Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Nations: Oceans of opportunity squeezed dry by unsustainable use
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

3 March 2025 Climate and Environment

The booming ocean economy sustains hundreds of millions of people, but it is being squeezed dry by overfishing, pollution, climate change and waste, UN economists warned on Monday, in a call for smarter, more concerted action to protect the world’s vast marine spaces for future generations.
In the run-up to the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in June, the UN trade and development agency, UNCTAD, emphasised that oceans are essential to all life, by sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate and generating oxygen.

Oceans also have massive untapped economic potential that is capable of delivering food security, creating jobs and driving global trade.

“The amount of exports of ocean goods and services reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, so it’s growing very fast,” said David Vivas, UNCTAD Chief for Trade, Environment and the Sustainable Development Branch, on the sidelines of the 5th UN Ocean Forum in Geneva.

According to the UN agency, the world’s ocean economies have grown 250 per cent since 1995, far outpacing the global economy, which grew by 190 per cent over the same period.

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Rising tide of potential

Behind this growth is growing South-South trade, where fresh fish exports have increased by 43 per cent; processed fish exports have risen by a staggering 89 per cent from 2021 to 2023.

Today, 600 million people are sustained by and therefore dependent on the fishing industry alone, most of them in developing countries.

According to UNCTAD, two thirds of species living in the ocean have yet to be identified, offering the potential for the discovery of new antibiotics, low-carbon foods and other bio-based materials such as plastic substitutes, which provide a $10.8 billion market opportunity alone.

In 2025, the marine biotechnology market is set to grow by more than 50 per cent this year, compared to 2023.

© Unsplash/Benjamin L. Jones

Seagrass, which evolved over 70 million years ago from terrestrial grass, is one of the most diverse and valuable marine ecosystems on the planet.

Looming dangers

However, despite this potential, the ocean economy faces imminent threats from poor governance, underinvestment and climate shocks.

These include our already warming oceans, rising sea levels and extreme weather hazards which endanger marine ecosystems, fish populations, coastal infrastructure and shipping routes, particularly for coastal communities.

And while most national climate plans do not take into account the ocean economy, UNCTAD’s Mr. Vivas underscored its importance in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as an estimated 11 per cent of all emissions worldwide are caused by ocean-based activities.

Drop in the ocean

Beyond climate-related impacts, woeful underfunding for ocean preservation and harmful practices further threaten the industry.

“While oceans represent 70 per cent of the biosphere, less than one per cent of the global development assistance is invested into its conservation and sustainable use,” Mr. Vivas told journalists in Geneva.

Achieving the universally agreed Sustainable Development Goal 14 of protecting life below water requires $175 billion annually, yet only $4 billion has been contributed from national funds, philanthropists and private investment, making it the most underfunded sustainability goal (SDG).

The sum “is nothing less than peanuts; basically, politicians are not putting their money where their mouth is,” Mr. Vivas said. “This huge part of the planet is totally invisible in terms of sustainable-use conservation for future generations.”

This stands in stark contrast to $22 billion invested in harmful subsidies in the global fishing industry, which contributes to overfishing.

Further obstacles limiting the potential of the marine economy involve extraordinarily high tariffs among developing countries. While high-income countries apply 3.2 per cent tariffs on fish products, developing countries on average apply 14 per cent tariffs among themselves, curbing trade heavily.

© FAO/Evandro Semedo

The Fazenda de Camarão shrimp farm in Calhau, Cabo Verde, aligns with goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

Buoyed by innovation

Among the UN agencies calling for action, UNCTAD recommends:
- integrating ocean-based sectors into national climate and biodiversity plans
- reducing trade barriers
- expanding data collection on ocean-related emissions, trade and investment
- ending harmful subsidies
- finalising legally binding treaties on plastic pollution
To drive urgently needed progress, the UN agency’s Ocean Forum will launch initiatives that include a renewed Ocean Trade Database to help analyse the fast-evolving sector, a proposal for a UN task force on seaweed development and a project on evidence-based ocean climate action.

The latter, involving UNCTAD and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data innovations to support Caribbean small island developing States in particular.

The UN Ocean Conference 2025 takes place in the French Riviera city of Nice from 9 to 13 June.
MIL OSI United Nations News –
March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, AI is revolutionizing patient care by enabling more personalized experiences, optimizing vast medical data management, and improving patient outcomes. As challenges such as rising patient expectations, complex data handling, and regulatory requirements intensify, more advanced solutions have become essential.

Microsoft is at the forefront of this transformation, dedicated to developing and implementing responsible AI technologies. By fostering innovation and collaboration through Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, we continue to reinforce how responsible AI can enhance healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Building on this commitment, we’re excited to introduce new features in our AI healthcare portfolio that will further drive industry efficiencies, and better patient outcomes.

Explore Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

Advanced AI models and integrations for healthcare

As medical technology advances, improvements in medical imaging are critical for better diagnosis of disease and improved patient care. In 2024, we announced the launch of healthcare AI models, a collection of cutting-edge multimodal medical imaging foundation models available in Azure AI Foundry. Designed for precise image segmentation, MedImageParse 2D model covers many imaging modalities, including x-rays, CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds, dermatology images, and pathology slides. It can be fine-tuned for specific applications such as tumor segmentation or organ delineation, allowing developers to test and validate the ability to leverage AI for highly targeted cancer and other disease detection, diagnostics, and treatment planning.

Today, we’re excited to share the MedImageParse model is now optimized for 3D medical imaging data. MedImageParse 3D can handle complex 3D datasets produced by advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, providing a more comprehensive view into patients’ conditions. The enhanced ability to visualize and interpret anatomical abnormalities and structures provides for much more accurate diagnosis that may have been missed by 2D analysis. MedImageParse can also support healthcare researchers with comprehensive image analysis and a more streamlined workflow for radiologists, improving overall efficiency and reducing human error. MedImageParse 3D can soon be found in the Azure AI Foundry model catalog.

In partnership with Microsoft Research, the Microsoft Health and Life Sciences model catalog will also feature several new and updated multimodal medical foundation models including TamGen for protein design, Hist-ai for pathology, and ECG-FM for electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis.

Leveraging multimodal AI for improved health insights

Today, we are excited to announce new functionality in healthcare data solutions that allows customers to orchestrate multimodal AI insights directly into Microsoft Fabric. Now in public preview, orchestrating multiple modalities (e.g., text, image, audio, video, and other forms of sensory input) of health data within Fabric allows healthcare organizations to generate a robust set of insights that help faster decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

Customers can leverage Fabric to orchestrate multimodal AI insights by connecting their healthcare data to a variety of AI services and models. These AI-generated insights are then integrated back into the healthcare data estate to enable various use cases like creating targeted outreach and care plans by enriching clinical conversations with social determinants of health (SDOH) and sentiments. Another possible scenario is deriving quick insights and disease progression trends for clinical research by creating image segmentations and combining it with imaging metadata through Microsoft Power BI reports.

The orchestration capability includes five out-of-the-box examples to help customers connect and integrate to AI models:
1. Text analytics for health in Azure AI Language to extract medical entities from unstructured data such as diagnoses and medications, and the relations between entities.
1. MedImageInsight AI model in Azure AI Foundry to generate medical image embeddings from imaging data.
1. MedImageParse AI model in Azure AI Foundry enables segmentation, detection, and recognition from imaging data across numerous object types and imaging modalities.
1. Sentiment analysis with Azure OpenAI Service to score sentiment for categories such as doctors’ services, staff services, facilities, and cost from conversational data.
1. SDOH extraction with Azure OpenAI to extract social determinants of health data from conversational data based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ defined categories.
To further enhance data accessibility, we’re pleased to share the general availability of additional functionality that enhances the existing capabilities within our healthcare data solutions offering. These include:
- Care management analytics: By using unified healthcare data and care management analytical templates, healthcare providers can enhance patient care by identifying high-risk individuals, optimizing treatment plans, and improving care coordination. This empowers organizations to deliver personalized, efficient, and proactive care.
- Patient outreach analytics: Healthcare providers communicate with their patients more effectively by orchestrating personalized journeys across patient touchpoints. This capability simplifies the process by bringing data from different sources into Fabric, transforming it into an industry data model, and serving it to a Power BI report.
- Dragon Copilot ambient AI integration: Dragon Copilot’s AI-powered, voice-enabled capabilities reduce the administrative workload of clinicians by automatically documenting patient encounters. With integration into Fabric, this new capability brings conversational data into Fabric OneLake. This integration enables customers to access, store, and manage the raw data generated. The data is stored in a lakehouse, organized in a hierarchical structure by date, which lets customers view each file and its content. When used in conjunction with healthcare data solutions, customers can combine their conversational data with their clinical data to learn more from patient interactions.
“There is a lot of unrealized value in patient physician interactions. OSUMC is aiming to leverage conversational data along with multimodal AI insights in healthcare data solutions such as social determinants of health extraction to improve patient outcomes.”

—Ravi Dyta, Director of IT at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Achieve more with AI you can trust

This week’s Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare announcements underscore our commitment to transforming healthcare through advanced AI models and data integrations. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we’re empowering healthcare organizations to deliver better care, help improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in the industry.

Connect with us in the Microsoft booth #2221 at HIMSS 2025 to immerse yourself in the latest advancements in data and AI from Microsoft and our partners.

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

Transform how your organization uses AI

Medical device disclaimer: Microsoft products and services (1) are not designed, intended or made available as a medical device, and (2) are not designed or intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment and should not be used to replace or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment. Customers/partners are responsible for ensuring solutions comply with applicable laws and regulations. 

Generative AI does not always provide accurate or complete information. AI outputs do not reflect the opinions of Microsoft. Customers/partners will need to thoroughly test and evaluate whether an AI tool is fit for the intended use and identify and mitigate any risks to end users associated with its use. Customers/partners should thoroughly review the product documentation for each tool.

David Ardman

Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Health and Life Sciences Platform, Microsoft

David Ardman is responsible for building the Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) Data and AI Platform that powers both 1st party Microsoft solutions as well as our Healthcare clients and partners through third party cloud services.

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MIL OSI Economics –
March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft partners shaping the future of healthcare with Microsoft Dragon Copilot

Source: Microsoft

Headline: Microsoft partners shaping the future of healthcare with Microsoft Dragon Copilot

Today, Microsoft is introducing Microsoft Dragon Copilot, the first AI assistant for clinical workflow that brings together proven natural language voice dictation and ambient listening capabilities with fine-tuned generative AI and healthcare-adapted safeguards. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot enables healthcare partners and their customers to unlock new levels of efficiency and care by streamlining documentation, surfacing pertinent information, and automating tasks so clinicians can focus more on their patients and themselves.

Dragon Copilot Partner Resources

Dragon Copilot is bolstered by our collaboration with healthcare industry experts across our extensive global ecosystem of trusted partners. We work with leading independent software vendors (ISVs), system integrators (SIs), and cloud service providers (CSPs) across the globe to help our customers drive better healthcare outcomes.

Unlock new AI use cases with Dragon Copilot

Partnering with Microsoft allows organizations to tap into Dragon Copilot to accelerate innovation and unlock new avenues for future business growth through the Microsoft commercial marketplace.

Dragon Copilot’s trusted AI models are trained on healthcare data, providing a host of AI solution possibilities. Partners can build even stronger healthcare solutions and offerings by leveraging a comprehensive end-to-end toolchain—including Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Azure AI Foundry. Plus, a single integration to Dragon Copilot extends a partner’s AI clinical use cases throughout the entire Microsoft Azure ecosystem, opening new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Embrace innovation with responsible AI

Dragon Copilot’s new capabilities are built on a secure data estate and incorporate healthcare-specific clinical, chat, and compliance safeguards for accurate and safe AI outputs. They also align to Microsoft’s responsible AI principles to help guide AI development and use—transparency, reliability and safety, fairness, inclusiveness, accountability, privacy, and security. We remain committed to developing responsible AI by design and ensuring that these technologies positively impact both the healthcare ecosystem and broader society and will share our learnings on this journey with our customers.

Driving better healthcare outcomes together

Our healthcare partner ecosystem is constantly growing, highlighted below are just a few of the more than 30 major partners already working with Microsoft. We’re committed to advancing AI innovation in healthcare together with a diverse partner community that spans regions, partner types, and specialties.

Independent software vendors

Dragon Copilot empowers ISVs with trusted AI models to create innovative AI-powered use cases, along with opportunities for new revenue channels through the extensibility framework. Several of our industry-leading ISV partners—including MEDITECH, ChipSoft, Dedalus, Canary Speech, and Softway—are helping bring Dragon Copilot to life.

Leading U.S.-based electronic health provider (EHR) provider MEDITECH is embedding Dragon Copilot into their Expanse EHR solution to improve clinical workflows.

“We understand the challenges clinicians face today, and Dragon Copilot represents a significant step forward in alleviating those burdens. Integrating this innovative solution directly into Expanse streamlines documentation and ordering processes, reduces cognitive overload, and ultimately empowers providers to deliver superior, more patient-centered care. At MEDITECH, we’re proud to partner on solutions that prioritize both efficiency and clinician well-being.”

—Cathy Turner, Chief Marketing and Nurse Executive, MEDITECH

ChipSoft, an EHR provider serving Dutch-speaking markets, is integrating new healthcare AI applications into their EHR solution HiX using Dragon Copilot to address the growing demand for digital solutions that reduce the workload of healthcare professionals.

“We are excited to bring this cutting-edge AI platform to healthcare professionals, enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively. With the availability of AI in HiX, we take an important step in supporting healthcare professionals with their administrative burden. This helps to keep healthcare accessible despite increasing demand and ongoing staff shortages.”

—Hans Mulder, CEO of ChipSoft

European electronic medical record (EMR) market leader Dedalus, based in Italy, is integrating Dragon Copilot into their EMR solutions, providing clients with healthcare IT innovations that enhance clinical efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, Canary Speech, a US-based leader in voice AI, sees Dragon Copilot as an opportunity to integrate their innovative voice technology with Microsoft’s robust cloud and AI capabilities, driving advancements in early disease detection, mental health assessment, and overall patient care.

“Microsoft’s commitment to working with partners is helping drive digital transformation in healthcare. [The investments Microsoft is making into its partner ecosystem] are helping us transform our business to deliver impactful, human-centered solutions.”

—Henry O’Connell, CEO and co-founder of Canary Speech

French healthcare enterprise resource planning (ERP) system provider Softway provides solutions that focus on the needs of the user, including improving the quality of life of nurses at work, optimizing care processes, increasing organizational efficiency, and improving quality of care.

“We are committed to serving healthcare professionals, designing digital solutions that enable them to make informed decisions, while preserving their well-being and providing quality patient care. Partnering with Microsoft allows us to respond to the major challenges faced by healthcare organizations by providing innovative tools and applications.”

—Sherley Brothier, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Softway Medical Group

System integrators

With powerful AI infrastructure and technology that works across EMRs, Dragon Copilot provides SIs with a strong foundation for new AI use cases and integrations. Our SI partners such as Accenture-Avanade, Kyndryl, and Cognizant, to name a few, are at the forefront of AI innovation.

To boost clinician productivity and provide better patient services, the Accenture-Avanade partnership uses generative AI capabilities powered by Tejash Shah, M.D., Managing Director and Global Care Reinvention Lead, Accenture Health

Additionally, Kyndryl—the world’s largest IT infrastructure provider—co-creates solutions to help healthcare organizations reach their peak digital performance.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Kyndryl’s commitment to optimizing clinical workflows and improving patient care through ambient listening with advanced AI technology. We’re thrilled to be a Microsoft partner as we work to address clinician burnout and improve the overall healthcare experience. By automating routine tasks, we can help clinicians reclaim valuable time to spend with their patients, bringing the joy back into care.”

—Trent Sanders, Vice President for U.S. Healthcare and Life Sciences, Kyndryl

Cognizant plans to integrate Dragon Copilot into its TriZetto Provider Solutions with the goal to provide their clients with state-of-the-art capabilities to streamline documentation and improve efficiencies.

“This innovative solution represents an opportunity for us to help our clients transform the way they provide care. Dragon Copilot’s integrated AI technologies aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce clinician burnout, and improve patient care. This partnership with Microsoft will underscore our commitment to driving innovation in healthcare and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

—Dr. Scott R. Schell PhD MD MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Cognizant

Cloud service providers

Dragon Copilot enables CSPs to reach new markets by leveraging robust AI infrastructure and technology that works across EHRs and EMRs to create innovative service offerings. We’re partnering with trailblazing CSP partners—including CDW, ORdigiNAL, and Clinically Speaking—to boost efficiency in healthcare with Dragon Copilot.

Combined with the power of Mike Grisamore, Vice President of Healthcare, CDW

A global value-added distributor based in the Netherlands, ORdigiNAL empowers healthcare organizations with the tools to improve operational efficiency and patient experience.

“At ORdigiNAL, we recognize the critical need for technology that supports clinicians without disrupting their workflow. By partnering with Microsoft on Dragon Copilot, we are bringing an AI solution to healthcare professionals worldwide, helping them improve care quality, increase efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes.”

—Jordy Onrust, CEO and owner of ORdigiNAL

EHR solution provider Clinically Speaking is looking forward to integrating the ambient and generative AI capabilities of Dragon Copilot to advance their documentation solutions and improve healthcare provider office workflows.

“Combining our significant user base with the new AI and ambient recording capabilities from Microsoft, Clinically Speaking is uniquely positioned to deliver the maximum benefit from this new technology.”

—Michael Janas, President of Clinically Speaking

Join our partner ecosystem today

Whether you want to build, integrate, migrate, extend, or sell with Microsoft, we’ll help you grow across our extensive global healthcare channel.

Read the Dragon Copilot announcement

Cyril Belikoff

Vice President, Commercial Cloud and AI

As the worldwide Go-to-Market Marketing leader for Microsoft Solutions and Partner marketing, Cyril Belikoff spearheads a team that drives a multi-billion-dollar business through field sales, marketing, and partnerships. By understanding the challenges faced by their customers, they help to digitally transform businesses through improved efficiency, optimization, and skilling.

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MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The overlooked bond: Why mental health professionals should ask questions about pets

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan

Pets increasingly play a central role in people’s lives. Mental health professionals who overlook this may be missing an opportunity to understand an important aspect of their clients’experience. (Shutterstock)

Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives, with some having stronger bonds with their pets than with their siblings and other family members. Some feel more empathy toward animals than toward humans.

According to a survey, for nearly 90 per cent of Canadians, pets are considered not only family members, but also an essential source of emotional support.

As researchers interested in the psychology of human-animal relationships, we believe that given these findings, it is imperative to understand how the relationship with pets shapes people’s routines, their self-perceptions, emotional states and ability to cope.

Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics. Exploring the role of pets in a client’s life can offer valuable insights into factors shaping their well-being.

Client-centred approach: What if pets are part of the story?

Using a client-centred approach, mental health professionals should understand and validate clients’ perspectives. The goal is to work with clients to understand what shapes their experiences, worldview, strengths and support systems.

Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics.
(Shutterstock)

More specifically, during intake sessions and assessments, the focus should be on being attuned to the client’s needs. Professionals who overlook the central role pets play in people’s lives risk missing an opportunity to understand an important aspect of their clients’ experience. Shifting this perspective can lead to deeper insight into clients’ emotional states and behaviours, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective treatment.

The benefits of such holistic framework can be invaluable. Researchers have found pet-related questions can not only reduce anxiety, but also improve communication and rapport. These questions also allow professionals to access clinically relevant information that can guide their therapeutic approach.

Unlocking deeper insights in therapy

There are several specific ways that pet-related questions can influence the direction of therapeutic interventions.

1) Help clients feel more comfortable:

Asking pet-related questions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This, in turn, strengthens the therapeutic alliance and creates an inviting atmosphere. For example, many couples treat their pets as children. Among younger generations, there is often a preference for pets over children.

For these clients, neglecting this important aspect of their lives may negatively impact the therapeutic relationship. By asking pet-related questions, professionals can help clients to feel valued and seen. This inclusive approach acknowledges an essential part of their social system and open space for them to talk about how their pets shape their identity.

Among younger generations there is often a preference for pets over children.
(Shutterstock)

2) Create trust:

In general, building rapport with clients can create a foundation of trust. This makes it easier for them to share difficult and personal information. Discussing the dynamic between a client and their pet can help them feel more comfortable addressing sensitive topics. Nearly 90 per cent of women experiencing domestic violence report mistreatment of their pets.

Children who are victims of domestic violence often share stories of their pets being mistreated. These clients usually feel more comfortable addressing violence against their pets before they address violence against themselves.

3) Offer insights on the client’s strengths and resources:

Pets can provide support in several ways. For some people, spending time with their pets during moments of stress can alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

For others, the presence of a pet facilitates engaging in social and physical activities. Also, the bond with the pet can increase feelings of belonging and reduce self-harm behaviours. By understanding the role pets play in the client’s life, clinicians gain insight into their coping strategies and available resources. This helps inform more tailored clinical interventions.

4) Offer insight into a client’s broader challenges:

Pets can have a positive impact on emotional attachment. However, strong attachment to pets may sometimes be associated with increased psychological stress and trust issues. Others may experience worry and guilt when their health issues affect their ability to provide care for their pets, which can worsen their psychological distress.

Additionally, the ways clients approach and resolve issues related to their pets can provide insight into their problem-solving abilities. Exploring these areas with clients can highlight target areas for therapy.

5) Help to identify sources of stress:

The relationship with pets is complex, and can fluctuate. Pets with behavioural or health issues may create significant social barriers, reducing social interactions and heightening negative emotions in owners. Also, the inability to afford veterinary care can undermine a person’s well-being. These situations can be associated with anxiety and caregiver burden. Therefore, the dynamics they share with their pets can directly influence the issues presented in therapy.

In such scenarios, not asking about clients’ relationship with their pets may cause professionals to overlook crucial aspects of clients’ overall well-being. This can result in missing important insights into clients’ strengths and challenges.

Not asking about clients’ relationship with their pets, may cause professionals to overlook crucial aspects of clients’ overall well-being.
(Shutterstock)

The missing piece

Pet-related questions are not just a trivial detail. The structure of families has evolved. As we work toward more holistic and empathetic therapeutic approaches, exploring the presence of pets in people’s lives is a critical step to fostering an environment of acceptance, openness and trust.

By exploring this bond, mental health professionals can strengthen therapeutic alliances. They would also learn about essential aspects of a client’s emotional life, their strengths and challenges.

Simple questions like: “do you have a pet at home?” and “how would you describe the role of your pet in your life?” can help strengthen connections with clients. These questions create opportunities for deeper engagement. They also promote a practice that is client-centred, inclusive and aligned with the evolving configurations of families.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The overlooked bond: Why mental health professionals should ask questions about pets – https://theconversation.com/the-overlooked-bond-why-mental-health-professionals-should-ask-questions-about-pets-250702

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How businesses and consumers can protect themselves against digital supply chain disruptions

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Raymond A. Patterson, Professor, Area Chair, Business Technology Management, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary

Digital supply chain disruptions are particularly problematic because they can have immediate global effects and can’t rely on inventory as a buffer. (Shutterstock)

Digital supply chain disruptions are becoming increasingly common, with a recent notable increase in cyberattacks and supplier errors.

A significant incident in July 2024 saw a flawed security upgrade by CrowdStrike impact 8.5 million Windows computers. The fallout impacted various industries, including airlines, hospitals and 911 services. This led to the cancellation of 2,800 flights and delays for 11,000 more.

Threats surrounding the looming trade war between Canada and the United States are also threatening the digital supply chain. The digital supply chain encompasses many goods and services, including video streaming platforms, software, digital content, video games, e-books, online storage, education and training content, and food delivery services.

According to a McKinsey report from October 2024, companies seem to be easing up on efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, even as disruptions continue to occur. The survey found “considerable gaps in the ability of organizations to identify and mitigate supply chain risks, with few new initiatives aimed at addressing those weaknesses.”

Digital supply chain disruptions are particularly problematic because they can have immediate global effects. Unlike physical supply chains, digital suppliers can’t rely on inventory as a buffer. As is clear from major industry disruptions to the digital supply chain, organizations often lack feasible alternatives for their digital suppliers — there is no plan B.

However, the resilience of digital supply chains is given little attention, despite its critical role in the global economy.

Risks of sharing digital suppliers

Our recent research explored how businesses’ choice of digital supplier — either the same as their competitors or different ones — impacts competition and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.

Using an economic model, we analyzed how disruptions at a service provider impacted a firm’s customer demand and, in turn, how the firm managed service provider risks.

We found that when companies rely on the same digital suppliers, they also share risks. In contrast, choosing alternative suppliers can help mitigate those risks. However, businesses often mimic their competitors and share suppliers — a strategy that is not always wise.

Disruptions to digital supply chains are inevitable, and the effects of these disruptions, particularly on consumer demand, are often underestimated. These disruptions can spread rapidly, without giving companies enough time to react. Cyberattacks or service losses at a single supplier can take multiple businesses offline at once.

Issues like privacy breaches and service disruptions can even cause customers to change their buying habits. While a disruption at one firm may lead consumers to switch to competitors, broader industry disruptions can diminish overall trust and demand.

Companies with complementary products should consider using different digital suppliers to mitigate the compounded negative effects of any disruption.

Additionally, advanced technologies like AI are transforming industries such as customer support and health care, meaning digital supply chain disruptions are also more likely. Automation can also exacerbate this risk.

Addressing supply chain risks

Canadians have many concerns about online privacy and security, and business leaders face challenges addressing these concerns moving forward.

Addressing these concerns is difficult due to several factors, including rapidly changing technology, expanding opportunities for attacks, high costs to address privacy and security, and lack of employee awareness, among others.

Our research leads to a number of suggestions for companies, industry coalitions, governmental regulators and consumers. For businesses, building resilience against digital supply chain disruptions and supplier outages requires strategic partnerships. Companies must consider how inevitable disruptions will affect not only their customer demand, but also how competitors’ disruptions could affect them, and vice versa.

For industry coalitions and governmental regulators, understanding the ripple effects of shared digital supply chain risks can help determine whether supply chains should be shared or separated. Industry-specific needs may differ and change over time, which could justify breaking up digital service monopolies to increase supplier diversity or, in some cases, maintaining them.

Consumers should also be aware of the potential for a digital supply chain disruptions. If an industry-wide outage occurs, having a workaround plan can be essential. For example, when purchasing services that can’t be physically stored, like airline tickets, it’s wise to plan for unexpected disruptions. Booking a flight a day earlier than necessary or allowing extra time to return home can provide a buffer against system-wide failures.

Breaches of online privacy and service disruptions caused by unforeseen events, bad actors and foreign governments can cause customers to alter their buying habits and negatively impact Canadian competitiveness.

With Canadians expressing grave concerns over online privacy and security, everyone must recognize the importance of preparing for and mitigating these risks.

Raymond A. Patterson currently receives funding from the Haskayne School of Business and the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC). Previous funding has been obtained from a variety of private and public sources.

Erik Rolland, Hooman Hidaji, and Lisa Yeo do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How businesses and consumers can protect themselves against digital supply chain disruptions – https://theconversation.com/how-businesses-and-consumers-can-protect-themselves-against-digital-supply-chain-disruptions-250009

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

Escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States have ignited a new wave of Canadian patriotism, with consumers consciously choosing made-in-Canada products as an act of economic self-preservation and national pride.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to impose tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods on March 4, after a month-long delay. This, along with Trump’s calls to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, has prompted Canadians to rally around the so-called “Buy Canadian” movement.

Recent research indicates a significant number of Canadians are now showing a strong preference for domestic products, with many willing to modify their purchasing behaviours. One recent poll revealed 42 per cent of Canadians polled will “absolutely do everything” to avoid purchasing U.S. products. Eighty-eight per cent said they would buy a product promoted as “made in Canada.”

Another poll found that 56 per cent of Canadians said they would stop buying a certain product altogether if there is no Canadian-made alternative.

While the “buy local” movement has deeper roots, often resurfacing during periods of economic tensions, the current surge stems from a desire to support homegrown brands and manufacturers they see as reflecting their values.

Buy Canadian movement challenges

While the Buy Canadian movement is gaining traction, actually sustaining it comes with notable challenges. Some experts caution that reducing reliance on U.S. imports is a gradual process contingent on consistent consumer commitment.

Two primary barriers stand in the way of this sustained change: the higher costs of Canadian-made goods, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and the difficulty consumers face in identifying domestically produced items.

Addressing these two issues is crucial for the long-term viability of the Buy Canadian movement.

CBC News segment about the Buy Canadian movement.

Buying Canadian can be pricey

The first primary obstacle facing the Buy Canadian movement is the price disparity between domestic goods and their imported counterparts.

Canadian domestic goods often come with a higher price tag due to production costs, economies of scale, transportation and other economic factors. These factors make it difficult for local manufacturers to compete with cheaper foreign alternatives.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is driving up prices for goods and services across various sectors, is further intensifying the challenge. One of the biggest household expenses, the cost of groceries, remain particularly high, having jumped by 7.8 per cent in 2023 — its highest level in nearly 40 years.

Higher prices across almost all sectors has resulted in 71 per cent of Canadians naming the cost of living as a top domestic concern, making it the leading news story in the country in 2024.

While many consumers express a desire to support local businesses even if they are pricier, the reality of higher costs could make it difficult for consumers to consistently choose domestic products over more affordable foreign alternatives.

Is it really ‘Made in Canada’?

The second major obstacle for the Buy Canadian movement lies in confusion over product labels. For many Canadians, identifying which products are truly Canadian versus imported alternatives can be a challenging task.

A recent poll found that 42 per cent of Canadians believe grocery food products are made in Canada, while the actual number of products fully made in Canada is closer to 10 per cent.

Compounding matters further, understanding country of origin labelling can also be challenging. Labels such as “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” have specific definitions.

“Made in Canada” means the last substantial transformation of the good or service occurs in Canada but may contain up to 49 per cent imported ingredients, while “Product of Canada” means all, or nearly all, significant parts and processing are Canadian.

This nuanced labelling and similarity in wording can lead to confusion, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.

Building on the Buy Canadian momentum

Canadian businesses and retailers have been responding to growing consumer demand for domestic products with concrete marketing strategies. For instance, Loblaw Companies, Canada’s largest food retailer, has committed to “doubling down on securing food grown and made” locally.

Grocery stores are also making it easier for consumers to identify local products. Several grocery chains have revamped their in-store displays by using shelf tags, stickers and end-of-aisle signage to clearly identify Canadian-made food items.

Retailers and brands are increasingly spotlighting domestic brands by rolling out targeted pricing deals. Major grocery chains have begun offering significant price reductions and exclusive promotions on items branded as “Made in Canada.”

Additionally, Canadians are flocking to websites such as Madeinca.ca, which aim to demystify country of origin and labelling so shoppers can distinguish domestic products from imports.

Although maintaining this momentum may be challenging, consumers are eager to showcase their patriotism at the check-out. With businesses and policymakers actively improving product transparency and addressing cost concerns, the Buy Canadian movement is poised to gain further traction. After all, nothing embodies unity quite like a little patriotic shopping, the Canadian way.

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

– ref. Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles – https://theconversation.com/trump-tariffs-have-sparked-a-buy-canadian-surge-but-keeping-the-trend-alive-faces-hurdles-250245

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Alexis Shotwell, Professor, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Carleton University

A couple of weeks before the astonishing Feb. 28 White House Oval Office meeting that saw United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance scold Ukraine’s leader, Vance told European leaders at the Munich Security Conference: “If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg’s scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.”

Vance was responding — with humour, he said — to pushback over Elon Musk’s vocal support for Germany’s far-right parties, expressed on X in a livestream event and in a December 2024 German newspaper op-ed.

Newsweek reported that the administration of Germany’s lower house of parliament “is investigating whether Musk’s support for the AfD on the platform where he has 210 million followers could constitute an illegal party donation.”

Are Musk’s actions, which some allege are interference, comparable to a young woman’s moralizing?

It might seem odd to equate the richest person in the world supporting far-right political parties with an eco-activist saying politicians should address climate change. However, there is a long history of people seeing scolding as one of the worst things we can do.

Our research has been concerned with how “purity politics” shape people’s attempts to live ethical lives, and what it means to reason about ecological catastrophe. We are writing a book about how rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right, and how to think about moralizing more broadly.

Read more:
How Trump’s compulsion to dominate sabotages dealmaking, undermines democracy and threatens global stability

Rage against moralizing

Whereas conservatives used to be defenders of morals, they now rage against moralizing, seeing “wokism” as a threat to freedom. Religious conservatives used to position themselves as bastions of morality. But research shows secular societies do not behave less morally as a whole than religious ones.

Philosopher Judith Butler argues that while Trump displays a “shameless sadism”
we are seeing his supporters revel in his rejection of moral repression.

The rejection of moralizing seems to be creating a terrain in which many on the right feel liberated by the current turn against “wokism.” But even on the left, some now worry about too much moralism in what is called “cancel culture.”

Read more:
Cancel culture looks a lot like old-fashioned church discipline

How did moralizing come to this? Could understanding this help us navigate political deadlocks? The history of philosophy has some surprising suggestions here.

Traditionalism, scolding

First: there are some dangers in moralizing. One is a kind of traditionalism, which shows up in the creation of moral panics about transgender people, street gangs, abortion, immigrants and so on.

Another is if someone scolds: “you should take the bus rather than driving” — but the bus doesn’t run to your neighbourhood. Moralizing like this is just posturing. Maybe it makes the driver feel bad, but it doesn’t create more public transit.

Still, many of us have strong ethical convictions, and we try to live according to what we believe is right or wrong. Even if we judge someone else for the way they are living or behaving, we might hesitate to say something directly. Having personal ethics is socially acceptable; telling others what to do turns us into a scold. Why?

Our stance

The word “ethos” in ancient Greek means something like “posture” or “standing.” Aristotle saw ethos as marking our credibility, our character; we enact our ethics only in a shared world. Contemporary ethical approaches often focus on the personal side of this, setting an example without pushing values on others.

Aristotle saw ‘ethos’ as marking our character.
(Shutterstock)

The related word “moral” comes from the Latin mores, usually understood as naming shared customs. Ancient Roman philosopher Cicero used the term moralis to translate ethos, (ἠθική) from Greek. “Morals” were regarded as “the common consent of all living together, constituted from shared traditions,” to quote the influential definition of Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro.

This “common consent” did not claim to apply to everyone. As late as the 16th century, philosophers such as Michel de Montaigne, Cardano or Agrippa of Nettesheim developed a comparative study of various customs and value systems known as “scienta moralis.”

Moral philosophers discussed different inclinations and life-ways of people without postulating one superior norm that would govern everyone. There was a Christian strand of moral theology that saw morality as a universal principle, but even after the era of 16th-century Reformation in the western church, it was not primarily about condemnation and judgement. Rather, this branch of “humanist” moral inquiry examined how people create and maintain shared norms in a pluralistic society.

This changed with ideas that we could have a universally applicable moral science, governed by reason. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant helped formulate this idea. If we think of morality as a law everyone can be subjected to, it makes sense that people rebel against it.

Channeling opponents of moralizing

When Vance characterised Thunberg as “scolding,” he unwittingly channelled opponents of moralizing, such as philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

Nietzsche once defined his philosophical project as a “declaration of war against morals and moralists.” For him and the thinkers he inspired, moralizing is conceived as a negative emotion motivated by resentment and envy.

Read more:
Stephen Bannon’s world: Dangerous minds in dangerous times

Nietzsche’s almost total rejection of morals can be understood as one of the many roots of the contemporary hesitation (though this idea is debated). No one wants to be denigrated by being seen as one of the sheep who unquestioningly embraces a herd mentality.

In this context, paradoxically, moralizing — scolding — has come to mean that anyone who says they think something is bad, or should be otherwise, is oppressing the people they criticize.

‘Scolding’ people in power

When we look at the extraordinary difference in power between Musk and Thunberg, this definition of moralizing begins to seem a little weird. Is scolding so dangerous to people in power?

For people interested in pushing back against authoritarianism, maybe we should hope that it is. We can look to the earlier ideal of morality as forging “common consent” for direction here.

In the philosophical sense, addressing our “mores” suggests moving towards a collective re-evaluation of how people want to live. Saying “no, I do not agree with this” can perhaps express our character in a way that shapes our shared world.

Moralizing could then be the process of building new customs. It would be about building morale and seeing hope and agency in these admittedly dire times. Moralizing with others, rather than at them, could help people move beyond feeling immobilized and cynical.

Studies about “bystander intervention” usually focus on the ways that people go along with things they think are wrong. Research does suggest our moral actions are shaped by the people around us, but this also means moral courage is contagious.

Standing up for something allows other people to also express their moral convictions. It can be a testament about hope or agency and could be more powerful than we think.

It is perhaps the fear of this powerful potential that is the core of truth in Vance’s otherwise absurd equation.

Perhaps this signals the true threat moralizing poses to the status quo — the possibility that there is a better way to live together in a shared world.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right – https://theconversation.com/how-rebellion-against-moralizing-has-become-a-surprising-rallying-point-for-the-political-right-250549

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Announces She Will Bring Nevada Teenager Enrolled in Medicaid for Lifesaving Health Care As Guest to Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

This Comes After Congressional Republicans Passed A Cruel Budget With Extreme Cuts To Medicaid As A Way To Pay For Tax Cuts For The Ultra-Wealthy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she will be joined by a Las Vegas teenager and his mom who rely on Medicaid for health care coverage to attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. Dominic Rampa, who will be accompanied by his mother Rebecca Ennis, has relied on Medicaid since he was a child to help cover treatments for a number of health conditions associated with nine genetic disorders – including two immunodeficiencies, a genetic blood clotting disorder, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Without Medicaid coverage, Dominic would lose the health care coverage he needs to live, which at a minimum comes out to around $200,000 per year.
Medicaid is a lifeline for Nevadans to access health care. Nearly 42 million children nationwide rely on Medicaid/CHIP for their health coverage. In Nevada, more than 350,000 children are enrolled in this critical program.
“Since he was a young child, Dominic has relied on Medicaid to get the health care he needs to stay alive. This critical program is a lifeline for Dominic and his family, and I’m grateful to be joined by him and his mom at the Joint Address to Congress,” said Senator Rosen. “Congressional Republicans’ efforts to make cuts to Medicaid to pay for more tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy would be a disaster for Nevadans like Rebecca and Dominic. As long as I’m representing Nevada in the U.S. Senate, I will continue to speak out against cutting funding for programs that Nevandas rely on.”
“Having a child with multiple rare diseases is very difficult,” said Rebecca Ennis. “The cost is more than most people could afford, so losing Medicaid would cause my son to lose the treatments that keep him alive.”
Senator Rosen has been a vocal critic of Republicans’ budget plans that would give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy by cutting programs Nevadans rely on. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen opposed Republicans’ extreme budget resolution that will gut programs like Medicaid and SNAP to pay for more tax cuts for only the richest Americans. She also took to the Senate floor to call out Congressional Republicans for this extreme budget plan. Senator Rosen joined her Senate colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 03.03.2025 Sen. Cruz at Press Conference for Inaugural SAT-DCA Direct Flight: ‘Texas Prevailed’

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered remarks during a press conference at San Antonio International Airport (SAT), celebrating the first direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This flight was made possible due to a provision Sen. Cruz secured in his FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Excerpts of Sen. Cruz’s remarks are included below:
“Last year, we passed the FAA Reauthorization Act. At the time, I was the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The Ranking Member was the senior Republican, not yet in the majority. And that FAA bill, I wrote alongside Maria Cantwell, the chairman of the Committee, a Democrat from Washington state. As we wrote that landmark legislation, it was $110 billion in new resources invested in aviation safety — directing the FAA to hire the maximum number of air traffic controllers to keep passengers safe as you and your family board flights to travel across America and across the world — investing in technology on runways to prevent the multiple near misses that we’ve seen on runways to enhance the ability to avert those disasters — expanding competition and investing in new technology in airports here in San Antonio and all across Texas.
“Now, that bill was a bipartisan bill that had enormous support. And do you know what the single greatest battle on that bill was? The new flight for San Antonio to DCA. On that new flight, you had millions of dollars of lobbying trying to prevent that flight from happening. It was as bare-knuckle a fight as I’ve seen in Washington. You had the senators from Virginia and Maryland both lobbying vigorously against it. The battle ended up delaying the entire bill on the floor of the Senate for two days. Now, we ended up having, thankfully, the entire congressional delegation united.
“In the House, you had Chip Roy, who did a phenomenal job. You had Joaquin Castro, Greg Casar, Tony Gonzales, and Henry Cuellar all working together — Republicans and Democrats, hand in hand. In San Antonio, you had the city, the elected leadership, the business community — all standing as one — united. In the Senate, John Cornyn and I worked hand in hand, whipping the votes. I have, if you come to my office, and Mayor, I’ll show you the whip sheet for the slots, which I have framed, back-to-back, with every one of the Senators because it was literally hand-to-hand combat to get the votes. At the end of the day, Texas prevailed.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Convicted on Gun and Drug Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Birmingham man for possession of a machinegun and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.

The jury returned a guilty verdict against Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., aka “Cutt”, and “Cutthroat” after 4 days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Temple was convicted of possession of a machine gun, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

“This individual posed a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and Friday’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such dangerous and unlawful activities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in violence and drug trafficking are held accountable for their actions.”

“Drug trafficking and gun violence are major issues affecting our communities at alarming rates,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Stankiewicz said. “Those involved in illegal firearm possession and drug distribution are being held accountable. The ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to disrupt these cycles and combat violent crime.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Temple distributed fentanyl on two different occasions. After the distributions, the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force searched his home pursuant to a search warrant and recovered 14 firearms, including a machinegun; several firearm magazines, including 100- and 50-round drum magazines; a large amount of ammunition; fentanyl; methamphetamine; 6 digital scales of various sizes; and other drug paraphernalia.

The ATF investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Colombian Nationals Charged with Drug-Trafficking on Alabama Interstate

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury indicted two Colombian nationals for drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.

A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Cristian Yesid Lugo-Beltran, 24, and Johan Leandro Zapata-Valencia, 23, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

According to the indictment, on February 6, 2024, Lugo-Beltran and Zapata-Valencia possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The traffic stop of both men occurred on Interstate 65 in Shelby County.

HSI investigated the case, along with Calera Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and Olivia C. Brame are prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MIL Security OSI –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI Mar 04, 2025

Source: Huawei

Headline: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI
Mar 04, 2025

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] At MWC 2025 Barcelona, Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech on AI-Ready Data Storage Accelerates Telco-to-Techco Transformation. The speech, delivered at the product and solution launch event.
Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech

Dr. Peter Zhou believes the AI-powered transformation of various industries is creating a golden era for data. Global carriers are continuously exploring business value by capitalizing on and monetizing application scenarios, such as smart home and digital factories. And that means higher demands on data storage, service capabilities, and business models.
To address these challenges, “Huawei Data Storage provides the AI-Ready data lake solution, diverse data storage services, and the FlashEver business model, empowering carriers to turn their disordered data into high-quality assets to unlock the value of data,” as Dr. Peter Zhou said.
The AI-Ready data lake breaks data silos, making data visible, manageable, and available
For mission-critical production workloads, Huawei launches the New-Gen OceanStor Dorado Converged All-Flash Storage and OceanStor A Series High-Performance AI Storage. These solutions boast 100 million–level IOPS, financial-grade reliability, and efficient AI training and inference, supporting tens of billions of daily charging services and robust mobile financial services. Further, the enhanced object storage enables seamless integration of carrier services with cloud-native and AI applications.
For mass data, the Huawei New-Gen OceanStor Pacific All-Flash Scale-Out Storage provides industry-high density and low power consumption. The storage provides exabyte-level scalability to handle cost pressure from emerging services like live streams and XR games.
Another new offering is the New-Gen OceanProtect All-Flash Backup Storage for data protection. The storage offers five times faster data recovery than industry alternatives, accommodating service needs such as emergency drills and AI application development to protect the value of every bit.
Diverse data storage services are fueling carrier AI evolution
Carriers face several challenges in adopting AI, including weak data engineering, inadequate efficient AI model development platforms, long data preparation times, slow model training, and complex AI application development. The Huawei DCS AI Solution provides a one-stop AI full-process toolchain and containerized environment, accelerating fine-tuning and large-scale deployment of AI models.
FlashEver business model maximizes carrier investment
Changes in services and technologies are placing greater investment demands on carriers. Dr. Peter Zhou shared FlashEver, the business model that protects investments, providing an evolutionary, flexible architecture to enable seamless upgrades for live-network equipment. Also, Huawei storage platform services offer flexible purchase options, SLA assurance, and diverse storage and data services, ensuring high-quality customer experiences.
Dr. Peter Zhou reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to continuous innovation, specifically building the AI-ready data storage foundation and future-proof storage power to fuel the AI adoption across the carrier industry.
MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI Mar 04, 2025

Source: Huawei

Headline: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI
Mar 04, 2025

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei is gathering carriers, industry partners, and opinion leaders from around the world to explore the intersection of 5G networks and AI, and how they can support one another to unlock new growth opportunities.
The company is showcasing a sweeping range of solutions:
AI-to-X – Shorthand for AI-to-Consumers, AI-to-Businesses, and AI-to-Homes, including a series of solutions that can help carriers expand into AI services for new, more targeted domains and achieve business growth
AI-Centric Network solution – Helping carriers build networks that can meet the challenging demands of new AI applications to ensure a smooth and superior experience
AI-powered O&M – Using AI to revitalize network O&M, and helping carriers achieve L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent O&M
These discussions come at a time when high-quality, open-source AI models are developing fast, powering a new, more diverse wave of innovation in AI applications.
Huawei’s booth at MWC Barcelona 2025

Huawei’s theme this year is “Accelerating the Intelligent World”, and their star-studded booth in Hall 1 is designed to represent countless bits of intelligence lighting up the night’s sky. The company is showcasing its innovation in digital infrastructure and service applications for individuals, homes, and enterprises, as well as success stories created together with its customers and partners.
Evolving 5G networks to seize new opportunities
By the end of 2024, there were more than 2.1 billion 5G users around the world, and the numbers continue to grow. Huawei has been working with carriers to drive the development of 5G through both business and network innovation, helping them transition from mobile Internet to mobile AI.
In 2024, a number of pioneering carriers have already kicked off commercial 5G-Advanced (5G-A), launching 5G-A packages for users in more than 200 cities around the world. For consumers, these packages take advantage of 5G-A’s enhanced capabilities to provide an optimized user experience for scenarios like livestreaming and gaming, as well as metro and business travel. For carriers, these packages are an opportunity to go beyond traditional connectivity and start monetizing a more personalized experience for different users. Carrier progress in these domains has propelled the industry into an era of AI-powered 5G-A connectivity.
Huawei is actively working with carriers in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to explore innovative experience monetization models, define application scenarios, design new offerings, and build their user base. This shift of focus from connectivity to experience has both improved user experience and increased carrier revenue.
AI-Centric Network
Huawei launched its AI-Centric Network solution that helps carriers upgrade their ICT network infrastructure to meet new demands on bandwidth, latency, coverage, and O&M brought about by a flood of new AI applications. It’s designed to help quickly reshape telecom service and business models to seize new opportunities in the age of AI.
With the rapid development of technologies like 5G-A, cloud, and AI, carriers will need to upgrade from connectivity service providers to digital service providers. To guide this process, Huawei is launching a three-layer technology architecture for carriers looking to transform from telcos to techcos, helping them tap into new business domains and open the door to new growth opportunities.
Accelerating Industrial Intelligence
At this year’s MWC, Huawei’s Enterprise Business is demonstrating how different industries can incorporate AI into their unique business scenarios using the company’s industrial intelligence reference architecture.During the event, Huawei unveiled 83 different industry showcases with customers, and launched ten 10 major solutions to accelerate intelligent transformation together with its partners.
Pushing the boundaries of consumer devices and experience
Huawei’s consumer business will showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products at the event. Through multiple scenario-based experience zones, the company will share its latest innovations in foldable phones, fitness and health, photography, and creativity, focusing on how technology can further enrich people’s everyday lives.
Huawei believes in a human-centric approach to developing technology that shapes the future. In 2025, the company will continue to develop consumer products that push the boundaries of technology, provide an ultimate smart experience for all user scenarios, and build a high-end brand that consumers both love and trust.
MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI

Source: Huawei

Headline: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei is gathering carriers, industry partners, and opinion leaders from around the world to explore the intersection of 5G networks and AI, and how they can support one another to unlock new growth opportunities.
The company is showcasing a sweeping range of solutions:
AI-to-X – Shorthand for AI-to-Consumers, AI-to-Businesses, and AI-to-Homes, including a series of solutions that can help carriers expand into AI services for new, more targeted domains and achieve business growth
AI-Centric Network solution – Helping carriers build networks that can meet the challenging demands of new AI applications to ensure a smooth and superior experience
AI-powered O&M – Using AI to revitalize network O&M, and helping carriers achieve L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent O&M
These discussions come at a time when high-quality, open-source AI models are developing fast, powering a new, more diverse wave of innovation in AI applications.
Huawei’s booth at MWC Barcelona 2025

Huawei’s theme this year is “Accelerating the Intelligent World”, and their star-studded booth in Hall 1 is designed to represent countless bits of intelligence lighting up the night’s sky. The company is showcasing its innovation in digital infrastructure and service applications for individuals, homes, and enterprises, as well as success stories created together with its customers and partners.
Evolving 5G networks to seize new opportunities
By the end of 2024, there were more than 2.1 billion 5G users around the world, and the numbers continue to grow. Huawei has been working with carriers to drive the development of 5G through both business and network innovation, helping them transition from mobile Internet to mobile AI.
In 2024, a number of pioneering carriers have already kicked off commercial 5G-Advanced (5G-A), launching 5G-A packages for users in more than 200 cities around the world. For consumers, these packages take advantage of 5G-A’s enhanced capabilities to provide an optimized user experience for scenarios like livestreaming and gaming, as well as metro and business travel. For carriers, these packages are an opportunity to go beyond traditional connectivity and start monetizing a more personalized experience for different users. Carrier progress in these domains has propelled the industry into an era of AI-powered 5G-A connectivity.
Huawei is actively working with carriers in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to explore innovative experience monetization models, define application scenarios, design new offerings, and build their user base. This shift of focus from connectivity to experience has both improved user experience and increased carrier revenue.
AI-Centric Network
Huawei launched its AI-Centric Network solution that helps carriers upgrade their ICT network infrastructure to meet new demands on bandwidth, latency, coverage, and O&M brought about by a flood of new AI applications. It’s designed to help quickly reshape telecom service and business models to seize new opportunities in the age of AI.
With the rapid development of technologies like 5G-A, cloud, and AI, carriers will need to upgrade from connectivity service providers to digital service providers. To guide this process, Huawei is launching a three-layer technology architecture for carriers looking to transform from telcos to techcos, helping them tap into new business domains and open the door to new growth opportunities.
Accelerating Industrial Intelligence
At this year’s MWC, Huawei’s Enterprise Business is demonstrating how different industries can incorporate AI into their unique business scenarios using the company’s industrial intelligence reference architecture.During the event, Huawei unveiled 83 different industry showcases with customers, and launched ten 10 major solutions to accelerate intelligent transformation together with its partners.
Pushing the boundaries of consumer devices and experience
Huawei’s consumer business will showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products at the event. Through multiple scenario-based experience zones, the company will share its latest innovations in foldable phones, fitness and health, photography, and creativity, focusing on how technology can further enrich people’s everyday lives.
Huawei believes in a human-centric approach to developing technology that shapes the future. In 2025, the company will continue to develop consumer products that push the boundaries of technology, provide an ultimate smart experience for all user scenarios, and build a high-end brand that consumers both love and trust.
MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI

Source: Huawei

Headline: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] At MWC 2025 Barcelona, Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech on AI-Ready Data Storage Accelerates Telco-to-Techco Transformation. The speech, delivered at the product and solution launch event.
Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech

Dr. Peter Zhou believes the AI-powered transformation of various industries is creating a golden era for data. Global carriers are continuously exploring business value by capitalizing on and monetizing application scenarios, such as smart home and digital factories. And that means higher demands on data storage, service capabilities, and business models.
To address these challenges, “Huawei Data Storage provides the AI-Ready data lake solution, diverse data storage services, and the FlashEver business model, empowering carriers to turn their disordered data into high-quality assets to unlock the value of data,” as Dr. Peter Zhou said.
The AI-Ready data lake breaks data silos, making data visible, manageable, and available
For mission-critical production workloads, Huawei launches the New-Gen OceanStor Dorado Converged All-Flash Storage and OceanStor A Series High-Performance AI Storage. These solutions boast 100 million–level IOPS, financial-grade reliability, and efficient AI training and inference, supporting tens of billions of daily charging services and robust mobile financial services. Further, the enhanced object storage enables seamless integration of carrier services with cloud-native and AI applications.
For mass data, the Huawei New-Gen OceanStor Pacific All-Flash Scale-Out Storage provides industry-high density and low power consumption. The storage provides exabyte-level scalability to handle cost pressure from emerging services like live streams and XR games.
Another new offering is the New-Gen OceanProtect All-Flash Backup Storage for data protection. The storage offers five times faster data recovery than industry alternatives, accommodating service needs such as emergency drills and AI application development to protect the value of every bit.
Diverse data storage services are fueling carrier AI evolution
Carriers face several challenges in adopting AI, including weak data engineering, inadequate efficient AI model development platforms, long data preparation times, slow model training, and complex AI application development. The Huawei DCS AI Solution provides a one-stop AI full-process toolchain and containerized environment, accelerating fine-tuning and large-scale deployment of AI models.
FlashEver business model maximizes carrier investment
Changes in services and technologies are placing greater investment demands on carriers. Dr. Peter Zhou shared FlashEver, the business model that protects investments, providing an evolutionary, flexible architecture to enable seamless upgrades for live-network equipment. Also, Huawei storage platform services offer flexible purchase options, SLA assurance, and diverse storage and data services, ensuring high-quality customer experiences.
Dr. Peter Zhou reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to continuous innovation, specifically building the AI-ready data storage foundation and future-proof storage power to fuel the AI adoption across the carrier industry.
MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI: UPDATE – BCMI More Than Doubles Cloud-based Dispatch Footprint

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

REDMOND, Wash., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2024, BCMI Corp. celebrated 10 years in business, and another significant milestone. The technology leader and provider of cloud-based mobile software for concrete and bulk materials producers more than doubled its cloud-based ready-mix dispatch footprint across the U.S.

Industry-leading companies have adopted BCMI’s cloud-based system, beginning with Smith Ready Mix in Valparaiso, Indiana, followed by many others including Miles Sand & Gravel, Geneva Rock and Sunroc (both Clyde Companies subsidiaries), BARD Materials and GCC. These producers and others have added BCMI’s dispatch as part of the end-to-end software platform that includes extensive operational and customer KPIs, quoting and sales tools, and customer invoicing.

In 2025, BCMI expects its dispatch footprint to expand at an accelerated rate. Implementations are scheduled for large vertical materials producers, imi and Titan America as well as regional ready mix leaders including Consumers Concrete and Zignego.

“One of the great advantages of BCMI Dispatch is that any change or update from our dispatchers and drivers is instantly shared across our company—and with our customers—through the BCMI mobile apps,” BARD Materials Vice President of Operations Chad Thier says. “BCMI truly partners with producers to shape a concrete dispatch system that leverages the best technology available, ensuring it meets the needs of the industry.”

The BCMI Dispatch system has the advantage of being cloud-native, meaning it is developed using the most current technology rather than retrofitting older dispatch systems with hardware that must be maintained by producers. BCMI integrates with related systems, such as truck GPS and accounting programs, through API (Application Programming Interface) connections entirely in the cloud. This allows materials producers to choose their own best-in-class solution set to meet their business needs.

“After an extensive, six-month evaluation, we concluded that BCMI’s combination of current product offerings, plus the opportunity to take part in the continued development of the product, was the best fit for what imi needs to service our customers and our internal teams,” imi President and CEO Pete Lyons says.

BCMI’s leadership draws on more than 100 years of collective experience in serving the concrete and bulk materials market, making the team uniquely qualified to understand and address the needs of the industry. “We have all experienced the pain of struggling with outdated technology, and it makes us even more passionate about creating better tools for producers and contractors,” BCMI Vice President of Customer Success Janeen O’Dell says. “Things like mobile apps and eTicketing are old news in other industries, and there’s no reason our industry shouldn’t use them to make our day-to-day jobs easier.”

According to BCMI Co-founder and CEO Craig Yeack, “Our product team is laser focused on innovation, including aggressive research and development of AI tools for materials producers. In the next few years, we’ll see accelerated growth in technology, faster than we’ve seen in decades. We look forward to being the industry’s trusted partner as we navigate these changes together.”

About BCMI

BCMI Corp.’s mobile software empowers bulk construction material producers to improve business processes. BCMI’s performance analytics, interactive communication tools and AI-assisted dispatch keep materials producers and contractors aligned with real-time business solutions. For more on our cloud-based BCMI Dispatch, Material Pro and Material Now apps, visit www.bcmicorp.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Jensen, BCMI Media and PR Specialist: Jennifer.jensen@bcmicorp.com

The MIL Network –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rekubit: Advanced Data Encryption Reinventing Security on Rekubit Exchange

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Kansas City, MO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rekubit has unveiled its latest breakthrough in digital security—an advanced data encryption system designed to protect sensitive information and optimize digital communications. This new encryption technology enhances data protection across multiple sectors, ensuring that businesses and individuals can securely transmit and store information without the risk of unauthorized access.

Strengthening Digital Protection with Cutting-Edge Encryption

With the growing volume of digital transactions and online communications, security concerns have become more pressing than ever. Rekubit’s newly developed encryption technology provides a sophisticated layer of protection that safeguards sensitive information from cyber threats. The system is designed to withstand potential security breaches while maintaining fast and efficient data transmission. Unlike traditional encryption methods, Rekubit’s technology integrates adaptive security protocols that continuously evolve to counter new and emerging threats. By using dynamic key management and advanced cryptographic algorithms, this system significantly reduces the risk of data interception or manipulation. Businesses and individuals can now operate with greater confidence, knowing that their information is protected by state-of-the-art encryption.

Optimized Performance Without Compromising Security

One of the key challenges of advanced encryption systems is balancing security with speed and efficiency. Rekubit has addressed this issue by developing a system that ensures high-speed data processing without compromising security standards. This innovation is particularly beneficial for industries requiring real-time data protection, such as healthcare, finance, and telecommunications.Additionally, the encryption system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing digital platforms, making implementation simple and cost-effective. Users can enhance their security infrastructure without the need for extensive modifications to their current operations.

Expanding Security Solutions for Businesses and Individuals

Rekubit’s encryption technology is not limited to large enterprises—it is also designed to support individual users who require enhanced security for personal communications and transactions. Whether securing confidential business data or protecting personal messages, the system offers a comprehensive solution for users at all levels. Beyond data transmission, Rekubit’s technology also enhances storage security. The encryption system ensures that stored information remains protected, reducing the risk of data leaks or unauthorized access. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, this innovation provides an essential tool for organizations and individuals looking to safeguard their digital assets.

Looking Ahead: Rekubit’s Commitment to Digital Security

As technology continues to evolve, Rekubit remains committed to advancing digital security solutions that address modern challenges. This latest encryption innovation is part of a broader initiative to enhance cybersecurity standards and provide users with the most effective protection available.

Moving forward, Rekubit plans to expand its security offerings with additional features, including AI-driven threat detection and advanced access control systems. By continuously improving its security infrastructure, Rekubit is setting a new benchmark for digital safety and resilience in an increasingly connected world.

For more information about Rekubit’s latest advancements in encryption technology, visit Rekubit

The MIL Network –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI: Jeff Bank Announces Retirement of SVP/Retail Banking Administrator & Security Officer, Rhonda L. Decker

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JEFFERSONVILLE, N.Y., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jeffersonville Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQB – JFBC) today announced that Senior Vice President/Retail Banking Administrator and Security Officer, Rhonda L. Decker, of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jeff Bank, will retire effective Monday, March 17, 2025, after 41 years of service. Mrs. Decker began her career at Jeff Bank in 1983 when she started as a teller. Throughout her tenure with the bank, Mrs. Decker has held various positions before being named the Retail Banking Administrator and Security Officer in 2008.

“On behalf of Jeff Bank and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Mrs. Decker for her dedication, support, and expertise in helping the organization grow over the past 41 years,” stated George W. Kinne, Jr., President and CEO. “Rhonda’s passion toward helping others shined not only in her banking career but also the many community service organizations where she volunteers. Rhonda has been a role model for the bank’s staff throughout our institution, always positively portraying the mission, vision, and values of Jeff Bank. She will be truly missed. We wish her the best in her retirement and know she will continue to be a big advocate and supporter of the bank.”

Jeffersonville Bancorp is a one-bank holding company, which owns all the capital stock of Jeff Bank. Jeff Bank maintains ten full-service branches in Sullivan and Orange County, New York located in Anawana Lake Road/Monticello, Eldred, Callicoon, Jeffersonville, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Monticello, Port Jervis, White Lake, and Wurtsboro.

Media Contact
Jaclene Poley (jpoley@jeff.bank)
845-482-4000

The MIL Network –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: Rosreestr is one of the leaders in the use of artificial intelligence among government agencies

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko visited Rosreestr and familiarized himself with the main results of the agency’s work in the field of digital transformation of government services and services in the real estate sector over the past five years.

March 3, 2025

Previous news Next news

During the visit, key digital projects were demonstrated: the Federal State Information System for Maintaining the Unified State Register of Real Estate (FGIS EGRN), the unified digital platform “National Spatial Data System” and the agency’s Cybersecurity Center.

“Today, Rosreestr is one of the leaders in innovation among government agencies. Over the past five years, the service has achieved a major breakthrough in digitalization. This is especially important, given that Rosreestr services are the most widespread and in demand among citizens. For example, the share of electronic mortgages has increased 9 times and reached 84%. Rosreestr has also become one of the first agencies to actively implement high-tech services using artificial intelligence,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

He noted that the digital assistant “Eva” made it possible to automate the process of receiving documents in the MFC. At the same time, the service is used by state registrars of Rosreestr during legal examination, which allows processing 30-40 packages of documents daily instead of 10, as was previously the case. By the end of the year, it is planned to scale “Eva” to the entire country. The “Smart Cadastre” service made it possible to massively identify unregistered real estate objects using neural networks, eliminating manual point analysis and door-to-door canvassing.

According to the head of the department Oleg Skufinsky, over the past five years, Rosreestr has done a lot of work to reengineer processes and digitalize services. In 2020, the service faced serious challenges. The Unified State Register of Real Estate (USRRE) FGIS was not implemented in 34 of the largest regions of the country, which is 70% of the data, or 110 million real estate objects. Interaction with the MFC was entirely on paper, which led to the department’s archives being overfilled.

“In an unprecedentedly short time during 2020, we completed the transition to a single centralized system – the Unified State Register of Real Estate. In 2021, we approved the Rosreestr Development Strategy and the departmental digital transformation program – it is one of the largest and sets 374 indicators for 2025. We reengineered processes, switched to paperless document flow with the MFC and ensured extraterritorial acceptance of documents at the MFC in all regions of the country. We ensured the creation of a single domestic electronic cartographic basis – today the digital map of the country is already 72% complete,” the head of the department said.

According to him, at the end of 2023, Rosreestr put into commercial operation a single digital platform, the National System of Spatial Data (NSPD), which consolidates data on land and real estate. Today, 20 services for people, the state and business operate on the basis of NSPD. Also, on the instructions of the Government and in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development, all mass socially significant services of Rosreestr have been transferred to a single portal of public services.

It was also noted that in 2024, the service provided 407 million services, which is 3 times more than 5 years ago. And the share of electronic services has increased 3 times since 2020, to 60%. The term of registration of rights has been reduced by 3.6 times, to 1.4 days, and the term of cadastral registration – by 2.5 times, to 1.6 days. Suspensions of registration of rights have been reduced by 2 times, to 1.2%, and of cadastral registration – by 6.8 times, to 1.63%.

In addition, as part of large-scale work to optimize public administration in the field of land and real estate, the public-law company (PLC) Roskadastr was created in 2022.

Instead of the two institutions and two joint-stock companies that previously operated, one full-cycle enterprise has emerged. Since 2023, the PPC has been operating a competence center in the field of digital technologies – a branch of the Information Technology Center “Roskadastr-Infotech”, which provides support, maintenance and operation of Rosreestr information systems.

Rosreestr has also implemented and is successfully operating a comprehensive information security system.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with the acting governor of the Rostov region Yuri Slyusar

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with the acting governor of the Rostov region Yuri Slyusar

March 3, 2025

Previous news Next news

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin held a working meeting with Acting Governor of Rostov Oblast Yuri Slyusar, at which the parties discussed issues of the region’s socio-economic development.

“Rostov Region shows good results in its work. The region has completed the resettlement of emergency housing stock, which was recognized as such before 2017, and has begun the resettlement of housing recognized as emergency after this date. In total, 14.9 thousand people have moved to new houses since 2019. There are successes in the roads. 81.3% of federal roads, 59.4% of regional roads and 82.3% of the backbone network are in standard condition. There is still a lot of work to do in the region, it is necessary to increase the pace and solve the tasks as soon as possible. At the same time, the quality of work cannot sag. In the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, we continue to engage in a comprehensive improvement of the lives of our citizens,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Marat Khusnullin and Yuri Slyusar discussed the development of infrastructure in the region to create comfortable living conditions for people. In the Rostov Region, 198 units of new public transport were delivered in 2023-2024 due to federal support measures, including 158 buses and 40 electric buses. Also, using funds from a special treasury loan, a sewer collector is being built along Lokomotivnaya Street in Rostov-on-Don. Currently, its technical readiness is 95%. In addition, the region uses the mechanism of integrated development of territories. To date, 11 such territories with a total area of 478.4 hectares with a development potential of 5.1 million square meters have been identified in the Rostov Region, of which 2.2 million square meters is residential space.

“There are almost fifty regional projects being implemented in the Don region. All of them are aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens in various areas. Based on the results of last year, the region achieved certain results in many areas, but we still have more work ahead. The priorities are social support, development of the social sphere, bringing order to the public utilities, forming a sustainable economy, and technological leadership,” noted Yuri Slyusar.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Brothers from Youngstown, Ohio, Each Sentenced to at Least a Decade in Prison for Participation in Interstate Cocaine Trafficking Operation

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two Youngstown, Ohio, residents were sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on February 26, 2025, for their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and related firearms and drug trafficking charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 17 individuals from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, indicted in March 2024 for violating federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws by conspiring to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown (read the Indictment news release here).

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentences on brothers Ruben Noel Sanchez, 29, and Rubel Sanchez, 22. Ruben was sentenced to a total of 13 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, with the latter two charges having been filed by Information in the Northern District of Ohio. Rubel was sentenced to 10 years of prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to information presented to the Court, the Sanchez brothers were part of an organized drug trafficking group that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico, often mailing drug parcels through the U.S. Postal Service to co-conspirators responsible for selling the cocaine in Western Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and elsewhere. This included the Sanchez brothers receiving kilograms of cocaine directly through the mail as well as receiving and paying for cocaine that was shipped to Philadelphia and then transported across Pennsylvania to Youngstown, Ohio. Upon receipt of the cocaine, the brothers and their co-conspirators distributed the drugs to customers and multiple other co-conspirators, who then distributed the cocaine in Youngstown, Ohio, and throughout Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at a Youngstown residence utilized by the brothers in connection with their drug distribution operations, where investigators seized three Glock pistols—including one equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a Glock switch and another loaded with ammunition; three unattached Glock switches; assorted ammunition; baggies of powder and pills that included separate mixtures and substances containing 1) fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine, 2) fentanyl and xylazine, 3) cocaine, 4) fentanyl, 5) methamphetamine, and 6) heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine; a kilo press plate used in connection with the packaging and distribution of large quantities of powdered controlled substances; and the brothers’ cell phones. Evidence, including from these cell phones and other surveillance, established that the brothers knowingly possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking. The brothers each were responsible for distributing and/or possessing with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as the New Castle Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and United States Department of Agriculture for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sanchez brothers.

Lawrence County is one of six Western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

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

MIL Security OSI –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Wanted South Carolina Fugitive Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm at Evansville Bus Stop

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

EVANSVILLE— Argelius C. Croft, 37, of Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on January 27, 2023, Evansville Police Department officers questioned Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station after learning that he had an active arrest warrant out of South Carolina for a pending criminal charge. When confronted, Croft provided false information about his identity to the officers and ran away from the bus station on foot carrying his backpack. After a brief foot chase, Croft fell and was arrested by EPD officers.

During a search of his person, officers found a Ruger.22 Charger rifle with a partially obliterated serial number and a Ruger BX- 25 double-stack magazine loaded with 47 rounds inside of Croft’s backpack. When the officers found the firearm, Croft asked them to forget about it and just throw the gun in the river.

At the time of his arrest, Croft had been convicted of numerous felonies including burglary, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and domestic violence. These prior felony convictions prohibit Croft from ever legally possessing a firearm again.

“Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who ignore their prohibition- if you choose to pick up a gun, you face a serious term in federal prison.”

“ATF’s core mission is to identify, pursue, and perfect criminal cases against individuals who unlawfully possess or use firearms in furtherance of criminal activity,” stated Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who commits violence in our communities is held accountable for their actions.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.

Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Over 30 individuals sentenced to federal prison following Angelina County drug trafficking investigation
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BEAUMONT, Texas – Over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison following a five-year investigation into drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

According to information presented in court, in 2019, law enforcement in Angelina County began investigating numerous individuals for trafficking methamphetamine into and through East Texas. As of February 2025, over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for offenses including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and other related offenses. The investigation and prosecution of individuals from East Texas, Houston, and elsewhere, resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that operated between Mexico, Houston, Angelina County, Tyler County, and other areas.

The following individuals were sentenced for various roles in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy:
- Jesus Sanchez-Rueda, 33, of Houston – 360 months
- Jesse Canseco, 35, of Houston – 292 months
- Oscar Negrete, 26, of Humble – 68 months
- Adolfo Lopez-Lemus, 35, of Houston – 57 months
- Ryan Canseco, 35, of Houston – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
- Jason Thompson, 44, of Lufkin – 210 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 295 months)
- Krista Thompson, 38, of Lufkin – 95 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 155 months)
- Rogers Williams, 31, of Houston – 135 months
- Edgar Reyes, 26, of Houston – 57 months
- Edwin Galicia, 26, of Houston – 150 months
- Joel Hernandez, Jr., 30, of Humble – 57 months
- Matthew Rogers, 43, of Houston – 70 months
- Robert Rogers, 68, of Woodville – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
- Dustin Dauzart, 32, of Alexandria, LA – 140 months
- Everett Charles Lutz, 67, of Lufkin – 235 months
- Amanda Jane Lorentz, 37, of Lufkin – 235 months
- Kevin Edward Hughes, 30 of Lufkin – 120 months
- Aaron Dewberry, 52, of Lufkin – 120 months
- Charles Gregory Runnels, 46, of Zavalla – 137 months
- Richard Lyles, 44, of Lufkin – 84 months
- Shane Gammons, 44, of Lufkin – 96 months
- Andrea Bosley, 49, of Lufkin – 37 months
- Paul Smith, 62, of Lufkin – 77 months
- Joshua Gilpin, 37, of Lufkin – 121 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 181 months)
- Martin Deanda, 32, of Houston – 121 months
- Lorenzo Hernandez, 24, of Houston – 121 months
- Larry Sanchez, 30, of Houston – 121 months
- Eric Copaus, 44, of Houston – 135 months
- Autumn Farley aka Autumn Sheppard, 30, of Houston – 57 months
- Santos Navarro, 50, of Houston – 130 months
- Fernando Arias, 26, of Humble – 87 months
- Lamarcus Morris, 38, of Houston – 235 months
- Luke Bridges, 49, of Missouri City – 235 months
- Brian Jones, 45, of Pensacola, FL – 48 months
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Lufkin; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Lufkin Police Department; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

###

MIL Security OSI –
March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Oren Cass on the Invisible Hand

Source: International Monetary Fund

Oren Cass on the Invisible Hand

Photo courtesy of Oren Cass

In This Episode

Modern economics was built on ideas spelled out by Adam Smith in his 18th-century The Wealth of Nations. But while he used the term only once in that economic treatise, Smith is most remembered for “the invisible hand,” a metaphor Oren Cass says has wrongly been associated with the idea that the pursuit of profit is always socially beneficial and that markets are somehow magically guided by that principal. Cass is the founder and chief economist at American Compass. In this podcast, he says the contortion of Smith’s idea led to a blind faith in markets, whereas “the invisible hand” was about ensuring the alignment between private profit and the public interest. Transcript

Read the article in Finance and Development

OREN CASS is founder and chief economist of American Compass, a think tank.

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Bruce Edwards

International Monetary Fund

Bruce Edwards produces the IMF podcast program. He’s an award-winning audio producer and journalist who’s covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world. He believes economists have an important role in solving the world’s problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 4, 2025

MIL-OSI: Quadient Enables New Shipping Service with Japan Post on its Open Locker Network, Driving Convenience and Increased Parcel Volume

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, announced today an expanded partnership between Japan Post and Packcity Japan, a joint venture between Quadient and Yamato Transport. Thanks to the extended partnership, consumers will not only receive Japan Post deliveries at Packcity Japan’s nationwide open network of automated parcel lockers, but they will also now be able to ship parcels from the lockers, called PUDO stations. Consumers using Japan Post’s Yu-Pack parcel service use a mobile app to ship from a PUDO station, eliminating the need to wait at delivery counters or manually handling shipping slips.

Japan Post, one of Japan’s leading carriers, operates more than 24,200 post offices across the nation and employs more than 171,800 employees, providing postal, logistics and courier delivery services. The expanded partnership between Japan Post and Packcity Japan increases the parcel volume through the open locker network and will consolidate package pickup, leading to more efficient, ecological and sustainable business operations.

“In recent years, the burden on our partner carriers has become more serious due to the rapid increase in the number of designated deliveries and pickups after normal business hours and on weekends and holidays,” said Akitsugu Yanagida, CEO of Packcity Japan. “The expanded partnership with Japan Post confirms the importance of an open locker network to an efficient and sustainable last mile and first mile logistical operation. We look forward to continuing to expand our services with the aim of improving convenience for consumers and the efficiency of the logistics industry.”

Through Packcity Japan, Quadient operates about 7,000 automated lockers in Japan. Quadient is a global leader in open locker networks, offering carrier-agnostic locker technology for seamless delivery and pickup experiences. With more than 25,000 locker units deployed worldwide, Quadient continuously invests in locker innovation and services to improve usage and footprint in major e-commerce markets.

About Quadient®
Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com.

Contacts

Sandy Armstrong, Sterling Kilgore	Joe Scolaro, Quadient
Director of Media & Communications	Global Press Relations Manager
+1-630-699-8979	+1 203-301-3673
sarmstrong@sterlingkilgore.com	j.scolaro@quadient.com

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The MIL Network –

March 4, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Connolly Renew Push to Expand Access to IVF, Other Assisted Reproductive Technology

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

February 28, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—the author of the Right to IVF Act—and U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) reintroduced legislation to expand and protect access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that millions of Americans rely on to have children. The Family Building FEHB Fairness Act would require Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program—the largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the world—carriers to cover IVF and ART and would give the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) one year to implement its requirements from the date of enactment. The bill’s reintroduction comes after President Trump’s toothless executive order, which fails to take any serious, meaningful action to protect and expand fertility services—despite him promising to do so during his presidential campaign.

“Donald Trump promised to make IVF more affordable—but instead, he is focused on cutting vital programs and firing thousands of federal employees to fund tax cuts for billionaires while wasting time with a toothless IVF executive order that fails to deliver on his promise,” said Senator Duckworth. “The devoted public servants in our federal workforce—and all Americans—who rely on IVF to build their families deserve better. If Donald Trump is serious about protecting IVF, calling on Republicans in Congress to support our commonsense bill that would help make sure more Americans have access to IVF through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program—the largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the world—would be a great start.”

“Federal employees, like every American, should have the right to start and build a family on their own terms,” said Congressman Connolly. “If Donald Trump is serious about his support for IVF, he can take meaningful action right now to protect and expand this fundamental right for millions of Americans. The Family Building FEHB Fairness Act presents an opportunity for the federal government to lead by example by modernizing the FEHB program and embracing high-quality fertility coverage to become the employer of choice for millions of talented Americans looking to serve their country and start a family. It’s time for Donald Trump to put his money where his mouth is and support this legislation that offers real solutions, not empty promises, for American women and families.”

Full text of the legislation is available on the Senator’s website.

The Family Building FEHB Fairness Act is one of four bills that is included in Senator Duckworth’s Right to IVF Act—which Senate Republicans blocked not once, but twice last year. The Senator’s Right to IVF Act would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees, as well as lower the costs of IVF for middle-class families across the country. Overall, Senate Republicans have blocked Duckworth-led legislation four times that would protect access to IVF nationwide.

Duckworth was the first Senator to give birth while serving in office and had both of her children with the help of IVF. In 2018, she advocated for the Senate to change its rules so she could bring her infant onto the Senate floor.

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MIL OSI USA News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Schiff Demand Answers From NASA, FAA Over Conflict of Interest in Federal Contract Awards to Musk’s Private Companies
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

February 28, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) demanded answers from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Acting Administrator Janet Petro and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau on why, despite Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest, each agency has or may soon award billions of dollars in federal contracts to private companies controlled by Musk while he serves as a government employee.

“If accurate, this presents a striking new phase in Mr. Musk’s conflicts of interest. Mr. Musk holds unprecedented leverage over you and your agencies by directing ongoing efforts to substantially influence, alter, and undercut your departments’ operations, personnel, and funding. Simultaneously awarding his private companies with billions of dollars in federal contracts raises grave questions as to whether you and your agencies are enabling corrupt favoritism to benefit Mr. Musk,” wrote the Senators.

Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:

Dear Ms. Petro and Mr. Rocheleau:

We write with serious concerns regarding recent reports that the federal agencies you lead – the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), respectively – have awarded or may soon award billions of dollars in federal contracts to private companies controlled by Elon Musk, a Special Government Employee. If accurate, this presents a striking new phase in Mr. Musk’s conflicts of interest. Mr. Musk holds unprecedented leverage over you and your agencies by directing ongoing efforts to substantially influence, alter, and undercut your departments’ operations, personnel, and funding. Simultaneously awarding his private companies with billions of dollars in federal contracts raises grave questions as to whether you and your agencies are enabling corrupt favoritism to benefit Mr. Musk.

On February 21, 2025, NASA announced that it selected Mr. Musk’s company, SpaceX, to provide launch services for the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, which is intended to detect and observe asteroids and comets that could potentially pose an impact threat to Earth. According to NASA, the total cost of the launch service on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is approximately $100 million.

Three days later, on February 24, 2025, the FAA announced via Mr. Musk’s platform, X, that the agency “has been considering the use of Starlink,” a subsidiary of Mr. Musk’s company, SpaceX, to increase reliable weather information for the aviation community. The same day, Mr. Musk posted on X: “The Verizon system is not working and so is putting air travelers at serious risk.” In an effort to take over a $2.4 billion federal contract with the FAA held by Verizon, Mr. Musk has reportedly approved a shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals to the FAA to upgrade critical infrastructure. FAA officials confirmed that several Starlink terminals had been installed in New Jersey and Alaska6 and the agency is reportedly “close to canceling” Verizon’s contract and awarding the work to Mr. Musk’s company in a significant dismantling of conflict of interest protections in government contracts. Furthermore, several employees of Mr. Musk’s parent company of Starlink, SpaceX, have joined the FAA – an agency tasked with regulating SpaceX activities and one of several federal Departments that have conducted investigations and reviews of Mr. Musk’s company for violating safety rules.

We strongly support the need to upgrade federal technological systems through public-private partnerships and contracts, but this cannot be done through corruption and graft. Mr. Musk – a man worth over $350 billion – carries significant influence over President Trump and federal government agencies, even as he faces regulatory reviews and federal investigations across almost a dozen federal departments and independent agencies, including the Department of Transportation, of which FAA is a part. Mr. Musk’s profound conflicts of interest risk fundamentally undermining public trust in your agencies at a moment in which trust in the missions of NASA and the FAA have never been more important.

On February 10, 2024, Senator Schiff sent letters to former Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), David Huitema, and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles requesting clarification regarding Mr. Musk’s compliance with federal conflicts of interest, ethics, and reporting requirements. Following President Trump’s announcement firing Mr. Huitema without cause and designating Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins as acting OGE Director, Senator Schiff sent a follow-up letter requesting that the OGE preserve all records and correspondence regarding Mr. Huitema’s removal and inquiring, yet again, about Mr. Musk’s financial reporting obligations and any conflict of interest considerations communicated with the OGE on behalf of the White House.

To ensure that the Senate can undertake its constitutional oversight and legislative functions, including consideration of potential reforms to strengthen existing statutes, please take the following measures and respond to the questions below by March 7, 2025:
1. Preserve all records and correspondence since January 20, 2025, in NASA and the FAA’s possession regarding federal contract awards.
2. Preserve all records and correspondence in NASA and the FAA’s possession regarding any companies in which Mr. Musk retains a financial interest.
3. Provide the status of any reviews or investigations underway or closed since January 20, 2025, involving companies in which Mr. Musk retains a financial interest, including an investigation by the FAA of SpaceX’s Starship rocket following a failed test flight14 and the FAA’s review of alleged safety measure violations related to SpaceX launches.15
4. Did any White House officials communicate with any NASA or FAA officials about Mr. Musk’s conflict of interest considerations, including whether Mr. Musk would need a waiver under 18 U.S.C. § 208, prior to Mr. Musk’s appointment as a special government employee? If so, please explain the nature of those communications.
5. Did any NASA or FAA employees raise concerns about awarding federal contracts to Mr. Musk’s companies, given his role as a Special Government Employee? If so, please explain the nature of those concerns and communications and preserve all records and correspondence in your possession regarding these concerns.
Congress has yet to receive responses from the White House or the OGE regarding Mr. Musk’s compliance with federal criminal conflicts of interest law and other ethics and reporting requirements, which reinforces concern that Mr. Musk may not be complying with his legal obligations.

We look forward to reviewing your responses.

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MIL OSI USA News –
March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to turbocharge defence innovation
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Government to turbocharge defence innovation

New defence innovation body to deliver cutting-edge military tech to British troops and create highly skilled jobs across the UK.
Chancellor and Defence Secretary and Business Secretary host joint roundtable with leaders from 15 of the country’s top defence firms

Government to launch new defence innovation organisation to quickly deliver cutting-edge military tech to British troops and create highly skilled jobs across the UK

Follows PM’s announcement to deliver largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War

A new defence innovation body to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology is set to be launched, as part of a drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change.

The Chancellor, Defence Secretary and Business Secretary have today (28 February) confirmed that a new UK defence innovation organisation will work with innovative firms to rapidly get cutting-edge military technology into the hands of British troops, and harness the ingenuity of the UK’s leading tech and manufacturing sectors.

This new unit – which will be launched at the Spring Statement – is a clear demonstration of how the Government is moving at pace to drive reform in defence and use defence as an engine of economic growth.

The Chancellor, Defence Secretary and Business Secretary today met leaders from 15 British defence firms of all sizes at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire – one of the RAF’s busiest stations with airborne intelligence aircraft and systems – to discuss the how the new unit will operate.

Developed as part of Defence Reform – the biggest overhaul of defence for more than 50 years – the new body is set to simplify and streamline the innovation system within MOD. It will take a new approach by moving quickly and decisively, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly by setting out a clear pathway, working with the Government, from initial production to manufacturing at scale.

As part of a defence innovation drive, the government will also look to enhance investment in defence start-ups and scale-up technology and capability, including through the National Security Strategic Investment Fund. Ministers will work with the venture capital and investment community, as well as industry, to leverage private investment in the technology of the future.

The meeting comes after the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 and the Chancellor’s message to European allies at the G20 in South Africa to jointly go further and faster on defence.

The new innovation unit will help equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech and grow high-tech British businesses in the defence tech ecosystem. It will take the lessons from the rapidly changing nature of warfare, as seen in the conflict in Ukraine.

Increased defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole of the UK. Last year, defence spending supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60, and 68% of defence spending goes outside of London and the Southeast, benefitting every nation and region of the country.

Backing the defence industry will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

The world is less certain than it has been for a generation. History tells us that government and industry must rise to meet these moments together. We need to invest in sophisticated, innovative kit and get it into the hands of our fighting men and women.

In the world we face, national security and economic growth are going to go hand in hand. High-skilled, well-paid jobs across the UK will both make our country safer and put pounds in people’s pockets.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

The world is changing, and we are changing defence. We will back the high-growth, high-tech UK defence firms of the future, to boost our national security and make defence an engine for growth.

We will make the UK a defence innovation leader, funding and supporting firms of all sizes to take state-of-the-art technology from the drawing board to the production line, and into the hands of our Armed Forces.

Defence has a crucial role to play in economic growth across the UK – built on the foundation of the largest sustained funding increase since the Cold War – to support thousands of highly skilled jobs.

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

A strong, robust defence sector is vital for a Britain that’s both secure at home and strong abroad, and ensures a world where business can benefit from the economic security it brings.

Nearly half a million UK graduates get good, well-paid jobs thanks to our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. These are areas where the UK excels on the global stage, and where our innovation can add billions to the economy.

That’s why our Plan for Change puts defence at the heart of our Industrial Strategy, helping us drive economic growth while bolstering our national security for the long term.

Science and Tech Secretary, Peter Kyle said:

Britain’s science and research expertise has always played a role in keeping us safe, and still does: from inventions like radar and codebreaking machines in the 20th century, through to innovations around drone technology and cybersecurity, today.

We are dedicated to making sure the UK tech sector has everything it needs to continue to thrive, and to keep playing a critical role in our national security.

As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government, and investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home while also creating a secure and stable environment for economic growth.

Economic growth is central to the Government’s Plan for Change to put more money into the pockets of working people and will be a core objective of the defence innovation organisation.

The joint meeting with defence industry organisations comes on the final day of the consultation for the Defence Industrial Strategy, which will ensure a strong defence sector and resilient supply chains across the whole of the UK.

Industry leaders’ quotes:

Andy Fraser, Saab UK Group Managing Director said:

Saab UK welcomes the announcement that the UK Government will increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2027, with a route to 3% in the next Parliament.

We live in a challenging world which requires industry and government in the UK to work together more closely. In the UK, we know that the defence industry benefits growth, investment and offers fantastic careers – while also helping to ensure the UK’s resilience. Saab UK has recently opened new facilities in the UK because we know that together we can achieve our aim to keep people and society safe.

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Published 3 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Collins, King, Pingree Call on Trump Administration to Avoid Trade War with Canada

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, co-chair of the Senate American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, are calling on the Trump Administration to avoid a catastrophic trade war with Canada that would have huge and immediate impacts on Maine’s people and economy. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Maine delegation request that the administration work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation in order to avoid the potential for increased prices on groceries, gas and energy.
“For over 150 years, Canada has been a trusted friend and close ally of the United States. Our countries are deeply entwined and our economies are fully integrated. This is made all the more evident by the substantial volume of trade and investment between our nations. In 2023, the U.S. and Canada traded nearly $1 trillion in goods and services. Together, we share the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, which supports 8 million U.S. jobs. Each day, nearly $2.6 billion worth of goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border, including critical energy resources,” the Delegation wrote.
They continued in the letter, “Maine shares a special and interconnected relationship with Canada. According to the Maine International Trade Center, Maine and Canada exchanged over $6 billion in two-way trade last year. This trade propels manufacturing and production in the state, which in turn provides over 60,000 good-paying jobs – from the development of our high-quality products to their transportation. Further, Canada has supplied the oil that Maine people rely on to heat their homes on cold winter nights and the jet fuel and diesel that supports the Air National Guard Base in Bangor.”
“Given the deeply integrated nature of our economies, any tariffs on imports from Canada – and any retaliatory measures by Canada in response – may raise prices on gasoline, energy, groceries, and much more,” the Delegation concluded. “We acknowledge that targeted and strategic tariffs can be an important tool to address unfair trade practices. However, small businesses and families in Maine and across the country will be caught in the middle during a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Trump Administration is able to work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation, rather than engage in a tit-for-tat trade war.”
The United States and Canada share the world’s longest international border, spanning 5,525 miles with 120 land ports-of-entry. The bilateral and international U.S.-Canada alliance is built upon shared interests in the areas of economic stability and trade, sustainability, energy and critical mineral supply chain, and national security. The two countries share a $1 trillion trade and investment relationship, supporting more than seven million jobs.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
+++
Dear Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer:
Over the years, we have been privileged to gain a unique view of the important economic partnership that the United States has with Canada from my border state of Maine. As you consider the implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada, we want to share our view of how these tariffs will impact families and business in Maine and across the country.
For over 150 years, Canada has been a trusted friend and close ally of the United States. Our countries are deeply entwined and our economies are fully integrated. This is made all the more evident by the substantial volume of trade and investment between our nations. In 2023, the U.S. and Canada traded nearly $1 trillion in goods and services. Together, we share the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, which supports 8 million U.S. jobs. Each day, nearly $2.6 billion worth of goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border, including critical energy resources.
Maine shares a special and interconnected relationship with Canada. According to the Maine International Trade Center, Maine and Canada exchanged over $6 billion in two-way trade last year. This trade propels manufacturing and production in the state, which in turn provides over 60,000 good-paying jobs – from the development of our high-quality products to their transportation. Further, Canada has supplied the oil that Maine people rely on to heat their homes on cold winter nights and the jet fuel and diesel that supports the Air National Guard Base in Bangor.
Given the deeply integrated nature of our economies, any tariffs on imports from Canada – and any retaliatory measures by Canada in response – may raise prices on gasoline, energy, groceries, and much more. We acknowledge that targeted and strategic tariffs can be an important tool to address unfair trade practices. However, small businesses and families in Maine and across the country will be caught in the middle during a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Trump Administration is able to work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation, rather than engage in a tit-for-tat trade war.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We stand willing and ready to work with you to ensure that the relationship between our countries continues to be mutually beneficial.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: ROK, USFK, CNFK embark USS Carl Vinson, exploring operations and capabilities

Source: United States Navy

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, ROK Navy Rear Adm. Kim Jihoon, Deputy Commander of Republic of Korea Fleet, and other guests, met with Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, CSG-1, spoke to subject matter experts about carrier operations on the bridge and observed flight operations from the flight deck.

General Brunson emphasized the carrier strike group’s capabilities and shared his thoughts on the critical role these forces play in maintaining regional security and a free and open Indo-Pacific. He also emphasized how they directly support USFK’s mission in the region.

“The Carl Vinson’s carrier strike group operations demonstrate our commitment to bolster the defense of allies and partners and strengthen our ability to ‘fight tonight and win.’ This visit, especially when coupled with realistic all domain, joint and combined training, increases interoperability and ensures we build the readiness posture to deter aggression and maintain stability in the Republic of Korea and the region,” Brunson said. “The Carl Vinson’s presence here not only underscores the importance of both the maritime and air domains but also reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific by integrating these unique capabilities into our comprehensive all-domain approach.”

The group observed flight operations and discussed how to enhance capabilities of future combined operations between ROK and U.S. Navy. Rear Adm. Kim’s visit aboard Carl Vinson highlighted the partnership and collaboration between the U.S. and ROK and demonstrated the U.S. commitment to security and stability in the region.

“Deployment of the carrier strike group to the Korean peninsula is evidence that shows the determined willingness and executive ability for a robust combined defense posture of the Republic of Korea,” said Rear Adm. Kim.

USFK’s mission is to deter aggression, and if necessary, defend the ROK to maintain stability in Northeast Asia.

“Bringing senior U.S. and ROK leadership out to Vinson is an opportunity to showcase the strength, capability and lethality of a carrier strike group,” said Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski, commander, CNFK. “This visit reinforces our ironclad commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance, supporting stability and security in the region.”

CNFK is the U.S. Navy’s representative in the ROK. It provides leadership and expertise in naval matters that support the mission of USFK. CNFK works closely with the ROK Navy to improve institutional and operational effectiveness and to strengthen collective security efforts in the Korean Theater.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer Squadron ONE, Carrier Air Wing Two, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Carrier Air Wing Two is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from CSG-1 and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

MIL Security OSI –

March 4, 2025

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Government to turbocharge defence innovation

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