Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Studies Wind Effects and Aircraft Tracking with Joby Aircraft

    Source: NASA

    NASA engineers began using a network of ground sensors in March to collect data from an experimental air taxi to evaluate how to safely integrate such vehicles into airspace above cities – in all kinds of weather.
    Researchers will use the campaign to help improve tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations and ensure safe and efficient air taxi operations in various weather conditions.
    For years, NASA has looked at how wind shaped by terrain, including buildings in urban areas, can affect new types of aircraft. The latest test, which is gathering data from a Joby Aviation demonstrator aircraft, looks at another kind of wind – that which is generated by the aircraft themselves.
    Joby flew its air taxi demonstrator over NASA’s ground sensor array near the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California producing air flow data. The Joby aircraft has six rotors that allow for vertical takeoffs and landings, and tilt to provide lift in flight. Researchers focused on the air pushed by the propellers, which rolls into turbulent, circular patterns of wind.

    This rolling wind can affect the aircraft’s performance, especially when it’s close to the ground, as well as others flying in the vicinity and people on the ground. Such wind turbulence is difficult to measure, so NASA enhanced its sensors with a new type of lidar – a system that uses lasers to measure precise distances – and that can map out the shapes of wind features.
    “The design of this new type of aircraft, paired with the NASA lidar technology during this study, warrants a better understanding of possible wind and turbulence effects that can influence safe and efficient flights,” said Grady Koch, lead for this research effort, from NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

    NASA also set up a second array of ground nodes including radar, cameras, and microphones in the same location as the sensors to provide additional data on the aircraft. These nodes will collect tracking data during routine flights for several months.
    The agency will use the data gathered from these ground nodes to demonstrate the tracking capabilities and functions of its “distributed sensing” technology, which involves embedding multiple sensors in an area where aircraft are operating.

    This technology will be important for future air taxi flights, especially those occurring in cities by tracking aircraft moving through traffic corridors and around landing zones. Distributed sensing has the potential to enhance collision avoidance systems, air traffic management, ground-based landing sensors, and more.
    “Our early work on a distributed network of sensors, and through this study, gives us the opportunity to test new technologies that can someday assist in airspace monitoring and collision avoidance above cities,” said George Gorospe, lead for this effort from NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.
    Using this data from an experimental air taxi aircraft, NASA will further develop the technology needed to help create safer air taxi flights in high-traffic areas. Both of these efforts will benefit the companies working to bring air taxis and drones safely into the airspace.
    The work is led by NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technologies and Convergent Aeronautics Solutions projects under the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts program in support of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission. NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission seeks to deliver data to guide the industry’s development of electric air taxis and drones.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off

    Source: NASA

    The launch of space shuttle Discovery is captured in this April 12, 1985, photo. This mission, STS-51D, was the 16th flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, and Discovery’s fourth flight.
    Discovery carried out 39 missions, more than any other space shuttle. Its missions included deploying and repairing the Hubble Space Telescope and 13 flights to the International Space Station – including the very first docking in 1999. The retired shuttle now resides at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia.
    Learn more about NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.
    Image credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Building for a Better World: Norfolk Students Bring STEM to Life with NASA Partnership

    Source: NASA

    At Norfolk Technical Center in Norfolk, Virginia, carpentry students in Jordan Crawford’s first-year class aren’t just learning how to measure and cut wood—they’re discovering how their skills can serve a greater purpose.
    When the NASA Science Activation program’s NASA eClips project—led by the National Institute of Aerospace’s Center for Integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education (NIA-CISE)—needed help building weather instrument shelters for local schools, Norfolk Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) team saw an opportunity to connect students to something bigger than the classroom. The shelters are used to house scientific equipment that K–12 students rely on to collect data using GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) protocols—a set of standardized, internationally recognized methods for gathering environmental data such as temperature, soil moisture, and cloud cover. These observations contribute to a global citizen science database, giving young learners a meaningful role in real-world environmental research.
    Originally, shelters were being ordered from a national supplier to support GLOBE training sessions for teachers in GO (Growth & Opportunity) Virginia Region 5, an economic development region. These training sessions were funded through a generous grant from the Coastal Virginia STEM Hub (COVA STEM Hub), which supports regional collaboration in STEM education. But when the supplier couldn’t keep up with demand, Norfolk Public Schools CTE Specialist Dr. Deborah Marshall offered a bold solution: why not have local students build them?
    That’s when the project truly took off. Under the guidance of Jordan Crawford, students took on the challenge of building 20 high-quality shelters in spring 2024, following precise construction plans provided through the GLOBE Program. Materials were funded by the COVA STEM grant, and the students rolled up their sleeves to turn lumber into lasting educational tools for their community.
    “As an instructor, you look for opportunities that challenge your students, allow them to do things bigger than themselves, and let them see a project through from start to finish,” Crawford said. “This project allowed my students to hone existing skills and build new ones, and I saw incredible growth not just in craftsmanship but in teamwork. The most rewarding part was seeing the impact of their work in real schools.”
    And the students rose to the occasion—taking pride in their work, learning advanced techniques, and developing new confidence. One of the most challenging parts of the build involved crafting the louvers—angled slats on the sides of the shelters needed for proper air circulation. Student Zymere Watts took the lead in designing and building a jig to make sure the louvers could be cut uniformly and precisely for every unit.
    “Building the weather shelters was a fun and challenging task that pushed me to strive for perfection with each one,” said student Amir Moore. “After completion, I was delighted to see the faces of the people who were proud and happy with what we built.”“It was an extreme pleasure working on this project. I would love to work with NIA again,” added LaValle Howard. “I am proud to be a part of this vocational school and team.”Jaymyson Burden agreed: “It was fun and great to be exposed to the carpentry realm and install them in the real world. It was gratifying to know what we have done has an impact.”
    After completing the shelters, the students volunteered to install them at seven Hampton City Schools. Their work completed the full circle—from building the shelters in their carpentry classroom to setting them up where younger students would use them to collect real environmental data.
    Their dedication did not go unnoticed. The team was invited to NASA’s Langley Research Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Model Shop, where they met Sam James, a Mechanical Engineering Technician and Fabrication Specialist. James showed the students how the same kind of craftsmanship they’d used is essential in the creation of tools and components for NASA missions. They also learned about NASA summer internships and discovered that their hands-on skills could open doors to exciting careers in STEM fields.
    “It was an honor to help where we were needed,” said student Josh Hunsucker. “Assembling these gave us a new perspective on the importance of duplication and how each step impacts the result. We’re happy to help wherever or whenever we’re needed—it provides a learning experience for us.”Kyra Pope summed it up: “It’s been a great amount of work over the past few months, but it pays off—especially when you’re giving back to the community.”
    According to Dr. Sharon Bowers, Associate Director and Senior STEM Education Specialist for NIA-CISE, the project demonstrates what’s possible when regional partners come together to empower students and educators alike. “The financial support from COVA STEM Hub supported sustained educator professional learning within our STEM learning ecosystem. Work with the Norfolk Technical Center truly made this a real-world, problem-solving experience. This is just the beginning for more collaborative work that will bring the region together to engage educators and learners in authentic STEM learning experiences.”
    This collaboration wasn’t just about building boxes to house thermometers. It was about building bridges—between technical education and science, between high school students and their futures, and between local classrooms and global research. With each shelter they crafted, the students created something that will outlast them, reminding others—and themselves—of what’s possible when learning is hands-on, meaningful, and connected to the world beyond school walls.
    Thanks to Betsy McAllister, NIA’s Educator-in-Residence from Hampton City Schools, for her impactful contributions and for sharing this story. The NASA eClips project provides educators with standards-based videos, activities, and lessons to increase STEM literacy through the lens of NASA. It is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AB91A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom responds to DOGE’s dismantling of AmeriCorps: ‘Middle finger to volunteers. We will sue’

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 17, 2025

    What you need to know: DOGE’s actions to dismantle AmeriCorps threaten vulnerable Californians, disaster response and recovery, and economic opportunities. California is suing — and ramping up efforts to recruit for the state’s service corps program.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that as the Trump Administration dismantles the AmeriCorps service program, California will both challenge the illegal action in court and accelerate recruitment for the California Service Corps program — already the largest service corps in the nation, surpassing the size of the Peace Corps.

    We’ve gone from the New Deal, the New Frontier, and the Great Society to a federal government that gives the middle finger to volunteers serving their fellow Americans. We will sue to stop this.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    When the devastating fires struck Los Angeles earlier this year, AmeriCorps members were on the ground, distributing supplies and supporting families. As recently as this week, AmeriCorps members were on the ground assisting in recovery. The agency’s shutdown hamstrings these efforts.

    “DOGE’s actions aren’t about making government work better — it’s about making communities weaker,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “These actions will dismantle vital lifelines in communities across California. AmeriCorps members are out in the field teaching children to read, supporting seniors and helping families recover after disasters. AmeriCorps is not bureaucracy; it’s boots on the ground.”

    JFK’s America:

    “For I stand tonight facing west on what was once the last frontier. The pioneers… were not ‘every man for himself’ — but ‘all for the common cause.’ They were determined to make that new world strong and free, to overcome its hazards and its hardships…

    “We stand today on the edge  of a New Frontier, a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils, a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats.”

    “The New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises — it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them. It appeals to their pride, not to their pocketbook, it holds out the promise of more sacrifice instead of more security…”

    “I am asking each of you to be pioneers on that New Frontier. My call is to the young in heart, regardless of age — to all who respond to the Scriptural call: ‘Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.’ For courage, not complacency, is our need today.”

    Today: 

    Go f*** yourself. You’re on your own.

    California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:   

    Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and is mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, rebuilding from the LA fires and planning for the future of the state’s workforce. The federal government provides more than half of the funding for California Climate Action Corps and about 5% of College Corps, while the state fully funds the Youth Service Corps.

    In the 2023-24 service year, 6,264 AmeriCorps members in California: 

    • Provided 4,397,674 hours of service
    • Tutored/mentored 73,833 students
    • Supported 17,000 foster youth with education and employment  
    • Planted 39,288 trees

    Members helped 26,000 households impacted by the LA fires and packed 21,000 food boxes.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom has made the recovery of Los Angeles his highest priority – directing a whole-of-government response to support communities and survivors. LOS ANGELES – On the 100 day milestone since the Eaton and Palisades fires ignited,…

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 2025, as Arab American Heritage Month. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThe Arab American community, comprising over 20 nationalities…

    News What you need to know: Following Governor Newsom’s state of emergency proclamation to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire, a new online fast-track process now makes it faster to get state-level approvals – in as little as 30 days – for critical forest…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 days after the fires: California and Los Angeles rebuild, recover, and rise together

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 17, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom has made the recovery of Los Angeles his highest priority – directing a whole-of-government response to support communities and survivors.

    LOS ANGELES – On the 100 day milestone since the Eaton and Palisades fires ignited, California mourns the loss of those who died, the communities that were forever changed and celebrates the heroic efforts of first responders and those working tirelessly everyday to rebuild these communities stronger and more resilient. 

    “My job is to make sure Californians who felt helpless after the fires are able to have hope again. Our work is far from over — but 100 days since the fires first broke out in early January, California remains united and together will rebuild, recover and rise.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Since the first day these firestorms ignited, Governor Newsom has been on the ground leading an all-in state response. 

    The Governor deployed resources before the fires broke out – growing to over 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of the state’s response. And in the hours that followed, Governor Newsom launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to help Los Angeles get back on its feet, faster. 

    Even before the fires were out, Governor Newsom worked closely with outgoing President Joesph Biden to secure a presidential major disaster declaration and then coordinated with the Trump Administration to ensure full-throated federal support for Los Angeles. 

    That work has paid dividends as California is on-track to deliver the fastest major disaster cleanup in American history. The current pace of debris and hazardous waste removal is months ahead of the cleanup timeline for the Camp, Woolsey, Hill fires in 2019 and Tubbs Fire in 2017/18, which at the time were themselves the fastest of their kind. 

    That work has paid dividends as California is on-track to deliver the fastest major disaster cleanup in American history. The current pace of debris and hazardous waste removal is months ahead of the cleanup timeline for the Camp, Woolsey, Hill fires in 2019 and Tubbs Fire in 2017/18, which at the time were themselves the fastest of their kind. 

    State and federal officials have worked hand in glove to clear hazardous waste from 9,000 homes in less than 30 day. Currently there are 500 crews of expert heavy equipment operators from the Army Corps of Engineers working around the clock to rapidly clear ash, soot, and fire debris from structures damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    More than 2,300 parcels have already been completed and signed off by the county and hundreds more have been cleared of debris and are now just awaiting erosion controls, tree removal, and final inspection.

    By the Numbers 

    • 16,000 first responders and recovery personnel deployed
    • $2.5 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance 
    • $100,000 million in individual assistance disbursed
    • $100,000 million community partnerships through LA Rises
    • 40,000 totals visitors to disaster recovery centers 
    • 9,000 properties cleared of hazardous waste in 30 days
    • 2,300 homes cleared of debris 
    • 12,500 right of entry forms submitted 
    • 8 of 8 schools resumed in person instruction 
    • 8 of 9 water systems reactivated  

    California’s historic recovery and rebuilding efforts 

    • Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.
    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 
    • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.

    Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 2025, as Arab American Heritage Month. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThe Arab American community, comprising over 20 nationalities…

    News What you need to know: Following Governor Newsom’s state of emergency proclamation to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire, a new online fast-track process now makes it faster to get state-level approvals – in as little as 30 days – for critical forest…

    News What you need to know: California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovers nearly 41,000 stolen items valued at $4.4 million, leading to 383 arrests.  SACRAMENTO – Citing ongoing progress to takedown organized retail crime statewide, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merrie Monarch Travelers Reminded of ʻŌhiʻa Quarantine Restrictions

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Merrie Monarch Travelers Reminded of ʻŌhiʻa Quarantine Restrictions

    Posted on Apr 17, 2025 in Main

    April 17, 2025
    NR25-09

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is reminding travelers attending the Merrie Monarch Festival next week that quarantine restrictions remain on the transport of ʻōhiʻa from Hawai`i Island due to the fungal plant disease, rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD), which is devastating to native forests. The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place in Hilo from April 20 to 26.

    The quarantine has been in place since 2015 and restricts the movement of ʻōhiʻa plants and plant parts, including flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, cuttings, untreated wood, logs, mulch, green waste and frass (sawdust from boring insects) and any soil from Hawai`i Island. Even if the ʻōhiʻa originated from another island, it may not be transported off of the island. Transport of such items is only allowed with a permit issued by the HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB).

    PQB inspectors will be stationed at airports in Hilo and Kona on Sunday and Monday, April 27 and 28, to collect any ʻōhiʻa material, which will be respectfully returned to the native forests on Hawai‘i Island. During last year’s Merrie Monarch travel period, Hilo PQB inspectors intercepted 27 lei poʻo (head lei).

    At the event, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience will provide hoʻihoʻi baskets to collect any ʻōhiʻa. Baskets will also be stationed at the Hilo and Kona airport PQB offices.

    A travel alert flyer has been posted on the HDOA website at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ROD-Travel-Alert-Sign-12x18_09_FINAL.pdf

    The Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture issued an emergency quarantine in August 2015 to stop the spread of the plant fungus from Hawaiʻi Island to other islands. A permanent quarantine rule was established in 2016. Any person who violates the quarantine rule may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100 with a maximum fine of $10,000. For a second offense committed within five years of a prior conviction under this rule, the person or organization shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $25,000.

    The Merrie Monarch Festival draws dozens of hula hālau and hundreds of spectators to Hawai‘i Island. It is important to note that the very act of harvesting ʻōhiʻa may spread the disease, as spores may be carried in soil and by harvesting tools, vehicles, shoes and clothing to uninfected areas.

    ROD was first noticed in 2010 in Puna. In 2014, the fungus was initially identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Daniel K. Inouye Agricultural Research Service. Recent research has reclassified Ceratocystis fimbriata into two distinct species that are new to science, Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia. It is estimated that at least one million ʻōhiʻa trees have been killed by ROD just on Hawai‘i Island alone.

    The disease was detected on Kauaʻi in 2018 and on O‘ahu in 2019. Also in 2019, one ʻōhiʻa tree on Maui was infected and destroyed and ROD has not been detected on the island since. It is not known how or where the disease entered the state.

    Travelers seeking more inspection information may contact HDOA’s Plant Quarantine offices:

    Hilo – 808-961-9393                       Honolulu – 808-837-8413
    Kona – 808-326-1077                     Maui – 808-872-3848
    Kauaʻi – 808-241-7135

    More information on ROD may be found at:

    # # #

    lei poʻo turned in at Hilo airport

    Ohia inspection at Hilo International Airport

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Clarification on Launch of Satellite-based Tolling System from 1st May 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Some sections of the media have reported that a Satellite-based Tolling System will be launched from 1st May 2025 and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system. This is to clarify that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025.

    In order to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be implemented at selected toll plazas.

    The advanced tolling system will combine ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology, that will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN related penalties.  

    NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country.

    ***

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2122632) Visitor Counter : 112

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Centre notifies rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

    Source: Government of India

    Centre notifies rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

    Rules to come into force from 1st July 2025; aims at strengthening road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:34PM by PIB Delhi

    To strengthen road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement, the Department of Consumer Affairs has notified rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules will come into force from 1st July 2025, providing sufficient time for industries and enforcement agencies to comply with the provisions.

    These rules make it mandatory for all radar-based speed measurement equipment to be verified and stamped by Legal Metrology authorities. This will ensure that such devices are accurate, calibrated and legally compliant, thereby enhancing transparency, public trust and enforcement integrity. Verified radar systems are vital for applications such as traffic speed monitoring, accident prevention and minimizing wear and tear on road infrastructure.

    The drafting of these rules was undertaken by a committee with technical inputs based on international standard OIML R 91. Stakeholders, including State Legal Metrology Departments, Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), manufacturers and consumer organizations were consulted through presentations and public feedback before finalizing the rules.

    The implementation of these rules provides significant benefits to all stakeholders across the board. For the common citizen, the mandatory verification and stamping of radar-based speed measurement equipment will ensure the accurate enforcement of speed limits, thereby preventing unfair penalties and significantly enhancing road safety. Citizens can drive with greater confidence knowing that enforcement is based on scientifically validated and legally certified instruments.

    For industries, particularly those involved in manufacturing radar-based speed measuring devices, the new rules establish a clear technical and regulatory framework aligned with international standards such as OIML R 91. This not only encourages domestic innovation and compliance but also enhances the export competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in global markets by ensuring consistency in quality and performance.

    For law enforcement agencies, the introduction of verified and stamped devices ensures a higher degree of operational effectiveness and credibility. These devices allow for reliable, evidence-based enforcement, which is critical for maintaining public trust and improving compliance with speed regulations. The availability of certified and calibrated instruments enables officers to act with confidence and precision.

    At the national level, this initiative is a key step towards data-driven governance in traffic management. It helps reduce road fatalities, enhances discipline on highways and supports sustainable economic development by minimizing the social and economic costs associated with road accidents, vehicle wear and tear and damage to infrastructure. Overall, the rules contribute to building a safer and more technologically advanced transport ecosystem in the country.

    Radar devices operate using technologies like Doppler radar, measuring vehicle speed with high precision. These rules specify detailed technical and safety requirements, ensuring proper calibration, stable operation under various environmental conditions and protection against tampering. Such measures will foster a culture of technological reliability and legal accountability.

    This move marks a significant step forward in India’s ongoing reforms to modernize legal metrology infrastructure, ensuring that measuring instruments in public enforcement are scientifically robust and legally verifiable.

    The Rules are available on the link:

    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/uploads/legal-metrology-acts-rules/Radar%20Equipment%20Gen%20Rules%20Amendment.pdf

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2122625) Visitor Counter : 18

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Fight Against Anemia

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Fight Against Anemia

    Nourish, Prevent, Protect

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Key Takeaways:

     

    • 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls in India are anemic (NFHS-5).
    • 3 in 4 Indian women have low dietary iron intake.
    • Anemia Mukt Bharat (uses a 6x6x6 strategy: 6 interventions, 6 target groups of beneficiaries, and 6 institutional mechanisms.
    • 15.4 crore children/adolescents received Iron and Folic Acid supplements in Q2 FY 2024-25.
    • Digital tools track real-time anemia screening and supply data.
    • AMB Program integrates with POSHAN Abhiyaan and School Health Program.

     

     

    Introduction

     

    India is home to the world’s largest adolescent population. It also leads one of the most ambitious public health campaigns against anemia, a condition that continues to affect millions, especially women, children, and adolescents. Anemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, results from low haemoglobin levels, reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to vital organs.[1] Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A are other nutritional causes of anemia.[2] Its widespread prevalence is rooted in poor nutrition, early pregnancies, inadequate maternal care, and limited access to iron-rich foods, making it a pressing public health challenge that demands urgent and sustained action. [3]

    Anemia is both preventable and treatable, and over the past two decades, the Government of India has taken strong, targeted action to combat it. A significant turning point came with the Second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2) in 1998–99, paving the way for landmark programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB). Today, AMB reaches millions annually through a comprehensive strategy that includes Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and behaviour change communication across all age groups.

    By integrating maternal and child health with adolescent nutrition and school-based outreach, India is actively disrupting the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. This sustained, community-led approach transforms outcomes for girls, pregnant and lactating women, and children under five—positioning India as a global leader in evidence-based, inclusive public health innovation.

    Overview of Anemia

    What are its symptoms?[4]

     

    Anemia manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, diminished physical work capacity, and shortness of breath. It serves as an indicator of poor nutrition and various health issues. Common and non-specific symptoms of anemia include tiredness, dizziness or feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet, headache and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion.

     

     

    Who does it impact generally?

     

     

    The population groups most vulnerable to anemia include children under 5 years of age, particularly infants and children under 2 years of age, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women.

     

     

    What is its impact?[5]

     

     

    Iron deficiency anemia results in impaired cognitive and motor development in children and decreased work capacity in adults. The effects are most severe in infancy and early childhood. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia can lead to perinatal loss, prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) babies.

     

     

    How can it be prevented and treated?

     

     

    Anemia’s treatment and prevention depend on its underlying cause. Still, it can often be managed through dietary changes such as consuming iron- and nutrient-rich foods (like folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A), maintaining a balanced diet, and taking supplements when a healthcare provider recommends them.

     

     

    Status of Anemia Globally[6]

     

    • Anemia affects around 500 million women aged 15 to 49 and 269 million children under 5 years (6-59 months) worldwide.

     

    In 2019

    • Approximately 30% of non-pregnant women (539 million) had anemia.
    • Approximately 37% of pregnant women (32 million) were affected by anemia.

     

    Status of Anemia in India as per the National Health Survey – 5 (2019-2021)[7]

     

     

    Policy Interventions by the Government of India for Anemia Eradication

    Recognizing the burden of anemia across various population groups, the Government of India is committed to its eradication. Although health is a state subject, the Centre is proactive by extending financial and technical support to states and UTs through the National Health Mission (NHM), which is aligned with their annual Programme Implementation Plans.

    1. Anemia Mukt Bharat

    It was launched in 2018 with a 6x6x6 strategy under which there are six interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia (nutritional and non-nutritional) in six age groupspre-school children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years), pregnant women, lactating women, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) following a life cycle approach.[8] The Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy is implemented in all villages, blocks, and districts of all the States/UTs of India through existing delivery platforms as envisaged in the National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) [9], a comprehensive strategy to combat the public health challenge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia prevalent across the life cycle[10] and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation, (WIFS) programme to reduce the prevalence and severity of anemia in adolescent population (10-19 years)[11]

     

    The 6x6x6 intervention under the Anemia Mukt Bharat are as follows: [12] [13] [14]

    1.1 Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation

    Under the AMB strategy, Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is tailored by age group and physiological needs. Children aged 6–59 months receive biweekly IFA syrup, while those aged 5–10 years are given a weekly pink tablet. Adolescents (10–19 years) and non-pregnant, non-lactating women (20–49 years) receive a weekly blue or red IFA tablet, respectively. Women in the pre-conception period and first trimester are advised to take daily folic acid tablets. Pregnant women start daily IFA tablets from the second trimester and continue through pregnancy and six months post-partum. All supplements follow standardized dosages and are color-coded for easy identification.

     

    1.2 Deworming

    • MoHFW is implementing the National Deworming Day (NDD) program, under which biannual mass deworming for children and adolescents aged 1-19 is carried out on designated dates – 10th February and 10th August every year.
    • Pregnant women are provided services under the strategy through antenatal care contacts (ANC clinics/ VHND) for deworming (in the second trimester).

     

    1.3 Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication Campaign (Solid Body, Smart Mind) focusing on four key behaviours as mentioned below:

     

    1.4 Testing and treatment of anemia, using digital methods and point-of-care treatment, with special focus on pregnant women and school-going adolescents

    1.5 Mandatory provision of Iron and Folic Acid fortified foods in government funded public health programmes.

    1.6 Intensifying awareness, screening and treatment of non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    Progress of Anemia Mukt Bharat[15]

    Government Initiatives to Combat Anemia in Women & Children [16] [17]

    Conclusion

    India’s commitment to ending anemia is a global example of inclusive public health action. Through the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy, the government has reached millions of women, children, and adolescents with Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and awareness campaigns. By prioritizing the health of its most vulnerable—girls, mothers, and young children—India is breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. With sustained investment, digital innovation, and strong last-mile delivery, the vision of a healthier, anemia-free India is within reach.

     

    References

    Click here to see PDF.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs shuts down drug manufacturing centre and seizes suspected crack cocaine and suspected cocaine worth about $1.2 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs shuts down drug manufacturing centre and seizes suspected crack cocaine and suspected cocaine worth about $1.2 million (with photo) 
    During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Tai Po yesterday afternoon, Customs officers intercepted a 34-year-old local man and seized about 570g of suspected crack cocaine inside a cross-body bag carried by him. The man was subsequently arrested. Customs officers later escorted him to a premises nearby for a search and further seized about 560g of suspected cocaine, about 30g of suspected crack cocaine and a batch of suspected drug manufacturing and packing paraphernalia.
     
    The arrestee has been charged with one count of manufacture of a dangerous drug, one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of resisting a member of the Customs and Excise Service and he will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 19).
     
    According to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the manufacture of a dangerous drug and trafficking in a dangerous drug are serious offences. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:45

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh

    India poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey

    Indian Astronaut Set for Historic Space Mission as ISRO Charts Bold New Frontiers

    India’s Space Dreams Soar Higher with Gaganyaan Prep, ISS Mission, and a Summer of Launches

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

    NEW DELHI, April 18 : India is poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey, international Space mission carrying Indian astronaut has been scheduled for next month.

    Announcing this after a high-level meeting held to review major  future plans of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the coming months,  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the mission will mark the visit of  first Indian ever to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Indian astronaut to travel to Space in over four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.

    The announcement comes amid a flurry of activity in India’s space sector, which is gearing up for an ambitious slate of missions in the coming months.

    Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, made a presentation elaborating the status of various upcoming Space missions.

    Chairman ISRO informed that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is all prepared to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) next month as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission.

    Group Captain Shukla’s mission, scheduled for May 2025, marks a milestone in India’s expanding international space collaborations. A decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force, he was shortlisted under ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and is among the top contenders for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous crewed orbital flight. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is expected to provide critical hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency preparedness — all essential for India’s crewed space ambitions.

    What sets Shukla’s mission apart is its strategic importance. Unlike the symbolic undertones of India’s first human spaceflight, this time the focus is on operational readiness and global integration. His participation underscores India’s growing engagement with public-private international partnerships in space and its resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration.

    “India is ready for its next space milestone,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscoring the significance of the upcoming human spaceflight and a series of critical ISRO missions. He noted that the collaboration with international partners and the strategic momentum of projects like Gaganyaan reflect India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology. The Minister emphasized that these efforts are not only scientific in nature but also aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.

    During the meeting, ISRO updated Dr. Jitendra Singh on several key developments since January 2025. These include the public release of data from the Aditya L1 solar mission, successful demonstration of docking and undocking technologies, testing of the highest thrust liquid engine developed in India, and the historic 100th launch (GSLV-F15) from Sriharikota. ISRO also supported national events like the Kumbh Mela 2025 through satellite-based monitoring and announced a successful demonstration of restarting the Vikas Engine, crucial for future launch vehicle recovery missions.

    Among the major missions lined up for May to July 2025, ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the state-of-the-art EOS-09 satellite. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, EOS-09 will be capable of capturing high-resolution images of Earth’s surface under all weather conditions, day or night. Another significant milestone will be the Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) mission, designed to simulate an abort scenario and demonstrate the Gaganyaan Crew Escape System. The mission includes sea recovery operations for the Crew Module, mimicking procedures planned for India’s first human spaceflight.

    June will see the highly anticipated launch of the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-F16. This NASA-ISRO collaboration aims to study Earth’s ecosystems and natural hazards through dual-frequency radar data, combining NASA’s L-band payloads with ISRO’s S-band contributions. The LVM3-M5 mission, scheduled for July, will cater to a commercial contract with AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites under NewSpace India Limited’s commercial program.

    As India’s space strategy matures, Group Captain Shukla’s upcoming mission stands as a symbol of a confident, forward-looking nation ready to reclaim its place in the global space race. His journey is more than just a flight — it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration.

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India takes part in Africa’s largest tech and startup show GITEX Africa 2025

    Source: Government of India

    India takes part in Africa’s largest tech and startup show GITEX Africa 2025

    Knowledge transfer and technology sharing, key pillars of collective growth, says MoS Jayant Chaudhary

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 10:35AM by PIB Delhi

    Africa’s largest tech and startup show, GITEX provides platform for policy leaders, changemakers and visionaries to collectively discuss and deliberate on the opportunities to collaborate and further the imperative of inclusive and equitable growth of the global economy. The three-day event just concluded at Morocco capital Marrakesh.

    Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary represented Republic of India at the summit. He took part in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions and interacted with Indian startups showcasing their innovations.

    In the discussions, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stated, “India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has driven transformative changes across areas, especially through developments of digital identity (Aadhaar), digital payments (UPI), e-commerce (ONDC), and healthcare. And we are increasingly integrating advanced technologies – AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital infrastructure – into our skilling ecosystem. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), a digital public infrastructure for the skilling ecosystem has onboarded more than one crore users in over one and a half years. These are areas, rich with potential, for collaboration with our African partners and we can collectively grow our economies through sustained partnerships.”

    “India, where the pace of digitalization is higher relative to some other developing economies, with established open-source Digital Public Infrastructure systems, has the potential to catalyze speed of digitalization in other developing countries seeking to develop such systems through collaboration and knowledge sharing,” Shri Jayant Chaudhary added. In addition, India is a key resource talent hub for AI professionals leading the way with 33.39% YoY growth in AI talent hiring as per AI Stanford Index 2025, which is a clear indicator of the efforts of the government and the industry to nurture an environment for adoption on AI.

    On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister held productive bilateral meetings with Ms Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform; Prof Azzedine EL Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation; Mr Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills; and Mr Mohammed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports. In his discussions, Shri Jayant Chaudhary touched upon broadly on exploring synergies in AI, research and capacity; discussed insights on how Digital Public Infrastructure can be a catalyst for inclusion, innovation and equitable growth; and shared India’s experience in building scalable, inclusive technology for public good.

    India’s participation at GITEX Africa 2025 reaffirmed its role as a global leader in skilling and digital innovation. Through pathbreaking initiatives like Skill India, Digital India, and the creation of scalable Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and DIKSHA, India has demonstrated how inclusive, technology-driven models can empower citizens at scale. These initiatives are increasingly being recognized as global best practices, offering adaptable frameworks for developing nations seeking to build resilient, future-ready societies.

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Hosts ‘Rongalir Enajori’ at Delhi Residence to Celebrate Bihu

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hosted ‘Rongalir Enajori’, a vibrant celebration to mark Rongali Bihu and the Assamese New Year at his official residence in Delhi on Thursday.

    The event was graced by Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta   as Chief Guest and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju as Guest of Honour, and several dignitaries, artists, and members of the Assamese and Northeastern communities residing in the national capital region.

    Extending his heartfelt wishes, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Rongali Bihu brings new energy and inspiration for all of us to move forward for the nation’s progress. This festival is not just about celebration — it is about unity, tradition, and our shared cultural identity.”

    Shri Sonowal added that despite being far from home, the celebration in Delhi reflects the deep connection every Assamese holds with their roots. “As nature bursts into colours, the sound of the Bihu songs with the rhythmic beats from Dhols (traditional drums) fills the air with joy and pride. This Bihu connects us with our heritage and fills us with new hope and enthusiasm,” he said.

    He further emphasised that festivals like Bihu are symbols of India’s cultural unity and urged the youth to preserve and carry forward this rich legacy. Quoting Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Sonowal remarked, “Spring is the soul of the people. It inspires us to dedicate ourselves to the progress of our nation.”

    He also highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, stating, “We must take a pledge during this spirited season to play an active role in building a developed and self-reliant India.”

    Chief Minister Ms. Rekha Gupta lauded Shri Sonowal for organising the event and said, “Rongali Bihu carries the message of harmony and goodwill. It showcases the beauty of India’s cultural diversity while reinforcing the strength of unity. I extend my best wishes to the people of Delhi as well as from Assam on this festive season as we pray for peace and prosperity to all.”

    Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju also addressed the gathering and praised the cultural synergy between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “The strong bonds among the communities of Northeast India are empowering the engine of national development. The region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage adds vibrant hues to India’s collective identity,” Rijiju said.

    The evening featured musical performances by noted Assamese singers including Nilutpal Bora, Surekha Chetri, and Jutimala Buragohain, among others, who captivated the audience with traditional melodies and rhythms.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR, Green Climate Fund, the West African Development Bank and Early Warning for All Partners join hands to empower Togo to strengthen climate and disaster risk management

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    From 8 to 11 April 2025, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education and Training Institute (ONEA & GETI), in partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), hosted a technical Training of Trainers workshop on “Tools for Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Projects” with national stakeholders from Togo. The workshop, held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, was organized in support of the implementation of the recently approved GCF co-funded project, ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities within high climatic and disaster risk areas in Togo,’ to help build capacity and technical knowledge of key governmental stakeholders to support the project’s activities.

    Throughout the training, representatives from Togo’s key institutions involved in disaster risk reduction, climate information and early warning, including the National Agency for Civil Protection (ANPC), the Togolese Meteorological Agency (ANAMET), the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources (MERF), and other project partners including the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC), joined sessions delivered by UNDRR, GCF, as well as international partners from CREWS, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (UNCTCN), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Core themes included disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA), multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and anticipatory action, gender mainstreaming and diversity, equity and inclusion in DRR, project monitoring and evaluation, forecast-based finance, and climate investment planning. Participants explored global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and discussed the design, coordination, and financing structure for the new GCF co-financed initiative in Togo.

    In addition to in-depth sessions on GCF’s project implementation, reporting, and results frameworks, the workshop introduced practical tools such as the Sendai Framework Monitor Custom Indicators and the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, and its thematic annexes to support national and local level DRR planning. Technical partners presented available tools and collaborative approaches under the Early Warnings for All Initiative and shared examples from country-level implementation. Practical experience from the Republic of Korea was also shared through a presentation from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) on its integrated disaster management system and emergency communication tools, showcasing how the four pillars of early warning, including risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and response capability, are implemented through advanced technologies and inter-agency coordination.

    The final day of the workshop included a field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, a core facility within Korea’s urban resilience infrastructure. Participants toured the division’s integrated monitoring and control systems, including real-time CCTV surveillance, flood sensors, wildfire alert systems, and automated detection systems for identifying unusual events and alerting operators. City officials shared how Incheon leverages digital tools and interdepartmental coordination to ensure fast, reliable disaster alert delivery across sectors. The visit served as a practical demonstration of how smart governance and technology can strengthen resilience at the local level. Participants reflected on the field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, sharing valuable insights and inspirations drawn from the experience:

    “The visit has given us a lot of inspiration for setting up our operations room (soon to be equipped) in coordination with the UNDRR. The Project will help to strengthen current data collection, processing and dissemination for early warning. We hope that one day we will also have an observation network similar to the one in Incheon.” – Yoma Baka (Director General of ANPC)

    “We have great enthusiasm for the tools that we observed during the visit to Incheon City Hall. This visit brought a very operational character to the workshop.” – Komi Sossou (Environmentalist Expert in Climate Change and Sustainable Development of MERF & MERF Focal Point at the National Disaster Risk Management Platform)

    The workshop concluded with reflections and action planning for the national implementation of the SAP048 project. Participants expressed their commitment to applying the lessons learned and strengthening coordination among national and international partners. The training served as an important milestone in Togo’s progress toward scaling up climate resilience and ensuring that early warnings reach all vulnerable communities. The trained trainers are expected to support a training for national stakeholders in Togo in the coming months, as part of a number of project inception activities planned by BOAD in coordination with national and international partners.

    “We now have more inspiration to better innovate in disaster management.” – Sanetienone Damorou (National Focal Point of Project SAP048 ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in high climate and disaster risk areas in Togo’ of ANPC)

    “Throughout the four days we had an opportunity to share experience and learn about disaster risk management. We learned a lot and we see that there is much be done in our country, and that the new project can greatly contribute to improving and implementing certain activities. We also heard from partners interested to support this project. It is important that we really work together.” – Méwekiwé Egbare (Engineer in Agrometeorology of ANAMET & Head of the Weather Center of GMN)

    “This training is important in terms of sharing experience and learning tools and getting a better idea of what technical partners can do. It’s a training course for trainers, so it’s essential that we can replicate it at home.” – Aissatou Diagne (Climate Projects Supervision Specialist (DSPC) of BOAD)

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  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 18, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Apr 18, 2025

    Updated: Fri Apr 18 07:36:03 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Mon, Apr 21, 2025 – Tue, Apr 22, 2025
    D7
    Thu, Apr 24, 2025 – Fri, Apr 25, 2025

    D5
    Tue, Apr 22, 2025 – Wed, Apr 23, 2025
    D8
    Fri, Apr 25, 2025 – Sat, Apr 26, 2025

    D6
    Wed, Apr 23, 2025 – Thu, Apr 24, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 180734
    SPC AC 180734

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0234 AM CDT Fri Apr 18 2025

    Valid 211200Z – 261200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    An upper shortwave trough will weaken as it spreads east/northeast
    from the Mid/Upper MS Valley to the Lower Great Lakes on Day 4/Mon.
    The associated surface low will likewise shift northeast from
    eastern IA/IL into Ontario, while a trailing cold front moves across
    much of the Midwest. Modest boundary-layer moisture will aid in weak
    destabilization and some low-end severe thunderstorm risk could
    develop across parts of the Ohio Valley/Lower Great Lakes vicinity.
    The southern extent of this front will stall across the Mid-South
    and Sabine Valley. Richer low-level moisture ahead of the surface
    boundary across parts of the South could support some thunderstorm
    risk as well, but nebulous forcing and weak vertical shear will
    limit severe potential.

    On Days 5-8/Tue-Fri, a low-amplitude, weak flow pattern is forecast.
    Southerly low-level flow across the Gulf and southern Plains will
    allow for northward moisture transport across OK/TX and vicinity.
    Diurnal thunderstorm activity could be possible each day given
    modest west/southwest flow atop a moist warm sector. However, a
    rather nondescript surface pattern amid weak large-scale forcing
    will likely preclude widespread severe potential, though localized
    areas of severe storms could still occur given favorable
    moisture/instability, particularly along any dryline features.

    ..Leitman.. 04/18/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Festival “Polytechnic Graduates to Students”: friendly advice and useful experience

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The third one was held at SPbPU festival “Polytechnic graduates – to students” organized by the Center for Fundraising and Work with Alumni. The new meeting brought new emotions: the speakers shared memories of their studies and first work experience, gave valuable advice to the younger generation, entertained them with quizzes and gave gifts for correct answers.

    The meeting was opened by Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov.

    “Today’s festival brought together graduates from 2006 to 2024, many of whom are active members of the Polytechnic Ambassadors community,” said Maxim Pasholikov. “It is important for students to communicate with the ambassadors as with senior colleagues who have already established themselves in their fields of activity, but are still quite young and have not yet reached the heights of their careers. Each such meeting brings new useful acquaintances, some of the students find a place for a future internship or work. Graduates, from the height of their experience, can draw the attention of the guys to knowledge and skills that are especially relevant when applying for a job and at work. Graduates are also interested in watching and listening to each other. This is how joint projects, ideas and undertakings are formed, which unite different people under the auspices of the Polytechnic.”

    This time, the students had ten guests — ten interesting speakers with their unique stories of professional development in various fields of activity — from work in government agencies to their own business. For example, shipbuilding was represented by the head of the production preparation bureau of the chief technologist department of the Kronstadt Marine Plant, a 2014 graduate Dmitry Gomonov and project manager at Severnaya Verf, 2017 graduate Georgy Kremlev.

    Also connected with this area is the work of 2016 graduate Evgeniya Lastochkina – she is an engineer in the laboratory “Metal Science of Steels with Special Physical Properties” of the scientific and production complex “Structural Steels and Functional Materials for Marine Engineering” of the Central Research Institute of Structural Materials “Prometey” of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”.

    “Polytech was my first step on my adult life path,” said Evgeniya. “It was Polytech that contributed to the fact that I now work in such a cool company. I thank the university for giving me the opportunity to gain knowledge that I apply in production. And the best way to practice communication skills is… on business trips.”

    Evgeniya continues her studies – now in postgraduate studies in the field of “Materials Technology”. In science, she deals with low-magnetic steels, but she tries to develop not only in this area, for example, she tried herself as a lecturer during thematic shifts for high school students, which are organized by the Kurchatov Institute.

    Yaroslav Velikiy, a 2024 graduate and senior engineer at the Setl Stroy testing laboratory of the Setl Group holding, is also studying in the Polytechnic’s postgraduate program. He got a job in 2022 and simultaneously studied for a master’s degree. Having told the guys about his company, Yaroslav told them how to get an internship there.

    The IT sphere was represented by Kirill Vasiliev, Head of the New Business Projects Practice “Corporate Entrepreneur” of Gazpromneft – Information Technology Operator, 2011 graduate, and Ksenia Saitova, IT recruiter of Positive Technologies, 2020 graduate. Speaking about her career experience, Ksenia emphasized that it was her active student life at the Polytechnic that helped her find a job, write a resume, solve various cases and write projects.

    “It seems to me that my generation was less conscious in choosing a university, then there was propaganda that a diploma was not so important, but I can say that this is not entirely true. It is not so important to get an education in the right field, the foundation that the university provides is important,” Ksenia believes. “The Polytechnic University has a lot of opportunities, many student organizations, where some guys then come to work. I graduated from the Humanities Institute, the Advertising and Public Relations program, received relevant modern knowledge, we were given the opportunity to do an internship in large companies. As far as I know, the university still holds a Career Forum, this is also very helpful.”

    Denis Lykov, Class of 2014, Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager at H

    Head of the Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Instrumentation and Automation Systems Sector of the Operations Department of the Restoration and Storage Center (RSC) “Staraya Derevnya” of the State Hermitage Museum Kirill Tambovtsev introduced himself as a “Polytechnic graduate of 2004, 2006, 2011 and 2023.” This is not his first time participating in the festival, and he structured his current performance in the form of questions and answers. The quiz was well received by the audience, as it allowed some of them to show off their knowledge (or intuition) and win prizes.

    While most of the speakers talked about their careers in hired work, 2007 graduate Andrey Sharkov and 2014 graduate Alexander Kiyanitsa shared their entrepreneurial experience. Andrey Sharkov is known as the founder of a chocolate manufacturing company, and now he has a new business – glamping.

    No matter what anyone says about the importance of education and each discipline, until you encounter real tasks, it will be an abstraction. Therefore, you need to start some activity as soon as possible to understand how these disciplines work in real life, and not in theory. Then you will be able to make a conscious focus on those disciplines that are most important to you, interesting and in demand by the market, – Andrey believes.

    Unlike Andrey, who started doing business while still a student, engineer Alexander Kiyanitsa first graduated with honors from the electromechanical faculty of the Polytechnic University, then worked for a company for hire for several years, and only in 2017, in partnership with several colleagues (also Polytechnic students), he founded a company for the development and production of household electrical appliances-electricity storage devices VOLTS. Having analyzed and systematized his experience, he shared with students his conclusions that will help future entrepreneurs avoid mistakes. For example: start working for hire as early as possible in the field in which the student plans to do business. This really helped me get a feel for this industry, understand where I want to develop, in what specific context, and where to move next, – says Alexander.

    The second is to fight the inner perfectionist. Time is fast now, and speed greatly affects the final result. We fell into the trap when we wanted to make the most perfect product possible, we were afraid to bring it to the market. This is a typical mistake. The faster you bring the product, the faster you will understand whether the market needs it.

    Third, look for investors at exhibitions. Exhibitions helped us, especially international ones, in which we actively participated, exhibited the product, and this helped us attract money. Once at an exhibition in Helsinki, we invited a representative of the Emirates Fund, and we were invited to the Emirates, we opened a representative office there, received investments, and now it is a fairly powerful hub for work on the world market.

    Fourth, be patient and move step by step systematically towards the goals you set for yourself.

    This year, the Polytechnic University Graduates to Students festival had a new host — a first-year student of the GI (jurisprudence), a member of the youth council of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” Artem Kuzmin. He coped with the task perfectly and later shared his impressions: By the will of fate, I became the host of the festival, which I did not know before. And I am happy that I was able to meet such outstanding graduates, who were also students not long ago and achieved such heights. I got an exceptional experience and heard living motivational stories that inspire. I was simply charged with success and study, thanks to the organizers.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces Listing of Initia (INIT) with a 115,000 INIT and 50,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the listing of Initia (INIT) on April 24, 2025 (UTC), accompanied by a celebratory event featuring a 115,000 INIT and 50,000 USDT prize pool for new and existing users.

    Initia is the first interwoven optimistic‑rollup network, reconstructing multichain architecture with native interoperability and shared liquidity. As a full‑stack Layer 1+2 platform, Initia supports both EVM & Move VM, enabling seamless cross‑ecosystem collaboration. Developed by veterans from top DeFi and blockchain security teams and backed by YZi Labs(Binance Labs), Hack VC, Delphi Digital, and Theory Ventures.

    $INIT is the native utility token of the Initia ecosystem, powering key functions such as gas payments, staking, governance, cross-chain transfers, and liquidity provision. Through these utilities, $INIT drives user participation and supports the growth of a secure and decentralized Initia ecosystem.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC will launch an Airdrop+ event, running from April 18 to May 4, 2025 (UTC). The event will include the following activities:

    • Deposit and share 90,000 INIT (exclusive to new users)
    • Spot Challenge – Trade to share 10,000 INIT (for all users)
    • Futures Challenge – Trade to share 50,000 USDT in futures bonus (for all users)
    • Invite new users and share 15,000 INIT (for all users)

    MEXC has established itself as a leading exchange by consistently offering users early access to high-potential crypto assets. In 2024 alone, the platform listed 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC led the industry with 461 spot listings between November 1, 2024, and February 15, 2025. During this period, the exchange maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six platforms, demonstrating its agility in capturing emerging market trends. MEXC will continue to expand its asset offerings and help users seize timely opportunities in the fast-moving crypto market.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact :
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    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 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8071983b-6307-4310-a112-5c9078cd23ee

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE-Led Training Enhances Ammunition Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic

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

    Headline: OSCE-Led Training Enhances Ammunition Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic

    Participants of the training learn safe ammunition handling techniques from German Bundeswehr experts. (OSCE) Photo details

    From 1 to 11 April 2025, eighteen specialists from the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic completed a training course on safe storage, surveillance and transportation of ammunition. The course was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic and with support from the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.
    This 2-week intensive training course, led by experts from Bundeswehr Verification Center (BwVC), equipped participants with in-depth technical knowledge and practical skills in handling ammunition safely in line with international standards. The training adhered to globally recognized frameworks, including the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the UN “Orange Book,” the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), and OSCE best practice guides.
    Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience and insights into the safe storage, surveillance, and transportation of ammunition, all of which are crucial for enhancing national security and ensuring compliance with international regulations. By following the best international practices, the training reinforced the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to improving ammunition safety management, contributing to the country’s overall security infrastructure.
    This session marked the final phase of training delivered so far by the German Armed Forces from 2023 to 2025. Throughout this period, a total of 65 personnel from the Ministry of Defense were successfully trained.
    **This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities within the extra-budgetary project “Improvement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) Life-Cycle Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic,” supported by Austria, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-Evening Report: What was HMNZS Manawanui doing before it sank? Calls for greater transparency

    By Susana Leiataua, RNZ National presenter

    There are calls for greater transparency about what the HMNZS Manawanui was doing before it sank in Samoa last October — including whether the New Zealand warship was performing specific security for King Charles and Queen Camilla.

    The Manawanui grounded on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in bad weather on 5 October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. Its 75 crew and passengers were safely rescued.

    The Court of Inquiry’s final report released on 4 April 2025 found human error and a long list of “deficiencies” grounded the $100 million vessel on the Tafitoala Reef, south of Upolu, where it caught fire and sank.

    Equipment including weapons and ammunition continue to be removed from the vessel as its future hangs in the balance.

    The Court of Inquiry’s report explains the Royal New Zealand Navy was asked by “CHOGM Command” to conduct “a hydrographic survey of the area in the vicinity of Sinalei whilst en route to Samoa”.

    When it grounded on the Tafitoala Reef, the ship was following orders received from Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand. The report incorrectly calls it the “Sinalei Reef”.

    Sinalei is the name of the resort which hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla for CHOGM — the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — which began in Samoa 19 days after the Manawanui sank from 25-26 October 2024. The Royals arrived two days before CHOGM began.

    Support of CHOGM
    Speaking at the release of the court’s final report, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding described the Manawanui’s activity on the south coast of Upolu.

    “So the operation was done in support of CHOGM — a very high-profile security activity on behalf of a nation, so it wasn’t just a peacetime operation,” he said.

    “It was done in what we call rapid environmental assessment so we were going in and undertaking something that we had to do a quick turnaround of that information so it wasn’t a deliberate high grade survey. It was a rapid environmental assessment so it does come with additional complexity and it did have an operational outcome. It’s just, um you know, we we are operating in complex environments.

    “It doesn’t say that we did everything right and that’s what the report indicates and we just need to get after fixing those mistakes and improving.”

    Sinalei Resort . . . where the royal couple were hosted. Image: Dominic Godfrey/RNZ Pacific

    The report explained the Manawanui was tasked with “conducting the Sinalei survey task” “to survey a defined area of uncharted waters.” But Pacific security fellow at Victoria University’s Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University Iati Iati questions what is meant by “in support of the upcoming CHOGM”.

    “All we’ve been told in the report is that it was to support CHOGM. What that means is unclear. I think that needs to be explained. I think it also needs to be explained to the Samoan people, who initiated this.

    “Whether it was just a New Zealand initiative. Whether it was done for CHOGM by the CHOGM committee or whether it was something that involved the Samoa government,” Iati said.

    What-for questions
    “So a lot of the, you know, who was behind this and the what-for questions haven’t been answered.”

    Iati said CHOGM’s organising committee included representatives from Samoa as well as New Zealand.

    “But who exactly initiated that additional task which I think is on paragraph 37 of the report after the ship had sailed, the extra task was then confirmed. Who initiated that I’m not sure and I think that needs to be explained. Why it was confirmed after the sailing that also needs to be explained.

    “In terms of security, I guess the closest we can come to is the fact that you know King Charles was staying on that side and Sinalei Reef. It may have something to do with that but this is just really unclear at the moment and I think all those questions need to be addressed.”

    The wreck of the Manawanui lies 2.1 nautical miles — 3.89km — from the white sandy beach of the presidential suite at Sinalei Resort where King Charles and Queen Camilla stayed during CHOGM.

    Just over the fence from the Royals’ island residence, Royal New Zealand Navy divers were coming and going from the sunken vessel in the early days of their recovery operation, and now salvors and the navy continue to work from there.

    AUT Law School professor Paul Myburgh said the nature of the work the Manawanui was carrying out when it ran aground on the reef has implications for determining compensation for people impacted by its sinking.

    Sovereign immunity
    “Historically, if it was a naval vessel that was the end of the story. You could never be sued in normal courts about anything that happened on board a naval vessel. But nowadays, of course, governmental vessels are often involved in commercial activity as well,” he said.

    “So we now have what we call the restrictive theory of sovereign immunity which states that if you are involved in commercial or ordinary activity that is non-governmental you are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts, so this is why I’ve been wanting to get to the bottom of exactly what they were doing.

    “Who instructed whom and that sort of thing. And it seems to me that in line with the findings of the report all of this seems to have been done on a very adhoc basis.”

    RNZ first asked the New Zealand Defence Force detailed questions on Friday, April 11, but it declined to respond.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The World Is Becoming More Complex and Less Predictable”: What Scientists Say About the Future

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The future is now more difficult for researchers to predict, and events that are less predictable are becoming increasingly important. But there is good news: scientists are convinced that humanity will adapt to any changes. This was discussed at the conference that was launched as part of XXV Yasinsky (April) International Scientific Conference International Symposium “Foresight in a rapidly changing world“.

    Rapid technological progress, alarming climate change, rapid digitalization, rising inflation and stagflation are causing major changes. “The world is becoming more complex and less predictable,” said a leading expert Foresight Center ISSEK HSE University Yulia Milshina. According to her, rapid changes cause nervousness and depression among the population. Some researchers associate their emergence with the development of digital technologies and a sense of insecurity.

    “The digital transformation of education and labor systems is not keeping up with the times, creating a mismatch between human capital and market demands,” says Yulia Milshina. Demographic statistics are also alarming. “The increase in the age of the population, in contrast to its size, in developed countries poses a threat to the pension and health care systems,” she adds.

    At the same time, there has been an exponential growth in the number of scientific publications devoted to the so-called wild cards (random factors) recently. These include poorly predictable events that may prove to be extremely important. An early warning system for such random events is important in order to formulate approaches to reducing the negative consequences of the implementation of wild cards, explained Yulia Milshina. If in 2022 there were more than 50 such events, then in 2025 there will be more than 300.

    The global financial crisis has served as a trigger for the research community to take low-probability, high-impact events more seriously, she stressed. Unpredictability makes traditional forecasting difficult. “Despite increased awareness, we remain vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances,” the expert notes. The new social world requires integrated strategies that can adapt to rapid developments. Therefore, more sophisticated tools are being developed “to anticipate, assimilate and adapt to such disruptive changes.”

    Senior Research Fellow Laboratories of Innovation Economy HSE ISSEK Alena Nefedova spoke about the system ifora — an intelligent platform for analyzing big data and megatrends, developed by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

    Among the megatrends that will influence the future, Alena Nefedova named climate change, increased attention to the physical and psycho-emotional state of a person, the transformation of the education system, and global changes in the labor market. At the same time, the development of interdisciplinary research is becoming very important in science itself, she emphasized.

    “Universities began interdisciplinary research in the mid-20th century in collaboration with industry. By the 1970s, interdisciplinarity was recognized as vital to strengthening universities as key players in innovation ecosystems,” Alena Nefedova noted. Digitalization is also increasingly influencing scientific activity. “We have virtual forums, we have virtual labs, we have international projects, we have an open science project, and this helps to exchange scientific data and developments,” she added.

    Fabienne Goux-Bodiment from the Research Center for the Future (France) noted that the world has changed dramatically. “One of the catalysts for these changes is carbon. We see that large-scale use of carbon leads to global warming and climate change. Another catalyst is silicon. Thanks to silicon, we have generative artificial intelligence, and it can compete with humans,” she said. And finally, the third important trend that is currently observed, according to Fabienne Goux-Bodiment, is general chaos. In particular, it is noticeable in the economy and geopolitics. But change is “not some kind of anomaly, it is a natural process of human evolution and, in fact, life in general,” she reassured. Society is thus evolving, and technology accelerates this evolution. We can move, “make a quantum leap into a completely new state,” the researcher is sure. “One world essentially dies, and a new world appears, albeit not immediately,” says Fabienne Goux-Bodiment. But because we have resistance to change, this process slows down. However, we are still entering an era of acceleration.

    The world will not be as we know it now, but this transition does not mean the end of humanity, says the futurologist. “First, it is not the first time that humanity has gone through major changes. Second, the human race as a whole adapts quickly. In addition, this time we know what is happening. We are aware of it. This means that we can do something,” Fabienne Goux-Bodiment reassured.

    Now, according to the researcher, a new mentality is being formed. “More and more people recognize that the way we think, manage and produce goods no longer meets the requirements of the times. This is not just some unnoticeable change. The younger generation is not just asking themselves what they want to do, but thinking about what kind of world they would like to create together with their like-minded people. “Pessimism is not a solution. We must experiment, create new formats,” Fabienne Goux-Bodiment is sure.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: JuicyChat.AI Redefines NSFW AI Anime Ecosystem, Closes Loop for Creators

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JuicyChat.AI is redefining the landscape of NSFW AI-powered anime content with a groundbreaking ecosystem that prioritizes NSFW AI creators and their core needs. With a vision to build a closed-loop creation experience, the platform is launching a series of NSFW AI tools, programs, and community initiatives to support and empower NSFW AI creators worldwide.

    Official Creator Certification Now Live

    JuicyChat.AI has introduced a comprehensive certification system for official creators. This includes both algorithm-based grading and manual reviews to ensure credibility and quality. Certified NSFW AI creators receive unique identity badges and exclusive benefits that enhance their visibility and foster a strong sense of recognition within the community.

    Smarter NSFW Role Recommendations & Themed Events

    Powered by an advanced recommendation algorithm, JuicyChat.AI ensures that high-quality NSFW AI characters receive optimal exposure. Each month, the platform also hosts themed creation events that encourage participation and creativity across the NSFW AI bot community, making the process both engaging and rewarding.

    Personalized Creator Space: Juicy Lounge

    The new “Juicy Lounge” offers an immersive, personalized creator zone designed for self-expression. Featuring flexible components, vibrant visual themes, and social media integration, this space allows creators to showcase their identity, link external content, and build their brand freely within the JuicyChat.AI ecosystem.

    Professional Discord Community for Creators

    JuicyChat.AI maintains a thriving Discord community in collaboration with leading NSFW AI anime groups such as Burritoverse, which co-hosts regular themed events. Supported by experienced moderators and volunteer experts in NSFW AI LLMs, the community provides a space for creators to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and stay informed.

    Building a Complete Creation Ecosystem

    JuicyChat.AI is rapidly expanding its support for NSFW AI creators across character design, image generation, role-playing, and AI manga development. By continuously integrating advanced models tailored for NSFW content, the platform ensures that creative output is vibrant, expressive, and easier to produce.

    Through a creator-first product strategy, JuicyChat.AI streamlines workflows, enabling creators to bring their ideas to life with less friction. Its commercialization model connects creators with fans through built-in traffic, fan engagement, and monetization tools. This user-driven, open approach empowers creators to grow their audience and realize sustainable revenue, closing the loop between creation and community.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4fe6d49b-9354-43a1-af6b-6cdc69ce33e6

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cybersecurity Day at Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University became a platform for a rich program in the field of information security and digital technologies. Polytechnic was visited by representatives of companies from the Educational League of Vendors — Positive Technologies and Cyberprotect.

    Director of the IT and BA SEC Gazprom Neft Irina Rudskaya, Director of the Higher School of Business Engineering Igor Ilyin and Acting Director of the Higher School of Public Administration Olga Nadezhina met with representatives of the Cyberprotect company – Head of the Educational Department Yulia Chernikina and Lead Manager for Work with Educational Organizations Sarkis Shmavonyan. The guests got acquainted with the work of the Scientific and Educational Center and discussed prospects for cooperation.

    Also on this day, events for students were held in the Polytechnic Tower.

    Positive Technologies held a lecture and master class from the head of educational projects of the company Dmitry Fedorov. Cyberprotect organized a lecture, which was given by the HR director Elena Kalatsey and Sarkis Shmavonyan.

    We are sincerely glad to see representatives of leading IT companies within the walls of the Polytechnic University. Cooperation with Cyberprotect, Positive Technologies and other participants of the Educational League of Vendors helps to create a lively and rich educational environment in which students can not only gain knowledge, but also build a career in interaction with the professional community. I thank my colleagues for the visit, warm communication and inspiring lectures. I am sure that many new joint initiatives await us ahead, – noted Irina Rudskaya.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Highlights of Xi’s remarks during his visit to Cambodia

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

    PHNOM PENH, April 18 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday concluded his state visit to Cambodia.

    During his visit, Xi held talks with key Cambodian leaders, including Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

    The following are some of the highlights of Xi’s remarks during the visit.

    ON TIES AND COOPERATION

    — Bilateral ties were forged and nurtured by the elder generations of leaders of the two countries. China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of global transformations and always remained rock-solid.

    — China and Cambodia share a millennia-old friendship, with their people having always striven together and thrived together. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Cambodia have stood by each other in good faith and with mutual assistance, offering unwavering support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns.

    — China will, as always, support Cambodia in following a development path that suits its national conditions, support the Cambodian government’s successful governance of the country, and back Cambodia in playing a more important role in international and regional affairs.

    — The two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia’s Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors, enabling Cambodia to share more in China’s development opportunities.

    — The people of the two countries should enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings for each other, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Cambodian civilizations.

    ON ALL-WEATHER CHINA-CAMBODIA COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE IN NEW ERA

    — China and Cambodia have always been at the forefront of building a community with a shared future for mankind, bringing tangible benefits to the Cambodian people.

    — China and Cambodia have supported each other in maintaining stability and promoting development and prosperity, and worked together in upholding international fairness and justice, setting an example for a new type of international relations while contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    — Under the new circumstances, China and Cambodia should cherish and carry forward the ironclad friendship jointly forged by the elder generation of Chinese leaders and King Father Norodom Sihanouk, endow the China-Cambodia community with a shared future with new connotations of the time, serve the development of their respective countries and the well-being of their people, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    — The two sides should keep in mind the well-being of their people and the progress of humanity, strive to set an example for building a community with a shared future for mankind in the course of advancing their respective modernization endeavors, and join hands to become forces for peace, stability and progress in a world undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century.

    — At present, changes unseen in a century are accelerating. Deepening the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discovery Compost PAS 100 quality for seventeenth year

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Dundee City Council has now received PAS 100 Quality certified recognition for its compost for the seventeenth year in a row.

    Discovery Compost is produced by the Council from the garden waste taken from brown bin collections, the same materials brought to the city’s recycling centres and from green waste produced from local parks and commercial landscapers.

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Committee Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “The Council has again achieved the high standards required for this certification, with customers knowing that Discovery Compost meets a high quality of criteria.

    “As of March this year, Dundee City Council was one of only twenty certified organic waste processes in Scotland. The Council’s on-site facility at Riverside sees approximately 9,000 tonnes of green waste processed each year.

    “The process is well established now with Discovery Compost consistently receiving PAS 100 Quality certification year-on-year since 2008.

    “The certification covers the entire composting process from the raw materials collected to how the finished product is labelled. It means producers know they are making a quality product and buyers know they are receiving quality compost.

    “Garden waste is an immensely valuable resource, by diverting it away from our Energy from waste facility we are helping to minimise our carbon footprint as well as making a valuable end product.

    “In 2023, the Council made an investment in acquiring a Green Waste Shredder for the city’s Riverside Composting facility in order to enable more control and flexibility in delivering the composting service while bringing revenue savings.”

    An update report to the city’s Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Committee, which takes place on Monday 21st April, will update Councillors on the recently achieved accreditation.

    More information about Discovery Compost and how to purchase it is available on the Dundee City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Relm Insurance and Liva Insurance Obtain Central Bank Approval in the UAE for Web3 Insurance Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Through this partnership Liva and Relm aim to cater to businesses in high-growth innovative sectors often not covered by traditional insurance products and providers
    • Regulatory approval for SIGMAWEB3 reinforces commitment to digital asset innovation in the UAE and potentially setting the base for further expansion in the region
    • SIGMAWEB3 designed specifically for organisations developing or utilising blockchain technologies

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates , April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Relm Insurance – the only insurer dedicated to emerging sectors – and Liva Insurance, a leading insurance provider operating across the GCC, today announced UAE Central Bank approval for their dedicated multi-line insurance solution for WEB3 businesses – SIGMAWEB3, and its tailored version for VARA-regulated companies, SIGMAWEB3 VARA.

    This milestone follows the signing of Relm and Liva’s strategic partnership in February 2025, aimed at empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors such as digital assets, biotech and AI.

    The UAE Central Bank approval reinforces Relm and Liva’s commitment to deliver tailored insurance solutions that address the unique and complex needs of tech companies in the region. These businesses often struggle to get the right insurance due to a lack of understanding of their industries’ rapidly evolving landscape.

    SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA will help create the confidence and resiliency that WEB3 innovators require to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities, while meeting the necessary regulatory requirements.

    Both products are designed specifically for digital asset companies, blockchain startups, crypto exchanges, and fintech innovators, addressing the unique and complex financial, professional, crime, and cyber exposures inherent in their operations.

    SIGMAWEB3 VARA is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring that crypto companies can operate with compliant insurance cover.     

    “Securing Central Bank approval for SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA is a significant step for brokers and clients in the UAE. This milestone facilitates more comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique risks of the Web3 space. By closing the insurance gap, we’re empowering businesses with the protection they need to innovate confidently in a rapidly evolving market” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance.

    “SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA represent a significant step in our commitment to supporting growth and evolution of innovation within the insurance industry. This approval from Central Bank affirms both Liva Group’s deep market insight and Relm’s expertise in specialised insurance as well as reinforcing the vital role that regulatory collaboration plays in fostering a secure and thriving digital economy. Together, we aim to provide customers with solutions that meet their evolving needs, while strengthening our commitment to scale and diversify our business.” Martin Rueegg, Group CEO of Liva Group.

    The approval recognises Relm and Liva’s leadership in Web3 insurance and highlights the increasing regulatory acceptance of innovative insurance solutions.

    -END-

    About Relm Insurance

    Relm Insurance Ltd. (Relm) is a Bermuda-domiciled specialty insurance carrier that supports emerging industries driving innovation and next-generation technologies. Launched in 2019, Relm offers a wide range of insurance products to high-growth markets, including digital assets, blockchain, AI, biotech, and the space economy. With a Financial Stability Rating of ‘A, Exceptional’ from Demotech, Relm is widely recognised for its industry expertise and solutions-driven approach, making it a trusted risk partner for businesses operating at the frontier of technological innovation.

    About Liva Group

    Liva is an insurance group operating across the GCC, founded on the belief that insurance is a pillar that supports both personal and professional lives. As one of the pioneering insurance players in the region, Liva’s team of 1,200 employees is dedicated to offering products and services centred on customer needs, empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive. Serving more than 1.5 million customers, Liva has a strong and growing presence in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain across motor, home travel, health, life, and commercial insurance, as well owning subsidiaries such as NSSPL (India) and Inayah TPA (UAE), supporting its long-term strategy to scale and diversify the business. The word “Liva” signifies “protection” or “life”, reflecting the Group’s commitment to protecting what matters most to its people, its partners, and, most of all, its customers.

    Media Contacts

    Yasmin Oronos
    Luna PR
    yasmin.oronos@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: White paper spotlights Hainan’s evolution into global retail tourism hub

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies and robust retail growth, China’s island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, said a white paper released during the ongoing 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).

    “The 2025 Hainan Travel Retail White Paper” was jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report at the 5th Global Consumption Innovation & Duty Free and Travel Retail Exchange Event. Part of the CICPE, the event convened industry leaders, policymakers and international brands to explore opportunities in retail tourism and the island’s pioneering economic reforms.

    The white paper underscored that Hainan’s tourism revenue has grown steadily in recent years, supported by dynamic shifts from traditional retail to new consumption models and the expansion of duty-free shopping.

    Since the start of 2024, the island province has introduced multiple measures to strengthen its appeal to international visitors, positioning itself as a high-quality tourism market competing on the global stage.

    A key insight from the white paper is the dominance of younger consumers in Hainan’s retail tourism sector, with travelers born in the 1990s and 2000s accounting for over 50 percent of Hainan’s tourists in the first three quarters of 2024.

    These tech-savvy, trend-conscious consumers prioritize diverse shopping experiences, fueling demand for cosmetics, skincare, luxury goods and electronics.

    “The preferences and purchasing power of young consumers are redefining Hainan’s retail landscape,” noted the report.

    The province’s investment in introducing new tourism methods has further attracted this demographic, offering retailers a roadmap for future growth.

    At the governmental level, Hainan is leveraging institutional innovations to enhance its business environment and boost fair competition within the free trade port framework. Marketwise, the island is advancing its international profile by tapping into China’s accelerated opening-up of the tourism industry and expansion of the global travel market.

    The white paper emphasized Hainan’s dual role in attracting domestic high-spending tourists and boosting overseas consumption, solidifying its status as a global tourism and retail nexus.

    “Going forward, Hainan’s travel retail market is poised for development and is expected to become an important global hub for travel retail,” the report said.

    As China’s first major international exhibition of the year and the nation’s sole state-level event dedicated to consumer goods, the 5th CICPE has attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions.

    In 2024, Hainan received a record-high 97.21 million tourist visits, up 8 percent year on year. Total tourism revenue exceeded 204 billion yuan (about 28.3 billion U.S. dollars), rising 12.5 percent, with per capita spending showing notable growth. The island welcomed 1.11 million inbound tourists over the same period, surging 115.6 percent year on year. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s condolences following cable car accident

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    17 Aprile 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, in Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, has learned of today’s tragic accident on the Monte Faito cable car and, both personally and on behalf of the Italian Government, wishes to express sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to those injured.

    President Meloni is in contact with the Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, and the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: High Range Speeding Detected Smithton

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    High Range Speeding Detected Smithton

    Friday, 18 April 2025 – 4:49 pm.

    Police will be proceeding against a 62 year old man from Smithton after he was detected driving his vehicle at 158km/h in a 100 km/h per hour zone. The Range Rover Sport was detected by police at 1:40 pm yesterday as it travelled past South Road at Forest on its approach into Smithton.Subsequently, the vehicle has been clamped for a period of 28 days and the man faces a four-month licence disqualification.Police are seeking for any members of the public who may have witnessed or have dash camera footage of the driving behaviour around that time.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing Intl Film Festival to mark World Anti-Fascist War victory

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 15th Beijing International Film Festival is set to feature a special screening program commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

    (Clockwise from top left) Stills from “The Zone of Interest,” “The Thin Red Line,” “Above the Drowning Sea,” “The Burmese Harp,” “Downfall,” and “Shoah,” which will be presented during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival. [Images courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    The screenings are part of this year’s Beijing Film Panorama, an annual program that showcases nostalgic classics, new releases and films not previously screened in China. The event is popular with both fans and industry professionals.

    The first ticket sold during Monday’s presale was for Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” (2023), which won the Academy Award for best international feature at the 2024 Oscars. The film explores themes of complicity through its depiction of a Nazi officer’s family living next to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

    The film is part of the special “Cinema and Peace” program at the festival. “As we mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, we are launching this themed program. Spanning generations, these films ring the bell of world peace through cinema,” said Lin Siwei, deputy head of the China Film Archive, deputy director of the China Film Art Research Center, and deputy secretary-general of the BJIFF Organizing Committee.

    Twelve films will be screened, including several rarely seen in China that have been newly restored in 4K. Among them is Leopold Lindtberg’s “The Last Chance” (1945), which won both the international peace award and best feature film at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. The film follows an American and a British soldier who escape from a Nazi train in wartime Italy and lead a group of refugees to Switzerland. The Swiss Embassy in China provided copyright and archival support for the screening.

    Claude Lanzmann’s “Shoah” (1985), the landmark 9.5-hour Holocaust documentary, is featured in the program and will screen alongside the Asian premiere of Guillaume Ribot’s 2025 documentary “All I Had Was Nothingness,” which examines Lanzmann’s commitment to creating “Shoah.”

    Other notable films in the lineup include Terrence Malick’s Golden Bear-winning “The Thin Red Line” (1998), adapted from James Jones’ novel about the World War II Guadalcanal campaign; Oliver Hirschbiegel’s “Downfall” (2004), which chronicles Hitler’s final days through the perspective of his secretary Traudl Junge; Kon Ichikawa’s “The Burmese Harp” (1956), about a Japanese soldier who becomes a Buddhist monk after the war; and Larisa Shepitko’s “Wings” (1966), a portrait of a Soviet World War II pilot.

    The selection also features Sam Peckinpah’s “Cross of Iron” (1977), Kazuo Hara’s documentary “The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On” (1987), and Luuk Bouwman’s 2024 documentary “The Propagandist.”

    The program includes “Above the Drowning Sea” (2017), a documentary by Rene Balcer and Nicola Zavaglia about Jewish refugees who found sanctuary in Shanghai during World War II. The film highlights the role of Chinese diplomat Ho Feng Shan, who defied the Nazis and his own government to provide visas to refugees. Told from the perspectives of both the refugees and the Chinese people who sheltered them, the documentary offers a reflection on solidarity in times of crisis.

    The Beijing International Film Festival will run from April 18 to 26, featuring a range of activities, including forums, masterclasses, film pitching sessions and the Tiantan Award.

    This year’s Beijing Film Panorama will present 18 thematic sections, showcasing nearly 300 international films across about 900 screenings at 33 venues in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Venues include commercial theaters, arthouse cinemas and various cultural spaces.

    Other main screening segments include a centennial tribute to director Robert Altman, along with films by Jiri Menzel, Andrei Tarkovsky and the late David Lynch.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miske Enterprise Member Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Role in Kidnapping and Murder of Johnathan Fraser

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Delia Fabro-Miske, 30, of Honolulu, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for racketeering conspiracy. Fabro-Miske pled guilty on January 12, 2024, in the middle of jury selection, to conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct of the affairs of a racketeering enterprise, the “Miske Enterprise,” through racketeering activity that included bank fraud, obstruction of justice, and wire fraud.

    Fabro-Miske admitted that she and codefendant Michael J. Miske committed bank fraud by submitting fraudulent paperwork in order to obtain leases for two vehicles that were used for one of Miske’s businesses. Fabro-Miske also  obstructed a joint investigation into another of Miske’s businesses, Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control (“KTPC”), which was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (“HDA”). At Miske’s direction, Fabro-Miske submitted to HDA falsified fumigation logs, which claimed that she was the certified applicator of chemicals on hundreds of jobs. In reality, most of the listed jobs were completed by unlicensed applicators. Fabro-Miske also fraudulently obtained Social Security Administration (“SSA”) survivor benefits at Miske’s direction by having her wages at KTPC decreased below the SSA benefits income threshold. At the same time, Miske paid Fabro-Miske in benefits that were not reported to the SSA or Internal Revenue Service.

    Additionally, according to information provided to the Court, in or about 2017, Miske placed Fabro-Miske in charge of his businesses in an attempt to preserve and conceal his assets in anticipation of federal prosecution. In practice, Fabro-Miske carried out Miske’s wishes and acted at his direction. Fabro-Miske assisted in a fraudulent scheme committed through Miske’s businesses, which involved submitting false filings to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that permitted the businesses to operate under fraudulently obtained and maintained licenses. Miske Enterprise members then falsely represented to customers that Miske’s businesses were properly licensed. Between 2017 and 2020, the businesses generated millions of dollars in income annually. As the head of Miske’s businesses, Fabro-Miske was also responsible for the proper and safe application of pesticides and other chemicals at customers’ homes. Information provided to the Court, however, showed that fumigations were regularly conducted without proper supervision or chemicals. Chief Judge Watson stated that Fabro-Miske’s work at Miske’s businesses “funded any number of crimes that we heard months and months of testimony” about in Miske’s trial, and her assistance “allowed Mr. Miske to run rampant in this community.”

    Finally, the Court determined that Fabro-Miske was also responsible for participating in a conspiracy with other Miske Enterprise members to kidnap and murder 21-year-old Johnathan Fraser. According to information provided to the Court, Caleb Miske – Miske’s son and Fabro-Miske’s husband – and Fraser were driving together when the two were involved in a car crash in November 2015.  Caleb Miske ultimately passed away from his injuries, and Miske blamed Fraser for his son’s death and enlisted several Miske Enterprise members to assist in his plan to murder Fraser. As part of that plan, Miske directed Fabro-Miske to rekindle her friendship with Fraser and his girlfriend and to lure them into living with her at an apartment paid for by Miske. On July 30, 2016, Fabro-Miske took Fraser’s girlfriend on a “spa day” paid for by Miske, ensuring that Fraser would be isolated when he was kidnapped. Fraser was never seen again after that day. Due to Miske’s death in December 2024, Chief Judge Watson explained that “the person most involved in Mr. Fraser’s demise will not ever be sentenced by this Court.” While Chief Judge Watson found that Fabro-Miske did not “directly and personally kill” Fraser and determined her to be a minimal participant in the kidnapping and murder conspiracy, he noted that there was “no doubt” that her actions led to Fraser’s murder and that the circumstances painted a “strong and clear picture” of a conspiracy to commit kidnapping murder in aid of racketeering.

    Fabro-Miske was charged alongside twelve other defendants, all of whom pled guilty except for Miske, who proceeded to trial and was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and 11 other felony charges on July 18, 2024. Seven other members and associates of the Miske Enterprise pled guilty to various offenses in related cases. 

    “Delia Fabro-Miske was an integral member of the Miske Enterprise, which terrorized, exploited, and defrauded our community for decades. She participated in Miske’s bank frauds, social security fraud, falsification of fumigation records, and the concealment of Miske’s illegally obtained assets, and was a vital cog in the plot to murder of Johnathan Fraser. Fabro-Miske’s sentence yesterday demonstrates that those who occupy even the lower rungs of Hawaii’s criminal enterprises will pay a steep price when they face justice in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The dismantling of the Miske Enterprise represents one of the most significant law enforcement efforts in the history of Hawaii law enforcement, and it would not have been possible without the tremendous and dedicated work of our partners at the Honolulu Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Environmental Protection Agency, among many others.”

    “Ms. Fabro-Miske was a key member in the Miske Enterprise fraud schemes, actively participating in defrauding the government and taxpayers,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “This sentencing reflects years of collaboration between FBI Honolulu and our law enforcement partners. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle violent criminal enterprises, hold their members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.”

    “Our investigators follow the money because criminal organizations profit at the expense of public safety,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “Ms. Fabro-Miske’s racketeering conviction is a reminder that, in the end, crime really doesn’t pay.”

    “The sentencing of Ms. Fabro-Miske underscores HSI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations in Hawaii,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI will continue to hold accountable those who significantly harm our communities by breaking federal laws. By bringing justice to the Miske Enterprise, HSI sends the message that we will not tolerate any violent activity on our islands.”

    “By falsifying documents, defendant obstructed EPA and the state’s criminal investigation of a pesticide applicator that illegally applied restricted use pesticides,” said Benjamin Carr, Special Agent in Charge for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in Hawaii. “Yesterday’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of defendant’s fraudulent conduct and the importance of complying with pesticide reporting requirements so EPA and Hawaii Department of Agriculture can keep our communities safe.”

    This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligencedriven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the Cybercrime Lab of the Department of Justice Criminal Division Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, the Honolulu Fire Department, the Hawaii National Guard, 93rd Civil Support Team, the Office of Investigations–Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Inciong, Michael Nammar, KeAupuni Akina, and Aislinn Affinito prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI