NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Israel’s Preemptive Strikes on Iranian Nuclear and Military Targets

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 13, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on Israel’s strikes in Iran:

    “I am closely monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East after Israel launched preemptive, unilateral strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets.

    “The Iranian regime, which sponsors terrorism and represses its own people, must never obtain a nuclear weapon. In recent days, international nuclear regulators declared Iran in violation of its nonproliferation obligations after finding the country dangerously close to making several nuclear weapons.

    “Iran’s decades-long pursuit of a nuclear weapon poses a grave threat to the United States and our allies. No nation can be expected to stand by while another openly threatens its existence and races to gain the capabilities to carry it out. The Iranian regime must renounce its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program once and for all.

    “I urge the Trump Administration to take every step to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities in the region, and to make clear that any attack on American interests will not be tolerated. I support Israel’s right to defend itself from imminent threats and believe the United States should provide appropriate diplomatic and material support to help prevent further escalation.

    “I will continue supporting measures that prevent military miscalculation, save lives, and chart a path forward that brings us closer to ending Iran’s nuclear threat in order to create a more secure and peaceful world.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Midwest Forest Managers Are Increasingly Turning to Adaptation Planting

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Forests across the U.S. are experiencing unprecedented tree mortality caused by a variety of stressors, including invasive insects, disease, extreme weather, wildfires, and droughts. For example, the emerald ash borer, a nonnative insect, has killed tens of millions of trees in the Lake States region of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan alone in the past decade. Tree die offs alter the structure

    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Sunday to Discuss Safe2Say Something Program Impact During 2024-2025 School Year

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 16, 2025 – Carlise, PA

    ADVISORY – Attorney General Sunday to Discuss Safe2Say Something Program Impact During 2024-2025 School Year

    WHO:
    Dave Sunday, Attorney General of Pennsylvania
    Michael Black, Director of Secondary Operations, Carlisle Area School District
    Pa. Senator Greg Rothman
    Other community leaders TBA

    WHEN & WHERE:
    11 A.M., Monday, June 16, 2025

    Carlisle High School
    Fowler Building, Large Group Instruction Room
    623 West Penn Street
    Carlise, Pa. 17013

    MEDIA RSVP:
    Credentialed media must RSVP to press@attorneygeneral.gov. Media may arrive beginning at 10:30 A.M.

    WHAT:
    Attorney General Dave Sunday joins community and legislative leaders to discuss the Safe2Say Something program – specifically, its impact in schools during the 2024-25 academic year.
    The Attorney General and other presenters will recap the most commonly reported tips, how those tips are handled, and an outlook for the program going forward.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Hochul Pays Tribute to Rep. Charles B. Rangel

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at a memorial service for Representative Charles B. Rangel. He passed away at the age of 94 on May 26th. Born in Harlem, Representative Rangel dedicated his life to public service beginning in 1970 — when he was first elected to Congress — and retiring in 2016. His 46 years in Congress led him to become the ninth-longest serving in the House, where he backed the Affordable Care Act, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and sponsored more than 40 pieces of legislation that became law.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

     I want to acknowledge the presence of so many who traveled to be here — not to mourn Charlie — but to celebrate an extraordinary life. Thank you. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. President Bill Clinton has joined us as well, and countless members of the Rangel family and members of Congress. Past and present elected officials.

    Charlie was a giant in American life. He was a warrior from back in his days on the battlefield, hence the military designation here today. But he was a warrior for justice and such a proud, proud son of Harlem. I feel the presence of Harlem in this room today? Anyone from Harlem out there? Yeah, I thought so. I could feel it. I could feel the spirit of Harlem that lives through all of us.

    When I was a young Attorney on the staff of a congressman and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan — already Charlie Rangel had made a name for himself. He was that cool congressman from Harlem that everybody knew his name and revered him. And I watched him as he had a title with great power, but that wasn’t who Charlie was.

    He wanted to use the power of his position to do good for others, and he put a glaring spotlight on the needs of his beloved Harlem and other communities that needed help. So when I arrived as a member of Congress — his 40th year. He was the dean of our delegation. He said, “You’re now part of our family, sister. And I’m going to take care of you.” And he did.

    When I later ran for state office, he made sure I met everybody. He gave me that Charlie Rangel seal of approval — whether it’s biscuits as Sylvia’s, or walking the streets of Lenox Avenue. He was there for me and he stood up for me time and time again.

    And I thought of him yesterday, as I went through a grueling eight hours of testimony before the political theater that has now become our Congress. I thought of Charlie because I knew I’d be here today and I said, “What would Charlie do?” And I just harnessed his cool, right? “Just keep your cool. Don’t let them get to you. Don’t get under your skin.” And I thought of what he’d want me to do, and he’d want me to stand up and be a loud voice of the people he spoke for, and I’d do it despite the hatred that was spewed against people who came to our country looking for a better life. I stood up and showed them what New York values were, what Harlem values were, what Charlie Rangel values were.

    Charlie once said, “Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.” And that’s why knowing his love of CUNY and every time I saw him, my pockets were a little lighter and the money went to CUNY. So I know how passionate he was.

    I said, “Let’s keep his name alive at his beloved institution and have 20 CUNY graduate students each year.” Named in scholarships, the Charlie Rangel Public Service Scholarship. Let’s get it going next fall. So the next generation knows his story, his influence, and how he used the power of his position. I think that’ll be a lasting tribute to Charlie and Alma Rangel’s shared commitment between quality and justice for all.

    I also think it’s important that we immortalize his name and that’s why I’m working with Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams and my team to ensure that there is a street — a prominent street — in Harlem that bears the name “Charlie Rangel Way,” reminding people of the Charlie Rangel way and how he conducted himself and how he was undeterred against the forces of evil and he stood up time and time again. That is the legacy that has been bestowed on all of us.

    We must leave here today deciding, are we going to pick up that mantle of leadership? Are we going to cower in the face of what is happening to our country as we speak. Not just in Washington, but in cities like New York and Los Angeles? Charlie wants us to fight back, and we will.

    Thank you everyone. Let’s do it in Charlie’s name. God bless all of you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Zealand PM to visit China /more details/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson will pay an official visit to China from June 17 to 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

    The upcoming trip will be Lacson’s first visit to China since taking office and comes as the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, Lin Jian said at a regular briefing for reporters.

    During the visit, Chinese leaders will hold separate meetings and talks with Prime Minister K. Lacson, during which the two sides will exchange in-depth views on China-New Zealand relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

    Lin Jian noted that bilateral ties have been rapidly developing since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago. The leaders of both countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to promote the consistent and in-depth development of bilateral ties, he added.

    According to the official representative, in the current complex and changing international situation, China is willing to work with New Zealand to strengthen strategic communication, enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen traditional friendship, and jointly address challenges.

    China hopes to work with New Zealand to build a China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect, tolerance, cooperation and common development, so as to bring greater benefits to the two peoples,” the Chinese diplomat said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China remains committed to promoting healthy China-US military ties – Chinese Defense Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — China remains committed to promoting the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. military ties, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Friday.

    As Jiang Bin emphasized, the Chinese side has always firmly adhered to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

    He expressed the hope that the United States will stop hyping up the so-called “China threat,” respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and move to meet China halfway so as to strengthen communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

    The official representative also called on the parties to jointly improve and develop relations between the armed forces of the two countries. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Defense Ministry warns some countries against encouraging Taiwan separatists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin on Friday called on individual countries to firmly abide by the one-China principle in practice and stop sending any wrong signals to separatist forces advocating “Taiwan independence.”

    Jiang Bin made the statement while commenting on events held in Taiwan: a chief-of-staff war game organized by a Taiwanese civil group with the participation of former senior military officials from the United States and Japan, as well as a U.S.-Taiwan defense industry forum in Taipei.

    Recalling that the Taiwan issue is an exclusively internal affair of China that does not tolerate outside interference, Jiang Bin pointed out that any actions that encourage and support separatists advocating “Taiwan independence” will only undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region, and will inevitably backfire on their initiators, bringing them bitter consequences.

    “Any attempt to achieve ‘Taiwan independence’ by relying on external forces or to use Taiwan to contain China is doomed to failure, the spokesman concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highways Minister Kicks Off Province-Wide Summer Road Tour

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 13, 2025

    Highways Minister David Marit is going on a province-wide tour to drive the Saskatchewan road network and meet with communities to hear their highways priorities.

    Marit has already visited the communities and surrounding areas of Norquay, Tisdale, Davidson, Cudworth, Elfros, Prince Albert and multiple rural municipalities.

    “Discussions with the communities so far have been great for hearing about what the people in the area are seeing and what their priorities are,” Marit said.

    “I look forward to continuing this tour throughout the summer months, driving on the highways I am hearing about and meeting with as many people as I can on how we can best deliver the road infrastructure they need and deserve.”

    The road tour will continue through the summer months with plans to head to all areas of the province including the northern and the western regions.

    The Ministry of Highways 2025-26 Budget of $777 million is a road map to enhance driver safety and invest in strategic infrastructure to sustain Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.

    With this year’s budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 21,800 km of highways across the province.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Michel welcomes External Expert Review report on the modernization of preventive health care guideline development in Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Statement

    June 13, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

    Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, made the following statement:

    “Preventive health care helps improve long-term health outcomes by detecting, delaying and preventing disease before symptoms appear. To modernize the development of preventive health care guidelines, such as breast cancer screening guidelines, and ensure they meet the evolving needs of Canada’s health care system, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) commissioned an External Expert Review (EER) to examine the governance, mandate, and scientific processes of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Task Force).

    The EER Panel’s report, Modernizing Preventive Health Care Guideline Development in Canada: A Way Forward, outlines key recommendations and system-wide actions to strengthen preventive health guidance in Canada. I’d like to thank the members of the EER Panel for their dedication and expertise in producing a thoughtful and comprehensive report. PHAC will immediately begin working with experts and stakeholders on the review and the implementation of the recommendations. I have asked PHAC that the modernized Task Force be fully operational by April 2026.

    We remain committed to promoting the overall health and well-being of Canadians and look forward to working with partners across the country to strengthen how we develop and maintain preventive health care guidelines in Canada, including as it relates to women’s health. ”

    Contacts

    Guillaume Bertrand
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel
    Minister of Health
    guillaume.bertrand@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Public Health Agency of Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cholesterol crystal formation captured on video for first time, may lead to more effective treatments for high cholesterol

    Source: US Government research organizations

    From new medical treatments to electronics that control light, the research has wide-reaching potential applications

    With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, researchers at the University of Houston have captured the dynamics of microscopic cholesterol crystal formation on video for the first time. Understanding these mechanisms could help scientists develop more effective treatments for managing high cholesterol, a condition that affects 25 million adults in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A better understanding of crystal formation could also enhance optoelectronics, which are electronic devices that work by controlling and sensing light.

    NSF-supported researchers Jeffrey Rimer and Peter Vekilov are known for their work in crystal engineering and therapeutics that help prevent crystallization in human diseases. Their latest achievement shows the fundamental layered process involved in crystal formation in environments that mimic the human body. This is the first time anyone has taken images of the surface growth of cholesterol crystals in real time at near-molecular resolution. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

    Cholesterol Crystal Formation

    Credit: D. Chakraborty, W. Ma, X. Wang, Z. Chu, T. Yang, M. Warzecha, P.G. Vekilov, & J.D. Rimer.

    Scientists have captured the first ever time-lapse video of the layered growth of a cholesterol monohydrate crystal.

    Cholesterol crystals can build up in blood vessels or the gallbladder, causing blockages, pain and disease, yet relatively few studies have explored the specific processes behind how cholesterol forms crystals. These findings can help scientists develop techniques to manage high cholesterol in the body and better understand the basic science of crystal formation, an outcome with wider applications in optoelectronics and organic electronic devices, which rely on crystals in converting light to electricity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Measures Flooding Across Texas and Oklahoma

    Source: US Geological Survey

    U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding across Texas and Oklahoma following significant rainfall over the past three days. 
     

    Much of Texas and parts of Oklahoma have experienced significant rainfall, with many regions receiving more than 5 inches. This heavy precipitation has resulted in flooding, particularly along the I-35 corridor and areas to the east. 
     

    Currently, 21 USGS streamgages show active flooding. USGS real-time maps of flood and high flow conditions for Texas and Oklahoma can be accessed from the USGS National Water Dashboard.  
     
    This information is critical for resource managers and emergency responders to help protect life and property. These data are used by the National Weather Service to develop flood forecasts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage flood control, and by county flood control districts and other state and local agencies in their flood response activities.  
     

    In Texas, 11 USGS field crews are measuring floodwaters in Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, with some teams also collecting water quality samples. Oklahoma City also has one team collecting flood measurements. Crews are anticipated to work throughout the weekend as NWS is predicting heavy rainfall in the region. Over the next three days, heavier rainfall is anticipated to move towards the Texas coast, potentially exacerbating flood conditions. 
     
    There are more than 1,000 USGS-operated streamgages across Texas and Oklahoma that collect water data. When flooding occurs, USGS crews make numerous flood measurements to verify the data USGS provides to federal, state and local agencies, as well as to the public. 
     
    For more than 130 years, the USGS has monitored flow in selected streams and rivers across the U.S. The information is routinely used for water supply and management, monitoring floods and droughts, bridge and road design, determination of flood risk and for many recreational activities. 
     
    Access current flood and high flow conditions across the country by visiting the USGS National Water Dashboard. Receive instant, customized updates about water conditions in your area via text message or email by signing up for USGS WaterAlert. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

    Source: Council of the European Union

    The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) to take part in the G7 summit from 15 to 17 June 2025. Hosted by Canada as the rotating G7 presidency, the Summit will bring together the leaders of the seven G7 countries, as well as the European Union and other invited countries to discuss pressing global issues, including international peace and security, the global economic outlook and energy security.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian-Born Man Previously Convicted in an $80 Million Fraud Case Indicted on New Charges of Naturalization Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday charging Omoyoma Christopher Okoro, 51, a United States citizen born in Nigeria, with naturalization fraud.  The indictment alleges that Okoro lied about his criminal history on his application to obtain U.S. citizenship.

    According to the indictment and previously issued court documents, Okoro is alleged to have made knowingly and materially false statements under penalty of perjury on an application for naturalization.  In response to one question “Have you EVER committed, assisted in committing, or attempted to commit, a crime or offense for which you were NOT arrested?” he answered “No.”  Okoro took the oath of citizenship and naturalized on December 13, 2018.

    On September 19, 2024, following a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Okoro was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail, wire, and bank fraud.  He was also convicted of two additional counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of bank fraud.  He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 100 months and ordered to pay over $22 million dollars in restitution.  According to the jury’s verdict, Okoro committed those crimes from at least August 13, 2008, through January 1, 2011.  He was not arrested until after he naturalized in 2018, so immigration officials were unaware of his crimes prior to granting citizenship.

    Okoro is charged in a three-count indictment with naturalization fraud.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison as well as the automatic revocation of his United States citizenship.  

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations Division is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick is prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:25-CR-130.

    An indictment is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced for Making Violent Threats Against North Carolinians

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Kevin Day Dunlow, age 62, of Huntington Beach, California, was sentenced to more than a year in prison, six months of home confinement, and three years of supervised release for two counts of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.

    According to court records and evidence presented in court, between May 1, 2024, and May 16, 2024, Dunlow made numerous threats targeting multiple entities and individuals, including an elected official, members of law enforcement, a church located in northeastern North Carolina, and two synagogues located in Raleigh and Durham.

    Specifically, on May 1, 2024, Dunlow called the Wake County Sheriff’s Office dispatch to threaten there was a bomb at the sheriff’s office and told the dispatcher: “were going kill you.” Additionally, on May 10, 2024, Dunlow called a Rabbi just prior to the commencement of evening services and stated: “Jews didn’t deserve to live. Jews didn’t deserve to be on this earth. I’m going to kill the Jews. I’m coming to the Temple to kill all the Jews and the children.”

    “Threats of violence against the Jewish community and law enforcement officials are not only despicable, they are also a grave federal crime that we take seriously,” Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated.  “I commend the FBI’s quick and decisive response to these messages, so that Mr. Dunlow can be held responsible and our community can breathe easier.” 

    “Kevin Dunlow made violent threats against several groups of people. He targeted law enforcement, elected officials and their families, even local faith leaders, spewing vicious threats over the phone. These people serve our communities in varies ways and should feel safe as they do so,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Diaz and Erin Blondel prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-CR-00190.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Indicted for $24 Million Transnational Gold Smuggling and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A federal indictment unsealed today charges Beatriz Eugenia Hernandez (B. Hernandez), 57; her son Carlos Mathias Gonzalez, 26; and her brother Esteban Hernandez (E. Hernandez), 47, of an elaborate transnational gold smuggling and money laundering scheme that involved the wire transfer of over $24 million from the United States to Colombia.

    According to allegations in the indictment, B. Hernandez, Gonzalez, and E. Hernandez received shipments from a Colombian company that purported to contain various types of metal widgets when, in fact, half of the packages would contain undeclared gold cylinders that were inserted within the widgets and painted over to avoid detection. B. Hernandez, Gonzalez, and E. Hernandez would extract the gold cylinders, sell the gold through two U.S. corporate entities, and then wire the funds between the entities’ bank accounts before ultimately wiring the funds to the Colombian company’s accounts in Colombia. The scheme’s systematic cycle of gold importation, followed by international wire transfers, resulted in approximately $24,628,943 being wired to Colombia from the United States between December 2018 and May 2022.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

    HSI investigated the case with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller is prosecuting this case.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20236.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eastern Shore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing With Intent to Distribute Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Rydell Washington, 37, of Salisbury, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore.

    According to the guilty plea, on May 6, 2023, USPIS agents identified an inbound parcel, addressed to a residence in Federalsburg, Maryland, that contained suspected controlled substances.  On May 9, USPIS obtained a federal warrant for the parcel, opened it, and discovered approximately two kilograms of white powder wrapped in two, roughly equal-sized, brick-shaped packages within the shipping box.

    USPIS removed one kilogram of the substance to seize as evidence and repackaged the other to conduct a controlled delivery.  Then on May 10, USPIS performed a controlled delivery to the residence. The parcel contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine, a GPS tracker, and a beacon that law enforcement placed in the parcel. Authorities identified Washington as the recipient of the package during the controlled delivery operation.  Washington now admits that he knowingly possessed at least 1002.9 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.  

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS and HSI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Kalim and Patrick Rigney who prosecuted the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer and Setting an Apartment Building on Fire

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Armando Carrillo-Diaz, 45, an illegal alien from Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, has been sentenced for assaulting a federal officer, arson, and illegally reentering the United States.

    “When illegal aliens resort to extreme and dangerous measures to avoid removal, they not only violate our immigration laws but also put law enforcement officers and the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our Office is committed to taking decisive action to hold accountable those who attack law enforcement officers and endanger the community.”

    “This conviction sends a strong message to those who think they can evade justice by resorting to dangerous and reckless actions,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to catch Armando Carrillo-Diaz, an illegal alien, and hold him accountable for his reckless and fiery attempts to evade justice.”

    “Carrillo-Diaz posed a serious threat to law enforcement and the community,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “Our top priority is working with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges and other information presented in court: On April 26, 2023, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) attempted to arrest Armando Carrillo-Diaz in the parking lot of his apartment complex. Carrillo-Diaz nearly struck one of the officers as he fled from the scene in a pickup truck. 

    When ERO officers later returned to his residence to locate him, Carrillo-Diaz attempted to evade capture by setting his apartment on fire. The fire spread, prompting the Gwinnett County, Georgia, Fire Department to evacuate residents from the building. Carrillo-Diaz then sliced his own throat with a box cutter when the officers tried to apprehend him. The officers immediately rendered medical aid and arranged for Carrillo-Diaz’s transport to a local hospital. 

    On June 26, 2024, a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia returned a superseding indictment charging Carrillo-Diaz with the offenses of Assaulting a Federal Officer, Arson, and Illegally Reentering the United States. 

    On June 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen sentenced Carrillo-Diaz to five years in prison followed by one year of supervised release.  Carrillo-Diaz was convicted of these charges on January 29, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.

    This case was investigated by ERO, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Gwinnett County Fire Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.

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

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Juries in Bowling Green and Paducah Indict 4 Illegal Aliens for Immigration Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bowling Green and Paducah, KY – Federal grand juries in Bowling Green and Paducah, Kentucky, returned indictments on June 10 and 11, 2025, charging three individuals with illegal reentry after deportation or removal and one individual with use of a false passport.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.

    According to the indictments:

    Santiago Tehandon-Paneda, age 45, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Owensboro, Kentucky, with reentry after deportation or removal and false claim to United States citizenship. On or about May 12, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 4, 2007, and August 13, 2012. On or about May 15, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda willfully represented himself to be a citizen of the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Feliz Morales-Rangel, age 38, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Bowling Green with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 26, 2025, Morales-Rangel was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about March 20, 2008, and May 1, 2010. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Francisco Campos-Guardian, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Paducah with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about May 8, 2025, Campos-Guardian was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 7, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Bogdan Drapac, age 41, a citizen of Romania, was charged in Paducah with use of a false passport. On or about May 14, 2025, Drapac willfully and knowingly used and attempted to use a false, forged, and counterfeited Spanish passport; that is, he presented the passport to law enforcement during a traffic stop to conceal his identity. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Davenport Man Convicted For Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Jose David Figueroa Pacheco (33, Davenport) guilty of fentanyl trafficking. Figueroa Pacheco faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

    Figueroa Pacheco was indicted on August 7, 2024, along with co-defendant Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, and has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

    According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between August 2023 and August 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation to identify firearms and narcotics traffickers in the Orlando area. As part of that investigation, on December 13, 2023, an undercover officer arranged to buy a firearm and fentanyl pills from Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia arrived with the firearm at the buy location as a passenger in Figueroa Pacheco’s truck. Figueroa Pacheco then made phone calls to coordinate the delivery of the fentanyl pills, inspected the pills, and facilitated the transaction.

    (firearm and fentanyl pills sold during the December 13, 2023 drug transaction)

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Risha Asokan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baxter Springs man charged with child pornography possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita, Kansas, on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials.  

    According to court documents, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025 in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition.

    James Welch, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. Welch was charged in February 2025.

    On Feb. 28, 2025, during a search of the defendants Newton residence a pistol and a rifle, as well as ammunition were recovered. Welch is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

    The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Newton Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honors Glen Moore for Training Schools to Prevent Mass Violence

    Source: US FBI

    The model works to mitigate developing threats or concerns before they escalate to the level of involving law enforcement. Specifically, Mr. Moore trains schools on how to create threat assessment teams, how to identify and help students of concern, and how to off-ramp them from continuing down a potential path towards violence.

    SAC Crocker said, “We cannot prove a negative after a concern has been resolved. However, we are aware many schools successfully identified students of concern and helped meet the students’ needs.”

    In addition, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has attributed a jump in anonymous tips to its Courage2Report tipline as a result of the School Safety Initiative conferences.

    Topics during today’s conference included: A Student’s Pathway to Violence, Building School Threat Assessment Teams, Trends in Youth Crisis Intervention, Hoax Threats, Swatting and Sextortion, and Online Threats and the Joint School-Law Enforcement Response.

    To date, FBI St. Louis has held 10 School Safety Initiative conferences for school administrators and law enforcement since 2021 in St. Louis metro, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Rolla, and Sullivan. We thank Ladue High School for hosting today’s conference once again.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of protests this weekend

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met is preparing for another busy weekend in the capital with a protest in Tower Hamlets and Westminster.

    On Saturday 14 June, a protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place between 14:00hrs until 17:00hrs at Royal Mint Court, north of Tower Bridge. The Met has set out conditions, which are detailed below.

    A protest organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Stop the War and other groups is also due to take place on Saturday at 14:00hrs in Parliament Square. There are currently no conditions in place, however there will be a police presence to ensure the protest takes place safely and any incidents can be dealt with. Any conditions will be updated on this page.

    Currently we have not been informed of any planned counter protests, but the Met will be prepared and have sufficient resources in place.

    Details on conditions are below:

    Section 12 – Public Order Act

    Any person taking part in the procession element of the protest against the proposed Chinese embassy site must not deviate from the route shown on the map below.

    Having completed the procession, any person continuing to take part in the static element of the protest must remain in the area detailed below.

    Section 14 – Public Order Act

    Any person taking part in the static assembly element of the protest against the proposed Chinese embassy site must remain within the area shaded red on the map below.

    The assembly must conclude by 17:00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Israel’s Strike Against Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to Israel’s strike against Iran.

    “I strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of escalating threats from Iran, which is the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism. 

    “President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear that the United States was not involved in the planning or execution of these attacks. However, our commitment to Israel’s security remains firm.

    “I’ve consistently supported efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran, and I stand with President Trump in his efforts to restore stability in the region.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Tragic Mid-Air Collision Congressmen Amo, Estes Unveil Bipartisan Call for Audit of D.C. Airspace

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    The horrific passenger jet crash on January 29, 2025, involved a flight originating in Kansas and killed Rhode Island Mother and Son

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Ron ESTES (R-KS) are calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Acting Inspector General Mitch Behm to audit the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of airspace operations at Washington National Airport (DCA) following the horrific mid-air crash of a passenger jet and U.S. Army helicopter on January 29, 2025.

    Congressmen Amo and Estes write:

    “The FAA plays a critical role in regulating and managing the U.S. National Airspace System. We have one of the busiest and most complex aviation networks with over 45,000 flights operating in our country daily. That is why this crash raises serious questions about the effectiveness of FAA airspace management, communication processes, and deconfliction procedures in one of our nation’s most sensitive and congested aviation corridors.”

    “We respectfully request your office audit the FAA’s oversight of airspace operations at and around DCA, and the FAA’s procedures for managing military aircraft operating within civilian-controlled airspace.”

    Read Bi-partisan Amo, Estes Letter Here.

    BACKGROUND

    On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter as the passenger jet approached DCA.

    3 servicemembers operating the helicopter, and all 64 passengers and crew on the American Airlines flight were killed in the collision, including Rhode Island residents Christine and Spencer Lane. The mother and son were traveling with the Boston Skating Club group returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships where Spencer had competed.

    On May 23, 2025, Congressmen Amo, Subramanyam, and Beyer led 16 of their colleagues in requesting that the Department of Transportation facilitate an independent review of Washington, DC airspace as part of the Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 transportation funding bill.

    On March 3, 2025, Congressman Amo supported the House passage of a resolution to commemorate the victims.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Improving cholera outbreak response in Angola’s hardest-hit regions


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    With the severe cholera outbreak in Angola, residents are understandably alarmed. “What can we do to avoid getting sick?” asked Maesso Damião, a resident of Zaire Province, to World Health Organization (WHO) public health experts who recently visited the province. The team responded with simple advice on food hygiene, water treatment, and seeking early medical treatment. “This information can save our lives,” said Damião. 

    In Angola, more than 25,000 cases and almost 800 deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2025 when the outbreak was declared. In Zaire Province, nearly 174 cases have been reported, with a very high case fatality rate of 5.7% as of 13 June 2025. Considering that 1% is the benchmark to indicate early and adequate treatment, the urgency to control the cholera outbreak is clear.

    During its week-long visit to Zaire, the multidisciplinary WHO team visited the municipalities of Soyo, Nzeto, and M’banza Kongo, where cholera has affected vulnerable communities, including fisherfolk and informal traders. The team’s assessment revealed the challenges facing the response: treatment centres without adequate beds, shortages of materials, underreporting of cases, lack of sanitation, and difficulties in preparing chlorine solutions. 

    The WHO team supported the improvement of the quality of care and biosafety (safe working practices when handling infectious agents) in four cholera treatment centres, the improvement of water safety, and distributed essential supplies and safe drinking water. They also trained 140 health professionals in epidemiological surveillance, clinical management, and infection prevention and control. 

    “WHO’s support has enabled us to ensure crucial conditions to contain the outbreak, highlighting the importance of community involvement in disease prevention. This will allow us to adopt crucial measures for the future, prevent diseases and save lives,” said Zaire’s Provincial Health Director, Dr João Bernardo.

    Collaboration with community leaders is essential to strengthen the response at the local level. More than 700 people took part in awareness-raising sessions at churches, beaches, and town squares. 

    “Cholera is not only a medical emergency, but also an emergency of sanitation, treated water, information, dignity, and social justice. We must continue to work together to eliminate cholera and protect the population,” says Dr Raquel Medialdea-Carrera, WHO epidemiologist from WHO’s Pandemic hub in Berlin and a member of the WHO team currently working on the ground in Angola. 

    Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, reinforced the importance of this integrated approach: “While the cholera outbreak is a cause for great concern, it also represents a critical opportunity for us to strengthen cooperation and the health systems and build more robust emergency preparedness. Our common goal is a healthier and more resilient Angola, and to that end, we hope we can count on everyone’s support.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Foreign Minister IWAYA’s Meeting with H.E. Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti


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    On June 13, commencing at 5:15 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti.

    1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed President Dileita’s visit to Japan, and stated that Djibouti, located along with the important sea lanes linking Europe and Asia, is a strategically important partner in promoting a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’, and that it is a pleasure to witness the steady deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the field of maritime security.
    2. Referring to the good relations between the two countries and his own special attachment toward Japan, President Dileita expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Japan’s development cooperation in various fields and for the Self-Defense Force (SDF) facility in Djibouti, and explained the strategic importance of Djibouti.
    3. The two sides also exchanged views on issues, including regional situation in Africa and in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in regional and international arena, with a view to the TICAD 9 to be held in August and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson received H.E. Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Ethiopiaa


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    The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union.

    They exchanged views on regional peace and security, with a focus on the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.

    The Chairperson welcomed the collaborative efforts of the EAC and SADC in de-escalating tensions in Eastern DRC and acknowledged progress towards a peace agreement.

    The Chairperson & Amb. Karamba reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement. On peacekeeping on the continent, they underscored the importance of sustainable peacekeeping financing, with UNSC Resolution 2719 providing a key framework for predictable support.

    Ambassador Karamba expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s early visit to Kigali and reiterated Rwanda’s continued support for his leadership.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Govt bolsters Agri Stack with ₹6,000 crore allocation to empower farmers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) announced a significant financial commitment of ₹6,000 crore to strengthen the Agri Stack initiative under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) during the National Conference on Agri Stack: Turning Data into Delivery, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The funding, aimed at transforming India’s agricultural landscape through technology, will support States in building robust digital infrastructure for farmer-centric governance.

    The allocation includes ₹4,000 crore for developing Farmer Registries, including legal heir systems, and ₹2,000 crore for conducting Digital Crop Surveys. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come-first-served basis, incentivizing States to accelerate their adoption of digital tools. Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (Agriculture), emphasized the importance of linking State Farmer Registries with updated Records of Rights (RoR) to ensure accurate farmer identification and seamless delivery of schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and KCC.

    A key highlight of the conference was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar, and Odisha, alongside the PSB Alliance with the National Farmers’ Welfare Program Implementation Society (NFWPIS). These agreements aim to provide small and marginal farmers with digital access to credit services through Farmer Registry-linked authentication, reducing paperwork and enhancing financial inclusion.

    The conference also saw the launch of the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Guidelines, jointly unveiled by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Land Resources, alongside other dignitaries. Technical sessions addressed challenges such as outdated tribal land records and errors in crop survey data, proposing solutions like remote sensing, AI/ML tools, and automated data validation to improve efficiency.

    Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary (Digital), MoA&FW, underscored the need for data quality assurance and compliance with Unified Farmer Service Interface (UFSI) standards. The initiative is poised to empower farmers with tools like Digitally Verifiable Certificates (DVCs) and farmer authorization systems, enabling secure sharing of land and crop information.

    The Ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology for transparent governance marks a significant step toward inclusive, data-driven agricultural development, promising better access to services for millions of farmers across India.

  • Agri Stack conference showcases AI innovations and state success stories

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Conference on Agri Stack: Turning Data into Delivery, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, highlighted groundbreaking AI-driven innovations and state-led achievements in transforming India’s agricultural ecosystem through the Agri Stack initiative.

    A standout feature was the unveiling of an AI-powered chatbot, built using Google Gemini and trained on Agri Stack data, capable of answering farmers’ queries in multiple languages. Additional AI tools are being piloted for crop identification, facial authentication of surveyors, and optimizing backend systems, showcasing the Ministry’s push toward cutting-edge technology. The Chief Knowledge Officer and Advisor (CKO&A) introduced the Digitally Verifiable Credential (DVC), or Kisan Pehchan Patra, which allows farmers to generate authenticated credentials for specific land parcels and crops, integrated with DigiLocker and dynamically updated upon land mutation.

    The conference also launched a unified grievance redressal portal with OTP-based login, multilingual support, and audio upload features, enabling farmers to resolve land-related disputes efficiently. Farmers can now authorize representatives to access services or lodge grievances, enhancing accessibility.

    A dedicated session, “Insights from States on Agri Stack Usage,” featured presentations from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. Maharashtra highlighted its progress in enrolling farmers in the Farmer Registry and sought central support for a Data Provisioning Engine (DPE) and an AI-driven advisory sandbox, Mahavistaar AI. Uttar Pradesh shared its success in integrating Agri Stack with MSP e-procurement for 2024, while addressing challenges in Digital Crop Survey (DCS) implementation. Karnataka showcased multi-layered innovations, including linking its FRUITS platform with banking systems, using Agri Stack for disaster relief, and integrating soil health cards for personalized advisories.