NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Musquodoboit Harbour — Man arrested for obstructing and assaulting a fishery officer

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A man has been arrested for obstructing fishery officers in the lawful execution of their duties, as well as assaulting a peace officer.

    Late on April 11, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) was attempting to conduct an inspection on the Tangier River in Tangier when a man attempted to take elver fishing nets held by fishery officers. A struggle ensued, when the man resisted arrest. He suffered minor injuries.

    DFO transported the man to the Musquodoboit Harbour RCMP detachment, where he was transferred into the custody of RCMP officers and assessed by EHS.

    The 46-year-old man from Millbrook was later released. He will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on May 21, at 9:30 a.m., to face charges of Assaulting a Peace Officer and Obstructing a Peace Officer.

    File #: 25-49879

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Testimony from Gaza: ‘To be a mother during genocide is to fight, every minute, every second.’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    21 March marks both the beginning of spring and Mother’s Day in Palestine. A day of celebration, of hope, but it is hard for us to think of hope now.

    My 12-year-old son apologized to me because he could not buy me a present on Mother’s Day, I hugged him and said that their survival – for now – is the most precious present that God has given me, I want nothing more.

    I live in Beit Lahia. We are still sweeping the rubble, trying to restore our damaged house, to make it livable, more than a month after our return to the north. Everything here is a struggle: to be a mother during genocide is to fight, every minute, every second to maintain your family when nothing is available. Getting clean water is a battle; securing food is a battle; getting fresh vegetables or fruits is a dream, but I am a lucky mother because my children are still alive.

    I look at my children and feel guilty because they have been denied their childhood, they were forced into the cruel world of adulthood, of war: no schools, no playgrounds, no daily walks by the sea. I hear bombs and wish I could wrap them with my own body, wish that my love, larger than the universe could protect them, shelter them.

    Half an hour before we were due to break our fast, on Mother’s Day, in Ramadan, we saw that the Israeli military has ordered our area to “evacuate,” but to where? We are tired of displacement, of carrying an entire life on our shoulders and fleeing again, starting all over again; we are trying to rebuild the remnants of our lives: we were hoping to do that without fearing the non-stop bombs raining on us. Was that too much to ask?

    You have no choice under genocide. You gamble with death: please stay away from my children; We were already displaced on nine occasions to flee death. We try to cheat it, but eventually you know that we are all defenseless against this.

    A mother from Beit Lahia, Gaza.

    You have no choice under genocide. You gamble with death: please stay away from my children; We were already displaced on nine occasions to flee death. We try to cheat it, but eventually you know that we are all defenseless against this.

    I do not know if we will survive this round of bombardment, I do not know if the world will remember that one day people lived in a small place called Gaza, which had the most beautiful coastline in the world. Here lived people who wanted to live, they had so many dreams, they wanted to raise their children under normal circumstances but never got the chance to do so.

    All I know that if we do not make it, we will leave knowing that we did everything in our power and beyond to protect our children. Beit Lahia is the capital of strawberries and flowers; it is now a city of rubble, smoke, and stench of death. But please remember us by our strawberries and poppies and remember the names and faces of our martyred children, who will never have the chance to give their mothers a present on Mother’s Day.

    The author’s name has been withheld for security reasons.

    To join Amnesty International’s call to end Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza take action here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Houchin Applauds House Passage of America First Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Republican Budget Resolution:

    “This Budget Resolution is a bold, responsible plan to put our country back on the right track. It reflects the will of the 77 million Americans who are demanding we rein in reckless spending, secure our borders, and restore economic strength. 

    It makes clear that House Republicans will keep our promises to the American people—cutting waste, fraud, and abuse without harming eligible beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. With the budget framework, we will strengthen these critical programs and protect them for future generations, seniors, and families who rely on them. 

    It also begins the reconciliation process, which is essential to delivering the transformational policies of President Trump’s America First agenda in one big, beautiful bill. I proudly voted yes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at the effect of global warming on persistence and intensity of marine heatwaves

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in PNAS looks at global warming and the intensity of marine heatwaves. 

    Dr Caroline Rowland, Scientific Strategic Head for Ocean Cryosphere and Climate, Met Office, said:

    “We should all care about marine heatwaves because societies around the world depend on the ocean; changes to ocean temperatures can have wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and fisheries. There is growing evidence that the intensity and frequency of marine heatwaves – driven by climate change – can contribute to impactful weather events both around the UK and globally with obvious impacts for human health.

    “The record-breaking UK land temperatures in June 2023 were amplified by an unprecedented marine heatwave in UK waters that occurred simultaneously with the land heatwave. The increasing intensity and frequency of marine heatwaves due to climate change can increase the severity of storms – including tropical cyclones – and heatwaves on land.

    What are the key points readers should take from the study?

    “Anthropogenic climate change is the major cause of observed increases in intensity, frequency and duration of marine heatwaves (MHW) both globally and regionally

    “Natural year-to-year climate variability does contribute to extreme Marine temperatures, however, MHW are longer and more intense due to the long-term warming of the seas due to anthropogenic climate change.

    “MHWs are shown to increase in length in the tropics and in intensity and length in the mid-latitudes. The North and Baltic Seas have seen a larger increase relative to other regions (likely because of their shallow nature and their lower salinity: their excess heat is less likely exported to the deeper ocean).

    “The results of this paper are largely consistent with the assessment of MHWs in IPCC AR6 WG1 Box 9.2.

    Why are marine heatwaves important for people – why should they care?

    “The public should care about Marine Heatwaves because humans depend on the ocean; changes to ocean temperatures can have wide ranging impacts including to ecosystems and fisheries. There is growing evidence that MHWs contribute to weather events both around the UK and globally which can have significant impacts to human and animal health. Record-breaking UK land temperatures in June 2023 were amplified by an unprecedented Marine Heatwave in UK waters that occurred simultaneously with the land heatwave [1]. The intensity of cyclones in tropical regions has also been shown to be magnified by MHW. The increasing intensity and frequency of MHW due to climate change has the potential to increase the severity of storms and heatwaves on land.

    Are there any important caveats that we should be aware of?

    “Although we know that there are wide ranging impacts to ecosystems and fisheries from global MHW, there are large gaps in our knowledge of MHW impacts to ecosystems in UK waters, particularly coastal regions.

     “This paper also further strengthens the need for evidence to quantify the role of anthropogenic climate change on the frequency and duration of MHWs.”

    1- https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01413-8

     

    Dr Jeffrey Kargel, Senior Scientists, Planetary Science Institute, said:

    “The work by Marta Marcos and colleagues is richly informative about global warming’s oceanic influences. The authors computed sea surface temperatures under the observed atmospheric conditions with global warming included, and then re-doing the sea surface computation by removing the long-term influence of the warming atmosphere and just leaving in the hot spells and cold spells.

    “Interestingly, the authors found that most–but not all–of the observed intensity of extreme hot ocean surface episodes, and about half of the number of days of extreme ocean warmth are explained directly by global warming. This relationship is readily understood. However, when I read this, I zeroed in on the fact that there have been more days and greater intensities of extreme ocean surface warmth than global warming alone accounts for. I suspect that the excess over predictions could be related to the controversial but much-reported slow-down of the jet streams and the frequent “stuck” jet streams. Instead of continuing on their usual eastward migration, jet streams and associated high- and low-pressure systems have frequently become “stuck” in place, leaving parts of the ocean surface (land surface as well) subjected to blistering hot conditions. This is a likely indirect influence of global warming. Global climate change is not only about warming, but about the disruption of all parts of the climate system, including jet streams. That influence, in turn, affects the sea surface temperature in extreme ways, which then affects hurricanes and weather systems that extend into continental interiors.   

    “The weakening and stagnating jet streams in relationship to global warming and melting sea ice was first discovered and explained by Jennifer Francis. If her model is correct, as seems increasingly likely as observations accrue, then combined with this new paper by Marcos and colleagues, it could suggest that the stuck jet streams may impose a multiplier effect on global warming’s influence on sea surface temperatures and extreme weather on land, too.”

    Dr Zoe Jacobs, Ocean and Climate Modeler, UK National Oceanography Centre, said:

    What are the key points readers should take from the study?

    “Human-induced global warming is responsible for nearly half of global marine heatwave (MHW) events since 1940.

    “Human-induced global warming has caused a 3-fold increase in the number of days per year experiencing MHW conditions. Globally, this means that, on average, we are experiencing 34 extra MHW days per year in recent years compared with the early period. This reaches 80 additional MHW days per year in some regions, including the equatorial Western Pacific and Atlantic, and parts of the tropical Indian Ocean.

    “It has also led to a global mean increase in MHW maximum intensity of 1oC, with the greatest increases observed outside the tropics.

    “Overall, their work reveals the dominant contribution of anthropogenic forcing to MHW increases, especially since the year 2000.

    “It is important to note that there will be high variability between individual events. For example, the MHW in the Tasman Sea in 2015-16 is found to almost entirely be due to global warming, whereas the Pacific Blob (2014-15) is found to be due to a mixture of global warming and natural climate variability.

    Why are marine heatwaves important for people – frankly, why should they care?

    “Wide ranging impacts have been documented for marine heatwave events worldwide. They have decimated coral reefs, seagrass meadows and kelp forests as well as fisheries and seabird colonies and even impacted larger species like seals and whales.

    “Because of this they pose significant risks to society, with some individual events causing millions of dollars of losses due to impacts on the fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries. They have also been found to exacerbate heatwaves on land and have amplified extreme weather like hurricanes and storms.”

    Are there any important caveats that we should be aware of?

    “Using sea surface temperature (SST) data before the satellite record (pre-1980s) will have considerable uncertainties. Using a. 0.25o grid will have led to a lot of interpolation between actual observations due to incomplete spatial coverage.

    “The study focuses on summer MHW events only but MHWs can occur year-round, with seasonal differences in persistence and intensity likely.”

    ‘Global warming drives a threefold increase in persistence and 1 ◦C rise in intensity of marine heatwaves’ by Marcos et al. was published in PNAS at 20:00 UK time on Monday 14th April 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413505122

    Declared interests

    Dr Jeffrey Kargel “I have no conflicts of interest related to this article or my commentary.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the criminal complaint.

    Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.

    “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

    “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

    “This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”

    “A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.

    An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid.

    Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols. 

    Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box.

    The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene.

    Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building.

    Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.

    Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.

    Wagner Facebook photo.
    Tesla arson suspect.
    Wagner’s driver’s license.

    On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including:

    • A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
    • Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
    • Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
    • A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
    • Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
    • A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.

    Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes.

    “The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice.

    Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Kilos of Cocaine Seized, Providence Man Detained on a Federal Drug Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A joint federal, state, and local law enforcement drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the seizure of two kilos of cocaine and the arrest and detention of a Providence man, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Eluid Rosa-Escudero, 35, is detained in federal custody charged by way of a criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

    It is alleged in charging documents that a three-month, multi-agency investigation into Rosa-Escudero’s drug trafficking activities culminated on April 10, 2025, with the execution of a court-authorized search of his Providence residence and the seizure of two kilograms of cocaine, $10,000 in cash, and other items associated with the trafficking of narcotics.

    As reflected in court documents, law enforcement surveilled the retrieval of a package delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to the front porch of a Providence residence. The package was retrieved by a person who arrived by car and allegedly then drove to a nearby gas station where he met with Rosa-Escudero, who was in a separate vehicle parked at a gas pump. As the two vehicles pulled away, the defendant was followed by a law enforcement surveillance team to his residence. East Providence Police effected an investigative stop of the car driven by the person who allegedly retrieved the package from the porch of the residence, who they then identified as being 15 years old.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine D. Lowell, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.

    The matter is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force, with the assistance of the Providence Police Department, the Pawtucket Police Department, and the Rhode Island State Police.

    A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: South-South and Triangular Cooperation Furthers Efforts to Promote Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Health Resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) concluded the fifth online certificate training programme titled “Leveraging South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Inclusive and Technological Innovations for Urban Health and Disaster Risk Reduction” on 12, 19, and 26 March 2025.

    Building on a successful partnership since 2020, this fifth training programme emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approach, particularly in addressing the needs of the most at-risk groups—such as women, older persons, and persons with disabilities—in disaster risk reduction, health emergencies, and disaster risk management. Through expert-led discussions and practical case studies, participants gained valuable insights into advancing inclusive, resilient, and healthy cities through technological innovations and South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

    “This training programme embodies the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which explicitly calls for an inclusive approach that considers the needs of all populations and groups. Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, we can share valuable lessons and innovative approaches that ensure no one is left behind when disaster strikes.”

    – Piedad Huerta Arneros, Chief of Office of Country and Subregional Coordination in PAHO/WHO, in her Opening Remarks

    The first training session, led by UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) on 12 March, emphasized disability-inclusive urban resilience in practice. The session introduced participants to the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities – Annex for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, a practical tool that supports local governments in ensuring meaningful participation and accessibility for persons with disabilities in disaster risk planning and implementation.

    “Persons with disabilities must be decision-makers in resilience strategies that affect their lives. Inclusion is not only a right—it improves the quality and relevance of our actions,” 

    – Carlos Kaiser, Executive Director of ONG Inclusiva

    Practical case studies from Quezon City in the Philippines, and Pudahuel Municipality in Chile—both of which have applied the Disability Inclusion Scorecard provided real-world application insights for participants. “Since the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Scorecard, we have been able to strengthen our approach and adopt the necessary adjustments to close the gaps,” said Maria Elena Opazo, Director of Disaster Risk Management Department of Pudahuel Municipality.

    Ma. Bianca D. Perez, Head of the Disaster Risk and Management Office of Quezon City, also emphasized how they were empowered to cater to the different needs of people with disabilities, “Profile of those capacitated [was collected] to ensure that the interventions were equitable, not just a one-size-fits-all solution, but cater to the different types of disabilities identified.”

    According to UNDRR’s 2023 Global Survey on Disability and Disasters: 84% of persons with disabilities reported being unprepared for disasters and 56% reported lacking access to disaster risk information. These figures highlight the urgency to ensure the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction planning.

    Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, has offered three recommendations for action to all participants: 

    “First, we must continue building the awareness and capacity of institutions and staff to address this problem. For our part, UNDRR remains committed to supporting capacity development and to fostering all-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to disaster risk reduction. 

    Second, we must ensure that there are mechanisms to engage with at-risk groups and to capture their needs in planning processes. This is why UNDRR developed and piloted the Annex for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, as part of our Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities. We invite all local governments to utilize this tested tool. 

    And third, we need to promote international cooperation and the sharing of good practices among countries, especially South-South and Triangular cooperation. By learning from each other, exchanging good practices, and working collaboratively, countries can accelerate the adoption of new solutions to ensure no one is left behind.”

    – Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR

    A mini quiz at the end of the first training session reinforced key learning messages. A total of 1,362 unique participants from 141 countries and territories joined this session live, reflecting strong global interest in inclusive urban resilience approaches.

    This joint training includes three online training sessions. The second session, led by PAHO/WHO on 19 March, explored the intersection of ageing, disability, and urban health emergencies, highlighting the importance of integrating diverse actors into disaster risk reduction and urban resilience planning to ensure inclusive and accessible solutions. The final session, led by UNOSSC on 26 March, was centered on leveraging technological innovation for urban disaster risk reduction and management. This session facilitated the exchange of knowledge and good practices on cutting-edge, low-cost, and high-impact technologies that can enhance urban resilience through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

    Dima Al-Khatib, Director of UNOSSC, called attention to the importance of South-South Cooperation, especially in capacity building activities to further SDGs

    “South-South Cooperation fosters collaboration amongst developing countries by facilitating knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, and resource sharing to achieve mutual development goals.”

    – Dima Al-Khatib, Director of UNOSSC

    The UNDRR-UNOSSC-PAHO Joint Certificate Training Programme 2025 featured 30 expert speakers, with a balanced gender representation, and provided simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, as well as International Sign Language, to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

    The training series has been highly successful, attracting over 9,800 live session participants and 6,500 self-paced learners from 155 countries and territories over the past four training programmes. This year’s training alone attracted over 3,200 registrants, with 1,846 participants including 71 persons with disabilities, reflecting its growing reach and impact.

    For more information and session recordings, please visit https://www.undrr.org/event/undrr-unossc-paho2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: A land at risk, a willingness to change: Guatemala strengthens its path to resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In the heart of Central America, where volcanoes carve the skyline and rivers wind through dense forests, Guatemala’s stunning geography is also a source of vulnerability. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, and droughts are part of everyday life—constant reminders of the urgency to strengthen the country’s resilience.

    Against this backdrop, the recent visit of Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), marked a pivotal moment. Joined by Claudinne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), and Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator in Guatemala, the mission went beyond reaffirming existing commitments—it generated new partnerships and concrete proposals to advance disaster risk reduction nationwide.

    One of the key political moments of the visit came during a meeting with Vice President Karin Herrera, who expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening SE-CONRED’s role within the state. She proposed including the institution in Guatemala’s main economic and social decision-making bodies, acknowledging that risk reduction must be a whole-of-government responsibility. “Investing in prevention means protecting the future of the most vulnerable populations,” said the Vice President.

    There was also a renewed call to reform CONRED’s legal and policy framework, broadening its mandate, improving inter-institutional coordination, and increasing budget allocations for both prospective and corrective risk management. While Hurricane Mitch in 1998 marked a turning point for Guatemala—leading to the establishment of structures such as CONRED and a stronger emphasis on prevention—the current scale and complexity of risk demand a deeper transformation. Only a bold, sustained shift will ensure sustainable development anchored in resilience and informed by risk.

    “We have made progress in disaster risk reduction in Guatemala. We have strengthened the staff of CONRED’s Executive Secretariat, not only in the capital, but throughout the country, with more teams to support municipalities in risk management. But we still need to stop building risk. We need to be a more resilient country, one that complies with the standards and does not perpetuate its vulnerability,” said Claudinne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED.

    The mission coincided with the XXI Meeting of the National Platform for Dialogue, which served as a forum to define the foundations of Guatemala’s position for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2025. During the meeting, participants emphasized the need to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems, integrate risk into national and sectoral planning, and foster participatory and inclusive governance rooted in resilience.

    Throughout the week, several concrete commitments were secured. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) expressed its intention to move forward with the adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a key tool for standardizing warnings and improving hazard response. Representatives from the telecommunications sector also voiced their readiness to explore the implementation of Cell Broadcasting systems, in coordination with UN agencies and inspired by good practices across the region.

    At the regional level, the mission included high-level meetings at the Coordination Centre for Disaster Prevention in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) and with the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic (COSEFIN). These exchanges helped pave the way for stronger risk-informed public financing and a future dialogue with finance ministers on integrating disaster risk into national budgets, public investment, and fiscal policy. The goal is clear: move beyond reactive and corrective approaches and instead channel resources into forward-looking, preventive measures that build long-term resilience.

    The Guatemalan private sector also demonstrated strong engagement. A pilot initiative was presented, developed with a national bank and the ARISE Network, aimed at promoting risk-informed decision-making in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Sustainable Finance Advisory Council of CentraRSE expressed its commitment to embedding disaster risk reduction within the country’s financial architecture, including banking and insurance systems.

    Throughout the mission, the leadership of local and community actors was palpable. A visit to the Ingenio Magdalena sugar mill underscored the value of public-private-community alliances for prevention and preparedness. The mission also recognized the critical roles played by youth, women, Indigenous peoples, and local governments in building resilience from the ground up.

    In this national effort, the United Nations System has served as a strategic partner and catalyst. The mission reaffirmed the leadership of Resident Coordinator Miguel Barreto in promoting effective, results-driven cooperation. It also confirmed that resilience will be a strategic priority within the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Guatemala.

    “Guatemala is demonstrating that it is possible to anticipate risk, plan ahead and protect what is most valuable: lives, livelihoods and communities. To achieve this, it is essential to direct public and private investment towards resilient infrastructure, accompanied by adequate financing. Only then will we stop building risk and start building resilience,” said Kamal Kishore.

    “We have identified areas of convergence and cross-cutting issues where agencies can work together. For example, incorporating early warning and prevention into all operational activities of the system,” added Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator.

    The results of the mission highlight the value of strategic, targeted cooperation. Through UNDRR’s technical support—working closely with SE-CONRED and the broader UN system—Guatemala is forging a more coordinated, inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction. Far from being an isolated initiative, this is a collective effort to ensure that risk reduction becomes a shared responsibility, embedded across sectors and driven by political will, technical excellence, and local leadership.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SDEV congratulates teams from DEVB and works departments on outstanding achievements at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SDEV congratulates teams from DEVB and works departments on outstanding achievements at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva  
    The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the teams from the Works Branch of the DEVB, the EMSD and the DSD for winning multiple awards. She said, “The DEVB and works departments have been continuously promoting technological transformation and actively adopting innovative technologies. This has not only significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of public works projects and services, but also effectively improved the cost-effectiveness. The teams have been dedicated and committed to striving for excellence in technological research and its transformation into practical solutions. The awards received in this international mega event fully demonstrated that their efforts and accomplishments have been recognised internationally.”
     
    The Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation, which was jointly developed by the EMSD and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), won the prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, marking the first time that departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government have received this prize. The system provides highly efficient heat dissipation capability by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with non-conductive cooling liquid. This not only improves equipment performance and extends the equipment life time, but also achieves more efficient energy saving. The system has been successfully applied in the CAD’s air traffic control tower simulator.
     
    The Secretary for Development also appreciated that the SmartEye, a remote site supervision system and integrated site management platform developed by the Works Branch of the DEVB, has won awards. This system adopts advanced technologies, including 4D LiDAR and AI for real-time monitoring of construction projects, ensuring quality and site safety while enhancing supervision efficiency. It has been successfully applied in several public works projects.
     
    The Mosaic Model Map (M³) project by the DSD was awarded the gold medal with the congratulations of jury. This real-time territorial flood risk visualisation system leveraging Hydraulic Model Pre-run, Scenario Mapping and Mosaic Compilation technologies will facilitate the DSD in timely resource deployment for speedy responses to possible flood situations under adverse weather. The Integration of AI and Optical Fiber Technology for district cooling/heating system plants by the EMSD and the Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety by the EMSD in collaboration with the CAD also garnered gold medals with the congratulations of jury.
    Issued at HKT 21:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAD and EMSD win awards at 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CAD and EMSD win awards at 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (with photo)      
         The exhibition was an annual grand event in the global invention community. It showcased approximately 1 050 inventions from around 35 countries and regions. An international panel of expert judges conducted detailed evaluations of the inventions and selected the winning entries. The advanced technology innovation, jointly developed by the CAD and EMSD, provides a highly efficient heat dissipation capability for the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with a non-conductive cooling liquid. Heat dissipation is achieved through the vaporisation of the cooling liquid. It provides a more efficient energy saving system with an extended equipment life time compared with traditional air cooling. The experience gained from developing this new technology could serve as a valuable reference for broader applications and promotions across various fields.
          
         Meanwhile, a Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, also jointly developed by the CAD and the EMSD, won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury prize at the exhibition.
          
         The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, said, “The CAD is committed to enhancing operational efficiency through innovative technologies. The awards are a recognition of our colleagues’ professionalism and the outcome of cross-departmental innovation and co-operation.”
    Issued at HKT 17:56

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and Consumer Council jointly launch virtual reality simulation games (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    To strengthen self-protection capabilities of students with special educational needs and senior citizens, the Consumer Council and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have joined hands in launching a series of new virtual reality (VR) simulation games designed to foster proper attitude towards consumption with the use of credit cards, while raising the participant’s awareness of fraud prevention through a gamified learning experience.
     
    The VR simulation games feature two key themes: “Be a Smart Credit Card User”, covering basic knowledge of credit card usage and concepts of rational consumption, and “Beware of Credit Card Fraud”, simulating the scenarios of fraudsters using phishing links and fraudulent calls purporting to be from bank staff. Through the four simulated scenarios (see Annex (Chinese only)) – “Credit card ABC”, “Responsible use of credit cards”, “Beware of phishing links”, and “Beware of fraudulent calls” – the games offer an immersive and interactive experience with vivid decision-making prompts, real-life role play, and simple yet entertaining mini-games with over a hundred interactive options, equipping persons with special needs and senior citizens with the knowledge and skill to use credit cards responsibly and identify scams. Participants can use the VR headsets and handheld controllers for an immersive first-person experience.
     
    The Council and the HKMA recently organised an event at Fortress Hill Methodist Secondary School for students to try out the games for the first time. The Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, Ms Gilly Wong, said, “Consumers with special needs and some senior consumers often have limited knowledge of credit cards. The Council is delighted to collaborate with the HKMA in developing this innovative VR simulation game, allowing them to experience overspending and fraud scenarios firsthand while learning how to respond accordingly. Since credit cards serve both as a payment tool and a loan instrument, it is crucial for consumers to establish proper values and knowledge about responsible usage early on. This VR game will be distributed to social welfare organisations and special schools across Hong Kong, to be used in consumer education workshops and activities for promoting responsible credit card usage and fraud prevention.”
     
         Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen, said, “Credit card payments are a common means of transaction, yet they are often exploited by fraudsters as a tool for deception. Members of the public who are not vigilant may fall into the trap of scams. We hope to use interactive games to convey the messages on the proper use of credit cards, as well as the importance of guarding against credit card scams in a simple and vivid way, thereby assisting members of the public to use credit cards with peace of mind and enhancing their awareness of anti-scam measures.”
     
    The HKMA launched the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 2.0 (the Charter 2.0) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Association of Banks last year, to assist the public in guarding against credit card scams and other digital frauds. The Council remains committed to consumer education and safeguarding consumer rights. As a supporting organisation of the Charter 2.0, it will continue to enhance public awareness of fraud prevention and self-protection ability.
     
    Since late 2020, the Council has been running the Support Programme for Persons with Special Needs, aimed at promoting consumer education among persons with special needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, mild intellectual disability, and common mental disorder, in identifying unscrupulous trade practices and scams. The Programme provides a range of educational resources for frontline social workers, teachers and caregivers, including training handbooks, game cards, case study videos and posters, and easy-to-read guides. In 2023, the Programme also piloted its first VR educational tool focusing on the unscrupulous sales tactics of beauty and fitness centres. To date, the Programme has organised more than 180 consumer education sessions for over 4 600 participants from 80 social welfare organisations, self-help groups and special schools.
     
    A desktop version of the credit card VR simulation games is also available. Members of the public may visit the websites of the Consumer Council and the HKMA for relevant information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 organised by NFSU in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 organised by NFSU in New Delhi

    PM Modi’s vision changed the entire landscape of the country’s criminal justice system

    The use of forensic science is imperative to stop borderless crimes

    In the coming decade, India will have the highest conviction rate in the world

    It is important to make forensic science a part of the criminal justice system so that no injustice is done to both the accused and the complainant

    7 campuses of National Forensic Sciences University have been built across the country, 9 more campuses will be built in another 6 months

    The government is trying to make the society crime-free by finding solutions to all challenges using forensic sciences

    NFSU is promoting trained manpower, research and indigenous technology

    Posted On: 14 APR 2025 6:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 organized by the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in New Delhi today as the Chief Guest. The theme of the conference was ‘Role of Forensic Science in Effective Implementation of New Criminal Laws and Combating Terrorism’. The conference was attended by many dignitaries including Justice V Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Attorney General Shri R Venkataramani, Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman, Bar Council of India Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan and Vice Chancellor, NFSU Dr. J. M. Vyas.

    Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that Babasaheb worked to finalize the Constitution of India. It was a Herculean task to finalize the Constitution after thousands of hours of intense discussion on every subject, but Babasaheb composed the Constitution by incorporating all aspects keeping in mind the needs of the country and with the idea of ​​maintaining the relevance of the Constitution for many years. Shri Shah said that our Constitution is not just a book. It has a system for the protection of the body, property and honor of every citizen and forensic science is now playing a very useful role in strengthening the criminal justice system associated with the protection of these three.

    Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are striving to make the justice system people-centric and scientific. Efforts are also being made to ensure that those seeking justice get justice on time and also have the satisfaction of getting justice. Through this, our aim is to create a safe, capable and competent India. Union Home Minister said that to strengthen the criminal justice system, the Government of India has brought three new criminal laws in the form of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).

    Union Home Minister said that forensics is not a new idea in our country. Its detailed description is found in Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Kautilya’s Arthashashtra. Acharya Kautilya has guided the world in detail on topics like toxicology, identification of poison, body language of suspects, and identification of accused on the basis of speech.

    Shri Amit Shah said that without forensic science, it is not possible to deliver timely justice and increase the rate of conviction. He said that the entire scenario of crime has changed today. Now criminals use different means of technology, information and communication, due to which crime has now become borderless. Earlier, crime used to happen in a small part of a district, state or country, but now crime has become borderless. Modern crimes now transcend city, state, national, and even international boundaries. In such a situation, the importance of forensic science has increased a lot. Shri Shah said that when PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he was the Home Minister, the seed of Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, planted by Shri Narendra Modi in 2009, has now grown into a banyan tree in the form of the National Forensic Sciences University — the first university of its kind in the world. He said that it is a matter of joy for him that when the National Forensic Sciences University was established on 1 October 2020, Shri Narendra Modi was the Prime Minister and he was the Home Minister of the country.

    Union Home Minister said that PM Modi’s visionary leadership has brought significant transformation to the country’s criminal justice system. He emphasized that a system has been established where neither the accused nor the complainant is subjected to injustice. To ensure this balance, integrating forensic science into the criminal justice process is essential. Shri Shah highlighted that the steps taken in 2009 and 2020 to establish the Forensic Science University are not only producing skilled professionals but also paving the way for research across various fields. He noted that the university has become a trusted institution for forensic analysis in complex cases and has also evolved into a hub for equipping the country’s forensic laboratories with modern technology. He further added that the university offers a wide range of programs, including degree, diploma, PhD, and research courses. Additionally, it has developed and adopted numerous indigenous technologies and has created toolkits to supply these innovations to police forces across the nation.

    Shri Amit Shah underlined that following the directive of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to get rid the country of colonial-era laws, work on finalizing new criminal laws was carried out between 2019 and 2024. He noted that extensive discussions during this period revealed the extent to which the outdated laws were harming India’s criminal justice system. He emphasized that if laws are not updated in accordance with changing times, they become obsolete and irrelevant. He added that the original intent of the old criminal laws was not to deliver justice to Indian citizens but to uphold British rule. In contrast, the three new criminal laws introduced under PM Modi’s leadership have been crafted by Indians, for the protection and justice of Indian citizens. Shri Shah said that this represents the most significant legal reform of the 21st century. He further explained that the new laws provide a legal foundation for the use of modern technology and have been designed with a forward-looking approach — incorporating not only current technologies but also anticipating technological developments for the next 100 years.

    Union Home Minister said that the new laws have formally defined e-documents and e-summons. He explained that the method of technology used is irrelevant as long as the law recognizes e-documents, and similarly, once people accept e-summons, the mode of delivery no longer matters. He emphasized that technology has been integrated at every stage of the criminal justice process — from the crime scene to investigation, and through to the trial. Forensic investigation has been made mandatory for all crimes that carry a punishment of more than seven years. He expressed confidence that these changes will lead to India achieving the highest conviction rate in the world in the coming decade.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the conviction rate in the country is currently stands at 54 per cent. He said that terrorism has been defined in the new laws. Voice logs and digital voice mail have also been given a place. Arrangements have also been made in BNSS to give legal basis to audio, video recordings, videography of forensic evidence and digital records in interrogation. Arrangements have been made to ensure justice within the stipulated period by setting time limits for the police, prosecution and judicial system. He said that its results have also started coming. In some cases, the rapist was convicted in 23 days and within 100 days the triple murder case was solved and the culprit was punished. Union Home Minister said that this was possible because technical evidence was recognized in the trial. He said that efforts have also been made to digitize the digital system of the entire country.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today 100 per cent police stations in the country have been computerized through Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS). About 14 crore 19 lakh FIRs and their related documents have been made available online along with legacy data. 22 thousand courts have been equipped with the e-court facilities. Data of 2 crore 19 lakh is available through e-prison. Prosecution data of 1 crore 93 lakh cases is available through e-prosecution. 39 lakh forensic evidences are available online through e-forensics. He said that 16 lakh alerts have been generated from this. Fingerprints of 1 crore 53 lakh accused are available in the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). These fingerprints have been shared with every police station. National Database of Human Trafficking Offender is also available. Shri Shah added that this data is separate right now, but in the next few years, the Home Ministry will hand over this data to the investigating teams using Artificial Intelligence. He said that then it will become very easy to formulate a strategy to prevent crime and it will also be very beneficial in controlling crime.

    Union Home Minister said that due to the farsightedness of PM Modi, we had established the National Forensic Sciences University in the year 2020 itself, while three new criminal laws came into force in 2024. He said that seven campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University have been established in different states of the country. 9 more campuses will be established in the next 6 months. Apart from these, the establishment of 10 more campuses is proposed. Shri Shah said that there will be no state in the country where there is no campus of National Forensic Sciences University. We will work to make each campus the best unit in the world by giving it one subject. The students of the university will be helped in research and development so that they achieve heights in research and make the campus the best in the allotted subject. Home Minister said that after its completion, every year 36 thousand diploma and degree holder youth will pass out from these campuses and strengthen our criminal justice system.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there is a need for 30,000 trained professionals to visit every crime scene where the punishment is more than seven years. He noted that each year, around 36,000 students will graduate from the National Forensic Sciences University, many of whom will go on to work in private forensic laboratories as well. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is working on an agreement between private and government Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), allowing certain samples received by government FSLs to also be analyzed by private labs. He added that NFSU is advancing into several emerging fields, including drone forensics, smart city forensics, marine forensics, and corporate forensics. Shri Shah also highlighted the growing international presence of NFSU, stating that around 240 foreign students are currently enrolled, and that the university will continue to expand globally in the coming years.

    Union Home Minister emphasized the need to categorize offenders into habitual criminals, those driven to crime by circumstances, and those who committed crimes out of necessity. He stressed the importance of providing psychological counseling to such individuals within jails, with the goal of encouraging them to become responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India will be able to develop a robust forensic science-based system for prisoner rehabilitation within the next couple of years. Shri Shah also said that a Modus Operandi Bureau has been established, which will play a vital role in controlling crime by analyzing criminal behavior patterns.

    Shri Amit Shah acknowledged that the country faces numerous challenges, many of which can be addressed through the effective use of forensic science. He called for close collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Forensic Sciences University to work toward building a crime-free society through scientific solutions. Union Home Minister said that, during the conference, young individuals were recognized for their outstanding performance in the hackathon and their efforts to promote the use of the Hindi language.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – National institutes of health funding for European researchers following budget cuts – E-001398/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001398/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Olivier Chastel (Renew)

    The US administration’s budget has been restructured, with a 15 % cap on indirect research costs and consequences for national institutes of health (NIHs), leaving the funding of many ongoing scientific projects under threat.

    The United States is the largest funder of biomedical research, with an annual budget of USD 47 billion – 80 % of which is allocated to more than 300 000 researchers all over the world in the form of grants. Some articles identify 121 projects involving Europe-based researchers that received NIH funding in 2024.

    • 1.Does the Commission have the exact number of projects carried out by European researchers affected and threatened by the NIH budget cuts?
    • 2.Are any joint projects funded by the NIH and Horizon Europe at risk? Does the Commission intend to ensure funding continues for the research interrupted by current events?

    Submitted: 7.4.2025

    Last updated: 14 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening EU sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet by aligning with international partners – E-000937/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the 14th package, the EU has taken far-reaching initiatives to curb the operation as well as the risks posed by Russia’s shadow fleet.

    The recent 16th package significantly expanded the number of listed vessels by 74 , thereby bringing the total number of ships subject to EU sanctions to 153.

    To date, this measure has had a considerable impact on the activity of the shadow fleet. These ships have often changed their names, flag and ownership to obfuscate their identities. Despite such attempts, the vessels become tainted and struggle to lift oil, increasing the cost for Russia to operate such a fleet.

    In addition to listing vessels, the Council has taken auxiliary measures to weaken the shadow fleet. For example, it has broadened the listing criterion, and designated companies which are material in enabling the fleet.

    This includes shipping companies and their managers, who facilitate the transport of Russian oil. Any vessels owned or controlled by these individuals or entities also become subject to restrictions, for example on accessing EU services.

    Coordination with international partners plays an important role in undermining the shadow fleet. The EU is committed to continued strong multilateral cooperation, with the goal of implementing measures that will further weaken Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression.

    At the same time, it should be noted that targeting requires thorough preparation to ensure a solid legal basis. Variations in legal standards between the United Kingdom, United States and EU can apply, and may result in designations that are different in scope and number.

    Ultimately, any decision on new listings, including those which result in a closer alignment with partners, is taken by the Council acting through unanimity.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent need to renew and modernise the commercial heavy-duty vehicle fleet to achieve the EU’s climate goals – E-000903/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises that incentives can be useful in certain cases to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

    However, the adoption of subsidy programmes and other incentives is a decision taken at Member State level. At EU level, the CO2 standards Regulation for heavy-duty vehicles sets the framework for the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, creating predictability for investors and manufacturers.

    In the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector[1] the Commission announced several initiatives to accelerate the uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.

    These include a targeted amendment of the Eurovignette Directive[2], to extend the deadline to fully exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road charges.

    The Plan also stresses the importance of finalising interinstitutional negotiations on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive, to ensure payload parity between zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and diesel vehicles.

    The Commission also published a communication to decarbonise corporate fleets[3], which notably encourages national authorities to provide financial support and incentives for public transport authorities and operators switching to zero-emission buses.

    This contributes to the preparation of a legislative proposal to decarbonise corporate fleets, expected by end 2025. As part of the work on corporate fleets, the Commission will also look into measures to accelerate the uptake of European zero-emission trucks.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0095&qid=1742550809591
    • [2] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/362/oj
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0096&qid=1742550887847
    Last updated: 14 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Environmental destruction in Zaragoza: privatisation and mass logging in the Los Pinares de Venecia natural area to expand a theme park – E-000597/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As signatory to the Green City Accord[1], Zaragoza committed to enhance urban biodiversity, increase quality green areas, improve air quality, water and waste management, and reduce noise by 2030.

    Zaragoza was awarded the Cities’ Mission Label[2] after concluding its Climate City Contract[3], which plans CO2 absorption from urban trees and actions on re-naturalisation and circular economy[4].

    The Nature Restoration Regulation[5] requires Member States to ensure that, by 31 December 2030, there is no net loss in the total national area of urban green space and of urban tree canopy cover in urban ecosystem areas[6].

    It should be noted, however, that the Green City Accord, the Climate City Contract and the Nature Restoration Regulation allow the local authorities, in line with the subsidiarity principle, to decide on the actions to carry out in urban spaces, provided they respect the above commitments.

    It is therefore not for the Commission to comment on the choice of the competent authorities on the project referred to by the Honourable Member.

    However, Member States must monitor the area of urban green space and tree canopy as of August 2024 and report to the Commission by 30 June 2028[7].

    From August 2029, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and to the Council. In addition, the Green City Accord signatory cities must report periodically about their progress in the run up to 2030[8] and the Climate City Contract provides for monitoring measures, which will allow the Commission to follow up on the compliance by Zaragoza with the above commitments and obligations in due time.

    • [1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/green-city-accord_en
    • [2] EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en
    • [3] https://netzerocities.app/resource-4068
    • [4] Ibid. cfr. Part B ‘Pathways’, pillar 3, page 73.
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869. OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj
    • [6]  Compared to 2024.
    • [7] Articles 20(1)(b) and 21(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2991.
    • [8] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-green-city-accords-report-progress-and-achievements-2020-2023_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Construction of luxury villas and hotels in Tenerife – E-000493/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not possess detailed information about the project referred to by the Honourable Member, and whether it could have significant effects for the Natura 2000 site[1] or the energy system of Tenerife.

    Therefore, the Commission is not in a position to express its views on the compatibility of the project with the provisions under the Habitats Directive[2] or assess its potential impacts on the island’s energy sustainability.

    Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive determines that any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site must be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site concerned. Such plan or project can only be approved if it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site.

    Should a project have negative implications for the site, it can only be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest and in the absence of alternative solutions, and provided that the Member State takes all compensatory measures necessary to protect the overall coherence of the network, in accordance with Article 6(4) of the directive.

    The responsibility for applying these provisions lies with the Spanish public authorities. In order to assist them in this task, the Commission has issued guidance documents supporting those involved in managing Natura 2000 sites[3] and has published studies on addressing conflicts and promoting benefits in the Natura 2000 network[4].

    • [1]  ES7020017: https://www.idecanarias.es/resources/ZEC/AnexoI/ES7020017_I.pdf
    • [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/natura-2000/managing-and-protecting-natura-2000-sites_en
    • [4] https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/3f466d71-92a7-49eb-9c63-6cb0fadf29dc/library/642f6372-437e-434f-b041-000f24e8d9e0/details?download=true
    Last updated: 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent humanitarian response in Myanmar following devastating earthquake – E-001385/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001385/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Leire Pajín (S&D), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), Elena Sancho Murillo (S&D), Estrella Galán (The Left), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D), César Luena (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Idoia Mendia (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

    The humanitarian situation in Myanmar has reached critical levels, exacerbated by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025, resulting in a death toll exceeding 1 700 people and widespread destruction, particularly in the area of Mandalay. With the UN’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Myanmar less than 5 % funded and not accounting for earthquake aftermath needs, coupled with the US’s withdrawal of humanitarian funding, the cost of inaction will be devastating for both earthquake survivors and those affected by pre-existing humanitarian needs. The lack of adequate shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the rapidly approaching monsoon season, amplifies the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases. While the recent announcement of an additional EUR 33 million in aid from the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations is welcome, the calculated humanitarian needs go far beyond this figure.

    • 1.What humanitarian support is the Commission currently mobilising on the ground for those affected in Myanmar?
    • 2.What emergency measures does the Commission intend to take to address the immediate needs of survivors in the aftermath of the earthquake?
    • 3.What long-term development assistance is planned to help rebuild and stabilise Myanmar amid its ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    Last updated: 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cooperation between the EU and Algeria on migration – E-003042/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU and Algeria regularly engage in migration dialogue in the framework of the Association Agreement[1] (2005). Algeria is also involved in the Rabat Process[2], a regional platform for migration governance.

    The EU does not provide any financial support to the Algerian government, including for the building of ‘fortifications’ along Algeria’s borders.

    Algeria benefits from two EU-funded migration programmes under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe[3]:

    Between 2023-2024, the Migration, Protection, Return and Reintegration Program[4] (EUR 85.6 million) implemented by the International Organisation for migration (IOM) supported 8 540 assisted voluntary returns of migrants from Algeria to their countries of origin, provided protection and direct assistance to 784 beneficiaries, and supported the reintegration of around 90 returnees from Algeria.

    The Regional Police Cooperation programme[5] (EUR 5 million, run by the International Criminal Police Organisation), focuses on building the technical capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal networks engaging in migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. Both programmes operate across North Africa.

    The Regional Development Protection Programme supports the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) to provide protection and assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Algeria.

    EU humanitarian aid provided to UNHCR focuses on providing potable water to refugees near Tindouf. IOM and UNHCR cooperate with the Algerian Red Crescent, which, does not receive EU funding.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2002036
    • [2] https://www.rabat-process.org/en/
    • [3] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-technical-assistance/funding-instruments/global-europe-neighbourhood-development-and-international-cooperation-instrument_en
    • [4] Adopted in 2021 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a60afbe4-31cd-4ded-bdb8-0a92b552fb4b_en?filename=C_2021_9615_F1_ANNEX_EN_V2_P1_1639232.PDF, and topped up in 2023 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ff5ece36-1ef3-4cfe-a40b-1648431c90a6_en?filename=C%282023%294402_AD%202023.PDF, with an additional top-up foreseen under the 2024 budget https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ab2f12b1-06cf-40a3-bc56-73c76a54bf1c_en?filename=C_2024_7998_F1_ANNEX_EN_V2_P1_3737157.PDF
    • [5] Adopted in 2022 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/08f7ebe5-4466-479a-9cbf-fbf5292cfa7f_en?filename=C_2022_6933_F1_ANNEX_EN_V1_P1_2132129.PDF
    Last updated: 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Collapse of the ruined Armenian Monastery in the occupied part of Cyprus – E-001179/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001179/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Costas Mavrides (S&D)

    Further to question E-001888/2021[1] on the desecration of the only remaining Armenian monastery located in the Turkish-occupied Pentadaktylos, the Commission stated in its concluding statement that ‘the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage will start the conservation works as soon as they can be safely implemented’. However, the Armenian community in Cyprus has called for immediate action, warning of a cultural tragedy, as the Armenian Monastery, exposed to the weather and vandals, has been reduced to ruins.

    In the past, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus carried out a feasibility study for the monastery complex and its partial restoration, funded by the UNDP-PFF. The conservation works started in early 2020, but were interrupted a month later due to the pandemic and since then there has been no update on the Committee’s activities.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Council Regulation (EC) No 389/2006 requires reporting on financial support implemented under the financial assistance programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. Can the Commission explain why the Armenian Monastery is missing from these reports[2]?
    • 2.Given the situation, what immediate actions could the Commission take to support the conservation and protection of the Monastery?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001888_EN.html
    • [2] E.g. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0268.
    Last updated: 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Care Deal – E-000942/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Informal carers, mainly women, face significant challenges due to the disproportionate burden of unpaid care responsibilities, lack of formal care services and insufficient recognition for their crucial roles.

    This can have negative impact on their well-being and work-life balance, and lead to career breaks, part-time work, or early exit from the labour market, which impacts lifetime earnings and future economic security.

    The European Care Strategy[1] and the Council Recommendation[2] on access to high-quality long-term care provide a framework for reforms and investments to improve care services, address workforce challenges, and support informal carers.

    Implementation actions at EU and national levels, include numerous reforms targeting informal carers and a toolkit for supporting informal carers.

    Building on these, the Commission will work on creating a more coherent framework for addressing l ong-term care workforce challenges, including facilitating the recognition of skills and qualifications, supporting skills development and career progression, and improving working conditions.

    The planned policy initiatives, including Quality Jobs Roadmap, Pillar Action Plan and the Anti-Poverty Strategy, as well as the recently delivered ones, such as Union of Skills[3], will contribute to this objective and strengthen long-term care systems.

    In 2027, the Commission will prepare a report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5169
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2022_476_R_0001
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/union-skills_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Scope for participation by civil society – E-000306/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully committed to supporting civil society, including by financing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in line with the rules of EU financial programmes, as adopted by the co-legislators.

    The new Commission guidance[1] does not restrict the work of these organisations but clarifies the types of activities which should not be supported by EU financing. Civil society entities financed by EU programmes remain fully autonomous and free to establish their own views.

    Certain references in annexes to grant agreements under the EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE programme)[2] were brought to the Commission’s attention by the Committee on Budgetary Control in 2024.

    The Commission acknowledged that it is not appropriate to enter into agreements which foresee that NGOs lobby the European institutions for a specific political content, as part of their work programmes.

    Before issuing the guidance, the Commission carefully weighed the importance it attaches to a vibrant civil society and the reputational consequences of such references.

    The objective is to take an approach that balances the need for a healthy and independent civil society while protecting the EU’s financial interests and avoiding reputational risk.

    Independent civil society organisations are an essential part of the EU’s democracies and instrumental for putting into practice fundamental EU values.

    The Political Guidelines for the Commission 2024-2029[3] include a clear commitment to step up engagement with civil society organisations and to ensure that civil society is empowered and better protected in its work.

    The Commission will present in 2025 a Civil Society Strategy which will include actions to foster the engagement with civil society.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-funding-dev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf
    • [2] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life/life-operating-grants_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Iberdrola sign two loans totalling €108 million for investments in energy storage infrastructure in Extremadura

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • These loans will finance works to improve the Valdecañas pumped-storage hydroelectric complex in Cáceres to secure energy supply and to integrate renewables.
    • The project has received funding from the Regional Resilience Fund, which was set up by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise to invest a portion of the NextGenerationEU loans, predominantly in environmental and social projects in Spain’s autonomous communities.
    • This operation also contributes to the EIB Group’s strategic priorities – namely climate action and cohesion –, to the objectives of the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and the REPowerEU plan, which aims to improve energy security in the European Union.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two green loans with Iberdrola totalling €108 million – a €50 million loan using own funds and a €58 million loan with funds from the Regional Resilience Fund (FRA). The operation aims to improve the pumping capacity of the Valdecañas hydroelectric complex, which encompasses the Torrejón and the Valdecañas power plants.

    The complex will help to secure energy supply and create storage capacity enabling the integration and management of renewable energy. The Valdecañas plant will have a total installed capacity of 225 MW, a 15 MW hybrid battery and 7.5 MWh of stored energy.

    Together, the battery and hydroelectric units will make it possible to increase the added pumping capacity to a maximum of 313 MW, and the storage capacity of the Tajo system to 210 GWh. The works to improve pumping capacity will make use of the existing installations in the Valdecañas and Torrejón-Tajo reservoirs – without changes to the levels of operation – and the existing transport networks, thus reducing the impact on the environment.

    Once up and running, the complex will help to reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, the improvement works will directly create 165 jobs and a further 500 indirectly, boosting skilled employment. The total investment will take place in a cohesion region, an area where the per capita income is below the EU average. In this way, the project will contribute to climate action and territorial, economic and social cohesion – two of the eight priorities set out in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for the years 2024-2027.

    Having received funding from the Regional Resilience Fund, the project is also in line with the objectives of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The Regional Resilience Fund directs funding from the NextGenerationEU programme to boost investment in Spain autonomous communities, predominantly for environmental and social projects. The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise and is supported by the autonomous communities and cities and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), with the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.

    This operation is in line with the EIB’s action plan to support the REPowerEU initiative to improve energy security in the European Union and to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

    How the Valdecañas pumped-storage hydroelectric complex works

    Reversible pumping plants, such as those in the Valdecañas hydroelectric complex, make it possible to use and generate electricity quickly, allowing for better management of the consumption and demand curve, and stabilising the electricity grid. The upper reservoir – which feeds the plant – acts like a storage system that is charged with the water’s potential energy. Energy can then be stored when excess energy is generated from other non-dispatchable energy sources, and can subsequently be recovered when needed. It operates like a closed circuit between the upper and lower reservoir, which does not just consume water, but also reuses it. This system, which is independent of precipitation and water resources, has a long service life and can provide wide-reaching reinforcement to the electricity grid. 

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Illegal and Unprecedented Invocation of Alien Enemies Act, Demand Answers About Deportees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Illegal and Unprecedented Invocation of Alien Enemies Act, Demand Answers About Deportees

    Lawmakers to Trump: “The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined 14 lawmakers in condemning President Trump’s unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The letter to President Trump follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision to only allow him to continue rapid deportations under the statute if individuals are given due process, including notice and an opportunity to challenge the deportation. Last week, Padilla, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) issued a joint statement condemning the Court’s decision to lift a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act.
    “We write regarding your unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, resulting in noncitizens being deported without any due process, not to mention violating the requirement that the statute be invoked only in response to an act of war, predatory incursion, or invasion by a foreign government,” wrote the lawmakers. “Our immigration laws can already hold gang members accountable and provide for their deportation. The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy.”
    “By claiming a foreign ‘invasion’ or ‘incursion,’ you are clearly attempting to suspend due process for noncitizens and speed up your mass deportation campaign,” continued the lawmakers. “Circumventing immigration law, and its requirement of verifiable evidence, will result in people with no gang affiliation being incorrectly targeted and deported.”
    In 1798, President John Adams signed the “Alien and Sedition Acts” which was comprised of four bills: The Naturalization Act; the Alien Friends Act; the Sedition Act; and the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). Today, the AEA is the only one that remains in effect. The AEA is a wartime authority that allows the president to target foreign nationals of a hostile nation or government to be “apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed” with limited due process during wartime. The United States is not at war today, and the Constitution outlines that only Congress has the power to declare war.
    The AEA has only been invoked three times in American history: the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. In their letter, the lawmakers make clear that Tren de Aragua — a Venezuelan gang — does not qualify as an arm of the Venezuelan government.
    The lawmakers further emphasized that the Trump Administration’s choice to deport individuals to El Salvador will likely subject people to human rights abuses as El Salvador’s prisons are notorious for their inhumane conditions, including denial of medical care, lack of food, and outright torture. More than 260 people have died in these Salvadoran prisons in just the past two and a half years, with some individuals facing significant physical abuse.
    In their letter, the lawmakers also demand that the Trump Administration provide regular updates about the people who have already been deported, as well as information about them including their names, nationalities, and ages. They also asked about what evidence was used to determine whether an individual was a member of Tren de Aragua.
    “Invoking the Alien Enemies Act does not make Americans safer,” concluded the lawmakers. “It endangers all of us, by removing due process protections and ignoring the plain text of the statute. We urge you to abandon this decision.”
    U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05) led the letter. In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), as well as Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), and Greg Casar (D-Texas-35).
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric, including his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Padilla issued a joint statement with Senators Durbin, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) slamming President Trump for his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. He is also a cosponsor of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the antiquated Alien Enemies Act. Earlier this year, Padilla joined other Democratic immigration leaders in challenging the constitutional basis of President Trump’s sham “invasion” proclamation, which the President believes allows his Administration to circumvent federal immigration law and due process.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear President Trump:
    We write regarding your unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, resulting in noncitizens being deported without any due process, not to mention violating the requirement that the statute be invoked only in response to an act of war, predatory incursion, or invasion by a foreign government. Our immigration laws can already hold gang members accountable and provide for their deportation. The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy. The Supreme Court, when confronted with the manner in which you conducted the removals, unanimously rejected the implementation and its corresponding lack of notice and opportunity to challenge individuals’ removals. Moreover, deporting these individuals to Salvadorian prisons will also subject them to inhumane conditions, further exacerbating the legal issues in invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
    The Alien Enemies Act was passed as part of the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts, and it was used during World War II to detain tens of thousands of innocent Japanese, German, and Italian individuals based on nothing but their ethnicity. This wartime use of the Alien Enemies Act served as a precursor to Executive Order 9066, resulting in the incarceration of 111,000 Japanese Americans. Those who were caught up in that xenophobic panic, as well as organizations like the Japanese American National Museum, have condemned your recent invocation of the act.
    We reiterate that the plain language of the law limits the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to two enumerated situations: times of declared war, and times of invasion or “predatory incursion” by a foreign nation or government. The Act has only been invoked three times in American history: the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. A Venezuelan gang does not qualify as an arm of the Venezuelan government.
    By claiming a foreign “invasion” or “incursion,” you are clearly attempting to suspend due process for noncitizens and speed up your mass deportation campaign. Circumventing immigration law, and its requirement of verifiable evidence, will result in people with no gang affiliation being incorrectly targeted and deported. Multiple individuals who were subjected to the Alien Enemies Act had ongoing cases arguing that they were not members of Tren de Aragua. An attorney for one individual says that her client was mislabeled as a member of the gang due to a tattoo supporting the Spanish soccer team Real Madrid and for flashing the popular hand symbol for “rock and roll.” Another individual is a tattoo artist. A third individual was a make-up artist who was seeking asylum due to his sexual orientation.
    Aside from these foregoing concerns, your choice of deportation sites will likely subject people to human rights abuses. El Salvador’s prisons are notorious for their inhumane conditions, including denial of medical care, lack of food, and outright torture. Over 260 people have died in those prisons in the last two and a half years, including some with signs of serious physical abuse. An Amnesty International UK report accused the Salvadorian authorities of a “systematic policy of torture towards all those detained.” The specific prison that will house the deported individuals, the Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT), has been described as a place “to dispose of people without formally applying the death penalty.” According to a Times reporter who watched the individuals be transferred to CECOT, the “intake began with slaps.” When detainees fell due to how quickly they were being moved, they were kicked, slapped, and shoved. One person asked for his mom and cried. He was slapped again. We should not subject individuals to mistreatment and more, much less individuals who have had no due process and have not been found guilty of any crimes.
    At this point, we request that you provide us with information and regular updates on the following:
    1. The names, nationalities, and ages of the people sent to El Salvador to be imprisoned in CECOT, including the number of individuals under the age of 18;
    2. What evidence was used to determine that each individual was a member of Tren de Aragua;
    3. The overall estimated costs and sources of funding associated with detaining and deporting these individuals; and
    4. The procedures for individuals to challenge your administration’s determination that they are a member of Tren de Aragua, either here in the United States or in El Salvador, including how much time you provide to individuals to mount a legal challenge.
    In closing, invoking the Alien Enemies Act does not make Americans safer. It endangers all of us, by removing due process protections and ignoring the plain text of the statute. We urge you to abandon this decision.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mavillette — Meteghan RCMP seeking information related to theft of lobster

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Meteghan RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a theft of lobsters that occurred in Mavillette.

    On April 13, police responded to a report of a break and enter at a commercial building on Peter Dugas Rd. Officers learned that sometime between 5:00 p.m. on April 12 and 8:30 a.m. on April 13, someone damaged a garage door, accessed the building, and stole two crates of live lobsters.

    The value of the lobsters is over $2000.

    Investigators believe that a small dark coloured truck or SUV with a broken rear window may have been used in the offence.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Meteghan RCMP at 902-645-2326, or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Fugitive Investigation Nets Three Arrests in Biddeford, Maine

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine, announce the arrests of multiple wanted persons on Friday, April 11th, 2025, in Biddeford, Maine. Tyler Langille, 20, was arrested on a State of Maine warrant for possession of a stolen firearm, assault, and drug possession.

    After receiving investigative leads from the Biddeford Police Department, the USMS Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) was able to determine Tyler Langille was living at a residence in Biddeford, Maine. In coordination with the Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Marshals Task Force members made entry into the residence and located Langille inside the Biddeford apartment. Also discovered inside the residence and subsequently arrested were Taylor Simoneau, 30, of Biddeford who was wanted for drug trafficking and Shaun Langille, 46, of Biddeford who was wanted for possession of a stolen firearm. All state arrest warrants originated out of York County, Maine.

    Significant Assistance was provided by the Biddeford, Maine Police Department. All three subjects were arrested without incident and are currently held pending their initial appearances in state court.

    The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

    If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive please contact the United States Marshals Service, MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) and Pro Music Rights, Inc. Call for Major Reform in U.S. Music Licensing Industry in Formal Response to Copyright Office Inquiry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Naples, FL, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) and its wholly owned subsidiary Pro Music Rights, Inc. (PMR) have submitted a detailed and forceful response to the U.S. Copyright Office’s Notice of Inquiry (Docket No. 2025–1), shining a spotlight on longstanding anti-competitive behavior by legacy Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) such as BMI and ASCAP, while offering a bold and transparent alternative through PMR’s equitable licensing model.

    Challenging the Status Quo: PMR’s submission criticizes legacy PROs for opaque revenue distributions, excessive payouts to private equity owners, and international licensing strong-arming via the global collective CISAC network. According to the filing, BMI—once a nonprofit—has covertly transformed into a for-profit entity, now diverting up to 20% of its royalties to private equity firms and an additional 30% through backdoor reciprocal agreements. These structures disproportionately benefit elite artists at the expense of the creative majority.

    “One License Fits All”: A Transparent, Scalable Model Pro Music Rights offers a radically simplified licensing model featuring a flat $50.00 per month base fee per location and a usage-based fee capped at $0.01—only charged based on the fractional share of the musical composition PMR represents. This approach ensures small businesses and multinational corporations alike receive the same fair and scalable licensing access.

    “PMR believes in equality, transparency, and technological innovation,” said Jake P. Noch, Founder & CEO of Music Licensing, Inc. and Pro Music Rights. “Every user should pay only for what they use, and every creator should be paid for what’s actually performed—without hidden fees, preferential payouts, or monopolistic barriers.”

    Key Highlights from the Filing:

    • Transparent Accounting: No hidden carve-outs, no private equity kickbacks, and real-time royalty tracking for rights holders.
    • Global Monopoly Concerns: BMI and ASCAP are accused of manipulating CISAC to blacklist competing PROs and CMOs that refuse to adopt their restrictive terms.
    • Regulatory Failures: The filing argues that existing antitrust consent decrees are outdated and calls for DOJ and FTC action to restore market fairness.
    • Historical Irony: Despite publicly disparaging PMR, BMI’s board previously engaged in confidential acquisition talks with Music Licensing, Inc., acknowledging PMR’s innovative value proposition.

    A Call for Legislative and Regulatory Reform Music Licensing, Inc. and PMR are urging the Copyright Office to enact reforms that mandate financial transparency for all PROs, prohibit global blacklisting practices, and encourage equitable, standardized licensing frameworks. PMR’s tech-forward, fair-access model demonstrates what the future of music rights management can look like when creators and users are both placed first.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC:SONG)  (ProMusicRights.com)

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) established in the United States. It is recognized under the federal registry of the United States government. The company licenses music to some of the most prominent platforms and businesses, including TikTok, iHeartMedia, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others.

    Pro Music Rights holds an estimated 7.4% market share in the United States, representing a catalog of more than 2.5 million works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and many others, including works generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) holds royalty interests in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and a vast portfolio of musical works by globally renowned artists, including The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, BlueFace, The Game, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and many others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation results in US seizing assets related to $126 million illegal staffing, money laundering case

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DAYTON, Ohio – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced April 14 that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against assets related to an investigation into a potential $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation.

    In July 2024, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.

    The civil complaint alleges that multiple suspects created roughly 40 entities (the “target entities”) that facilitate the harboring, transportation and employment of illegal aliens at various factories. The suspects used these target entities to augment the workforces of several factories with individuals who illegally entered the United States, who are unlawfully present in the United States and/or who are working without required employment authorizations. One of these factories is FGA in Moraine.

    It is alleged that many of the workers were illegally smuggled into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and encouraged to travel to the Dayton area to be employed by one of the target entities and serve as a workforce at the various factories. Most of the workers are of Chinese or Hispanic nationality. Workers allegedly lived at “family style hotels” (boarding houses) owned by the target entities and were driven to and from work in transportation provided by the target entities.

    “We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.”

    The 74-page complaint details that the target entities allegedly engaged in money laundering to conceal the multi-million-dollar income generated by the workers. Within days of receiving direct payments from FGA, the suspects would extensively wire funds between their various LLCs. In total, FGA has paid more than $126 million to LLCs controlled by the suspects. The money was allegedly used by the suspects for private financial gain and to purchase real estate, vehicles and luxury goods.

    In the civil complaint filed on April 2, the United States alleges that the following property is subject to forfeiture: seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two properties outside of Ohio, 15 vehicles and luxury goods, including a Cartier watch.

    Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit; Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the filing. The FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the criminal investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam C. Tieger and Deborah D. Grimes are representing the United States in the civil forfeiture action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation investing additional $170 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires, issues executive order to fast-track projects

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 14, 2025

    What you need to know: California is investing an additional $170 million to support forest and vegetation management projects critical to protecting communities from wildfire.

    SACRAMENTO – Protecting communities ahead of peak fire season, Governor Gavin Newsom today took action to fast-track critical projects to ensure wildfire resiliency statewide. 

    Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 100 (Gabriel), which allocates over $170 million in accelerated funding to conservancies for forest and vegetation management across California. The bill also allocates $10 million to support wildfire response and resiliency.

    With this latest round of funding, we’re continuing to increase the speed and size of forest and vegetation management essential to protecting communities. We are leaving no stone unturned – including cutting red tape – in our mission to ensure our neighborhoods are protected from destructive wildfires.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

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     Funding to conservancies includes:

    • $30,904,000 to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy
    • $23,524,000 to the California Tahoe Conservancy 
    • $31,349,000 to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy 
    • $30,904,000 to the State Coastal Conservancy
    • $30,904,000 to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
    • $23,524,000 to the San Diego River Conservancy

    AB 100 implements the “early action” 2025 budget package to address items necessary to adopt this fiscal year. 

    In addition, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to ensure that the wildfire safety projects funded under AB 100 benefit from streamlining under a previous emergency proclamation issued in March. Read the executive order here. In March, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation to cut bureaucratic red tape – including suspending CEQA and the Coastal Act – that was slowing down critical forest management projects.

    These actions build on years of work to increase forest management and wildfire resilience in the state. It also follows the Governor’s executive order signed last month to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to increase neighborhood resilience statewide.

    Governor Newsom took similar action in March 2019 to expedite forest management projects ahead of particularly challenging fire seasons in 2019 and 2020.

    More forest management and prescribed burns than ever before

    • Preventing wildfire through forest and land management. The state is investing $2.5 billion to ramp up and implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, increasing the pace of fuel reduction, prescribed fire, and forest health. 100% of the 99 key actions outlined in the plan are underway or completed. This is in addition to $200 million invested annually through 2028-29 for healthy forest and fire prevention programs.
    • Using controlled burns to build community and forest resilience. California launched a strategic plan on beneficial fire to expand the use of prescribed fire and cultural burning to build forest and community resilience. Key goals from the plan are already in action to increase the use of prescribed fires, and prescribed fire activity has nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023.
    • Tracking wildfire prevention. California recently unveiled newly updated, first-of-their-kind dashboards that will help Californians track the state’s wildfire prevention work.
    • Early action. One of the very first executive actions Governor Newsom took after assuming office was to declare a state of emergency in response to wildfires in 2019. This order, in part, exempted critical wildfire and forest management projects from California’s environmental law (CEQA).

    See all of Governor Newsom’s actions to increase wildfire resilience and forest management. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Mexico Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Setting San Bernardino County Church and Preschool on Fire Last Year

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A New Mexico man was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for setting a San Bernardino County church and preschool on fire last year while children and school employees were inside.      

    Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $7,008 in restitution.

    Nava pleaded guilty on January 17 to one count of damage to a religious property.

    On April 24, 2024, Nava set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool in Yucaipa. Before setting the church on fire, Nava traveled to a nearby gasoline station and purchased a gasoline can and filled it with gasoline. He then traveled to the church with the can and poured the liquid on the church’s front door. Then, he used an open-flame device to set the area on fire.

    The resulting fire damaged the church’s interior carpet, the doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat. Staff and children inside evacuated the building.

    Nava then traveled to a nearby strip mall and set fire to the exterior wall, which resulted in no damage. He was arrested later that day.

    Nava admitted in his plea agreement that he set fire to the church because of its religious character.

    “This arson was planned and targeted,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Nava] did not commit this crime in the heat of passion.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Peter Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –