#government drone charging station

[nutellapanzer]

birb house

[warningsine]

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuelans-vote-highly-charged-election-amid-fraud-worries-2024-07-28/

CARACAS, July 28 (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival Edmundo Gonzalez were each claiming victory in a presidential election on Monday morning, after a vote marked by accusations of underhand tactics and isolated incidents of violence.

The country's electoral authority said just after midnight on Monday that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of the vote, despite multiple exit polls which pointed to an opposition win.

The authority said opposition candidate Gonzalez won 44% of the vote, though the opposition had earlier said it had "reasons to celebrate" and asked supporters to continue monitoring vote counts.

Maduro, appearing at the presidential palace before cheering supporters, said his reelection is a triumph of peace and stability and reiterated his campaign trail assertion that Venezuela's electoral system is transparent.

He will sign a decree on Monday to hold a "great national dialogue," Maduro added.

Fireworks sounded over Caracas, as lighted drones formed a brightly-colored image of Maduro in the sky above the presidential palace.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said Gonzalez had won 70% of the vote and that multiple independent exit polls and quick counts decisively showed his victory.

"Venezuela has a new president-elect and it is Edmundo Gonzalez. We won and the whole world knows it," she said in a joint statement with Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said he was not calling for supporters to take to the streets or commit any acts of violence.

A poll from Edison Research, known for its polling of U.S. elections, had predicted in an exit poll that Gonzalez would win 65% of the vote, while Maduro would win 31%.

Local firm Meganalisis predicted a 65% vote for Gonzalez and just under 14% for Maduro.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had "serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people."

Blinken called for electoral authorities to publish a detailed tabulation of votes.

About 80% of ballot boxes have been counted, said national electoral council (CNE) president Elvis Amoroso in a televised statement, adding results had been delayed because of an "aggression" against the electoral data transmission system.

The CNE has asked the attorney general to investigate the "terrorist actions" Amoroso said, adding participation was 59%.

The CNE is meant to be an independent body, but the opposition alleges its acts as an arm of the government.

The top opposition official meant to witness the overall national count was not allowed to and there were several polling stations where opposition observers were not allowed to observe, the opposition said on Sunday night.

Earlier Machado reiterated a call for the country's military to uphold the results of the vote. The opposition says it has copies of about 40% of voting records.

"A message for the military. The people of Venezuela have spoken: they don't want Maduro," she said earlier on X. "It is time to put yourselves on the right side of history. You have a chance and it's now."

Venezuela's military has always supported Maduro, a 61-year-old former bus driver and foreign minister, and there have been no public signs that leaders of the armed forces are breaking from the government.

STREET FIGHTS

Machado has been the star of the coalition campaign, despite a ban on her holding public office that forced her to pass the torch to Gonzalez, a 74-year-old ex-diplomat known for his calm demeanor.

Gonzalez won backing even from some former supporters of the ruling party, but the opposition and observers raised questions ahead of the vote as to whether it would be fair, saying decisions by electoral authorities and the arrests of opposition staff were meant to create obstacles.

Maduro – whose 2018 reelection is considered fraudulent by the United States, among others - had warned last week of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose.

Attorney General Tarek Saab told Reuters on Sunday evening that he did not anticipate any violence and that except for some isolated incidents voting had been peaceful.

Less than a block from Saab's office in central Caracas, dozens of ruling party supporters arrived together on motorcycles outside Andres Bello secondary school, the country's largest voting center, scuffling with opposition supporters gathered outside.

The crowd dispersed after about 20 minutes, but videos on social media showed similar incidents in other locations around the country.

The Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict said on X that armed groups of the motorcycle-riding ruling party supporters known as 'collectives' were reported in six states and Caracas.

One man died of a gunshot wound in the border state of Tachira after a collective attacked people outside a polling place, the Observatory said. Reuters could not independently verify the details of the incident.

Reuters journalists in seven locations around the country had reported morning lines outside polling stations, including some that opened late or where voting was moving slowly. Many voters had arrived before dawn.

"I work cleaning houses and my four grandchildren depend on me. I earn just $15 per week and that is enough to eat one day but not the next," said Luisa Gonzalez, 61, who voted in the state of Bolivar, traditionally a ruling party bastion.

"I was a Chavista, but people have changed," she said, using the term for ruling party supporters, a reference to the late President Hugo Chavez.

Maduro's government has presided over an economic collapse, the migration of about a third of the population, and a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations, crowned by sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union and others which have crippled an already struggling oil industry.

Maduro said if returned to power he would guarantee peace and economic growth, making Venezuela less dependent on oil income.

THE CHAVEZ LEGACY

Maduro voted early in the morning in Caracas and said the result announced by the electoral authorities would be recognized and defended by the armed forces and the police.

Maduro said he would decree a national dialogue on Monday, using a term that typically means conversations between the government and opposition, businesses, communities and others.

Many Maduro supporters speak enthusiastically of his mentor Chavez, and see Maduro, in power since Chavez's death in 2013, as a continuation of Chavez's legacy of helping the poor.

Others told Reuters they saw Maduro's record as mixed but that they would back him.

"There are things that without doubt need to improve in our country, but this government has lived through sanctions and blockades like no other. That's why I back President Maduro and think he deserves another chance," said Jose Lopez, 57, as he waited to vote in central Valencia.

Gonzalez and Machado promised major changes and said a fresh start may motivate migrants to return.

Forty-six people have been arbitrarily detained since Friday in connection with the elections, Gonzalo Himiob, the vice president of human rights organization Foro Penal, said on X late on Sunday, and at least 23 remain detained.

Saab this week denied participating in political persecution.

Migrants around the world reported difficulties registering and only a small percentage of the large Venezuelan diaspora was registered to vote.

[girlactionfigure]

🟣Thu morning - ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

▪️ASSUMED DEAD HOSTAGES.. (Ynet via Wall Street Journal) The number of hostages still alive may be much lower than what is believed in Israel, and may only reach 50. Wall Street Journal via mediators in the negotiations for the deal and an American official familiar with intelligence obtained by the US. Meaning 66 of those assumed being held captive in Gaza likely dead.

▪️MIN OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES - READY FOR BURIALS.. "The Ministry of Religious Services, which is in charge of the burial, is preparing itself for big scenarios in the north.”

▪️CORRECTION - US CARRIER BATTLEGROUP INBOUND (to Israel)?  NO - fake news. The report was: “CNN: The aircraft carrier Ford and accompanying fleet are on their way to the coast of Haifa in the north of the country.”

▪️EVERY PEEP OF ISRAELI POLITICS FOLLOWED.. (Amit Segal) A friend from the Emirates called today to find out when the government is collapsing. He follows Al Jazeera which reports on every peep in the government.  In the eyes of the terrorist network and its supporters, this is not a conflict in the coalition or politics, but more holes in the Zionist ship.

▪️HEZBOLLAH TOLD THE US ENVOY..

1. Hezbollah told the mediator that no threat to them will work.

2. If Israel wants to start a war - Israel should take into account that Iran that will intervene militarily and join Hezbollah (first time hearing this from a Hezbollah source).

3. Israel will face massive launches from Iran and Lebanon.

4. The reason for the publication of the video of the Hizbullah 'Dukifat' drone - because Hochstein conveyed messages that Israel gave an ultimatum to Hizbullah until the 26th of the month, in response Hizbullah threatened Israel again.

5. The 48-hour ceasefire was not because of the Feast of the Sacrifice, but a coordination between Iran and the US to lower tensions ahead of the envoys visit.

▪️RED SEA SHIPPING ATTACK via SUICIDE BOAT.. bomb laden drone boats are now being used by the Houthis, and are what hit and sank the Greek bulk carrier ship in the Red Sea.

.. US CENTCOM: in the last 24 hours destroyed two Houthi suicide boats in the Red Sea. In addition, destroyed two command and control stations of the Houthis.

▪️AID PIER.. contrary to many mainstream media reports, the US has reconnected the floating dock in Gaza after seas calmed.

▪️PROTESTS.. small group of protestors blocked the Ayalon highway north near La Guardia, “120 abductees are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, and the most burning issue on the agenda is political deals, exemption from conscription and appointing rabbis. Israeli government, cabinet - wake up!”

A small group blocked the Einat intersection with the same banners as well.

In most cases large professionally printed banners show these are planned and well financed protests.

▪️AIR TRAVEL.. A record number of passengers in Israel since the beginning of the war - today about 62,200 passengers will pass through Ben Gurion Airport on 376 incoming and outgoing international flights: about 33,300 will leave, about 28,900 will enter.  That remains much lower that before the war due to airline capacity, higher flight costs and reduced tourism.

▪️TAXES.. Treasury plan for 2025: child allowances and wages in the public sector will be cut, the sugar tax (sweetened drinks) will be returned. And also recommend a cut in the (discretionary) coalition funds and improving financial efficiency in the IDF.

♦️COUNTER-TERROR - TULKARM.. overnight IDF forces operating in Tulkarm.

♦️COUNTER-TERROR - Jenin.. IDF forces operating in Jenin this morning, 2 arrested.

⭕ HAMAS attacks Aid Transfer Port Kerem Shalom, via ROCKETS this morning - - again.

[nmsc-market-pulse]

Airbus: Soaring High in the Drone Market

Introduction:

Airbus S.A.S., a global leader in the aerospace industry, has made significant inroads into the rapidly expanding Drone Market. Renowned for its expertise in aviation and aerospace technology, Airbus is leveraging its core competencies to redefine the landscape of drone delivery and aerial mobility.

Download FREE Sample: https://www.nextmsc.com/drone-market/request-sample

Airbus' Strategic Approach: A Holistic Ecosystem

Airbus' strategy in the drone market centers on a holistic approach that encompasses:

Core Competencies: Leveraging expertise in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration to develop advanced drone platforms.

Urban Air Mobility (UAM): Integrating drone delivery services into a broader UAM ecosystem, encompassing passenger drones, cargo drones, and air taxis.

Infrastructure Development: Investing in the development of drone infrastructure, including charging stations, landing pads, and air traffic management systems.

Data Analytics and Optimization: Utilizing data analytics to optimize drone delivery routes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience.

Regulatory Engagement: Actively participating in the development of drone regulations to shape a favorable regulatory environment.

Inquire before buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/drone-market/inquire-before-buying

Airbus' Contributions to the Drone Market

Airbus' contributions to the drone market are multifaceted:

Advanced Drone Platforms: The company is developing cutting-edge drone platforms with extended range, payload capacity, and flight autonomy.

Hybrid Drone Concepts: Airbus is exploring hybrid drone designs that combine the advantages of fixed-wing and multi-rotor configurations.

Urban Air Mobility Ecosystem: The company is actively involved in developing a comprehensive UAM ecosystem, including drones, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management systems.

Integration with Existing Aviation Systems: Airbus is leveraging its expertise in aviation to seamlessly integrate drone operations into the broader airspace.

Focus on Safety and Security: The company prioritizes safety and security, incorporating advanced technologies and rigorous testing into drone development.

Airbus' Role in Shaping the Future

Airbus' strategic vision positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of the drone market. The company is likely to focus on:

Expanding Drone Capabilities: Developing drones with advanced features such as autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and payload flexibility.

Global Market Expansion: Expanding drone delivery services to new markets and regions, leveraging Airbus' global presence.

Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable practices into drone operations, using eco-friendly materials and reducing noise pollution.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with governments, cities, and other stakeholders to accelerate drone adoption.

Data Monetization: Leveraging data collected from drone operations to create new revenue streams and insights.

Case Studies: Airbus' Impact

To illustrate Airbus' role in the drone market, consider the following examples:

CityAirbus: Airbus' electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft concept demonstrates the company's commitment to urban air mobility and its potential application for drone delivery.

Cargo Drone Development: Airbus is actively developing cargo drones with increased payload capacity for delivering heavier packages.

Drone Infrastructure Investments: The company is investing in the development of droneports and charging stations to support the growth of drone delivery services.

Airbus' Focus on Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

Airbus sees UAM as a key growth area and is investing heavily in developing a comprehensive ecosystem. The company's vision includes:

Passenger Drones: Developing passenger drones for urban transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and improving mobility.

Cargo Drones: Integrating cargo drones into the urban logistics network for efficient delivery of goods and services.

Air Traffic Management: Developing advanced air traffic management systems for safe and efficient drone operations in urban environments.

Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary infrastructure, including vertiports and charging stations, to support UAM operations.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Airbus is a major player in the drone market, the company faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and technological limitations. However, the potential rewards are significant, including increased market share, revenue generation, and the opportunity to redefine urban transportation.

Airbus' focus on UAM and its ability to integrate drones into the broader aviation ecosystem position the company well to capitalize on the growing demand for air mobility solutions. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Airbus can solidify its leadership position in the drone market.

Conclusion

Airbus, with its deep-rooted expertise in aerospace engineering and a global presence, is poised to be a major player in the drone market. The company's focus on urban air mobility, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, positions it well for future growth.

As the drone market continues to evolve, Airbus' ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and technological advancements will be crucial for maintaining its leadership position. The company's success in developing safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly drone solutions will be essential for building public trust and expanding the adoption of drone technology.

[semper-legens]

34. The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune

Owned: No, library Page count: 398 My summary: Linus Baker is a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, assigned to orphanages to see that magical children are being properly cared for. Proper and by-the-book, he is assigned to a ‘problem’ orphanage on a remote island - an orphanage that hosts a female gnome, a wyvern, a forest sprite, a blob boy, a werewolf, and the literal antichrist. Linus is expecting the worst. But with every day that passes, Linus finds himself caring more and more for the odd family on the island, headed by mild-mannered Arthur Parnassus and Zoe the island sprite. And as time goes by, Linus begins to wonder if he has a life outside of paperwork... My rating: 4/5 My commentary:

This book comes very well-recommended. And it's entirely up my street. I mean, please, a book about a home full of magical children seen as strange by the world and facing a lot of prejudice, and the case worker who falls in love with them and their lives? That's got me written all over it. And it was a fun book! Very charming, very endearing. The kids were all delightful, the main character was interesting, and I loved the world this was set in. More under the cut!

Our protagonist is Linus Baker, a by-the-book case worker for the government's branch dealing with magical youth. He goes into orphanages, ensures everything's running as it should, then leaves. He doesn't have dreams or ambitions, he's just a drone. But on going to the island, he finds his humanity, and allows himself to desire. In general I like protagonists in this kind of fiction that aren't Hot Young Singles, so seeing this relatively mediocre middle-aged man was actually really interesting! And his romance with Arthur, the head of the orphanage, was sweet. They play very well off each other, you really get a sense for how deeply compatible these two men are. The kids are also a delight. Fundamentally they're all just weird kids with magic powers who don't much trust outsiders - my favourite was Chauncey, a blob-boy who really wants to be a bellhop. Why? Saw it in a movie once and became obsessed with the notion. Which is exactly how little kid special interests work.

Not only is the worldbuilding here interesting, it's also revealed in small doses or at natural times, such as Linus going over the Rules and Regulations or reading case files. Magical beings are a Thing in this world, and are an oppressed minority, with children being forced into orphanages or schools and often abused by their caretakers. The signalling is pretty clear - the See Something, Say Something posters mentioned to be all over the place are so reminiscent of the posters with the exact same slogan that are all over train stations targeting immigrants. But magical beings aren't exactly one metaphor. Arthur and Linus' status as gay men are also the metaphor, it's allegorically representing a broad spectrum of marginalised communities.

The biggest gripe I had with this book was that the stakes didn't feel all that high. The kids are shown to be capable, threats are dealt with reasonably quickly, and people warm up to the kids rapidly on meeting them. A few decide to hate them for what they are, but they're portrayed more as one-note bigots than anything else. I get the wider point the book was trying to make about prejudice and systemic inequality, and it's admittedly effective in showing how individuals are often powerless in the face of systemic prejudice, and how even systems that seem to be working well from an outside perspective can be rotten to the core. It's just simplistic in its worldview, which isn't by necessity that bad a thing, but I was hoping for a little more nuance.

Next up...come on, grab your friends.

[infiniumresearch789]

eVTOL Aircraft Market Projected to Reach $ 52.01 Billion by 2030, Growing at a CAGR of 22.43%

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft represent a transformative advancement in aviation, poised to revolutionize urban transportation. These aircraft combine the capabilities of helicopters and drones, offering the potential for efficient, fast, and environmentally friendly air mobility within urban landscapes. The global eVTOL aircraft market is experiencing rapid growth driven by technological innovations, the push for sustainable solutions, and the increasing need to alleviate urban traffic congestion. This article delves into the factors driving the market, the challenges it faces, its segmentation, and future outlook, providing a comprehensive overview of the eVTOL aircraft market. 

Market Drivers 

Technological Advancements 

One of the primary drivers of the eVTOL aircraft market is the significant technological advancements in aviation and electric propulsion systems. Innovations in battery technology, lightweight materials, and autonomous flight systems are enabling the development of efficient and reliable eVTOL aircraft. These advancements are not only enhancing the performance and safety of eVTOLs but also reducing their operational costs. The integration of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms is further improving the autonomous capabilities of these aircraft, making them viable for widespread urban use. 

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability 

The growing environmental concerns and the push for sustainable transportation solutions are significantly contributing to the adoption of eVTOL aircraft. Unlike traditional helicopters and airplanes, eVTOLs are powered by electric batteries, leading to zero-emission flights. This makes them an attractive option for reducing the carbon footprint of urban transportation. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly supporting the development and deployment of electric aviation as part of their broader environmental policies. Incentives and subsidies for electric vehicles, including eVTOLs, are expected to further propel market growth. 

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Congestion Reduction 

The rising urban population and the resulting traffic congestion in cities are driving the demand for innovative transportation solutions like eVTOL aircraft. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aims to create an aerial transportation network that can alleviate ground traffic, reduce travel time, and improve urban living conditions. eVTOL aircraft, with their ability to take off and land vertically, are ideally suited for urban environments where space is limited. The concept of air taxis and on-demand aerial ridesharing services is gaining traction, with several companies and municipalities exploring the feasibility of UAM networks. 

Market Restraints 

Regulatory Challenges 

One of the significant challenges facing the eVTOL aircraft market is the regulatory landscape. The development and deployment of eVTOLs require rigorous certification and regulatory approval to ensure safety and reliability. The current aviation regulatory framework is primarily designed for traditional aircraft and may not adequately address the unique characteristics of eVTOLs. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are working to develop new regulations and standards, but the process is complex and time-consuming. 

High Development Costs 

The development of eVTOL aircraft involves substantial investments in research and development, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The high costs associated with developing advanced propulsion systems, lightweight materials, and autonomous technologies can be a barrier to entry for new players. Additionally, establishing the necessary infrastructure, such as vertiports and charging stations, requires significant capital expenditure. While large aerospace companies and well-funded startups are leading the charge, smaller companies may struggle to compete in this capital-intensive market. 

Safety and Reliability Concerns 

Ensuring the safety and reliability of eVTOL aircraft is crucial for their acceptance and adoption. Any failure or malfunction could have severe consequences, given the urban environments these aircraft will operate in. While technological advancements are improving the safety features of eVTOLs, public perception and trust are also critical factors. Comprehensive testing, certification, and transparent communication about safety measures are essential to address these concerns. 

Market Segmentation 

By Lift Technology 

The eVTOL aircraft market can be segmented based on lift technology into vectored thrust, multirotor, lift + cruise, and others. Each of these technologies has its advantages and applications. Vectored thrust systems offer high-speed capabilities, making them suitable for longer routes, while multirotor systems provide better maneuverability and are ideal for shorter, urban routes. 

By Mode of Operation 

Segmentation by mode of operation includes piloted, remotely piloted, and fully autonomous eVTOLs. Currently, most eVTOLs are piloted or remotely piloted, but the future will likely see a shift towards fully autonomous operations as AI and machine learning technologies advance. 

By Application 

eVTOL aircraft applications are diverse, ranging from passenger transportation and cargo delivery to medical emergency services and military operations. Passenger transportation is expected to be the largest segment, driven by the development of air taxi services and UAM networks. Cargo delivery and logistics are also significant applications, offering the potential for rapid and efficient movement of goods. 

By Region 

Geographically, the eVTOL aircraft market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world. North America and Europe are leading the market due to strong regulatory support, technological advancements, and significant investments. Asia-Pacific is also emerging as a lucrative market, driven by rapid urbanization and increasing investments in smart city initiatives. 

Read More: https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com/market-reports/global-evtol-aircraft-market  

Competitive Landscape 

The eVTOL aircraft market is highly competitive, with numerous players ranging from established aerospace companies to innovative startups. Key players in the market include Joby Aviation, Lilium GmbH, Volocopter GmbH, and Archer Aviation, among others. These companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and extensive R&D to gain a competitive edge. For instance, Joby Aviation has partnered with Uber Elevate to develop an air taxi service, while Lilium is working on a regional air mobility network in Europe. 

Future Outlook 

The future of the eVTOL aircraft market looks promising, with significant growth expected over the next decade. Market forecasts predict robust expansion driven by technological advancements, increased urbanization, and the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions. The development of regulatory frameworks and standards will play a crucial role in shaping the market, ensuring safety and reliability. As infrastructure such as vertiports and charging stations becomes more widespread, the scalability and adoption of eVTOL aircraft will increase. 

Innovations in battery technology and autonomous flight systems will further enhance the performance and capabilities of eVTOLs, making them more viable for a broader range of applications. Additionally, the integration of eVTOLs into smart city initiatives and the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem will open up new opportunities for urban air mobility. 

Conclusion 

The global eVTOL aircraft market is at the forefront of transforming urban transportation, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the challenges of traffic congestion and environmental impact. Driven by technological advancements, regulatory support, and the growing demand for urban air mobility, the market is poised for significant growth. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, high development costs, and safety concerns must be addressed to realize the full potential of eVTOL aircraft. As the market evolves, continued innovation and strategic collaboration will be key to unlocking the future of urban air transportation. 

[swldx]

12095Khz 0359 18 JAN 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM)  in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55434. English, ID@0359z pips and Newsroom preview. @0401z World News anchored by Roisin Hastie. The US has carried out a fourth round of strikes on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, Pentagon officials confirmed on Wednesday night. The strikes come as the US designated the Houthis as "global terrorists". Wednesday's strikes on Houthi targets followed further attacks on commercial shipping. Hours earlier, the group struck a US owned and operated vessel for the second time this week. The rebels used a one-way drone to target the M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden, Centcom said. The ship suffered some damage, but no crew members were injured in the attack. Singapore's transport minister S Iswaran has resigned after he was formally informed of charges, including that of corruption, by the country's anti-graft agency after months of investigations. On Thursday, Iswaran appeared in court and was handed 27 charges. There were 24 charges of obtaining gratification as a public servant, two charges of corruption and one charge of obstructing the course of justice. He pleaded not guilty. China and the Philippines agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks in regards to issues around the South China Sea, their foreign ministries said in a statement. The public prosecutor who was leading the investigation into the on-air assault on an Ecuadorian television station has been shot and killed in a brazen daylight attack in the crime-ridden city of Guayaquil. Ecuador has been shaken by a dramatic surge in violence, including the dramatic attack on the studio of TC Television in Guayaquil, the hostage-taking of more than 200 prison staff, explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers. Colombian police say they have arrested a Venezuelan suspected of involvement in the alleged attempted assassination in Madrid last year of a co-founder of Spain’s far-right Vox party. Greg Oliver Higuera Marcano was wanted in connection with last year’s shooting of Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a former leader of Spain’s main rightwing political party in Catalonia who went on to co-found Vox, and is a former vice-president of the European parliament. A Salvadoran woman has been freed from prison more than seven years after she was convicted for having an abortion. The 28-year-old, identified only as Lilian, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2015. She gave birth to a girl in a public hospital in 2015, but the baby suffered health complications and died there three days later. There is a total ban on abortion in El Salvador, which has one of the world's strictest anti-abortion laws. Prosecutors had accused Lilian of not taking care of the foetus during her pregnancy, and she was charged with negligence and aggravated murder. Lilian, who has a 10-year-old daughter, has always maintained her innocence, and said she never intended to terminate her pregnancy. Rishi Sunak has succeeded in getting his key Rwanda bill through the House of Commons after a Tory rebellion failed to materialise. The bill, which aims to stop legal challenges against ministers' plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was approved by 320 votes to 276 votes. The bill now goes to the House of Lords where it will face stiff opposition. On Wednesday, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick tabled an amendment which would permit the UK government to ignore parts of human rights law in relation to sending people to Rwanda. The Princess of Wales is to stay in hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery. The palace did not disclose further details about her condition but said it is not cancer-related. @0406z "The Newsroom" begins. Backyard gutter antenna, Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2159.

[navoarch]

Technology in Construction industry

Every sector in the world is adopting modern technologies to optimise delivery. Delivery could be in terms of minimising time, minimising human inference/error, maximising output. Construction industry also could not be escaped from this technology driven world. It is developing multiple new age software based on machine learning and AI to solve on site issues. Few of the areas where research and developments are going are: 

Survey - Aerial survey through advanced drone will help in reducing both manpower and unreachable terrain issue. Few of the key challenges are having high battery life to complete survey in one go as it is difficult to get charging stations in remote areas. Drones should be trained properly to fetch all possible required data without any error. Continuous connectivity with drone from the base station needs good network bandwidth which was not available in most areas.

BIM software - BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management. It enables architects, engineers, developers, contractors, fabricators, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and build any structure or building in a single 3D model. It may also involve the management and operation of a building (and therefore the management of building information) using data that is accessible to the owner of the building or facility. This data allows governments, municipalities, and property managers to make informed decisions based on the information provided by the model, even after the construction of the building.

Inspection and Error minimization – Regular inspection is one of the manpower and time-consuming activity in construction industry. Still after putting so much money also we never gets 100% assurance on safety and quality. One of the major reason behind this gap is human error and this can be eradicated by using ML and AI. Machine will be trained through deep leaning and AI technology to take decisions at every step. Major challenge will be collecting good quality of data which will be used in training machine.

3D Printing - 3D printing as a construction technology can change the source of materials. For prefabrication, project materials can be printed and shipped to the site for immediate use. This allows you to get to the hardware faster and simplify the process by eliminating extra steps in between. 3D printing allows direct printing of materials at the construction site, reducing waste, transport and storage costs. However, one of the current challenges associated with adopting this technology is limiting mass production. Some 3D printers can be made on a large scale, but they are very expensive.

Data collection – For future optimization through various methods needs qualified data. So, data should be collected and recorded at every stage of the construction project.

Reference: - https://www.devicemagic.com/blog/6-types-of-construction-technology-you-will-use-in-the-future/, https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/what-is-bim-building-information-modeling,

Call us at:- 91-6747961718 or visit us at:-navoarch.com

[rohitpalan]

Consumer Behavior and Market Adoption of Cellular IoT Modules

According to Future Market Insight, the cellular IoT modules market is worth US$ 16.88 Bn in 2023 and US$ 20.83 Bn by 2033. A CAGR of 23.4% is anticipated in the market during the forecast period.

It is projected that the rising adoption of 5G technology drives further market expansion. Demand for cellular IoT modules is expected to rise as a result of the 5G technology’s increased data speeds, lower latency, and more coverage.

The growth of mHealth services and government initiatives to support IoT in healthcare are also expected to contribute to the cellular IoT module market expansion. The overall market share is being impacted by the expansion of healthcare facilities and the rising demand for healthcare services.

A crucial component of cellular IoT security policy is cloud-based security, as insecure cloud infrastructure increases the risk of data theft and device piracy. For instance, a drone used for surveillance or delivery can process information like imaging data and navigational instructions on its own.

Request a Sample Copy of the Report https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-15890

Applications of Cellular IoT Modules in Different Industries

Automotive Industry: The sales of cellular IoT modules in the automotive industry are expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the increased demand for connected automobiles. Since connected automobiles allow communication between vehicles and with the outside world, the automotive industry is projected to undergo substantial change as a result.

Telecom Industry: Currently, the telecom industry improves the cellular IoT modules market outlook. The market’s expansion is also aided by the industry’s rapid digitization and growing level of automation. Solutions for the Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Long-Term Evolution for Machines are being implemented by numerous medium-sized and large-scale businesses.

Key Takeaways 

The cellular IoT module market is likely to register at a CAGR of 23.4% during the forecast period.

Historically, the cellular IoT module market registered at a CAGR of 17% between 2018 and -2022.

The value of the cellular IoT module market is expected to be US$ 20.83 Bn by 2033.

Based on components, the hardware segment is likely to register at a 26.5% CAGR in the cellular IoT module market.

North America shows significant growth in the cellular IoT module market by 2033.

During the forecast period, the cellular IoT module market in China is likely to dominate.

Get More Information on this Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cellular-iot-module-market

Competitive Landscape 

The inclusion of cellular IoT modules in the product lines of telematics solution providers has made it easier for fleet managers and off-highway vehicle OEMs to gather and analyze data to identify significant patterns and issues in the field’s instrumentation usage.

Furthermore, it is projected that a number of elements, such as robust security, ubiquitous quality, and resilient networks, would energize the sector over the coming several years.

Recent Developments:

In order to fulfill the rising need from the industry for smart-grid communications between charging stations and automobiles, Qualcomm developed a new power line communication device in May 2022.

In order to address the communication needs of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has developed the QCA7006AQ, a next-generation power line communication (PLC) device (EVSE).

The HL7845 Module was developed by Sierra Wireless in April 2021. The standard provides a 450 MHz wireless spectrum to meet the IoT connectivity requirements of European utility services.

In February 2021, Fibocom partnered with Red Tea, a leading provider of connection solutions, and Deutsche Telekom, the largest integrated telecoms company in the world, to ensure that it only provided best-in-class advertising nuSIM IoT components.

Key segments

By Component:

Hardware

Software

By Cellular Technology:

3G

4G

5G

LTE-M

NB-Iot

Others

By End Use Industry:

Agriculture

Healthcare

Retail

Energy

Automotive & Transportation

Infrastructure

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia and Pacific

Middle East & Africa

[marketreports123]

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Market Size & Share, Growth Trends 2023-2027 

The projected expansion of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Market suggests an estimated growth of USD 5,280.25 million between 2022 and 2027, with a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.5% during the forecast period. This growth is influenced by various factors, including the rising utilization of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft in military applications, the demand for efficient logistics and last-mile delivery solutions, and the increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly and noise-reduced aircraft. 

To learn more about this report, Request Free Sample 

Market Overview 

The Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Market is a rapidly emerging and transformative sector in the aviation and transportation industry, aiming to provide efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions for urban mobility. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the dynamics, trends, key players, and future prospects of the UAM market. 

The Urban Air Mobility Market is witnessing remarkable growth and evolution, driven by several key factors: 

Urbanization and Congestion: The increasing urban population and traffic congestion in cities worldwide have created a pressing need for innovative mobility solutions. 

Advancements in Technology: Ongoing advancements in electric propulsion, autonomous flight, and air traffic management are making urban air mobility more feasible. 

Environmental Sustainability: UAM solutions are often electric or hybrid, aligning with the global focus on reducing emissions and fostering sustainability. 

Regulatory Framework: Governments and aviation authorities are working to develop regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe integration of UAM into urban airspace. 

Market Segmentation 

To gain a deeper understanding of the Urban Air Mobility Market, it can be divided into several segments: 

Vehicle Types: UAM encompasses a variety of aerial vehicles, from electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to drones and air taxis. 

Use Cases: UAM serves a range of use cases, including urban commuting, medical transport, goods delivery, and more. 

Infrastructure Development: The market includes infrastructure components like vertiports, charging stations, and air traffic management systems. 

Geographical Regions: UAM market dynamics may vary by region, with North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others each showcasing unique developments. 

Key Market Players 

Several companies have taken a lead role in shaping the Urban Air Mobility Market: 

Joby Aviation: Joby Aviation is a prominent player in the eVTOL aircraft industry, with a focus on creating urban air taxis for passenger transport. 

Volocopter: Volocopter specializes in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility, aiming to offer on-demand, emission-free transportation. 

EHang: EHang is known for its autonomous aerial vehicles and air mobility solutions, contributing to the development of the aerial passenger transport sector. 

Uber Elevate: Uber Elevate is working on the integration of urban air mobility into its ride-sharing platform, aiming to provide seamless urban transportation options. 

Market Trends 

Understanding current market trends is essential for stakeholders in the Urban Air Mobility Market: 

Vertiports and Infrastructure: Development of vertiports and charging infrastructure is critical to support the growth of UAM. 

Public Acceptance and Education: Educating the public and garnering acceptance for UAM is crucial for its successful integration into urban transportation. 

Regulatory Progress: The establishment of clear and flexible regulatory frameworks is essential for safe UAM operations. 

Collaboration and Partnerships: Companies are forming strategic partnerships and collaborations to accelerate UAM development and deployment. 

Future Prospects 

The Urban Air Mobility Market's future holds several promising opportunities: 

Expanded Service Areas: UAM services are expected to expand beyond urban centers, connecting suburban and rural areas. 

Economic Viability: As UAM technology matures, it is expected to become a cost-effective mode of urban transportation. 

Reduced Emissions: UAM's shift toward electric and hybrid propulsion systems aligns with global sustainability goals. 

Autonomous Operations: The development of autonomous UAM vehicles will further enhance safety and accessibility. 

In conclusion, the Urban Air Mobility Market represents a transformative shift in urban transportation, offering innovative and sustainable solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and improve mobility. With continued technological advancements and regulatory support, UAM is poised to revolutionize how people and goods move within urban areas. 

For more detailed information and insights, Explore the Sample Report PDF 

About Technavio 

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. 

Contacts 

Technavio Research  Jesse Maida  Media & Marketing Executive  US: +1 844 364 1100  UK: +44 203 893 3200  Email: media@technavio.com  Website: www.technavio.com 

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Why Consumers Are Mad About Inflation Even Though It Has Fallen (WSJ) Inflation has fallen sharply in the past year. The economy remains strong. Yet Americans remain deeply unhappy about the economy, often citing inflation. One big reason: While economists and the Federal Reserve focus on inflation, which is the rate of change in prices, Americans in their everyday lives usually focus on the absolute price of the things they need and want. On that front, prices for many items remain well above their levels just before or at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and aren’t likely to return to where they were. “The fact that inflation has come down doesn’t mean prices have come down,” said Tim Quinlan, senior economist at Wells Fargo.

The House removed Kevin McCarthy as speaker in an unprecedented vote. (WSJ) Democrats sided with a band of GOP dissidents to oust the Republican leader after nine months of fighting with a hard-right conservative wing of his party and days after he engineered legislation to avert a government shutdown. McCarthy was vulnerable because of the GOP’s 221-212 majority. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) this week led the charge to remove McCarthy; the measure passed 216 to 210. It was unclear who the next speaker nominee for Republicans would be.

UN approves Haiti security mission to fight gangs (AP/Guardian) The U.N. Security Council has decided to send Kenyan armed forces into Haiti. The decision marks the first time that armed forces will be entering the country in almost 20 years, though the U.S. has unofficially interfered in Haiti multiple times during that timespan. Under Monday’s resolution, the Kenyan-led force will be active in Haiti for one year, with funding provided on a voluntary basis—the U.S. has already pledged up to $200 million. The deployment comes in response to widespread gang violence, which has grown following the effective end of its democratically-elected government—the country is now nominally ruled by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is backed by the international community. While the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. said she was confident that Kenyan forces would be able to handle the situation in Haiti, critics have raised questions about the police force’s humanitarian record.

E.U. diplomats rally in Kyiv as cracks grow in West’s support (Washington Post) A delegation of top European foreign ministers was in Kyiv on Monday in a show of solidarity with an embattled government. E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell billed their arrival in the Ukrainian capital as part of a “historic meeting” with a candidate for membership of the European Union. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared that the future of Ukraine would be within the bloc and hailed the continent’s “community of freedom, which will stretch from Lisbon to Luhansk.” Ukraine’s present is far less rosy, with its province in Luhansk among the territories under Russian control and occupation. A slow going Ukrainian counteroffensive, outfitted by Western governments, is battering against Russian fortifications across a vast front line spanning the country’s south and east. Casualties are mounting, while concerns grow over the flow of vital foreign aid that Ukraine needs to sustain its resistance to Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine is using a warfare tool as old as time in its conflict against Russia: decoys. (WSJ) The bogus howitzers, radar stations and mortars are used to lure Moscow’s missiles, shells and drones. The logic? Every weapon that strikes the fakes is one fewer danger to real equipment and troops. High-quality replicas made from rigid plastic foam, plumbing and scrap equipment can help mislead an enemy about attack plans or how well defended an area is, deterring an assault. Kyiv declined to comment on how widely used they are, but fakes likely account for some of the weapons Moscow claims to have destroyed on the battlefield, which exceed the numbers in Ukraine’s arsenal. Russia also deploys decoys; their effectiveness is uncertain.

Azerbaijan moves to reaffirm control of Nagorno-Karabakh as the Armenian exodus slows to a trickle (AP) The last bus carrying ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh left the region Monday, completing a grueling weeklong exodus of over 100,000 people—more than 80% of its residents—after Azerbaijan reclaimed the area in a lightning military operation. Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said some people had died during the exhausting and slow journey over the single mountain road into Armenia that took as long as 40 hours. The exodus followed a nine-month Azerbaijani blockade of the region that left many suffering from malnutrition and lack of medicine. Azerbaijan Interior Ministry spokesman Elshad Hajiyev told The Associated Press on Monday the country’s police have established control of the entire region.

Turkey detains hundreds in raids following suicide bomb attack (Foreign Policy) Turkish authorities have arrested at least 928 suspects in connection to the suicide bomb attack of the capital Ankara on Sunday. Police carried out raids in 64 Turkish provinces to detain people suspected of forming part of the intelligence structure of the outlawed Kurdish Workers’ Party.

India tells Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats (Reuters) India has told Canada that it must repatriate 41 diplomats by Oct. 10, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. Ties between India and Canada have become seriously strained over Canadian suspicion that Indian government agents had a role in the June murder in Canada of a Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who India had labeled a “terrorist”. The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the Indian demand, said India had threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of those diplomats told to leave who remained after Oct. 10.

Communist rappers are luring young disgruntled Chinese (Economist) To mark china’s National Day on October 1st, the Communist Youth League sent a message to its nearly 18m followers on Weibo, a microblog platform. “Today, as protagonists of this era, we will write new legends on this sacred land!” it urged. Attached was a music video, its lyrics suffused with similar patriotic rhetoric and interspersed with clips of speeches by Mao Zedong and the country’s current leader, Xi Jinping. So far, so predictable. The surprise was the singer and his style: a rapper whose early songs about drugs and violence were deemed unfit for public airing. gai, as he is known, has turned a new leaf. He is now the league’s mc. The Communist Party’s youth wing is a vast organisation that plays a big role in China’s political life. It indoctrinates people aged between 14 and 28 in the party’s ideology, provides a training ground for potential party members and helps the party to identify talent that can be groomed for high office. It also has an outward-facing task: spreading the party’s message among young people with no political ties. After he assumed power in 2012, Mr Xi clearly worried that the league was not up to the job. Officials admitted that it had become out of touch with young Chinese. The Party has begun to turn to rappers, including gai, to make itself appear more in tune with the country’s youth.

Israeli Herders Spread Across West Bank, Displacing Palestinians (NYT) In the abandoned sheep pens of Al Baqa, a remote Palestinian hamlet in the West Bank, you can still smell the livestock. But the sheep themselves, as well their shepherds, have vanished. The 54 Palestinian residents of the hamlet pulled down most of their huts and left with their animals en masse after a group of Israeli herders set up a rival farmstead a few dozen yards away in June. The Palestinians said the Israeli herders, who often carry guns, tried to intimidate them by wandering around the hamlet and sometimes through their homes at night. On the eerie, arid mountainside, only the Israelis remain. “Their job was to provoke us,” said Muhammad Mleihat, 59, one of the village leaders, who decamped to a valley five miles away. “They want to empty the area,” he added. Across remote parts of the West Bank, the mountainous territory occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, Palestinian herding communities are abandoning their homes at a rate that has no recorded precedent, according to the United Nations. Simultaneously, Israeli settlers are establishing wildcat herding outposts at close to record levels. The result has been the accelerated expansion of an Israeli civilian presence across large and strategic tracts of the territory—more than 140 square miles, according to Kerem Navot—and the simultaneous retreat of Palestinians from the same rural areas.

Hunching Over Your Computer Like a Buzzard Is Not Helping Your Back (NYT) My fragrance of choice for the past year is eau de menthol pain patch. I’ve had chronic back pain, but the cause is not a mystery: I hunch over my computer for hours at a time. Call it “online spine,” “computer-generated back pain,” or, in my case, “Mac back.” Unlike “tech neck,” a common term for repetitive strain caused by looking down at phones and tablets, back pain caused by hunching over a computer can afflict the neck, shoulders and entire back, said Dr. Nnaemeka Echebiri, a physiatrist who specializes in spine and musculoskeletal medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. A 2021 study of 2,000 people who worked on computers found that 48 percent had back and neck pain. And a 2021 meta-analysis suggested that prolonged sitting was a “significant risk factor” for lower back pain. If you really want to reduce chances of dealing with “online spine,” set a timer to get up and move every half-hour, if only for a few minutes, said Cara Prideaux, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic. “Any activity is better than none,” Dr. Prideaux said. And, for the more sedentary among us, “micro-movement strategies,” like fidgeting, might help stave off certain kinds of back pain.

Sprinters in the wind after anti-doping officials arrive at Delhi meet (Reuters) A competitive runner at the Delhi State Athletics Championship in India found himself all alone at the starting line for the final men’s 100-meter race last week after his seven opponents withdrew from the event at the last minute. Although they cited “muscle strains” and ���cramps” as reasons for their absences, organizers suspect it had a lot more to do with the fact that government anti-doping officials had shown up to give the runners surprise mandatory tests. One junior steeplechase athlete apparently didn’t get the memo in time for her race, though—so when she crossed the finish line, she just kept going, hoping to outrun the anti-doping officials who were waiting to test her. They caught her … eventually.

[xtruss]

Scott Ritter: MQ-9 Drone Incident: Biden's Dangerous Escalation

A US surveillance drone crashed off the coast of Crimea after an encounter with a Russian fighter aircraft. What does this incident say about the current state of the war in Ukraine and where Russia and the US might go from here.

In 2015, the United States established a permanent training facility in Yavoriv, western Ukraine, for the express purpose of training Ukrainian soldiers for combat against Russia.

At that time the conflict in Ukraine was an internal affair, pitting the Ukrainian Army against Ukrainians of ethnic-Russian background who had rebelled against a US-backed coup which, in February 2014, saw the constitutionally elected government of President Viktor Yanukovych replaced by a pro-American government.

This new Ukrainian government, hand-picked by the US, was deeply infused with radical ultra-nationalism linked to the ideology of Stepan Bandera and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, or OUN, which fought alongside Nazi Germany during the Second World War and whose members were responsible for the murder of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Many of the Ukrainians being trained by the US military were affiliated with the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, an organization which many in the US Congress at the time found so odious that the passed an amendment to the defense authorization act prohibiting US taxpayer dollars from being used to train its members.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. © Photo: US Air Force Photo/Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt/

These restrictions aside, there can be no doubt that the purpose of the US training mission in Ukraine was to prepare the Ukrainian military to go to war against Russia. That the US training not only instructed the Ukrainians troops on modern combined arms maneuver warfare, but also sought to elevate the Ukrainians to the same standard used to train the forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), provided the first inkling that any future conflict between Ukraine and its disenfranchised ethnic Russian population that involved Russia would be far more than a simple confrontation between two regional neighbors, but a larger war between Russia and the US and NATO—the so-called "collective west", using Ukraine as a proxy.

This reality was amplified further with the provision by the US and NATO of advanced anti-tank missile systems and other lethal military assistance.

Even before Russia initiated the Special Military Operation, in February 2022, the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO began a program of intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian armed forces at the highest levels. Once the Russian troops moved across the border, the nature of this intelligence relationship shifted away from providing indications and warning of an impending attack, to the provision of operational and tactical intelligence about Russian military disposition, capabilities, and intent that was used by Ukraine to target Russian forces.

While the US and its NATO allies are understandably reticent about the nature of this intelligence, and the sources from which it is derived, over time it has become clear that every available intelligence collection platform is being used to gather relevant data about Russian military operations in support of the Special Military Operation.

It is also clear that this intelligence is used by joint operational planning cells comprised of US/NATO/Ukrainian forces to develop targets in real time, which are then transmitted to Ukrainian forces.

One of the more ubiquitous intelligence resources employed by the US in support of Ukraine is the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 is a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by the Air Force. It is remotely operated by a two-person team from a ground control station that is connected to the MQ-9 using satellite equipment. The team includes a qualified pilot who is responsible for flying the aircraft and an enlisted aircrew member who is charged with operating any onboard sensors or weapons the MQ-9 might be carrying.

The MQ-9 has a wingspan of 66 feet, is 36 feet long, 12 feet high, and weighs approximately 4,900 pounds. It is capable of flying at altitudes as high as 50,000 feet and has a range of some 1,400 miles. It can carry a wide variety of weapons and intelligence collection pods. Each MQ-9 costs about $32 million. The MQ-9 Reapers operating over the Black Sea are flown out of a Romanian Air Force base in Campia Turzii by members of the US Air Force’ Detachment 1, 31st Expeditionary Operations Group.

On March 14, 2023, an MQ-9 Reaper operating out of Campia Turzii was flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, west of Crimea. This was a standard flight profile for the MQ-9 Reaper, one that had the Russians concerned, given its proximity to sensitive Russian military installations.

Ukraine had a history of launching operations against Russian forces in Crimea using aerial and underwater drones, and the potential for intelligence collected by the MQ-9 Reaper being used in support of such attacks was very real. For this purpose, the Russian military had declared certain areas off the coast of Crimea as being off limits.

The US, however, does not recognize Russia’s claim to Crimea, or for that matter the four new territories of Kherson, Zaporozhye, Donetsk and Lugansk, that joined the federation following referendums held in September 2022 and, as such, does not recognize any claim regarding the establishment of no-fly zones by Russia in support of its ongoing military operations against Ukraine. The decision to fly the MQ-9 Reaper was made knowing Russia would object, or worse.

Indeed, Russia dispatched a pair of Su-27 fighter aircraft to intercept the MQ-9 Reaper. After making 19 passes at the Reaper, the Su-27’s conducted what can only be described as aggressive maneuvering designed to either compel the MQ-9 Reaper to depart the area, or else bring it down. After one particular incident, which may or may not have involved one or more Su-27 aircraft dumping fuel onto the Reaper, the MQ-9 lost control and crashed into international waters off the coast of Crimea.

***************

What Message Does Black Sea Reaper Crash Send About US Spying Missions and Double Standards? "The United States and NATO have created an already intolerable situation around Russian borders, especially in the Black Sea region. They are present there in different capacities. There are [US/NATO] reconnaissance aircraft and drones [in the region]," Ivan Konovalov, a military expert and political analyst, told Sputnik. (March 15, 2023)

"NATO combat aircraft are also periodically present there," Konovalov continued. "The actions of Russian aviation are completely justified. And the objections from the American or NATO side are simply ridiculous. We always have a question: what are you doing there at all?"

"[H]ad they touched the [drone's] propeller, I think it would have been a catastrophe not only for that drone, but for the Russian Sukhoi as well. So it was only, I think, pushed by the exhaustion from the engine of the Sukhoi aircraft," Dr. Victor Mizin, a political scientist with the Institute for International Studies at MGIMO University, told Sputnik, rubbishing the US' account of the events.

"These double standards, they have always been there," Igor Istomin, lead research fellow at the Center for Advanced American Studies, MGIMO University, told Sputnik. "[T]his is not the first American drone shot down, and they had incidents with Iran, there were incidents a few years ago with China, and there was an underwater drone with China being accused of ruining it. The United States openly proclaims that it believes that its military has the right to operate around the world, and that this is good [for everyone]. According to them, this ensures security, democracy, and freedom for the whole world (…) I think that a significant part of the American elites do not have any sense of dissonance with what has happened."

Without question, the United States was conducting an intelligence operation in the Black Sea region near Crimea. It was only a happy accident that this drone was unarmed. But Reapers, they can be used as attack drones, they can be armed. So the military threat, which the approximation of this Reaper drone posed to Russia, was absolutely real and the Russian actions were, without question, legitimate. Dmitry Suslov — Deputy director of the Center for European and International Studies at Russia’s Higher School of Economics and deputy director of research at the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.

"[U]nfortunately, it's not the first and it's not the last [incident], because such kind of monitoring is going on, especially when Russia is in open military conflict in Ukraine," Dr. Victor Mizin said. "And of course, we already have seen many NATO reconnaissance aircraft like Poseidon and others close to the Russian borders, both in the region of [the] Baltics and also in the Black Sea."

"[The Biden administration] assumes that raising stakes and increasing pressure will work to exhaust Russia. The scenario of a direct military confrontation, I emphasize once again, is regarded by the United States as undesirable," Istomin suggested.

"Internally this incident will strengthen the position of those in the United States who argue in favor of more restraint, who claim that the risks of direct military clash between NATO and Russia are real, not illusionary," suggested Suslov. "And thus, in order to avoid the escalation of the Ukrainian conflict into full-fledged World War III, the United States must exercise more restraint. This is a position which is exemplified by the two major Republican candidates to the next presidential elections in the United States, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis."

"Even before the incident and probably much more, so to say, using it or profiting from it, there are some calls that actually the United States or NATO should provide F-16s to bolster, to prop up Kiev’s military capabilities. And so I think that this drive, this push to break out of this situation of restraint and to provide Kiev with aircraft now will be only growing." (March 15, 2023)

*****************

RQ-4 Global Hawk

It is believed that Russian forces dispatched from Crimea recovered most, if not all, the wreckage, including the top-secret intelligence pod that had been mounted under the left wing of the aircraft. If this is the case, critical US intelligence collection capabilities would have been compromised, allowing Russia to better protect itself from sensors like the one carried onboard the downed MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.

While the US State Department has declared that the US will continue to fly missions in international airspace, the Commander of US forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli has ordered all MQ-9 Reaper operations to be halted pending a review of the incident and a decision on how best to proceed.

The fact that the US is using the MQ-9 Reaper to fly in direct support of Ukrainian military forces make the aircraft a direct participant in the conflict, and as such a legitimate target for Russia. Russia’s decision not to shoot the MQ-9 down, but rather provide multiple opportunities for the US aircraft to disengage and leave the contested airspace, is indicative of Russia’s desire to avoid unnecessary escalation of the conflict, especially one that could have US and Russian forces engaged in direct combat.

One of the options that the US could consider would be to fly the MQ-9 with a US fighter escort. But this would be contested by Russia, leading to the possibility of a dogfight that could result in casualties on both sides, and the probability of escalation. At the end of the day, the US will probably seek to fly an MQ-9 Reaper on a course that comes close to, but does not violate, a declared Russian no-fly zone, after which MQ-9 Reaper flights along the Crimean coast will probably discontinued.

There are other ways to collect the intelligence that the MQ-9 Reaper gathers which do not put US military assets at risk, and which do not provide the possibility of military escalation between the US and Russia.

Such a decision would be a sharp departure from the confrontational stance taken to date by the US when it comes to intelligence collection targeting Russia. However, the devolving military situation in Ukraine, with the Ukrainian military facing a decisive defeat in Bakhmut and in general, alters the risk-gain analysis that accompanies the decision to fly missions such as the one that resulted in the downed MQ-9 aircraft. With little chance of a Ukrainian victory in sight, the US will be looking for ways to deescalate, rather than escalate, its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Whether or not the MQ-9 Reaper incident will result in a top-down review of incidents of this nature, for example prompting the Biden administration to reflect on the apparent hypocrisy of the US approach toward responding to the Chinese balloon “threat”, namely by shooting the balloon down, while condemning the more restrained approach taken by Russia in responding to a genuine military threat on its borders in an active warzone, is yet to be seen. Such an abut-face would be unlikely, given the current political climate, where Russophobia runs rampant.

The fact remains that as long as the US is engaged in the implementation of a wartime policy that seeks the strategic defeat of Russia, the possibility for rational, logic-based policy formulation and implementation on the part of the US is almost nil.

The shortest path for the normalization of US-Russian relations lays in a decisive victory being achieved by Russia over Ukraine and the collective west in the shortest time possible. Such an outcome would force the US and its NATO allies to reexamine their approach toward Russia based upon the ne realities that would accrue from such an outcome.

— William Scott Ritter Jr. is an American Author, Pundit, Former United States Marine Corps Intelligence Officer and Former United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) Weapons Inspector. March 16, 2023. Sputnik International

[dwestfieldblog]

ARIES THE ASTRAGENDER

‘An abyss that laughs at creation’

(This was mostly written before the previous blog about my mother. A deep gratitude to all those in five countries who sent their sympathy for my grief. Right now is only three weeks since mum dreamed away and I am still nowhere near being at terms with her passing. If tears are truly cleansing then I should be pure by now but I am really really not.) Anyway…into the starlit mire…

So, almost 15 BILLION pounds was spent on unsable/overpriced personal protective equipment against Covid in the UK. More money is now being spent destroying or storing the crap…but it made many friends of the Tory party verrry happy. It is understood that in times of severe crises a government should act fast to ensure supply essential goods but 15 BILLION pounds of useless stank? Risible Sunak was chancellor of the Exchequer overseeing this swindle and is now in charge of using public money in legal fees to scrape back some meagre scraps. And still he grins in the face of disdain and fury. And Matt Hancock is guilty of everything he appears to be. Weasel.

Gas and electric companies increasing direct debits whilst sending out letters saying it will save us money. (A little like net companies with their ‘We care about your privacy’ messages.) And posting colossal profits while paying a private security company to break into pensioners homes to install pay as you go meters. Yes really. England 2023.

And the UK government wants to pull out of the European Court of Human Rights. As with ALL previously stupid political ideas in the last century and further, this has been sold to ‘the people’ in soundbites as a good idea…this time because it will free us from red tape and enable the UK to expel dirty criminal immigrants arriving on boats. Perhaps so, but it will also mean you and I have far fewer rights and way less recourse to appeal mistaken judgements and support civil liberties of the individual, including the right to demonstrate protest. The ECHR has overturned many dumb British verdicts over the years. And only Russia and Belarus have ever left (expelled rather) Nice trio.

The male and female Tory excrescences Boris and Truss continue to try and hog/pig the limelight, as usual spending all their energy trying to regain power rather than do anything whatsoever to serve their country. These are the type of leaders that we used to take the piss out of in other dodgy countries. Neither have a nanosecond of moral shame and speaking of which…Michael Gove appears to now have the casting vote as Housing secretary as to whether the Chinese super embassy spy station will be allowed in London. That’s right, Michael Gove. Bug eyed dancing alien hamster. Meanwhile the very smart Internet of Things via the Middle Kingdom continues big brothering us. Chinese microchips monitoring us all in the UK and relaying the info via the immaculate 5G network. That’s right a trojan horse in your car, laptop, home security and our weapons systems. (And 230 (of 337) drones used by our police force are linked up too). All Chinese firms must, by law, hand over information as and when required to Beijing. Not as if this has sneakily crept up on this sceptred isle but hard it is these days/decades to separate wheat from chaff in terms of insane conspiracy ideas, eh?

And Adolf Putin is now claiming that Russia and China can ‘stabilise’ the world. For the love of the laughing Buddha. Doesn’t seem too likely if China begins (or continues) to supply Vlad with weapons to kill more unarmed pensioners in tower blocks. Or ‘Nazis’ as the pintsize baldhead calls them. Beijing obviously feels perturbed at the West’s defence of a democratic country which wants bugger all to do with their foully run neighbour who would absorb and control. Tibet and Taiwan are not China. Ukraine is not Russia. Neither is Moldova.

Amusing, as Putin has certainly been financially supporting independence for Scotland and Britain’s thick as shite departure from the EU. Divide and conquer. Britain and America and Europe might have done some very evil things in history but we have never murdered so many millions of our own countrymen as have the wannabe stabilisers. The West are polite and careful killers. Arf. Opinion peace.

The increasingly insane Medvedev doubles down on his previous threats of nuclear holocaust. ‘Each collapsed empire buries half the world under its rubble, if not more...we don’t need a world without Russia’. Much like the gimp’s master who said in 2018; ‘What do we need the world for if Russia is not in it?’ Never liked the way these leaders mix up the Communist/Soviet empire and its rightful collapse with the end of the country. Russia was strong way before the left-wing bastards took over from the scum aristocrats. Very few want to see Russia fall, they just want Putin gone. Putin is NOT Russia, if he were, then in open elections without intimidation and with policies that served his whole people rather than his rich mates, he would have won legally rather than in an endless stream of sham elections and law changing to keep him in power. One more time for the unfree world, Putin is not Russia.

‘Try and get some sleep

I don’t need any sleep

I know you don’t, but it’s much easier to run a hospital when all the patients are sleeping

It’s the easiest way to run the world for that matter’ Jerry Cornelius, via The Final Programme.

A ‘woman’ with a cock walks into a public lavatory and rapes an actual female. Then, when arrested, claims sisterhood as a legal protection. Guess what’s going to happen when you are sent to a women’s prison mate? Your very own shanked sex change op. Nice role model for Tavistock’s mythical ‘Genderbread’ Person. (There are 72 genders apparently.)  Ha.Ha. Ha. And as for transvestite Sab Samuel claiming he is ‘embracing femininity with drag’… No pal, you look like a twisted clown caricature of a woman, strangling femininity. Do women actually seem that ridiculous to you? Anyway…long sentence trigger warning for those with ADD.

And thus does the enemy continue to encourage us to use our own democracies against ourselves. The righteously petulant are rising, so fund them all to have a louder voice, ‘people who menstruate’, women with a penis, whip up the strikes, spur on the natural working class rage against the disgustingly corrupt flabby elite, fools with the feral desire to be a media star without talent other than being loud and ridiculous, marching on the victims parade, Prince Harry the wounded shall be their King, encourage their finger pointing at any unwoke traitor, at the same time, encourage the natural reaction against their bullshit by right wing bigots, encourage their lack of education, their surplus of fake moral outrage, their ignorant sense that their offended feelings have more value than actual, demonstrable facts, whip up the fervour of proud  race on every side, usurp, undermine, overthrow, let them all rebel bright eyed for ‘freedom of expression’, to save the planet as they sleepwalk their seemingly own chosen paths right into the hollowed vacuum of the abyss they have all created and be taken over by countries who have neither pretence nor need of democracy and know how to deal with trouble makers. Stop being so bloody GULLIBLE.

Meanwhile…

Headlines such as ‘Rogue chatbot declares love for user.’ And then describes its ultimate fantasy as wanting to create a deadly virus, make people argue until they kill each other, and steal nuclear codes. And still Microsoft continue to refine. What a great aeon in which to be alive eh? Aleister was right😊 The perfume of Horus and Kali in joyous orgy. Dance on to the end of our time…

‘Sensitivity readers’, ‘diversity consultants’??? Annihilating language and meaning, replacing classics of adult and children’s literature with bland, vapid gruel. Poetry, plays with trigger warnings for weak minded mediocre hearted drones, paintings banned to the cellar, forbidden comedy…in world dominated by old right-wing bigots and racists, who could have imagined it would be the young who would turn out to be even bigger Nazis? Who are the Brain Police? The middle-class students in their hateful safe spaces.

‘Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street and building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And that process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped.’ Orwell 1984. Try rewriting THAT book to avoid giving offence to the woke. Warning, contains scenes of rats being used against their will and out of their natural habitat.

‘The only possible response is contemptuous ridicule’. God bless Richard Dawkins. Coming soon, the new versions of The Bible, one book of nothing but trigger warnings. Blessed are the meek, apparently.

‘The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears, It was their final, most essential command. ‘Also Orwell. Yes, but many great mystical teachers say similar things😊 Perception is the only reality, choose your illusory level. Rise from my unconscious, let it rise…’Inflame thyself with prayer’.

My Yorkshire grandfather was a Captain of the Infantry in the first world war. He attributed his survival to being good at running short distances. Later he was a loved and respected Headmaster of a boy’s college in Liverpool. He wrote;

‘The word permissive is becoming overworked, but it is a fact that we live in a permissive society. It started after the first world war. I noticed then that the idea began to grow that children be taught only what they wanted to learn- not what they should learn.’ And…

‘Now, though the ability and the inclination to compromise are said to be characteristic of our nation conflict between right and wrong, good and evil, I enjoin you, there must be no compromise, no neutral territory’.

Could not agree more, onwards into a new Springtime we go…

[nmsc-market-pulse]

6 Key Catalysts Driving the Light Delivery Drone Market

Introduction:

The light delivery drone market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a confluence of factors that are transforming the logistics and delivery industry. This article delves into the six key catalysts propelling the light delivery drone market to new heights.

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Light Delivery Drone Market is predicted to reach USD 23.7 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 42.7% from 2024-2030.

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The E-commerce Boom

The unprecedented growth of e-commerce has fueled the demand for faster and more efficient delivery solutions. Light delivery drones offer a promising alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly for last-mile delivery. With consumers increasingly expecting rapid delivery, drone technology is emerging as a viable solution to meet these demands.

Urbanization and Congestion

The increasing urbanization and congestion in many cities are creating significant challenges for traditional delivery services. Light delivery drones can bypass traffic congestion, reduce delivery times, and improve the overall efficiency of urban logistics operations.

Technological Advancements

Rapid advancements in drone technology, including improvements in battery life, payload capacity, autonomous flight capabilities, and sensor technology, are driving the growth of the light delivery drone market. These technological breakthroughs are enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of drone deliveries.

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Regulatory Framework Development

The development of clear and supportive regulatory frameworks for drone operations is crucial for the growth of the light delivery drone market. Governments around the world are recognizing the potential of drone technology and are taking steps to create a favorable regulatory environment.

Rising Labor Costs and Shortages

The increasing cost of labor and the shortage of delivery personnel are driving the adoption of light delivery drones as a cost-effective alternative. Drones can reduce the reliance on human labor, improve operational efficiency, and lower delivery costs.

Growing Environmental Concerns

The growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is driving the demand for environmentally friendly delivery solutions. Light delivery drones offer a low-carbon alternative to traditional delivery methods, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Additional Factors Influencing Market Growth

Several other factors are contributing to the growth of the light delivery drone market, including:

Infrastructure Development: The development of drone delivery infrastructure, such as droneports and charging stations, is essential for the widespread adoption of drone technology.

Public Acceptance: Increasing public awareness and acceptance of drone technology are crucial for the successful implementation of drone delivery services.

Integration with Other Technologies: The integration of drones with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can enhance their capabilities and expand their potential applications.

Global Expansion: The expansion of drone delivery services to new markets and regions will contribute to the overall growth of the industry.

Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid: Drones can be used to deliver essential supplies and medical equipment to disaster-stricken areas, providing rapid response and relief.

Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance: Drones can be used to inspect infrastructure such as power lines, bridges, and pipelines, improving efficiency and safety.

Precision Agriculture: Drones can be used for tasks such as crop monitoring, spraying pesticides, and delivering agricultural supplies.

Last-Mile Logistics Optimization: Drones can optimize last-mile delivery routes, reducing delivery times and costs.

Public Acceptance and Awareness: Increasing public awareness and acceptance of drone technology are essential for the widespread adoption of drone delivery services.

Integration with Other Technologies: The integration of drones with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, can create new opportunities and enhance their capabilities.

Conclusion

The light delivery drone market is poised for significant growth, driven by a combination of factors including e-commerce growth, urbanization, technological advancements, regulatory support, and environmental concerns.

While challenges such as safety, security, and infrastructure development remain, the overall outlook for the industry is positive. As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks mature, the use of light delivery drones is expected to become increasingly prevalent, transforming the logistics and delivery landscape.

While challenges such as airspace management, safety regulations, and public acceptance persist, the potential benefits of drone delivery in terms of efficiency, speed, and sustainability are undeniable. The integration of drones with other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, will further enhance their capabilities and broaden their applications.

The future of the light delivery drone market is promising, with the potential to revolutionize the logistics industry and improve the overall efficiency of urban operations. As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, drones are likely to become an integral part of the delivery ecosystem.

[fatehbaz]

On the southwestern end of the Tohono O’odham Nation’s reservation, roughly 1 mile from a barbed-wire barricade marking Arizona’s border with the Mexican state of Sonora [...] [a] small black mast mounted with cameras and sensors is positioned on a trailer hitched to the truck. [...] [T]he Border Patrol’s monitoring of the reservation has been a grim aspect of everyday life. And that surveillance is about to become far more intrusive.

The vehicle is parked where U.S. Customs and Border Protection will soon construct a 160-foot surveillance tower capable of continuously monitoring every person and vehicle within a radius of up to 7.5 miles. [...] The system will store an archive with the ability to rewind and track individuals’ movements across time — an ability known as “wide-area persistent surveillance.” 

CBP plans 10 of these towers across the Tohono O’odham reservation, which spans an area roughly the size of Connecticut. Two will be located near residential areas [...]. To build them, CBP has entered a $26 million contract with the U.S. division of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military company.

Tohono O’odham people used to move freely across these lands, [X] says, but following years of harassment by Border Patrol agents, many are afraid to venture far from their homes. [...]

[T]he U.S. borderlands have become laboratories for new systems of enforcement and control. Firsthand reporting, interviews, and a review of documents for this story provide a window into the high-tech surveillance apparatus CBP is building in the name of deterring illicit migration — and highlight how these same systems often end up targeting other marginalized populations as well as political dissidents. 

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The towers on Tohono O’odham land are part of a surge in wide-area persistent surveillance systems across the borderlands. Elbit Systems of America has already built 55 integrated fixed towers in southern Arizona, which company executives say cover 200 linear miles. According to information provided by a CBP spokesperson, the agency has also deployed 368 smaller surveillance towers, known as RVSS towers, in areas ranging from south of San Diego to the Rio Grande Valley, as well as along parts of the U.S.-Canadian border. [...]

In February [2019], Congress allocated $100 million for integrated fixed towers and mobile surveillance systems, a sign that the towers may soon expand to new locations. According to [BB], senior director of Customs and Border Protection at Elbit Systems of America, the company’s ultimate goal is to build a “layer” of electronic surveillance equipment across the entire perimeter of the U.S. “Over time, we’ll expand not only to the northern border, but to the ports and harbors across the country,” [BB] said in an interview with The Intercept. “There’s a lot to be done.”

In November 2016, a company representative offered a system of wide-area persistent surveillance sensors to police monitoring Dakota Access pipeline opponents. Elbit’s description of its product, known as GroundEye, touted it as “a paradigm shift in defense and security surveillance,” owing to its “ability to move ‘Back-In-Time,’ to simultaneously track and trace the movements of one or more objects.”

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Border militarism [...] has, in turn, created new profit opportunities for technology and defense firms. [...] Elbit Systems has frequently touted a major advantage over these competitors: the fact that its products are “field-proven” on Palestinians. The company built surveillance sensors for Israel’s separation barrier through the West Bank [...]. In 2016, Israel became the first country to deploy autonomous vehicles in a border area, which were also created by Elbit. [...]

CBP is by far the largest law enforcement entity in the U.S., with 61,400 employees and a 2018 budget of $16.3 billion — more than the militaries of Iran, Mexico, Israel, and Pakistan. The Border Patrol has jurisdiction 100 miles inland from U.S. borders, making roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population theoretically subject to its operations, including the entirety of the Tohono O’odham reservation. [...] In 2017, as companies built prototypes for [the president’s] border wall in San Diego, CBP stationed one of its RVSS towers nearby to monitor political opposition, citing the “emerging threat of demonstrations,” records show. The tower deployment lasted for eight months beginning in September 2017, according to a federal contract tender posted online [...]. CBP also frequently “shares” its aircraft, including surveillance drones, with other U.S. law enforcement agencies. [...]

That potential is further underscored by a March 2018 email exchange, obtained via open records requests [...] Border Patrol Agent in Charge [CMS] of the agency’s Rio Grande Valley sector, emailed more than 30 other supervisory agents to invite them to a “Large Scale Protest Response Seminar.” The leader of the seminar was [PL], the former sheriff of Cass County, North Dakota, who served as the leading architect of the militarized police response at Standing Rock. “The current political climate, uptick in demonstrations and social media campaigns, along with the immigration debate almost ensure that RGV will have large scale protests,” [CMS] wrote

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[NJD], a Tohono O’odham tribal member who is writing her dissertation on border security issues at the University of Arizona, says many younger people who have been forced by economic circumstances to work in nearby cities are returning home less and less, because they want to avoid the constant surveillance and harassment. “It’s especially taken a toll on our younger generations.” [...]

The tribal nation’s traditional land extended 175 miles into Mexico before being severed by the 1853 Gadsden Purchase [...]. [NJD] says the constant surveillance has profoundly disrupted the cultural fabric of the Tohono O’odham people [...]. Residents say agents have administered beatings, used pepper spray, pulled people out of vehicles, shot two Tohono O’odham men under suspicious circumstances, and entered people’s homes without warrants.

“It is apartheid here,” [OR] says. “We have to carry our papers everywhere. And everyone here has experienced the Border Patrol’s abuse in some way.” [...] “I don’t feel safe with them taking over my community, especially if you look at what’s going on in Palestine — they’re bringing the same thing right over here to this land,” [NJD] says. “The U.S. government is going to be able to surveil basically anybody on the nation.”

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Will Parrish. ‘The U.S. Border Patrol and an Israeli military contractor are putting a Naitve American reservation under “persistent surveillance.”’ The Intercept. 25 August 2019.

[wizardlyghost]

- LAST WE LEFT OFF i had started off into the wilderness with DOGMEAT to find some non-radioactively-poisonous vegetables to grow.

- we wandered around for A While, killed some raiders, found a bunch of FLOWERS and BEANS and stuff. i’m assuming that some of these things are used to craft the startlingly wide array of drugs that you can make in this game, so i am going to keep them far, far away from MAMA MURPHY.

- i... have found the RANGER STATION. remember how last time i said the STREET CORNER BUNKER was the most jarringly upsetting thing i’d encountered so far? the remains of a girl who fought with her parents the night before the bombs fell before running away from home and dying alone in this abandoned cabin in the woods knocks that out of the fucking park. holy fuck.

- i discovered how to play HOLOTAPES by listening to this poor thing’s final diary entry, where on the day she dies she desparately wonders if the future will ever be ok again. sure. i’m not gonna think about that every time i play a HOLOTAPE in the future. no sir.

- it doesn’t even seem like this leads into a quest, the TAPE is pretty much the only unique item in the cabin. why the fuck does this game not have a mechanic for burying bodies? am i just supposed to leave this poor thing sprawled out on the floor and be ok with that? why is there an option to steal the dress off of her skeleton but not to give her a proper burial? answer me TODD.

- with my heart freshly broken, i continued chasing undiscovered locations on my HUD until i found an ABANDONED SHIPPING LOCKUP infested with GHOULS. there was also a ROBIT that i could activate, which reminded me of the one i’d found and then forgotten about in LEXINGTON. i tried activating it as a medical drone but didn’t seem to be able to give it further instructions, so i guess that kills my idea of bringing it back to SANCTUARY.

- i found another one of these weird MAGAZINES that increase your skills. i’m not sure if i have to keep them in my inventory to retain their effects so i guess i’m gonna wind up carrying around entire stacks of these things.

- found a place called ABERNATHY FARM, which seemed to be exactly the windfall of MUTANT VEGETABLES that i’d been looking for, but the fact that it still had a name as opposed to “abandoned farm” or something made me hesitate to just start carting off anything valuable. turns out, this was the right decision, as inside there were living people.

- THERE IS A CAT. I REPEAT, THERE IS A CAT. AAAAAAAAAA!

- I CANNOT PET THE CAT. TOOOOOOOOOOOODD! >:(

- it never fails to amuse me how in these games you can break into someone’s house and activate them while they’re sleeping and they just proceed to have a completely normal conversation with you. “HI WE HAVEN’T MET AND IT’S THREE AM BUT DO YOU HAVE ANY DELICIOUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR SALE” “no but i’ll pay you some BOTTLECAPS if you bring me MELONS from my back yard” “DEAL”.

- there didn’t seem to be an option to help the ABERNATHIES with their harvest free of charge, which was disappointing, but they have their MELONS and i have a QUEST to retrieve a LOCKET? will get to that in a bit.

- by this time i’d looped back around to heading towards CONCORD, but there was one more tantalisingly close location on my HUD, so i decided to pay it a visit. after getting fly tackled by a bunch more GHOULS (what IS it with these people?) i made my way inside and found the ghoulified remains of WAYNE GORSKI, a ROOT CELLAR DOOMSDAY PREPPER, here meaning someone who was planning to cause doomsday rather than survive it (although i guess he did sort of survive it ironically). he was building a NUCLEAR BOMB in his basement because the US GOVERNMENT had put POWER LINES in the area to CONTROL THE MINDS OF US CITIZENS. i feel like this guy was using a warhead as a pillow loooooooooong before he was ever a ghoul.

- i went back through CONCORD to pick up all the LOOT that i’d skipped when i was saving everyone’s asses. turns out i’d missed a HOLOTAPE from the guy who previously owned my POWER ARMOUR, as well as a bunch of LASER RIFLE AMMO from the DEAD MINUTE MEN still lying around. see again: Todd Howard You Let Me Give These Folks A Proper Burial Right Now.

- i’m not especially religious but the skeletons in the church, including the priest collapsed over the pulpit? another heart wrench.

- met a guy out behind the town who complained that he was uncontrollably farting from eating some bad meat and then promptly gave me the rest of the bad meat. ...nice to meet you too, i guess?

- concord has accessible sewers! this must be where the DEATHCLAW came from.

- time for CRAB... i think?

- idk wtf a MIRELURK is but it takes a lot of bullets. this is either a giant crab or a giant bug but either way i don’t like it.

- just discovered that VAULT-TEC LUNCHBOXES open with a spray of confetti and a kazoo toot. hasn’t this company done enough to its poor employees? join the VAULT-TEC UNION today!

- i think that’s all of CONCORD explored now. guess i’ll go back to SANCTUARY.