeks, Castor, Fitzpatrick, and Harshbarger Introduce EARLY Act to Reauthorize Breast Cancer Awareness Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) introduced legislation to reauthorize and continue funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY) Act.

    In the United States, the most common cancer diagnosed among women is breast cancer, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and 42,000 deaths expected from breast cancer in 2025. And with incidences rising in younger women each year, the earlier its caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating health challenge.  

    Key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This especially is true for younger women, and those at higher risk of death, like ethnic and racial populations who too often face an aggressive form of breast cancer and are not able to catch it till later.  

    “There’s no question that early diagnois saves lives, and th earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better for patient outcomes. With rates of breast cancer rising, especially among younger women, it’s critical we redouble our efforts to raise awareness about early screening and detection – and it’s critical these efforts focus on high-risk populations,” said Dingell.“I’m proud to co-lead this reauthorization and remain committed to ensuring we secure federal funding for continued cancer research and education.”

    “Like so many women in the United States, I heard those devastating words no one wants to hear: ‘you have breast cancer.’ My personal experience battling this terrible disease led to the creation of the EARLY Act, which was designed to help educate women and their health care providers about the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer in younger women that lead to early detection, diagnosis, and survival,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act means that we will continue the vital work of educating young and higher risk women about their breast health and do everything we can to save more lives.” 

    “As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating a breast cancer diagnosis can be, and I’ve also seen how early detection can save a life,” said Miller-Meeks. “Too many young women, especially those at higher risk, are being left in the dark. The EARLY Act changes that. It empowers women with the knowledge they need to detect cancer sooner, fight harder, and live longer. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to protect women, strengthen families, and save lives.”

    “Far too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to fight back,” said Castor. “For 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has used the EARLY Act to ensure these young women aren’t alone by supporting outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to support this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure the continuation of these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease.”

    “In my work with hospitals and health leaders across PA-1, one fact remains clear: early detection is the most effective tool we have to reduce cancer mortality. As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I’ve worked to expand access to screening, education, and risk-based interventions. The EARLY Act is targeted, data-driven policy—built to close detection gaps, reach high-risk populations sooner, and reduce the number of women diagnosed too late. That’s how we save lives—and that’s the standard every public health initiative should meet,” said Fitzpatrick.

    “I’ve seen firsthand the power of early education and prevention in the fight against breast cancer. Too many women, especially those in high-risk and underserved communities, are still being diagnosed too late. The EARLY Act has proven effective in closing that gap by giving young women the tools and information they need to understand their risk, recognize early warning signs, and take action,” said Harshbarger. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this life-saving program that can save women’s lives.”

    The EARLY Act became law in 2010. Its success centers around authorizing three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women to better focus their attention on this deadly disease. 

    This includes the Bring Your Brave campaign, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages 18-44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to several non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients’ survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer. 

    After fifteen years of successful implementation, it is now time to again reauthorize the EARLY Act to ensure that it continues to reach even more young and higher risk women across the United States. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is vital to continuing to save women’s lives.

    Click here to read the full bill.

    The EARLY Act is endorsed by:

    American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

    AdvaMed

    Axogen

    BRCAStrong

    Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition

    Breast Cancer Ruckus

    Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer

    Cancer Support Community

    DenseBreast-info, Inc 

    FORCE

    GE HealthCare

    Gilda’s Club South Florida

    Hologic

    Living Beyond Breast Cancer

    Prevent Cancer Foundation

    Sharsheret

    Susan G. Komen

    Tigerlily Foundation

    Women’s Health Advocates 

    Young Survival Coalition

    “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is critical to protecting the lives of young and high-risk women nationwide,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “This legislation ensures that individuals and their health care providers have access to essential programs that offer the tools, education, and support needed to better understand breast health and detect cancer risks early—when it matters most. ACS CAN is grateful to Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) along with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) for their bipartisan leadership on this life-saving effort. Without swift action, we risk losing a vital resource in the fight against breast cancer.”

    “The Prevent Cancer Foundation proudly supports the reauthorization of the EARLY Act, which has been vital in helping young women — especially those at increased risk for breast cancer — and their health care providers understand the importance of breast health. We applaud Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Castor, Dingell, Miller-Meeks, Harshbarger and Fitzpatrick for championing this critical effort to advance awareness and early detection of breast cancer for better health outcomes.” Jody Hoyos, CEO Prevent Cancer Foundation

    “The evidence is clear – early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Over 95 percent of women who receive an early diagnosis can see high rates of survival with treatment. That number drops to 30 percent when breast cancer is caught at later stages. Yet, younger women – aged 25 to 40 – are diagnosed with more aggressive cancers at significantly higher percentages than women at average risk.  Brem Foundation applauds reintroduction of the EARLY Act, which educates young women, helps identify who is at higher risk for early breast cancers, and helps to drive self advocacy in breast health. Simply put, this bill will save lives.” Dr. Rachel Brem, Chief Medical Officer Brem Foundation & Professor and Vice-Chair, GW Cancer Center

    “This legislation plays a critical role in educating patients and healthcare professionals about breast cancer risks, early detection, and prevention—particularly among younger women and underserved populations,” said Emily Hansen, senior director of Resensation by Axogen. “Continued investment in awareness, education, and innovation is essential to ensuring more informed, empowered care decisions that will lead to better outcomes.”

    “The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act is a critical step forward in empowering young and high-risk women with the knowledge they need to take control of their breast health. Early education saves lives by ensuring women and their healthcare providers are informed about risks, prevention, and proactive care options. At BRCAStrong, we believe knowledge is power and this legislation embodies that belief by helping to close gaps in awareness and ultimately reduce breast cancer’s impact on our community,” said Tracy Milgram, Founder of BRCAStrong.

    “When I promised my sister Suzy I would do everything in my power to end the devastation of breast cancer, we knew early detection would be the key. The EARLY Act has given thousands of young women a fighting chance through education, awareness, and action. I am proud to support its reauthorization, and the Promise Fund stands firmly behind this life-saving legislation,” said Nancy G. Brinker, Co-Founder, Promise Fund and Founder, Susan G. Komen

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Latta, DeGette, Crenshaw Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Improved Access to Over-the-Counter Medicines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), introduced the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMFUA), a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Act that has improved access to over-the-counter medicines.  

    “Nearly nine out of ten Americans regularly use over the counter medications to quickly, easily, and effectively manage a range of conditions. The Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act has been highly successful in improving OTC drug availability and safety. I’m leading this reauthorization with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure consumers continue to have safe access to the OTC products they depend on, and the U.S. remains a global leader in health and innovation,” Dingell said. 

    “The over-the-counter monograph drug user fee program (OMUFA) allows consumers to manage their own care safely and affordably. Five years ago, as an original sponsor of this legislation, my colleagues and I modernized how the FDA regulates most over-the-counter medicines by enacting OMUFA. These reforms transformed a 40-year-old system, making it more efficient, transparent, and open to innovation. I’m proud to lead the reauthorization of this critical program,” Latta said. 

    “Millions of Americans rely on over-the-counter medications every day, and FDA’s over-the-counter medicines program ensures those products are safe, effective, and accessible,” DeGette said. “I was proud to play a role in creating OMUFA and to see it through its first five years. Now, as we approach reauthorization, it’s time to build on that success and continue giving FDA the tools it needs to deliver trusted medicines to Americans’ shelves.”

    “This bipartisan bill empowers the FDA to review over-the-counter medicines quickly and efficiently — without compromising safety. It ensures Americans can trust that the products on their shelves are backed by the latest science, and spares the taxpayer a new obligation,” Crenshaw said.   

    The OMUFA bill is endorsed by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association: 

    “CHPA applauds Representatives Latta, DeGette, Crenshaw and Dingell for their leadership in introducing this important reauthorization and for their continued support of self-care,” said CHPA President & CEO Scott Melville. “As the industry works to deliver safe, effective, and innovative OTC products to consumers, we look forward to working with Congress on refinements to the bill to ensure the final legislation maximizes the potential of monograph reform and can continue to provide savings and innovation to consumers. That includes inserting provisions into OMUFA to clarify how FDA evaluates the Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) standard, creating a clearer path for early agreement on data needs, and improving the efficiency of making product improvements while maintaining strong safety standards.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Justice Department Dismisses Failed Biden-Era Lawsuit Challenging Tennessee’s Law Protecting Minors from Experimental Sex-Change Medical Procedures

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division dismissed with prejudice the ill-fated Biden-era challenge to Tennessee’s law protecting minors from horrific and experimental sex-change medical procedures. The Department dismissed its complaint in intervention because it does not believe challenging Tennessee’s law serves the public interest.

    Last month, the Biden Administration’s challenge was soundly rejected by the Supreme Court of the United States when the 6-3 majority held that Tennessee’s law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause.[1] The court held that Tennessee had a rational basis for enforcing the law as it “responds directly” to the “uncertainty” and “ongoing debate” about the “risks and benefits” associated with these medical practices. The Biden administration filed its complaint in intervention after individual plaintiffs and the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the law passed in 2023. After the Supreme Court’s decision, the individual plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their complaint.

    Tennessee is one of 25 states with laws protecting minors from sex-change medical procedures.

    “Last month, the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee state law protecting vulnerable children from genital mutilation and other so-called ‘gender-affirming care,’” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.  “That was the right decision, and this Department of Justice will no longer be in the business of attacking laws like Tennessee’s that protect children.”

    “The United States today undid one of the injustices the Biden administration inflicted upon the country by dismissing a lawsuit against a Tennessee law that protects minors from invasive and mutilating procedures,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the health and welfare of our children and defend states that seek to ban these barbaric practices.”

    [1] United States v. Skrmetti, 145 S.Ct. 1816, 1826 (2025).

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congressman Joe Neguse Reintroduce Bipartisan Supporting Military Voters Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) announced the reintroduction of the Supporting Military Voters Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen oversight of the federal government’s efforts to support active-duty military members and their families in the voting process.

    The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a comprehensive report evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government in carrying out its responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and recommending ways to improve access to voter registration information and assistance for military families.

    “The brave men and women who serve our country should never face unnecessary barriers when it comes to voting,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “This bill ensures Congress continues to exercise oversight of federal programs designed to serve military voters and gives us the information we need to improve the process. Every service member who wants to vote should be able to do so securely, and on time.”

    “The right to vote is sacrosanct, and those who bravely serve our country must have every opportunity to make their voices heard, including when serving overseas. That’s why I’m proud to team up with Rep. Laurel Lee in introducing the Supporting Military Voters Act. This bill would ensure that distance does not disenfranchise those protecting our country from voting,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

    “Institute for Responsive Government Action is pleased to endorse the Supporting Military Voters Act.” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government Action. “This bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lee and Rep. Neguse is not only critical to ensuring access to the ballot box for military and overseas personnel and their families, but also holding the federal government accountable regarding its responsibilities to these voters. We will proudly continue to support any effort in reducing red tape that hinders election participation for Americans serving in the military or living abroad.”

    “Ensuring that our military voters can cast their ballots securely and without unnecessary barriers is a fundamental obligation of our democracy. By directing the GAO to study how effectively current systems are working, this bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense, evidence-based approach to oversight, laying the groundwork for future improvements while protecting the rights of those who serve,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

    “Evaluations as described by the Supporting Military Voters Act will help inform election officials to better understand what information gaps exists and what additional support is needed for our military servicemembers and their family members to achieve parity in voting rates with their contemporaries. We owe all of those who serve and protect our country a great debt. As they defend democracy and our way of life across the globe, the least we can do is give them the tools to participate in this great Republic,” said Paul Lux, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections. 

    “This bipartisan bill calls for a comprehensive study and analysis of all factors and data that impact the ability of our service members and their families to vote.The results of this study will help us better understand the factors that result in the very low voting rate of our uniformed service men and women. It will provide a basis of knowledge upon which we can improve the resources and outreach to our military voters, thus improving their ability to vote in a more hassle-free and seamless manner that is also secure and timely,” said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections. 

    Background: 

    UOCAVA, first enacted in 1986, is the only federal law solely dedicated to protecting the voting rights of active-duty military members, their families, and overseas citizens. Under this law, states must provide an option for these voters to request and submit absentee ballots, often through the Federal Post Card Application. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is responsible for administering UOCAVA.

    Despite these protections, voting rates among active-duty military remain significantly lower than the general population. In the 2022 midterm elections, only 23 percent of active-duty military voters participated, compared to 52 percent of civilians. For military voters stationed overseas, the turnout dropped to just 15 percent.

    In June 2025, the House Administration Committee held the first congressional oversight hearing on FVAP in over a decade. FVAP Director Patrick Wiedmann highlighted the persistent challenges military voters face—such as time constraints, frequent relocations, and access to voter information.

    Supporting Organizations & Individuals: 

    • Issue One
    • Institute for Responsive Government Action
    • Bipartisan Policy Center Action
    • Concerned Veterans for America
    • Supervisor Paul Lux, Okaloosa County, FL
    • Supervisor Mark Earley, Leon County, FL

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congressman Joe Neguse Reintroduce Bipartisan Supporting Military Voters Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) announced the reintroduction of the Supporting Military Voters Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen oversight of the federal government’s efforts to support active-duty military members and their families in the voting process.

    The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a comprehensive report evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government in carrying out its responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and recommending ways to improve access to voter registration information and assistance for military families.

    “The brave men and women who serve our country should never face unnecessary barriers when it comes to voting,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “This bill ensures Congress continues to exercise oversight of federal programs designed to serve military voters and gives us the information we need to improve the process. Every service member who wants to vote should be able to do so securely, and on time.”

    “The right to vote is sacrosanct, and those who bravely serve our country must have every opportunity to make their voices heard, including when serving overseas. That’s why I’m proud to team up with Rep. Laurel Lee in introducing the Supporting Military Voters Act. This bill would ensure that distance does not disenfranchise those protecting our country from voting,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

    “Institute for Responsive Government Action is pleased to endorse the Supporting Military Voters Act.” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government Action. “This bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lee and Rep. Neguse is not only critical to ensuring access to the ballot box for military and overseas personnel and their families, but also holding the federal government accountable regarding its responsibilities to these voters. We will proudly continue to support any effort in reducing red tape that hinders election participation for Americans serving in the military or living abroad.”

    “Ensuring that our military voters can cast their ballots securely and without unnecessary barriers is a fundamental obligation of our democracy. By directing the GAO to study how effectively current systems are working, this bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense, evidence-based approach to oversight, laying the groundwork for future improvements while protecting the rights of those who serve,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

    “Evaluations as described by the Supporting Military Voters Act will help inform election officials to better understand what information gaps exists and what additional support is needed for our military servicemembers and their family members to achieve parity in voting rates with their contemporaries. We owe all of those who serve and protect our country a great debt. As they defend democracy and our way of life across the globe, the least we can do is give them the tools to participate in this great Republic,” said Paul Lux, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections. 

    “This bipartisan bill calls for a comprehensive study and analysis of all factors and data that impact the ability of our service members and their families to vote.The results of this study will help us better understand the factors that result in the very low voting rate of our uniformed service men and women. It will provide a basis of knowledge upon which we can improve the resources and outreach to our military voters, thus improving their ability to vote in a more hassle-free and seamless manner that is also secure and timely,” said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections. 

    Background: 

    UOCAVA, first enacted in 1986, is the only federal law solely dedicated to protecting the voting rights of active-duty military members, their families, and overseas citizens. Under this law, states must provide an option for these voters to request and submit absentee ballots, often through the Federal Post Card Application. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is responsible for administering UOCAVA.

    Despite these protections, voting rates among active-duty military remain significantly lower than the general population. In the 2022 midterm elections, only 23 percent of active-duty military voters participated, compared to 52 percent of civilians. For military voters stationed overseas, the turnout dropped to just 15 percent.

    In June 2025, the House Administration Committee held the first congressional oversight hearing on FVAP in over a decade. FVAP Director Patrick Wiedmann highlighted the persistent challenges military voters face—such as time constraints, frequent relocations, and access to voter information.

    Supporting Organizations & Individuals: 

    • Issue One
    • Institute for Responsive Government Action
    • Bipartisan Policy Center Action
    • Concerned Veterans for America
    • Supervisor Paul Lux, Okaloosa County, FL
    • Supervisor Mark Earley, Leon County, FL

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Quality Conference Highlights

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 2025 Quality Conference, July 1-2, convening healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates from across the country. This year’s theme—“Make American Healthy: Improving Health Outcomes Through Prevention, Quality, and Safety,”—focused on practical strategies to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and modernize care delivery. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS maps moon for water, supporting NASA mission

    Source: US Geological Survey

    “The USGS and NASA have partnered for over 50 years to leverage space technologies to map the Earth’s resources, and to bring Earth science to bear on space exploration,” said Sarah Ryker, acting USGS director.“As the nation plans to return astronauts to the Moon, the Artemis missions will require resources prohibitive to bring from Earth. Our USGS expertise in assessing resources will help locate ice, which can be purified for drinking, or electrolyzed to make hydrogen and oxygen, key ingredients in rocket fuel.” 

    Since its establishment in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has been mapping mineral resources in the U.S. and on Earth, with satellite-based scanning beginning in 1972. Off-planet prospectivity is the latest step in the USGS and NASA’s partnership applying Earth science tools to space. 

    NASA’s planned VIPER, or Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, mission will explore volatile-bearing deposits within the loose surface materials near the Moon’s South Pole, specifically around the Mons Mouton landing site. By locating and characterizing these resources, particularly water ice, the mission could reduce the need to transport such materials from Earth, supporting long-term lunar exploration and future space missions.

    “Contributing to the VIPER Science Team helps the USGS test our methods in new settings, with new types of data. This mission represents a bold leap forward in lunar science, and also advances what we do on Earth,” said Joshua Coyan, lead author of the study and a research geologist with the USGS Mineral Resources Program.

    Mapping lunar resources paves the way for uncovering critical supplies on other planetary bodies. On Earth, the USGS maps energy and water resources; on the Moon and other planets, as on Earth, water is a potential energy resource.

    To support the VIPER mission, the USGS Mineral Resources Program partnered with NASA, the University of Hawai’i, and the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute to develop a new astrogeological prospectivity map with the goal of identifying locations with a high likelihood of containing water-ice deposits around the Lunar South Pole.

    “This is the first time Earth-based geostatistical techniques have been adapted to map potential resources on another celestial body,” said Coyan. “By applying proven terrestrial methods in a new planetary context, we’re showing that the tools used to assess mineral potential on Earth can also help identify strategic exploration targets on the Moon and potentially beyond.”

    Studying these potential water ice deposits may also help to shed light onto the origin and distribution of these lunar volatiles, offering a deeper understanding of the Moon’s geologic and thermal evolution.

    The team found that there are several highly prospective areas near the VIPER landing site. Notable locations include the bases of the Jaci, Masina, and Dawa craters, in addition to several smaller clusters of depressions in the surrounding areas.

    3D Map showing prospectivity of water ice volatiles in the Mons Mouton region (Map by Coyan et al., 2025, USGS Mineral Resources Program).

    The prospectivity map was generated using methodologies for uncovering drilling and mining locations. Remote sensing and geophysical data on the lunar poles are relatively scarce, so the team used a “fuzzy logic” artificial intelligence technique to locate areas with high potential for ice based on factors like shade and slope.

    These techniques were designed to improve as new data is collected during the mission, allowing for near-real time refinement of the locations considered prospective for water ice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man Jessie Bates, 38, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to 17 years in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.

    At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Bates sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual and undercover agent. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Bates, he fled at a high rate of speed proceeding the wrong way down a busy on-way road. He then fled to the state of Georgia where he was ultimately arrested. The government also presented evidence that Bates committed the offense while out on bond for a Sangamon County case involving aggravated discharge of a firearm.

    Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that the Bates was a career offender and eligible for an obstruction of justice enhancement for recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from law enforcement.

    Bates pleaded guilty in March 2025. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, where he has been since his arrest in January 2024.

    The statutory penalties for distribution of methamphetamine are at least 10 years and up to a life term of imprisonment, , at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and up to a $10,000,000 fine.

    “The only thing to be gained from a career as a drug dealer is a prison sentence,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “I appreciate the work of the ATF agents who came to central Illinois and went into the field to ensure this was a successful operation. Their work has made our community safer.”

    “This case was a direct result of our Violent Crime Initiative and our strong partnership with the Springfield Police Department,” said ATF Chicago Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “Through our targeted and collaborative enforcement efforts,  and with the unwavering support of retired Chief of Police Ken Scarlette, a violent drug trafficker is now off the streets and behind bars.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. The Illinois State Police provided assistance at sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gloucester drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prison for firearms offense

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gloucester man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on July 15, 2024, Kyle Jacob Buquor, 26, parked a pickup truck in the area of Market Drive and entered a store. While Buquor was inside the store, a K9 positively alerted for narcotics in the truck as law enforcement conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle.

    Buquor was detained when he returned to the vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle agents recovered a handgun, three loaded magazines, an empty magazine, 11.5 grams of methamphetamine, and various items indicative of drug trafficking.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-56.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Weekly Immigration Caseload Dips Below 200 in Western District of Texas

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 178 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from July 11 through July 17.

    Among the new cases, Edgar Josue Montelongo-Loera was charged in a criminal complaint in Del Rio for trafficking in firearms. On June 12, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, assisting in a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation, allegedly observed Montelongo-Loera transfer a plastic bag containing seven 9mm pistols to a non-immigrant alien co-conspirator at a parking lot in Eagle Pass. The criminal complaint states that HSI agents followed the co-conspirator to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers allegedly located eight firearms concealed inside the vehicle during an inspection. Further investigation by ATF revealed that Montelongo-Loera allegedly purchased one of the pistols at a retail location in San Antonio.

    Also in the Del Rio sector, Mexican national Jose Elias Gavina-Vasquez was arrested on July 14 and charged with illegal re-entry. Gavina-Vasquez has seven prior deportations, and he was most recently deported to Mexico on Feb. 23, 2023. He has a prior felony conviction from June 2022 and a separate conviction for driving while intoxicated from March 2022.

    Mexican national and convicted felon Juan Antonio Torres-Moreno was also arrested and charged with illegal re-entry in Del Rio. Torres-Moreno has three prior removals and a voluntary departure, the last being a deportation in 2019. The 2019 deportation resulted from his second illegal-re-entry conviction. He was sentenced to nine months confinement in that case.

    Sergio Villeda-Hernandez, also a Mexican national, was arrested in Eagle Pass on July 13 and charged with illegal re-entry after he was recently removed from the U.S. on March 18. Villeda-Hernandez is a convicted felon, having been sentenced to just over a year in prison in 2007 for a felony battery, possession of cocaine, and selling cocaine in DeSoto County, Florida.

    In El Paso, Mexican national Mario Humberto Sanchez-Hernandez was found less than a mile and a half west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry without immigration documents allowing him to be or remain in the U.S. Sanchez-Hernandez was just removed from the U.S. to Mexico for the third time on June 21 through San Diego and was convicted in October 2024 for driving under the influence in Newark, New Jersey.

    Two brothers were arrested in El Paso, each charged with one count of alien smuggling. U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted an undercover operation that led them to meet Marcos Dominguez, who allegedly believed the agents were transporting two illegal aliens and were in need of a stash house. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges that Marcos exited his vehicle to assist with transferring one of the illegal aliens from the agents’ vehicle to his own. Marcos was then detained for further investigation and agreed to guide the agents to his residence. At the residence, the agents encountered Marcos’s brother, Andres Dominguez, who allegedly admitted that illegal aliens were present inside. Agents located four subjects determined to be illegal aliens. The illegal aliens were arrested and transported to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station. The investigation revealed that Marcos allegedly housed more than 40 illegal aliens at his residence, was paid $200 per day for his smuggling actions, and would split the earnings with his brother Andres, whom he said helped him house and transport the illegal aliens.

    In Austin, the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fugitive Operations Team (FOT) encountered Honduran national Jimmy Reinel Espinal-Mejia on July 16. Espinal-Mejia was convicted for illegal re-entry in May 2024 after being previously removed in January 2024. For that conviction, he was sentenced to 63 days confinement and removed in July 2024. Six years earlier, in 2018, Espinal-Mejia was convicted for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

    In Waco, a Mexican national was charged with illegal re-entry on July 17 when Temple Police responded to a vehicle collision in Temple and identified Eloy Hernandez-Ponce as one of the vehicle occupants. ICE identified Hernandez-Ponce as a previously removed alien who was last deported in March 2010 following a felony conviction for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in Houston.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: PaladinMining Launches Seamless XRP Integration for Instant Cloud Mining Profits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining has officially launched a groundbreaking new feature that allows users to start Bitcoin cloud mining instantly using Ripple (XRP) — delivering real-time payout experiences and redefining accessibility in the cryptocurrency space. 

    In a move that blends speed, innovation, and sustainability, PaladinMining is now offering investors the ability to deploy XRP to activate high-performance Bitcoin mining contracts with daily returns of up to $5,700. Leveraging XRP’s lightning-fast settlement system — often taking just 30–60 seconds — users can now avoid the traditional 10–30-minute settlement windows and start earning virtually in real time. 

    Paladinminin CEO (John Alexander) said: “In order to build a more efficient and interconnected cryptocurrency future, driving updates is essential. Paladinmining has achieved perfect results in phased updates, providing a better user experience, improving liquidity flow, and moving towards true chain abstraction. Users do not need to wait 10-30 minutes to complete the settlement of Ripple (XRP) between chains, and now only need 30 seconds-60 seconds to receive it.”

    Key Features of the New Launch:

    PaladinMining’s approach challenges existing cloud mining platforms by providing many useful features, including:

    Registration bonus: Get $15 when you sign up (can be used for daily check-ins and get $0.6 profit per day)

    Legal compliance: Officially licensed and regulated by British financial institutions.

    Military-grade security: Highly secure encryption and multi-signature wallets provide top protection.

    Transparent business operations: The entire process has simple and reliable functions, with real-time mining analysis and payment visibility.

    Flexible plans: A variety of mining contracts are available; both novice and experienced investors can get rich profits.

    Environmentally friendly infrastructure: 100% sustainable power generation methods are adopted to ensure everyone’s environmental safety and health.
    Technical implementation: This integration uses PaladinMining’s infrastructure to provide a unique consensus protocol for XRP and other cryptocurrencies, enabling smooth and cost-effective transactions. Customers can set computing power using a convenient interface. In addition, investors can receive daily returns and transfer them directly to their wallets.

    The new stable income contracts are as follows:
    ⦁ [New User Experience Contract]: Investment amount: $100, total net profit: $100 + $7.
    ⦁ [ETC Miner E9 Pro]: Investment amount: $1500, total net profit: $1500 + $180.
    ⦁ [Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro]: Investment amount: $4300, total net profit: $4300 + $1100.8.
    ⦁ [Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Imm]: Investment amount: $7900, total net profit: $7900 + $3128.4.
    ⦁ [Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Hyd]: Investment amount: $12000, total net profit: $12000 + $7560.
    ⦁ [Avalon Air Box-40ft]: Investment amount: $28,000, total net profit: $28,000 + $22,400. (For more new contracts, please visit paladinmining platform official website: paladinmining.com)
    You can get the profit the next day after purchasing the contract. When the account funds reach $100, you can choose to withdraw to your wallet or continue to purchase other contracts.

    Security and Sustainability

    In the field of mining, trust and security are crucial. PALADIN MINING knows this well and puts the safety of users first. PALADIN MINING is committed to transparency and legality, ensuring your investment is protected, allowing you to focus on profitability. All mines use clean energy, making cloud mining carbon neutral. Renewable energy protects the environment from pollution and brings super-value returns, allowing every investor to enjoy opportunities and benefits.
    Looking to the future: innovation and opportunity Blockchain, smart contracts and digital currencies are revolutionizing the global financial system. Paladin Mining is at the forefront of this change. Early adopters are already participating in this movement that redefines the world’s value, income and opportunities. The future of finance is no longer exclusive to the elite, but is open to everyone willing to embrace innovation.
    The potential of cryptocurrency is unlimited, and cloud mining with Paladin Mining is one of the safest and most profitable ways to tap into the potential of cryptocurrency. Instead of waiting for market trends, smart investors can take the initiative to create daily passive income and take control of their financial future.

    For more information, visit https://paladinmining.com or contact info@paladinmining.com.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: As Canada’s economy faces serious challenges, the Indigenous economy offers solutions

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mylon Ollila, PhD Candidate in Indigenous Economic Policy, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

    Canada faces economic headwinds due to geopolitical change, including a trade war with its closest economic partner, the United States.

    Canada’s policymakers are searching for new, sustainable sources of economic strength. One such source is already here and is being overlooked: the emerging Indigenous economy. It has the potential to boost Canada’s economy by more than $60 billion a year.

    But Indigenous Peoples are still largely seen as an economic liability to manage instead of an opportunity for growth. It is time for a mindset shift. For it to happen, the federal government should remove unfair economic barriers and invest in closing the employment and income gap.

    Canada’s future depends on Indigenous Peoples

    Economic growth is projected to decline over the coming years for developed nations, with Canada expected to have the lowest GDP of the 38 OECD countries by 2060. As growth stalls, living standards will decline and governments will face increased fiscal pressure.

    Compounding this challenge is Canada’s aging labour force. The number of people aged 65 and over is growing six times faster than the number of children aged 14 and under — those who will be entering the job market in the coming years. This demographic shift places additional pressure on pensions, the health-care system and the economy.



    Read more:
    Enabling better aging: The 4 things seniors need, and the 4 things that need to change

    But these gloomy projections often overlook one of Canada’s comparative advantages: a young Indigenous population, growing at a rate outpacing the non-Indigenous population. While Indigenous Peoples comprise five per cent of Canada’s population, they only contribute 2.4 per cent of the total GDP.

    A BNN Bloomberg feature about the Indigenous economy in Canada.

    If Indigenous Peoples could participate in the economy at the same rate as non-Indigenous Canadians, their GDP contribution could increase from about $55 billion to well over $100 billion annually.

    Despite this potential, Canada has largely failed to invest in Indigenous Peoples and reform the colonial structures that create inequality.

    While some progress has been made, such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act that offers communities tools to strengthen their economies, progress is still too slow.

    Economic barriers hold back First Nations

    There are two parts to every economy: economic advantages and the institutions that make those advantages actionable. Some institutions lower the costs of doing business and encourage investment, while others do the opposite. Investment naturally flows to places that have both economic advantages and low costs of doing business.

    In Canada, strong property rights lower the costs of doing business and support the finance of business ventures. An efficient tax system creates predictability and allows governments to provide services. Business-grade infrastructure reduces logistical costs. All these institutions work together to support Canada’s economic development.

    In contrast, First Nations communities are constrained by Canadian institutions. The Indian Act limits First Nations’ authority over their own affairs, segregating them from mainstream finance mechanisms. Unclear legal jurisdiction between federal, provincial and Indigenous governments and weak property rights discourage business investments.

    Limited authority and fiscal powers mean First Nations governments cannot provide services at national standards and must depend on other governments.

    Compounding these issues is the fragmented, insufficient and culturally inappropriate nature of federal support systems. First Nations people have economic advantages and an entrepreneurial spirit, but they are burdened with unfair economic barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to capital and administrative hurdles.

    Investing in Indigenous economies is vital

    In 1997, the Royal Bank of Canada predicted that not investing in Indigenous Peoples would widen the socioeconomic gap. As predicted, this is what happened.

    Canada has consistently chosen to manage poverty instead of investing in growth. While financial support for Indigenous Peoples more than doubled over the last decade, it only resulted in modest improvement in living standards.

    The RoadMap Project, a national initiative led by the First Nations Financial Management Board and other Indigenous organizations, proposes a pathway to economic reconciliation. Investing in the Indigenous economy means supporting Indigenous training, providing access to capital for Indigenous organizations and reforming the institutions that continue to impose systemic barriers.

    Education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes and drive economic development. The federal government should therefore support training programs designed to meet Indigenous needs.

    Online learning could help remote communities achieve educational goals, but its success depends on major investments in high-speed internet access, which remains lacking in many areas.

    Indigenous organizations are best positioned to understand and respond to local training needs. That is why Indigenous control over revenue transfers and program design must be central to any future investments in education. To support this, the federal government should partner with Indigenous education institutions to develop common goals and values.

    Financing and supporting Indigenous growth

    Indigenous Peoples develop new businesses at nine times the Canadian average, but only receive 0.2 per cent of available credit. Most Indigenous enterprises are small and cannot grow without viable financing options.

    Yet, individual Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nations governments face challenges securing loans and financial support.

    Internationally, development banks have been used to fill credit gaps when the private sector is unable to meet the needs of emerging economies.

    In Canada, the First Nations Financial Management Board and other Indigenous organizations are calling for a similar solution: the creation of an Indigenous Development Finance Organization. By lending to Indigenous governments and businesses, this finance organization could bridge the gap between the financial markets and the Indigenous economy.

    While investments in capacity and development finance are urgent needs, only the dismantling of economic barriers and increased access to effective institutions can assure Indigenous development.

    Legislation such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management can support Indigenous economies through taxation, budgeting, land codes and financial laws. They offer a pathway between the Indian Act framework and self-government, without waiting on lengthy negotiations.

    Growing stronger together

    Canada’s economic future will remain uncertain if short-term solutions keep being prioritized while ignoring the growth potential of the Indigenous economy. Improvements to the status quo are no longer sufficient.

    The federal government must support Indigenous-led initiatives like the RoadMap Project to foster shared growth and prosperity for Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians alike. Investments are needed to narrow the employment and income gap through new supports for capacity, access to capital and institutional reform.

    Mylon Ollila is a Senior Strategist for the First Nations Financial Management Board.

    Hugo Asselin 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 Canada’s economy faces serious challenges, the Indigenous economy offers solutions – https://theconversation.com/as-canadas-economy-faces-serious-challenges-the-indigenous-economy-offers-solutions-261252

    MIL OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • More than 34 crore jobs created in MSME sector since 2014: Centre

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over 34 crore people have gained employment through micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since 2014 via the Udyam and Udyam Assist portals, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

    Responding to a question in the Upper House, the Minister of MSMEs said there is no shortage of funds or workers in the sector. He also cited examples of traditional workers, such as cobblers, who have received financial support under schemes like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

    The government considers MSMEs the backbone of India’s industrial growth and has undertaken a series of measures to strengthen the sector. One major step was the revision of the MSME definition after 14 years, aimed at removing the fear of losing government benefits due to business expansion. The revised definition also makes access to credit easier.

    The number of MSMEs in India has crossed 6 crore, the minister said, adding that lending to the sector has surged from ₹12 lakh crore a decade ago to around ₹30 lakh crore.

    In his Budget speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the guarantee cover for MSME loans would be doubled to ₹20 crore. The government also plans to roll out customised credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit to meet working capital needs.

    Meanwhile, NITI Aayog has released a report suggesting systemic reforms in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access to unlock the sector’s full potential. It said MSMEs can become a key driver of sustainable growth through targeted interventions and stronger institutional support.

    Between 2020 and 2024, the share of micro and small enterprises accessing credit through scheduled banks rose from 14% to 20%, while access among medium enterprises increased from 4% to 9%, the report noted.

    July 22, 2025

  • More than 34 crore jobs created in MSME sector since 2014: Centre

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over 34 crore people have gained employment through micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since 2014 via the Udyam and Udyam Assist portals, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

    Responding to a question in the Upper House, the Minister of MSMEs said there is no shortage of funds or workers in the sector. He also cited examples of traditional workers, such as cobblers, who have received financial support under schemes like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

    The government considers MSMEs the backbone of India’s industrial growth and has undertaken a series of measures to strengthen the sector. One major step was the revision of the MSME definition after 14 years, aimed at removing the fear of losing government benefits due to business expansion. The revised definition also makes access to credit easier.

    The number of MSMEs in India has crossed 6 crore, the minister said, adding that lending to the sector has surged from ₹12 lakh crore a decade ago to around ₹30 lakh crore.

    In his Budget speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the guarantee cover for MSME loans would be doubled to ₹20 crore. The government also plans to roll out customised credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit to meet working capital needs.

    Meanwhile, NITI Aayog has released a report suggesting systemic reforms in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access to unlock the sector’s full potential. It said MSMEs can become a key driver of sustainable growth through targeted interventions and stronger institutional support.

    Between 2020 and 2024, the share of micro and small enterprises accessing credit through scheduled banks rose from 14% to 20%, while access among medium enterprises increased from 4% to 9%, the report noted.

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham signs up to West Midlands Growth Plan

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 21st July 2025

    The West Midlands Growth Plan has been launched by the regional mayor alongside local authority leaders.

    Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton attended the launch and signed up to the plan that will drive a new era of prosperity in all parts of the region by creating 100,000 good jobs in fast-growing industries, getting tens of thousands of residents into work, improving public transport, and building 120,000 homes.

    The plan also sets out actions to reduce poverty and deprivation and make further progress towards net zero.

    Cllr Cotton said: “This is great news for the people of Birmingham and the wider region. Birmingham is the beating heart of the West Midlands and when we thrive, the whole country thrives.

    “Increasingly, businesses want to invest here and families want to live work here and this growth plan will bring more jobs and skills, better transport and much-needed housing, as well as support our vital net zero ambitions.”

    The Growth Plan will build on new projects and funding secured by the Mayor since he took office.

    This includes hundreds of new social homes, £2.4bn to improve transport, more than £10m of support for local businesses, five million free bus journeys ahead of bringing the network back under public control and a flagship Investment Zone, offering tax breaks and other benefits for companies.

    The Mayor has also agreed a new tram line to East Birmingham which has proved pivotal in landing the £3bn Sports Quarter regeneration project by American financier and Birmingham City FC co-owner Tom Wagner.

    Full details can be found on the WMCA website.

    Useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planning for end of greyhound racing proceeds

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Planning for the intended ending of greyhound racing in New Zealand is moving forward with animal welfare paramount while also managing the uncertainty for those in the industry, Racing Minister Winston Peters says.

    “We welcome the interim report by the Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to help plan the intended transition away from greyhound racing in New Zealand.

    “This report sets out a way forward including plans for rehoming the greyhounds currently involved in the sport,” Mr Peters says. 

    In December the Minister announced the Government’s intention to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. An Advisory Committee was appointed to look at the process in detail and make recommendations for how the industry should be wound down. 

    The Committee has been working with representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming agencies, animal welfare groups and government agencies to find practical solutions. 

    The report considers the planning that is underway for the rehoming of dogs, while always recognising this will continue after the intended end of racing on 31 July 2026.  The committee says the current rehoming programme will require reorganization and expansion to achieve finding safe homes for the estimated 1500 dogs remaining when racing is due to end. 

    The Committee also acknowledges the concern of owners and trainers about the financial liability of feeding and caring for dogs once racing ceases. Support is being considered.

    The Committee’s recommendations will be considered by Cabinet before any decisions are taken.

    “We are fully aware of the impact that ending greyhound racing would have on those involved in the industry, and appreciate the feedback owners, trainers and other stakeholders have given the committee. 

    “That is why it is important that we consider everything carefully.

    “The intention is to introduce legislation and members of the industry, and the wider public will get the chance to make submissions to the select committee as part of the process.” 

    The decision to end greyhound racing in New Zealand was made following ongoing concerns about animal welfare and three reviews into the industry which recommended significant change.

    “The imperative to see this through continues with 15 racing greyhounds having to be euthanized so far this season and nearly a further 200 dogs suffering serious injuries keeping them out of racing for weeks and months,” Mr Peters says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Best Summer Week for MTA Since 2019

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) achieved its best summer subway ridership week since 2019, hitting four million subway riders three days in a row in a summer season — a first since the start of the pandemic. On Tuesday, July 15, New York City Transit recorded 4,046,610 subway riders; on Wednesday, July 16, the agency recorded 4,121,751 subway riders; and on Thursday, July 17 saw 4,029,692 riders. This milestone was also achieved during the same week NYC experienced a near-record rainfall on Monday, July 14, and transit crews worked expeditiously to restore service the evening of the storm and through the night to ensure a smooth commute the next day. Moreover, Wednesday’s ridership of 4,121,751 subway riders is a new post-pandemic ridership high for the summer.

    “We’re delivering a transit system that is safer and more reliable, and New Yorkers have responded by riding in record numbers,” Governor Hochul said. “Transit is the lifeblood of New York City, it powers our economy and makes city life possible for millions. When ridership is on the rise, New York is on the rise.”

    The four million mark has now been achieved seven times in three weeks, starting at the end of the school year. The first time the MTA reached four million subway riders in a single day during a summer season since the start of the pandemic was on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, followed by Thursday, June 26, 2025, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and Thursday, July 10, 2025, and now July 17 through July 19. This milestone comes days after the Governor announced the Authority’s path towards a record-breaking year in ridership and on-time performance.

    This is the first summer NYC students are enjoying expanded benefits from Student OMNY cards distributed last September, which allow use after the conclusion of the school year. Student OMNY cards are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Previously, Student MetroCards limited rides on days when the student’s school was open for class.

    MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “New Yorkers are demonstrating their confidence in the MTA’s faster and more reliable transit, voting with their taps to get around the City this summer. And thanks to Governor Hochul’s investments in state-of-good-repair work, safety, and accessibility, we’re achieving post-pandemic ridership records every week.”

    New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Thanks to the dedication of New York City Transit workers, we’re continuing to see record-breaking ridership on subways and buses this year. And we’re not done yet – with a capital plan that funds new train cars, more accessible stations, and computerized signals that allow for increased speeds and shorter travel times, riders will continue to see improvements both in the short term and well into the future.” 

    On top of the ridership increases, tap-and-go continues to surge in popularity with 75 percent of riders deciding to tap their phones, contactless debit/credit cards, or OMNY cards to pay their fares during the week of July 14, up from 67 percent in March 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XRP rebounds close to $4, PBK Miner officially launches AI smart XRP cloud mining contract this week

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP rebounds from a recent dip below $2 to approach the $4 mark, PBK Miner has officially launched a new suite of XRP cloud mining contracts this week to meet growing global demand from holders and short-term investors. The launch has already triggered a 297% spike in platform activity within just 72 hours, confirming the surge of investor interest in low-risk, high-yield crypto mining options.

    This launch comes at a time when the XRP market is regaining momentum after a volatile correction, creating an ideal opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on XRP’s recovery with stable, AI-driven cloud mining plans.While XRP price remains just below the critical $4 threshold, PBK Miner’s groundbreaking cloud mining model is driving more holders to participate and increasing the perceived value of the asset.
    XRP’s performance has caught the market off guard. Just a few days ago, it briefly fell below the psychological $2 mark, sparking market concerns about further declines. However, XRP has since rebounded strongly. This period of consolidation coincided with PBK Miner’s launch of innovative XRP cloud mining contracts – a move that quickly attracted the attention of long-term holders and new market participants.
    Visit the official PBK Miner website: https://pbkminer.com

    Breaking the Rules: Cloud Mining Designed for XRP
    PBK Miner cloud mining is a remote cryptocurrency mining solution that supports multiple digital assets, including XRP. Users can use PBK Miner’s powerful computing infrastructure to earn income without having to purchase mining hardware or perform any technical maintenance. By utilizing high-performance mining facilities, PBK Miner enables users to continuously solve complex blockchain algorithms and receive real-time mining rewards.
    Unlike traditional mining methods that rely on Proof of Work (PoW), XRP uses a consensus protocol, which makes traditional mining infeasible. PBK Miner solves this challenge by simulating a cloud mining model that allows users to receive XRP rewards through mining contracts.
    Key Features of PBK Miner XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    •No Hardware Required: Open to all users – no mining equipment or technical setup required
    •Daily Payouts: Mining earnings are withdrawn daily based on your active contract
    •Safe Custody: Assets are protected by PBK Miner’s industry-grade security protocols
    •Flexible Contract Terms: Contract amounts range from $10 to $100,000, and terms range from 1 to 50 days
    Flexible XRP Mining Contracts Now Available
    Following the huge success of BTC cloud mining contracts, PBK Miner now offers over 10 different XRP mining contracts. With weekly purchases growing 295%, users can choose a plan that fits their budget and financial goals. All contracts support XRP mining and guarantee a full return of principal at maturity, providing a low-risk entry point for beginners and experienced investors.
    $100 Plan – 2 days – Earn $3.50 per day
    $1,000 Plan – 10 days – Earn $13.50 per day
    $5,000 Plan – 30 days – Earn $77.50 per day
    $10,000 Plan – 45 days – Earn $165.00 per day
    These numbers are not theoretical predictions – they are backed by real-time data from over 8 million users worldwide, powered by PBK Miner’s high-performance infrastructure and AI-optimized profit model.

    [Click here to explore more cloud mining plans.]

    PBK Miner turns market consolidation into opportunity with XRP mining contracts

    A spokesperson for PBK Miner said: “While some believe XRP is still a long way from breaking $3, we see this as a strategic entry point. Our platform allows users to earn real XRP mining rewards in completely secure funds – whether the market is rising, falling or consolidating. This launch comes at a critical time and will inject new vitality into the XRP ecosystem.”
    The announcement triggered a significant increase in platform activity, with contract sales soaring 297% within 72 hours of launch. Users cited low barriers to entry, daily returns, and the ability to reinvest or withdraw profits as the main motivations for participation.
    How to start mining XRP with PBK Miner
    1.Register: Register now to receive a $10 welcome bonus and a $0.60 daily sign-in bonus.
    Click here to register an account
    2. Choose a contract: Select a mining plan that fits your budget and financial goals. PBK Miner offers solutions for both beginners and advanced investors.
    3. Start earning: Once your contract is activated, PBK Miner’s smart platform will take care of the rest – ensuring a seamless and efficient mining operation to maximize your returns.
    About PBK Miner
    Founded in 2019, PBK Miner is a global leader in AI cloud mining, providing secure and transparent digital asset appreciation opportunities. PBK Miner’s business covers more than 183 countries and regions, supporting mining contracts for XRP, BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and SOL. Its cutting-edge technology and customer-first philosophy have won the trust of more than 8 million users worldwide.
    Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the cryptocurrency space, PBK Miner offers you an easy way to earn consistent returns – even in volatile market conditions.
    To explore XRP cloud mining, visit: https://pbkminer.com
    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: GoldenMining Introduces ETH Contract Update Offering Stable Income Up to $9,700 Amid ETH Ecosystem Surge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, US, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the entry into force of the GENIUS Act, the United States has officially banned income-generating stablecoins, cutting off a major channel through which investors previously earned interest. This regulatory shift is expected to drive capital back into the native ecosystems of leading public chains like Ethereum, fueling a sharp rise in demand for on-chain income tools. In response, GoldenMining has introduced an updated suite of ETH cloud mining contracts—designed to deliver stable daily income of up to $9,700—positioning itself as a key player in helping investors earn consistent returns while benefiting from Ethereum’s continued growth.

    As the core of the DeFi ecosystem, Ethereum undertakes more than 70% of decentralized financial applications. It has become an important way for many people to make stable money through staking and on-chain services. The ETH cloud mining contract launched by GoldenMining eliminates the trouble of buying mining machines, has a low threshold, and the income is settled every day, with a return rate of more than 60%. In the case of Ethereum’s bullish price, this contract helps investors enjoy price increases and get stable income. Now that policies limit the income of stablecoins, it is difficult to resist inflation by holding coins alone. GoldenMining’s contract model has become a choice with both growth potential and relative safety.

    In order to allow more people to participate in Ethereum’s income, GoldenMining has launched a variety of ETH cloud mining contracts. As long as users choose the right investment amount and time, the mining platform will take care of the rest, and the income will be directly credited to your account every day. In this way, everyone does not have to worry about equipment maintenance or technical problems, and can easily get stable mining returns.

    User contract recommendation

    contract Investment Amount Contract Rewards Total income
    VOLCMINER D1 Lite $15 $0.6 $15.6
    Elphapex DG1+ $100 $3 $106
    Bitmain S23 Hyd $500 $32.5 $532.5
    AntminerL916GH $1000   $135 $1135
    L917GH $3000  $621 $3621
    ElphaPex DG Hydro1 $5000 $1400 $6400
    Elphapex DG2 – 25-Day  $8000 $2900 $10900
    Elphapex DG2+ – 30-Day $15000 $6750 $21750

    As the price of Ethereum continues to rise, the benefits of contracts not only come from mining itself, but investors can also enjoy the benefits of asset appreciation. In this way, both income and asset value increase, making investment more secure.

    Simple steps to participate in ETH contracts

    Register an account and you can get a trial fee worth $15. This trial fee can be used directly by users to experience contracts of mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, etc., helping new users quickly familiarize themselves with the operation of the platform and the receipt of income.

    After selecting the contract, the contract will take effect immediately, and the system will automatically settle the income every day and send it directly to your account. The income will be accumulated from the day of signing the contract, and the profit can be withdrawn or reinvested

    Users can use their wallets to directly recharge ETH to the platform account. The platform also supports the recharge and withdrawal of a variety of mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP) and US dollar stablecoin (USDC). After the recharge is completed, you can choose ETH contracts of different amounts and terms according to your needs.

    To ensure the safety of funds, users’ assets are managed by top banks, all personal information is protected by SSL encryption, and the transaction process is safe and reliable. At the same time, the platform provides AIG insurance underwriting for all contract investments to further enhance financial security and enhance user confidence.

    GoldenMining joins hands with Ethereum to seize future profit opportunities

    With the continuous growth of the Ethereum ecosystem and the increase in the demand for on-chain income, GoldenMining’s ETH cloud mining contract has seized this opportunity and provided investors with a platform that can share the growth dividends of Ethereum and obtain stable returns. In the future, as more funds flow into the Ethereum ecosystem, this contract model is expected to become a new choice for more and more people to manage their finances.

    For more information, please visit the official website: www.Goldenmining.com
    For more information, please visit the official email: info@Goldenmining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.  

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: GoldenMining Introduces ETH Contract Update Offering Stable Income Up to $9,700 Amid ETH Ecosystem Surge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, US, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the entry into force of the GENIUS Act, the United States has officially banned income-generating stablecoins, cutting off a major channel through which investors previously earned interest. This regulatory shift is expected to drive capital back into the native ecosystems of leading public chains like Ethereum, fueling a sharp rise in demand for on-chain income tools. In response, GoldenMining has introduced an updated suite of ETH cloud mining contracts—designed to deliver stable daily income of up to $9,700—positioning itself as a key player in helping investors earn consistent returns while benefiting from Ethereum’s continued growth.

    As the core of the DeFi ecosystem, Ethereum undertakes more than 70% of decentralized financial applications. It has become an important way for many people to make stable money through staking and on-chain services. The ETH cloud mining contract launched by GoldenMining eliminates the trouble of buying mining machines, has a low threshold, and the income is settled every day, with a return rate of more than 60%. In the case of Ethereum’s bullish price, this contract helps investors enjoy price increases and get stable income. Now that policies limit the income of stablecoins, it is difficult to resist inflation by holding coins alone. GoldenMining’s contract model has become a choice with both growth potential and relative safety.

    In order to allow more people to participate in Ethereum’s income, GoldenMining has launched a variety of ETH cloud mining contracts. As long as users choose the right investment amount and time, the mining platform will take care of the rest, and the income will be directly credited to your account every day. In this way, everyone does not have to worry about equipment maintenance or technical problems, and can easily get stable mining returns.

    User contract recommendation

    contract Investment Amount Contract Rewards Total income
    VOLCMINER D1 Lite $15 $0.6 $15.6
    Elphapex DG1+ $100 $3 $106
    Bitmain S23 Hyd $500 $32.5 $532.5
    AntminerL916GH $1000   $135 $1135
    L917GH $3000  $621 $3621
    ElphaPex DG Hydro1 $5000 $1400 $6400
    Elphapex DG2 – 25-Day  $8000 $2900 $10900
    Elphapex DG2+ – 30-Day $15000 $6750 $21750

    As the price of Ethereum continues to rise, the benefits of contracts not only come from mining itself, but investors can also enjoy the benefits of asset appreciation. In this way, both income and asset value increase, making investment more secure.

    Simple steps to participate in ETH contracts

    Register an account and you can get a trial fee worth $15. This trial fee can be used directly by users to experience contracts of mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, etc., helping new users quickly familiarize themselves with the operation of the platform and the receipt of income.

    After selecting the contract, the contract will take effect immediately, and the system will automatically settle the income every day and send it directly to your account. The income will be accumulated from the day of signing the contract, and the profit can be withdrawn or reinvested

    Users can use their wallets to directly recharge ETH to the platform account. The platform also supports the recharge and withdrawal of a variety of mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP) and US dollar stablecoin (USDC). After the recharge is completed, you can choose ETH contracts of different amounts and terms according to your needs.

    To ensure the safety of funds, users’ assets are managed by top banks, all personal information is protected by SSL encryption, and the transaction process is safe and reliable. At the same time, the platform provides AIG insurance underwriting for all contract investments to further enhance financial security and enhance user confidence.

    GoldenMining joins hands with Ethereum to seize future profit opportunities

    With the continuous growth of the Ethereum ecosystem and the increase in the demand for on-chain income, GoldenMining’s ETH cloud mining contract has seized this opportunity and provided investors with a platform that can share the growth dividends of Ethereum and obtain stable returns. In the future, as more funds flow into the Ethereum ecosystem, this contract model is expected to become a new choice for more and more people to manage their finances.

    For more information, please visit the official website: www.Goldenmining.com
    For more information, please visit the official email: info@Goldenmining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.  

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: AI and other future technologies will be necessary — but not sufficient — for enacting the UN’s Pact for the Future

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joyeeta Gupta, Professor, Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam

    In September 2024, members of the United Nations adopted the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, held in New York City. The pact, including its two annexes on the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact, builds on multilateral agreements following the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.



    Read more:
    How the United Nations’ Pact for the Future could help heal a fractured world

    The pact commits to “protect the needs and interests of present and future generations through the actions stated in the pact.” These actions address the digital divide, inclusion, digital space that respects human rights and promotes responsible governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Additionally, the Declaration on Future Generations includes 10 principles and some actions. The pact also encourages accelerated development of AI, while considering both its positive and negative aspects within a broader aim to protect human rights.

    A 1972 image of the Earth taken during the Apollo 17 mission. Planetary justice means considering human and non-human life, Earth systems and responsible management of resources.
    (NASA)

    Meeting needs

    As the former co-chair of the Earth Commission and current co-chair of the UN 10-member group, I have worked on incorporating justice issues within environmental studies. Along with my colleagues, we recently published an article where we explain how we have developed Earth system boundaries based on the principle of not causing significant harm to others as part of a broader human rights and Earth systems justice approach.

    While the pact acknowledges and builds on the Sustainable Development Goals, it does not adequately take into account the latest science that shows we have crossed many safe and just Earth system boundaries. There’s also a challenge here: if we were to meet everyone’s minimum needs as required by the social Sustainable Development Goals, we will cross boundaries further.

    A human rights approach

    The pact and its annexes make reference to justice, future generations and Africa. Justice is anchored in a human rights approach. The pact only mentions reducing harm in relation to digital platforms and explosive weapons, but this could be strengthened with the addition of the no-harm principle — not causing significant harm to human and non-human others — in other areas such as climate change. Other forms of justice are scarcely accounted for.

    These include epistemic justice (or how different knowledge systems are included), and data justice (the right to create, control, access, apply and profit from data). Procedural justice — the right to information, decision-making, civic space and courts relating to the allocation of resources and responsibilities — is also vital.

    Other important forms of justice include recognition justice, interspecies, and intragenerational justice. Earth system justice is needed to identify and live within Earth system boundaries and equitably share resources and risks.

    The pact notes that “if we do not change course, we risk tipping into a future of persistent crisis and breakdown,” but it does not make reference to the latest science on planetary boundaries.

    Climate justice

    We argue that implementing the pact requires recognizing how boundaries, foundations and inequality are inextricably are linked together. The Earth Commission argues that safe planetary boundaries are not necessarily just. To minimize significant harm to others, it may be necessary to have more stringent targets.

    For example, 1.5 C is the proposed safe climate boundary for climate change, while 1 C is the proposed just boundary since, at this level, already tens of millions of people are exposed to extreme heat and humidity. Eight safe and just boundaries for climate, water, nutrients, biosphere and aerosols have been identified, seven of which have been crossed.



    Read more:
    What are ‘planetary boundaries’ and why should we care?

    In terms of foundations, theoretically, meeting people’s minimum needs would lead to further crossing these boundaries. We need to recognize that living within safe and just boundaries requires meeting everyone’s minimum needs.

    This requires deploying efficient technologies and redistributing resources to make up the deficit. But governments are reluctant to take this approach, probably because it limits the use of resources and sinks.

    Technological support

    Living within climate boundaries will require a just transition. Globally, if we wish to remain below the safe climate boundary, we will have to completely stop using fossil fuels. Since most remaining fossil fuel reserves are in the developing world, this will put a heavy burden on them. At the same time, climate impacts are considerable, so finance for a just energy transformation is needed.

    While the pact restates the importance of the 2030 agenda in bolstering sustainable development, it lacks a credible mechanism for monitoring whether the national pledges are implemented. This will require strong collaboration among policy, science and the private sector.

    There is a wealth of information in Earth observations from space that can assist in monitoring progress. This information, if made available to researchers and policymakers, can be integrated into national, regional and global environmental risk assessments.

    Digital twins are another technological development that can support these assessments. The European Commission’s Digital Twin of the Ocean, for example, is a virtual model. It integrates diverse ocean data sources and leverages the power of big data, advanced computing and AI to provide real-time insights and scenario simulations under a variety of conditions. Such systems can enhance our ability to cope with environmental challenges.

    As AI is likely to dramatically develop in the few two years, it is critical to be ready to shape and use its potential in a positive way to implement the Pact while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

    A ‘cash flow crisis’

    Finally, the pact calls for urgent, predictable and stable funding for the UN and developing countries. This will enable UN bodies to deliver services and administer programs in accordance with international law. The UN Secretariat is facing a severe “cash flow crisis,” as major contributors are paying too late or too little.

    The UN Honour Roll lists member states that have paid membership fees in full: 151 of 193 countries paid in full, but only 51 of them on time in 2024. Among 13 countries with assessed fees of more than US$50 million, only Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, Germany and Italy paid on time.

    With most members paying late, and large ones not paying till later or only partially, this severely constrains the ability of the UN to provide planned, impartial and inclusive services to the global community.

    There is also a need for funding to enable developing countries to adapt and transform. But if such funding comes through loans, this may further exacerbate existing developing country debt: in 2023, developing countries made debt repayments of US$1.4 trillion.

    We need redistribution of resources. Until then, it is critical that new technologies such as AI are deployed to help us return within the boundaries and meet minimum needs without exacerbating climate change through its fossil fuels dependence. The UN plays a critical role in facilitating human, environmental and earthy system justice, but shrinking resources hamper its ability to deliver.

    Joyeeta Gupta receives funding from European Research Council and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

    – ref. AI and other future technologies will be necessary — but not sufficient — for enacting the UN’s Pact for the Future – https://theconversation.com/ai-and-other-future-technologies-will-be-necessary-but-not-sufficient-for-enacting-the-uns-pact-for-the-future-247511

    MIL OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A popular sweetener could be damaging your brain’s defences, says recent study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Havovi Chichger, Professor, Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University

    Found in everything from protein bars to energy drinks, erythritol has long been considered a safe alternative to sugar. But new research suggests this widely used sweetener may be quietly undermining one of the body’s most crucial protective barriers – with potentially serious consequences for heart health and stroke risk.

    A recent study from the University of Colorado suggests erythritol may damage cells in the blood-brain barrier, the brain’s security system that keeps out harmful substances while letting in nutrients. The findings add troubling new detail to previous observational studies that have linked erythritol consumption to increased rates of heart attack and stroke.

    In the new study, researchers exposed blood-brain barrier cells to levels of erythritol typically found after drinking a soft drink sweetened with the compound. They saw a chain reaction of cell damage that could make the brain more vulnerable to blood clots – a leading cause of stroke.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Erythritol triggered what scientists call oxidative stress, flooding cells with harmful, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals, while simultaneously reducing the body’s natural antioxidant defences. This double assault damaged the cells’ ability to function properly, and in some cases killed them outright.

    But perhaps more concerning was erythritol’s effect on the blood vessels’ ability to regulate blood flow. Healthy blood vessels act like traffic controllers, widening when organs need more blood – during exercise, for instance – and tightening when less is required. They achieve this delicate balance through two key molecules: nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, and endothelin-1, which constricts them.

    The study found that erythritol disrupted this critical system, reducing nitric oxide production while ramping up endothelin-1. The result would be blood vessels that remain dangerously constricted, potentially starving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This imbalance is a known warning sign of ischaemic stroke – the type caused by blood clots blocking vessels in the brain.

    Even more alarming, erythritol appeared to sabotage the body’s natural defence against blood clots. Normally, when clots form in blood vessels, cells release a “clot buster” called tissue plasminogen activator that dissolves the blockage before it can cause a stroke. But the sweetener blocked this protective mechanism, potentially leaving clots free to wreak havoc.

    The laboratory findings align with troubling evidence from human studies. Several large-scale observational studies have found that people who regularly consume erythritol face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. One major study tracking thousands of participants found that those with the highest blood levels of erythritol were roughly twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event.

    However, the research does have limitations. The experiments were conducted on isolated cells in laboratory dishes rather than complete blood vessels, which means the cells may not behave exactly as they would in the human body. Scientists acknowledge that more sophisticated testing – using advanced “blood vessel on a chip” systems that better mimic real physiology – will be needed to confirm these effects.

    The findings are particularly significant because erythritol occupies a unique position in the sweetener landscape. Unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose, erythritol is technically a sugar alcohol – a naturally occurring compound that the body produces in small amounts. This classification helped it avoid inclusion in recent World Health Organization guidelines that discouraged the use of artificial sweeteners for weight control.

    Erythritol has also gained popularity among food manufacturers because it behaves more like sugar than other alternatives. While sucralose is 320 times sweeter than sugar, erythritol provides only about 80% of sugar’s sweetness, making it easier to use in recipes without creating an overpowering taste. It’s now found in thousands of products, especially in many “sugar-free” and “keto-friendly” foods.

    Erythritol can be found in many keto-friendly products, such a protein bars.
    Stockah/Shutterstock.com

    Trade-off

    Regulatory agencies, including the European Food Standards Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, have approved erythritol as safe for consumption. But the new research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that even “natural” sugar alternatives may carry unexpected health risks.

    For consumers, the findings raise difficult questions about the trade-offs involved in sugar substitution. Sweeteners like erythritol can be valuable tools for weight management and diabetes prevention, helping people reduce calories and control blood sugar spikes. But if regular consumption potentially weakens the brain’s protective barriers and increases cardiovascular risk, the benefits may come at a significant cost.

    The research underscores a broader challenge in nutritional science: understanding the long-term effects of relatively new food additives that have become ubiquitous in the modern diet. While erythritol may help people avoid the immediate harms of excess sugar consumption, its effect on the blood-brain barrier suggests that frequent use could be quietly compromising brain protection over time.

    As scientists continue to investigate these concerning links, consumers may want to reconsider their relationship with this seemingly innocent sweetener – and perhaps question whether any sugar substitute additive is truly without risk.

    Havovi Chichger 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. A popular sweetener could be damaging your brain’s defences, says recent study – https://theconversation.com/a-popular-sweetener-could-be-damaging-your-brains-defences-says-recent-study-261500

    MIL OSI –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SECURES $18.5 MILLION AUTHORIZATION FOR FORT DRUM CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SENATE NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Secured Authorization In Major Step Forward To Plan & Design New, Expanded Spaces To Store Aircraft And House Soldiers Training At Fort Drum

    Schumer Is Pushing To Deliver $$ For New Aircraft Storage And Training Facilities In Upcoming Funding Bill

    Schumer: A Major Step Closer To Critical Fort Drum Upgrades

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced a major step forward for future construction projects at Fort Drum in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The senator has secured required the funding authorization, a critical milestone that unlocks the funding process, for the planning and design of an aircraft maintenance hangar addition and an Operational Readiness Training Complex training barracks at Fort Drum, a vital step in unlocking the funding process . These new projects will add space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and expand housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training. Schumer said this is a priority for Fort Drum and will fight to secure the funding in appropriations.

    “Fort Drum is vital to our national defense and is woven into the very fabric of the North Country, and this funding authorization is a major step towards bringing much-needed construction projects to life. I am proud to announce I just secured the long-desired federal funding authorization of $18.5 million to plan and design expanded space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and more housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training,” said Senator Schumer. “I will continue to fight tooth and nail to deliver funding in appropriations to get dollars through the door and bring these projects to life for all the hardworking servicemembers at Fort Drum.”

    Schumer said securing this $18.5 million authorization in the Senate is a massive step forward in the push to bring two Fort Drum Construction projects to life. This federal funding authorization would contribute to the planning and design of these construction projects. More information on the projects can be found below:

    1. $9.8 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition: This funding would construct a hangar addition to store Fort Drum’s aircraft.
    2. $8.6 million for Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) Transient Training Barracks: Fort Drum is a Regional Collective Training Center to roughly 25,000 soldiers annually, and this funding will help house transient units when they come to Fort Drum for training exercises, as it renovates other barracks. The funding would build two new battalion-sized training barracks with special foundations and ensure there are functioning sewer systems and emergency control systems for the two new barracks.

    Schumer has worked for years to deliver major federal investments to enhance Fort Drum’s capabilities. Schumer fought for years, personally calling the former Army Secretary, Defense Secretary, and Army Chief of Staff to deliver over $27 million in federal funding to construct a new railhead at Fort Drum, a top priority for the base. The senator also delivered over $21 million for a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Hangar at Fort Drum, and he secured $27 million for Fort Drum in the FY22 omnibus to replace the base’s existing water supply that was vulnerable to multiple forms of contamination, requiring Fort Drum to purchase half of its water supply from a municipal source. Schumer additionally secured nearly $10 million for two major Fort Drum projects in the end-of-year spending package for FY2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
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