Illegal tobacco and vapes worth £25,000 have been taken off Stoke-on-Trent streets as part of a national operation and the council mission to reclaim our streets.
Trading Standards officers raided four premises on Tunstall High Street and were accompanied by Staffordshire Police and a Wagtails UK Tobacco Detection Dog and handler.
In total, 20,000 cigarettes, 6.5kg of hand rolling tobacco, 650 vapes and 22 tubs of shisha were seized.
The raids took place as part of Operation Cece, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, which is aimed at tackling the supply of illegal tobacco.
This activity also follows the introduction of the ban on single use vapes, which came into force on Sunday 1 June.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers continue to work to protect our communities and get these illegal products off our streets. Illegal tobacco and vapes often exploit vulnerable workers and undermine legitimate business.
“This work is part of the council’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and safer city for all and you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”
Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to Trading Standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.
A new 24/7 online portal is launched today to provide the city’s valued community of carers a range of instant support, information and advice.
The portal, which is being launched during National Carers Week, can be reached at www.stoke.gov.uk/helpforcarers.
It includes:
News and events for carers
Help with carer assessments
Advice on supporting clients to access financial support
A community directory of useful local organisations
Equipment and adaptations
Information on health from autism and learning disabilities through to mental health support, local facilities
Housing advice: private rents, councils and social housing
Out and about: public transport, accessible toilets and changing, sports and activities.
Money and legal: paying for care and support, benefits, power of attorney.
This is the third portal launched by the council’s Adult Social Care team in the last few months – both the Bettercare Support portal and Professional Portal are also available 24/7 to make accessing services, support and signposting better than ever before.
The aim of all three is to help people lead the most independent lives they possibly can by tapping into the right amount of support, whatever their circumstances.
In addition, a new Finance Portal that will enable people to quickly see if they are likely to be eligible to have support funded, will also be available in the next few weeks.
Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All-Age Commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our carers are often unsung heroes, of all ages, many unpaid looking after relatives or other loved ones, and deserve all the support we can offer.
“The services available at the click of a button through this new portal are aimed at just that – helping them to access all the advice they need along with a range of organisations who can support them.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
News story
Chancellor announces record investment to rebuild National Health Service
The Chancellor has today (Wednesday 11 June) announced a record £29 billion investment to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.
Rachel Reeves announces record £29 billion funding boost to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.
New investment includes up to £10 billion on technology and digital transformation, GP training to deliver millions more appointments and rolling out mental health support to all schools.
Reeves tells the House of Commons: “There’s no strong economy without a strong NHS.”
New investment announced at the Spending Review will enable the NHS to deliver on the government’s Plan for Change to cut waiting lists, improve patient care and modernise services.
Up to £10 billion allocated towards technology and digital transformation, thousands more GPs to be trained and funding allocated to deliver an additional 700,000 urgent NHS dentist appointments a year.
The funding boost came as the Chancellor unveiled a Spending Review to deliver Britain’s renewal, with record investment in the country’s security, health and economy.
Security
The Chancellor confirmed a £11 billion real-terms increase in defence spending over the spending review period, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.
Today’s funding will provide the Ministry of Defence with the resources and capital necessary to start delivering the Strategic Defence Review, rebuilding the armed forces and investing heavily in UK intelligence capabilities. This includes £15 billion for a nuclear sovereign warhead programme, supporting over 9,000 jobs in the UK, £7 billion of infrastructure funding for a once-in-a-generation renewal of military accommodation, and £6 billion for munitions, investing in supply chains and factories in the UK and generating over 1,000 jobs and export potential.
At least £280 million a year will also be invested into border security by 2028-29, including into the Border Security Command, to tackle people-smuggling gangs running small boats. Funding of at least £400 million a year by 2028-29 will speed up the process of asylum processing, increase appeals capacity and continue asylum returns alongside ending the costly use of hotels for accommodation.
Police spending power will see an average 2.3% real terms increase over the Spending Review period as the government puts police back on the beat in communities across England and Wales, supporting the government’s Plan for Change commitment to put an additional 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and special constables into neighbourhood roles.
Growth
Roads, infrastructure and towns outside of London and the South East will receive investment to ensure Britain’s renewal is one that is truly national. Revisions to the Treasury’s Green Book announced by the Chancellor mark a new approach to appraisal in the public sector, one which will enable the more effective assessment of place-based interventions.
The Chancellor announced £15.6 billion funding in total by 2031-32 for local transport projects in England’s city regions and £2.3 billion from 2026-27 to 2029-30 for local transport improvements outside of these nine regions, improving everyday journeys for all. The Chancellor announced a further £2.5 billion to connect Oxford and Cambridge through the continued delivery of East-West Rail and confirmed she will set out plans to take forward work on Northern Powerhouse Rail in the coming weeks.
Funding announced today will deliver upgrades to Cardiff Central station, reduce journey times between Manchester and Leeds through continued investment in the TransPennine Route Upgrade, and progress the delivery of Midlands Rail Hub, enhancing connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands and to other regions.
The Chancellor also confirmed the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, confirming £39 billion of investment over ten years through a new Affordable Homes Programme, turbocharging the Plan for Change commitment to get the country building and deliver the 1.5 million homes Britain needs.
This significant settlement represents the first time in living memory that the government has set out a programme that provides ten years of certainty – giving the sector the confidence to deliver for now and for the future of housing in Britain and turning the tide on the housing crisis in this country.
Today’s Spending Review also supports the development of home-grown, clean power to deliver energy security by committing £14.2 billion for Britain’s first state-funded nuclear power station since 1988 in Sizewell C, providing over £2.5 billion for one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor programmes and allocating £9.4 billion to UK carbon capture and storage over the Spending Review period – all while supporting Britain’s acceleration to net zero and driving growth.
The Chancellor also confirmed additional funding for up to 350 communities, especially those in deprived areas, through Plans for Neighbourhoods – giving new long-term regeneration funding and supporting councils in their fightback against graffiti and fly-tipping across Britain.
The government will also establish a Growth Mission Fund to expedite local projects that are important for growth but have been forgotten, such as Southport Pier, Kirkcaldy’s seafront and High Street, and a new sports quarter in Peterborough.
In the coming weeks, the government will release its Infrastructure and Industrial Strategies – providing the certainty and stability sectors need to invest and work to drive our growth mission.
Devolved nations
The devolved administrations will receive their largest real terms settlements since devolution began in 1998, enabling them to deliver on local priorities that matter most to communities.
The Scottish Government will receive an average extra £2.9 billion across the duration of this Spending Review through the operation of the Barnett formula. In recognition of Scotland’s unique needs, they will have 20% more to spend per individual than comparable UK Government spending for people in the rest of the UK.
The Welsh Government will benefit from an average extra £1.6 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula to deliver against the priorities of working people in Wales, and 20% more to spend per individual than comparable UK Government does for people in the rest of the UK.
The Northern Ireland Executive will receive an average extra £1.2 billion through the Barnett formula, 24% more to spend per person than the comparable UK Government spending in the rest of the UK, reflecting Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances.
These record settlements are made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On June 11, 2025, a delegation from the State University of Management visited the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPb FRC RAS).
The working tour of the scientific team of the State University of Management continues in Saint Petersburg. Earlier we reported on meetings with the management of the Leningrad Region Committee for Transport and the BGTU “VOENMEKH”.
The State University of Management was represented at the meeting by Vice-Rector Maria Karelina, Chief Researcher of the Scientific Research Coordination Department Alexey Terentyev (a leading scientist in the field of developing decision-making models under uncertainty), Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov, Researcher of the Center Dmitry Rybakov and Junior Researcher of the Reverse Engineering Laboratory Nikita Akinshin.
Scientists and specialists of the State University of Management visited the Laboratory of Information Technologies in Systems Analysis and Modeling. The laboratory works on the development, research and implementation of methodological, methodological and technological foundations for the automation and intellectualization of processes of complex modeling of complex systems at various stages of their life cycle, and also conducts scientific research in the following areas:
Integrated modeling of the functioning of complex technical objects (STO); Planning the functioning of STO; Parallel structural and functional synthesis of STO; Data analysis; Development of automated systems for intelligent monitoring and management of the life cycle of STO; Development of digital twins based on information and analytical support.
During the visit, a joint meeting was held with scientists from the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences – leading researcher Stanislav Mikoni and young scientist of the research center Andrey Zakharov. The parties discussed the development of joint R&D in the field of digital twins, unmanned vehicles and predictive analytics. A special vector of joint work was defined as interaction within the framework of the implementation of a large scientific project by research teams of the State University of Management and the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in order to create a unified system that predicts technological and economic processes in agribusiness.
The joint meeting of representatives of the State University of Management and the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences took place within the framework of the signed agreement – in May, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and the director of the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Ronzhin signed an agreement on cooperation in the educational and scientific spheres.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Rosneft employees organized patriotic events to mark one of the main state holidays – Russia Day. Oil workers organize volunteer, environmental and sports initiatives, creative events and Days of National Cultures.
In Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, Samotlorneftegaz volunteers organized an intellectual quiz called “Russia is a Generous Soul”. Participants demonstrated excellent knowledge of the country’s history and geography, biographies of statesmen and outstanding scientists, literary and artistic figures. The drawing master class “Soul of Russia”, which was organized as part of the volunteer project “Creative Mentor”, aroused great interest. Participants painted landscapes of their native places on canvas, most of them dedicated their works to the nature of the Samotlor field, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Workers and veterans of RN-Nyaganneftegaz took part in the “Round Dance of Friendship”. Hundreds of oil workers in national costumes, holding hands, walked along the central street of the city of Nyagan, demonstrating the unity and ethnocultural diversity of the peoples living in the region.
In the Tyumen region, in one of the largest parks in Tyumen, employees of RN-Uvatneftegaz ran five kilometers with the Russian flag. Not only oil workers took part in the race, but also their relatives, who also decided to express a sense of pride in their country.
In Yamal, young specialists from ROSPAN International held a charity event called “Goodness Fair” on the eve of the holiday. They presented hand-made products. The proceeds were used to purchase everything necessary for the wards of the Novy Urengoy Society of Disabled People.
Employees of SevKomNeftegaz and activists of the youth Movement of the First held a bike quest in Gubkinsky. Moving along the city streets, the teams completed tasks related to the history and culture of Russia.
Volunteers from Kharampurneftegaz introduced the team to the national traditions of our country and the cuisines of the peoples living in it – Russian dishes and tea drinking traditions, customs of the Turkic peoples with a tasting of traditional echpochmak, chak-chak, kystybay.
In Krasnoyarsk Krai, oil workers from RN-Vankor organized a photo exhibition about the achievements of the largest oil-producing enterprise in the region. The exhibition clearly demonstrates the enterprise’s contribution to the development of the region, talks about the development of a large-scale oil-producing production complex in the north of the region, environmental initiatives and the preservation of biodiversity in the territory of presence, volunteer and patriotic events.
Achinsk Oil Refinery held a bike ride through the iconic patriotic places of the city of Achinsk. The column with the Russian tricolor included young specialists of the plant, students of the sponsored Oil and Gas Technical School and activists of the All-Russian “Movement of the First”.
In the Irkutsk Region, the Angarsk Petrochemical Company held a patriotic event among children vacationing in a summer camp at the corporate sanatorium “Rodnik”. More than 100 children recited poems about the Motherland and sang the Russian anthem. In a mass flash mob, children lined up in the colors of the Russian tricolor and performed a fiery dance to the song “Mother Earth”. The organizers of the event also told the children about the symbols of unity and independence of our country.
Members of the running club of the Rosneft Research and Design Institute in Tomsk took part in the city’s patriotic race. In the relay, the athletes passed a ribbon in the colors of the Russian tricolor.
On Sakhalin, Sakhalinmorneftegaz-Shelf employees celebrated Russia Day with a family sports festival and a mini-football tournament. Children participated in interactive master classes prepared for them by the company’s volunteers. The celebration ended with a mass action with the Russian flag.
In the Samara Region, volunteers from the Syzran Oil Refinery, together with school graduates, planted 80 birches in school gardens. Young trees decorated the territory of School No. 28. Last year, for the first time in 70 years of operation, the building underwent major repairs as part of the Cooperation Agreement between PJSC NK Rosneft and the Government of the Samara Region.
Volunteers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery together with the Russian Society “Knowledge” held a series of intellectual video lectures on the technological leadership of our country in the children’s health camp named after Yuri Gagarin. The children learned about the main successes and achievements of Russian industry, science, medicine, agriculture, sports, culture and education. The plant workers in an interactive format introduced the children to the history of the enterprise, with the biographies of the plant’s builders who made a significant contribution to the development of the oil industry.
Orenburgneft held a master class on creating drawings about the Motherland in the Orenburg Region. A professional artist helped participants depict a field of blooming sunflowers on canvas – a symbol of the steppe region. In the reading club of the city of Buzuluk, literature lovers held a discussion about artistic techniques for expressing love for the Motherland using the example of great works of Russian classics.
In the Ryazan region, employees of the Ryazan Oil Refining Company took part in the quiz “Experts of Russia”. They answered questions on history, geography, as well as the culture and traditions of Russia.
In the Saratov Region, volunteers from the Saratov Oil Refinery organized a sports and patriotic festival for students in grades 3-4 of the Aviator Gymnasium. The children were told about the state symbols and history of the country. The plant workers also held a master class in football. Football players from the plant team, winner of the qualifying round of the XX Summer Sports Games Rosneft and winner of the Romantsev Cup, taught the children how to act as a single team in various sports. At the end of the festival, all participants were presented with memorable souvenirs in the colors of the Russian tricolor.
About a hundred employees of NK Rosneft-Stavropol climbed 1,400 meters and unfurled the Russian flag on the top of Mount Beshtau, the highest point in the Caucasian Mineral Waters. The oil workers also organized a festival of “Cuisines of the Peoples of Russia” with the study of recipes and tasting of dishes from different regions.
The employees of RN-Chernozemye organized a festival of national cultures with folk costumes, a photo zone, performance of patriotic and folk songs, and dishes from the cuisine of different nations. White doves were released into the sky, symbolizing peace, freedom, and prosperity of Russia.
Festive events and activities united thousands of oil workers, representatives of different faiths and nationalities in different regions, and became a symbol of the unity of the peoples of our country.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 11, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China activates emergency response to flooding as this year’s first typhoon approaches
BEIJING, June 11 — China’s Ministry of Water Resources on Wednesday issued a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in southern and southeastern regions, following a tropical depression over the South China Sea that had grown into this year’s first typhoon in the morning.
The center of Typhoon Wutip (Butterfly) was located near Yongxing Dao in the city of Sansha in China’s southernmost island province of Hainan, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the ministry.
Strong rain caused by the approaching Typhoon Wutip will hit China’s regions including Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian from Thursday to Sunday, and the water levels of some medium and minor rivers in the regions are projected to exceed warning thresholds, the ministry said.
The ministry emphasized the importance of preventing floods in small and medium-sized rivers, as well as mountain torrents in the affected areas, to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.
The ministry has dispatched two teams to Hainan and Guangdong to aid flood prevention work.
China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted waters off the Taitung County, Taiwan, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The epicenter was monitored at 23.33 degrees north latitude and 121.72 degrees east longitude. The earthquake struck at a depth of 20 km, the center said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The United States should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has said.
China reiterates that the United States should work with China to honor their words with actions, and demonstrate sincerity in keeping commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of dialogue, He said.
He made the remarks during the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London from Monday to Tuesday with U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
During the talks, the two sides held candid and in-depth talks, and thoroughly exchanged views on economic and trade issues of mutual concern.
The two sides reached principled agreement on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva, and made new progress in addressing each other’s economic and trade concerns.
Calling the meeting an important consultation held under the guidance of the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state on June 5, He said that China’s position on China-U.S. economic and trade issues is clear and consistent.
Noting that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the vice premier said cooperation between China and the United States in the economic and trade field benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.
There are no winners in trade wars, He said, adding that China does not seek conflict but will not be intimidated by one.
He urged the United States to resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, adding that while China is sincere in pursuing economic and trade consultations, it also has its principles.
Next, the two sides should, in accordance with the important consensus and requirements reached by the two heads of state during their phone call, make better use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, and work to enhance consensus, reduce misunderstanding and strengthen cooperation, He said.
The two sides should maintain communication and consultation, and promote the steady and sustained growth of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, so as to inject more certainty and stability into the world economy, He added.
The U.S. side said that the meeting had achieved positive outcomes and further stabilized bilateral economic and trade relations, adding that the U.S. side would walk in the same direction as China in accordance with the requirements of the phone call between the two heads of state to jointly implement the consensus reached at this meeting. Enditem
India’s firm and clear-eyed approach to internal security and counter-terrorism over the last eleven years reflects the government’s unwavering resolve to prioritise national interest above all. From precision military strikes across borders to strategic dismantling of insurgent networks within, India has shed the hesitations of the past. A clear doctrine now guides action, swift, decisive and backed by intelligence. With the abrogation of Article 370, the campaign against Naxalism, and new capabilities in high-tech defence, India today stands more secure and self-reliant than ever before. Operation SINDOOR, India’s swift and precise military response to a terror attack in April 2025, further demonstrated this resolve. These successes are a result of political will, military strength and a deeply rooted belief in putting the country first.
Surgical Strikes and Balakot Air Strikes
In a bold departure from past restraint, India responded to the terrorist attack in Uri on 18 soldiers by conducting Surgical Strikes on 28-29 September 2016. These strikes inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and their protectors across the Line of Control. A few years later, on 14 February 2019, the Pulwama terror attack claimed 40 CRPF jawans. India’s response came swiftly. On 26 February 2019, in an intelligence-led operation, the Balakot airstrikes eliminated a large number of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including senior commanders. The facility targeted was located far from civilian areas and headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar. These pre-emptive actions showed the world that India would no longer tolerate proxy war through terrorism.
Operation SINDOOR
In April 2025, following a brutal terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, India launched Operation SINDOOR, executing precise retaliatory strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military, acting on accurate intelligence, relied on drone strikes, loitering munitions, and layered air defence to neutralise key threats without crossing international boundaries. Key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were destroyed, severely disrupting their operational capabilities. The strikes resulted in over 100 terrorists killed in action, including individuals linked to IC-814 hijack and Pulwama blast like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmad.
When Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on 7–8 May against multiple Indian cities and bases, these were swiftly intercepted, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s net-centric warfare systems and integrated counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) grid.
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm policy on cross-border terrorism and its approach towards Pakistan. He underlined that national security is non-negotiable and outlined clear red lines regarding dialogue, deterrence, and defence. Key points from his address include:
1. Firm response to terror attacks: Any terrorist attack on India will be met with a fitting and decisive response, regardless of where the perpetrators operate from.
2. No tolerance for nuclear blackmail: India will not be deterred by nuclear threats and will continue to carry out precise strikes against terrorist hideouts.
3. No distinction between terror elements: There will be no difference between the masterminds and the sponsors of terror, both will be held accountable.
4. Terrorism first in any talks: Any engagement with Pakistan, if at all, will be focused only on terrorism or the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
5. Zero compromise on sovereignty: The Prime Minister declared, “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together,” firmly closing the door to normal relations amid terror threats.
Counterterrorism Measures in Jammu and Kashmir
On 5 August 2019, Parliament approved the removal of Article 370 and 35-A, marking a historic correction of a decades-old imbalance. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were brought at par with other regions, and over 890 Central laws were applied. As many as 205 state laws were repealed, and 130 modified to align with the Constitution of India.
Since then, development in the region has accelerated. Marginalised groups like Valmikis, Dalits, and Gorkhas now enjoy full rights. Laws such as the Right to Education and Child Marriage Act now protect all citizens in the region. The impact is clear: terrorist-initiated incidents have dropped from 228 in 2018 to just 28 in 2024, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace. Additionally, stone-pelting incidents have recorded a 100% drop, marking a new era of peace.
The successful conduct of the J&K Assembly Elections in 2024, held in three phases with a 63% voter turnout, further underscores the region’s embrace of democratic participation and stability, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace.
Fight Against Naxalism
The multi-pronged approach to Left Wing Extremism has delivered historic gains. From 126 affected districts in 2010, the number has come down to just 38 by April 2024. Most affected districts were reduced from 12 to 6, and the number of casualties is at a 30-year low. Violence has declined sharply from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 374 in 2024, a drop of 81 percent. Deaths have reduced by 85 percent over the same period.
In 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Major recent operations in March 2025 saw 50 Naxals surrender in Bijapur, 16 neutralised in Sukma, and 22 killed in Kanker and Bijapur. Another landmark achievement came with Operation Black Forest in Chhattisgarh, where 27 dreaded Maoists, including Basavaraju, a general secretary ranked leader, the first such high ranking neutralisation in 30 years, were eliminated. Additionally, 54 Naxalites were arrested, and 84 surrendered in this operation.
With continued support through Special Central Assistance and targeted development, the government is on track to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared an article by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting what he described as 11 years of inclusive growth — a phase marked by citizen empowerment, social upliftment, and national advancement.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said:
“Union Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw reflects on 11 years of inclusive growth, a journey that has benefited citizens in multiple ways and, more importantly, instilled a belief. A belief that empowers, uplifts, and propels the nation forward”, PM Modi said in his post.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Management consultant who ‘wanted to get as much money as he could’ banned as a director for 11 years after securing two Covid loans
Romain McLean, from Brent, exaggerated the turnover of RMC Associates Limited to secure two Bounce Back loans.
Romain McLean was the director of RMC Associates Limited, a management consultancy company registered in Wimbledon.
He overstated his company’s turnover twice to secure two loans.
McLean is now disqualified from being a director until 2036.
A Brent director who secured two Covid Bounce Back Loans – totalling £80,000 – having twice significantly overstated his company’s turnover has been disqualified for 11 years.
Romain McLean was the sole director of RMC Associates Limited, registered at Kingston Road in Wimbledon.
The 41-year-old of Pember Road, Brent, applied for a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back loan for his business in May 2020, when it was only entitled to around £12,000.
An Insolvency Service investigation found that he had overstated the turnover of his company by more than £100,000 to secure the initial loan.
In an interview during the investigation, Mr McLean admitted exaggerating his turnover to secure the loan, stating that he ‘just wanted to get as much money as he could’.
He also applied for a second loan at the maximum of £50,000, in July 2020, having falsely stated it was his first and only application and again overstating the turnover of his business by thousands of pounds.
Following the Insolvency Service investigation, he signed an undertaking disqualifying him from being a director for 11 years and offered a settlement repayment of £60,000.
Insolvency Service Chief Investigator Ann Oliver said:
Romain McLean overstated his company’s turnover to claim not one but two Covid Bounce Back loans.
He secured money for his company it was not wholly entitled to not once but twice.
This lengthy director disqualification demonstrates the seriousness of his actions and serves as a warning to others who seek to wrongfully claim taxpayers’ money.
McLean did not dispute the undertaking, agreeing to an 11-year director disqualification which began on 30 May 2025.
RMC Associates Limited was incorporated in 2008 and was subject to a winding up petition in 2023.
The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.
The loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.
The money lent to a company had to be paid back, over six or 10 years, with payments starting 12 months after the company received the loan.
Earlier this year, people across the city elected their new faces to be the voice for young people across the city.
The Youth Parliament members pictured with Councillors, who together held a mock debate session to discuss the campaigns.
Two members have been elected, with two deputy members, and are ready to get stuck into their projects over the next year.
Bill, aged 13 aims to reduce homework, by ensuring teachers are aware of the struggles students face, and they offer help and support to those that need it.
Sienna, aged 16 was elected last year and re-elected this year, Sienna aims to tackle violence against women and girls, by challenging harmful attitudes, and advocating for safe spaces.
Our deputy members
Faith, aged 16 aims to reduce bus fares for children, young people and students. Focusing on school holidays.
The final project aims to tackle the cost of living crisis, with online campaigns highlighting the effects and to work with local leaders to promote support schemes. This is being led by Robin, 16.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our members of the Youth Parliament are all inspiring young people who are excellent role models as they are campaigning for change in our city. They are the voice for their generation, and all their campaigns are very strong focusing on current issues.
“I look forward to seeing them progress with their work over the next year and huge congratulations to them.”
Plymouth Youth Parliament is open to young people aged 11 to 18.
They are involved in supporting the above campaigns as well as a range of other work including attendance and involvement in the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny committee.
If you are interested in working with them and feel you can contribute to supporting the young people in meeting their campaign aims or can link them to workstreams relevant to their campaigns, or if you know of any young people interested in getting involved, please contact The Participation Team via [email protected].
Strabane Gears Up for a Spectacular Summer Jamm Festival
6 June 2025
Strabane is set to come alive this Saturday, June 7th, as the Summer Jamm Festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of family fun and local talent. Running from 12pm until late, the festival offers a diverse lineup of attractions and events for all ages.
The town centre will be bustling with activities including the Kidz Farm petting zoo, dinosaur encounters, urban sports demonstrations, and interactive drumming circles. Castle Place will feature BMX biking, parkour workshops, and graffiti art sessions, while Castle Street hosts the Roar Roar Dinosaurs baby dinosaur petting zoo. Main Street will offer live music, market stalls, and performances by local arts groups such as Class Act, Much Ado Stage School, and Encore PAA. The Alley Theatre will present the FizzWizzPop Magic Show, face painting, and arts and crafts workshops.
As dusk falls, Strabane’s pubs will come alive with the inaugural Music Trail, featuring performances by local artists across venues including Christy’s Bar, The Railway Bar, Dicey’s Bar, and The Farmers’ Home. Artists such as DJ Ryan Doc, Adam Dolan, The Brambles, and Louis McTeggert will showcase the town’s rich musical heritage. The Music Trail begins at 4pm and offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience Strabane’s diverse musical scene in an intimate setting.
A highlight of the festival is the Bear Run ’74 Supercar event, featuring a stunning display of luxury vehicles, including the Lamborghini Revuelto, known for its impressive performance. The supercars will be showcased on Railway Street, providing a thrilling spectacle for attendees and raising funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities, PIPS Suicide Prevention Derry and The Castlederg Patient and Comfort Terminally ill fund.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, expressed his excitement for this weekend’s festivities.
“Summer Jamm has become a cornerstone of our community calendar, bringing together businesses, residents and visitors alike to celebrate the best of Strabane. This year’s festival showcases our town’s creative spirit, local talent, and warm hospitality. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a day of fun and for everyone to support our local businesses. It will be one of my first engagements as Mayor and I am really looking forward to getting out and about to meet you all.”
To facilitate the event, the following roads will be closed to traffic from 7am to 7pm on Saturday, June 7th: Railway Street,Main Street, Castle Street and Castle Place.
Traffic diversions will be in place with alternative routes signposted. Visitors are advised that streets will be busy with lots of activities taking place in and around the town centre, so motorists should use the town centre car parks or, if possible, travel to the event using public transport. Please note that Canal Street car park will be closed to facilitate Cullen’s Fun Fair. Disabled parking will be available in the car parks at Canal Basin North, Railway Street, Butcher Street, and in Upper and Lower Main Street.
Fun for Just £1 This Summer at Derry and Strabane Leisure Centres
6 June 2025
Families across Derry and Strabane can look forward to an action-packed summer as the Council launches its exciting seasonal programme of activities – all at unbeatable value.
Returning again this year is the hugely popular £1 Summer Offer, running from 1st July to 31st August. This initiative gives young people under 18 access to a wide range of daytime activities – all for just £1 – at Council leisure centres across the city and district.
Available from Monday to Friday until 5pm, the offer includes swimming and a variety of court and pitch-based activities such as:
Tennis
Badminton
5-a-side football
Table tennis
Basketball
Squash
Selected pitch activities (T&Cs apply)
The initiative is part of Council’s wider sports development programme, aimed at encouraging children and young people to stay active, try new sports, and enjoy healthy fun throughout the summer – without breaking the bank.
Karen McFarland, Director of Health and Community at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said:
“The £1 Summer Scheme offers a fantastic variety of activities to keep children and young people engaged, active, and entertained throughout the holidays. It’s a great way for them to discover new interests while staying healthy and having fun.
Importantly, the affordable £1 price point helps ease the financial pressure on families looking to keep their kids busy over the summer break.”
The scheme will be available at the following Council leisure centres:
Bishops Field
City Baths
Foyle Arena
Brooke Park Leisure Centre
Derg Valley Leisure Centre
Melvin Sports Complex
Riversdale Leisure Centre
Templemore Sports Complex
Please note: Activities must be booked on the day of play. Advance bookings are not available.
Separate from the £1 Summer Scheme offer, children and young people can also avail of the Council’s Intensive Swim Lessons over the summer months. Online and in-house enrolment will be available from the following times next week:
Monday 9th June
Foyle Arena – Online from 9am, inhouse from 10am
City Baths – Online and inhouse from 11am
Tuesday 10th June
Templemore Sports Complex – Online from 9am, inhouse from 10am
Riversdale Leisure Centre – Online from 9am, inhouse from 10am
Mayor McHugh looking forward to welcoming West Indies cricketers to Derry and Strabane
11 June 2025
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, is looking forward to welcoming the West Indies international cricket team to the Council area this week for their three game Twenty20 series with Ireland at Bready Cricket Club.
The games are taking place on June 12th, 14th and 15th at the Magheramason club and Mayor McHugh will attend the opening game on Thursday before hosting a civic reception in the Guildhall for both teams on Friday.
The North West Cricket Union have received Council’s National Events Fund to help host the event and Council’s Environment team have also provided floral arrangements, hanging baskets and planters for the games.
“I am delighted to see world class cricket returning to Derry and Strabane with the arrival of the West Indies team for these three high profile games,” said Mayor McHugh.
“The North West Cricket Union have shown great ambition in developing Bready Cricket Club as an international level ground and it’s a valuable opportunity for us to showcase our region as a host for elite level sports events.
“The event will attract thousands of visitors to the City and District over the weekend and millions of viewers across the world so the positive impact it will have for our hospitality sector and on our international profile is significant.”
The games will all begin at 3pm and tickets, priced at £15 each, are available to buy now on the Cricket Ireland website at cricketireland.ie
Derry City and Strabane District Council Wins Prestigious RTPI Northern Ireland Planning Excellence
11 June 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council has been awarded the prestigious RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Northern Ireland Award for Planning Excellence 2025 in the category of Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture, in recognition of its transformative Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project.
The award, announced yesterday at the RTPI Welcome Celebration Event at Malone House, Belfast, celebrates the Council’s leadership and collaborative approach in revitalising the historic Clooney Cannon site into a vibrant, accessible public space that respects and enhances the area’s rich heritage.
Delivered in partnership with the Bonds Street Community Association and Clooney All Saints Church of Ireland, the £215k project, which was funded by Department for Communities, has successfully breathed new life into a site of significant cultural and historical value in the Waterside area. The scheme, completed in 2024, included extensive environmental improvements such as the restoration of the historic Crimean War-era cannon, installation of new seating, planting, lighting, and interpretive signage. A new pathway now connects the cannon site to the adjacent church garden, with improved access points, new boundary railings, and sympathetic lighting that integrates and highlights both heritage assets.
The project was fully funded by the Department for Communities and reflects a broader strategy of heritage-led regeneration and placemaking within the district.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the award win: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from the RTPI. It is a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through genuine community partnership and thoughtful planning. The Clooney Cannon project not only honours our shared past but also creates a lasting space that will benefit local residents and visitors alike for generations to come. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge well done and congratulations to everyone involved in this impressive project.”
The RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in planning across the region. The Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project stood out among a competitive field for its thoughtful integration of heritage and community needs, showcasing the power of planning to shape meaningful, inclusive spaces.
Alley Theatre to host Prestigious International Conference
11 June 2025
The 8th International Flann O’Brien Conference is set to bring a vibrant gathering of scholars and enthusiasts of Flann O Brien’s work to Strabane’s Alley Theatre from June 25th to 27th, 2025.
This prestigious event, hosted in Strabane for the first time, will delve into this year’s theme: An Fód Dúchais: Home, Heritage, and origins.
Jointly hosted by the International Flann O’Brien Society and Strabane History Society the conference marks a significant return to O ’Nolan’s birth town, Strabane. The town, with its unique geographical and historical position perfectly embodies themes of fluidity and contested spaces — concepts central to O’Brien’s satirical and often surreal literary output.
On Tuesday, June 24th, schools are invited to a free theatrical performance of “Flann O’Brien” by Justin Logue at 11am, followed by an informal pre-conference gathering of conference delegates at Farmer’s Home, Railway Street, Strabane.
This international gathering promises to be a rich exploration of Flann O’Brien’s literary genius, offering insights into his enduring relevance and the unique cultural landscape that shaped his extraordinary imagination.
The conference will feature three distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Tobias W. Harris (Birkbeck, University of London); Dr. Michael Pierse (Queen’s University Belfast) and Dr. Emily Ridge (University of Galway).
The conference commences on Wednesday, June 25th, with a Walking Tour of Flann O’Brien’s Strabane led by members of The Alley Theatre team, scripted by Strabane History Society offering our international delegates a unique perspective on the town that influenced O ‘Nolan’s work. The day will also include a keynote address by Dr. Emily Ridge titled ‘Dul Siar, Dul Siar: The Ever-Receding West in An Béal Bocht’, followed by an Official Opening with a Civic Reception and performances led by local artists to welcome delegates to Strabane.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of academic panels throughout the three days, covering topics such as “Old and New,” “Science and Health,” “Technology and Media,” and “Social Contexts & Formative Communities.”
Thursday, June 26th, will feature a keynote address by Dr. Tobias Harris, ‘Ag Fuineadh Ama: Opening Closed Ground in the Works of Brian Ó Nualláin’, and a special Film Screening showcasing “Babble” (2008) by David O’Kane and “Re-enactment” (2009) by Eamon O’Kane, both inspired by O’Nolan’s work.
The evening will conclude with a Book launch for Flann O’Brien and the European Avant-Garde, 1934–45 (Bloomsbury Academic, 2025) and the launch of Micheál Ó Nualláin Art Exhibit by Anna Uí Nualláin in the museum services space at The Alley Theatre gallery. In the main gallery, O’Kane Family will also launch “Strange Enlightenments”; responses to the work of Brian O’ Nolan featuring artwork by Eddie O’Kane, Joanna O’Kane, Eamon O’Kane, Matthew O’Kane and David O’Kane which will be showcased throughout the summer months.
The final day, Friday, June 27th, includes a keynote address by Dr. Michael Pierse on ‘False Alternatives and Grim Absurdities: Flann O’Brien’s Social Critique of Independent Ireland in At Swim-Two-Birds and An Béal Bocht’.
Each lunchtime internationally renowned singer and songwriter Brian Hassan will provide music on our café stage.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairí McHugh said it was a huge honour for the Alley Theatre to host a conference of this calibre. Extending his best wishes to everyone involved in the event he said he hoped it would be a huge success.
He acknowledged the role played by officers of Derry City and Strabane District Council in working to bring this event to the Alley Theatre, while also showcasing what Strabane has to offer in what will be a great visitor experience and a chance for the local community to capture a taste of Flann O Brien from an academic perspective from his town of birth.
For further information and programme details please visit www.alley-theatre.com or contact Alley box office 02871384444 or visit. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 4.30pm
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Center for Whole Genome Sequencing of Biotechnology Campus LLC (hereinafter referred to as the Center) has fulfilled the plan for collecting biomaterials within the framework of the national genetic initiative “100,000 I”. The total number of samples has exceeded 100,000 units, of which more than 80,000 have already been decoded and entered into the project database. Full processing of the collected genomes will be completed by the end of the year.
The 100,000 I project is being implemented by the Center within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies, the main technological partner of which is PJSC NK Rosneft. The main objective of the initiative is to decipher and systematize the genomes of Russian residents to identify hereditary predisposition to serious diseases.
At the current stage of research, scientists have already identified the genetic causes of diseases in more than 10,000 patients. Bioinformatics analysis has identified thousands of unique genetic variants associated with 500 different rare (orphan) diseases.
In addition, based on the analysis of more than 50,000 genomes of the initiative’s volunteers, reference data on the genetic diversity of the Russian population has been formed – the so-called “genomic landscape”. These data will become the starting point for further work, which scientists will be able to rely on to identify new patterns in human DNA.
Additionally, samples of over 5,000 representatives of 50 different nationalities of the Russian Federation were analyzed. To assess the frequency of genetic variants that lead to severe genetic diseases, in certain regions, for example, in Yakutia or in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District, expanded studies of representatives of individual ethnic communities are being conducted. Their results will form the basis for genetic screening programs for healthy family planning and prevention of hereditary pathologies.
The implementation of the “100,000 I” initiative makes a significant contribution to the development of personalized medicine and prevention of hereditary diseases in the country. The center cooperates with leading medical and genetic research centers, including: Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Academician B.V. Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center of Surgery, Academician N.P. Bochkov Medical and Genetic Research Center, Ufa Federal Research Institute and many others.
Rosneft pays special attention to the development of the scientific and educational part of the project. Together with Rosneft, master’s programs in genetics have been developed and launched at Moscow State University and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology: “Genomics and Human Health” and “Algorithmic Biology”, respectively. During the training, students of the programs undergo practical training at the Center’s sites, and after successfully mastering the specialty and graduating, they have the opportunity to find employment there. The formation of a personnel reserve and the development of the scientific infrastructure of the project create the basis for further progress in the field of genetic technologies in Russia.
Specialists from the Biotechnology Campus regularly participate in educational events. In particular, in 2023-2024 they gave lectures and presentations at the Rosneft pavilion as part of the international exhibition and forum Russia at VDNKh.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 11, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Commonsense, science-based, and economically sound legislation successfully passed out of the Natural Resources Committee through our portion of the reconciliation legislation this week, as House Republicans continue to deliver on our promise to generate savings and boost new revenue for the federal government. As Chairman of this great committee, it was an honor to lead my colleagues in delivering an incredible federal savings of $18.5 billion dollars, greatly surpassing our requested amount of $1 billion dollars.
There’s an understanding one holds as an Arkansan, avid outdoorsman, and licensed forester that our nation’s natural resources are more abundant than almost anywhere in the world, capable of meeting our energy demands without looking beyond our borders for help. Our country is certainly blessed with these resources, and it’s time for Congress to begin the work to produce legislation that provides the avenues necessary for needed energy, critical minerals, and loosening the ties that bind us to our dependence on countries like China and Russia for energy and minerals that can be produced right here at home.
When advocating for this legislation, many groups worry about conservation, oftentimes leading us to a hands-off approach that usually causes more harm than good. It’s important that we learn from the great conservationist giants who came before us and apply their knowledge with the knowledge we have today to create something that is lasting, efficient, and champions the resources we have in our own backyard.
Our motto for the Republicans in the House Natural Resources Committee is, “putting conservatives back into conservation.” The word conservation was derived from the word conservative, and many of our most renowned conservationists like President Teddy Roosevelt, John Lacey, and Gifford Pinchot were proud Republicans. Conservation has been an ideal instilled in the Westerman family since childhood when learning from our granny as she tended the garden, making use out of every single thing her hard work produced, and it has been a guiding principle throughout my life, certainly now as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
Sir Roger Scruton, a fellow of the British Academy and of the Royal Society of Literature, once said that a conservative is one who believes in unchosen obligations. A deeper look into that ideal is that a conservative is someone who reflects deeply on the past – in this case, our nation’s history – and understands that there is a much larger picture that all of us are a part of. Our great nation is the product of the grand ideals our founding fathers derived for us through creating and establishing our Constitution and form of government. And as such, we have a deep obligation of upholding and defending those values and principles upon which our country was founded.
There cannot be a reflection upon the past without an understanding of the importance of looking toward the future and recognizing the unchosen obligation we have to care now for what we have been given, for it to be even better for the generations to come. House Natural Resources Republicans are doing exactly that as we have crafted and passed this vital legislation for the reconciliation process that will position the federal budget to allow for the conservation and stewardship of our lands. Our natural resources are one of the most treasured gifts we have been given as a nation, and we must do our part, in our day, to leave them better than how they were received for our benefits both now and in the future.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Deeply woven into the fabric of our nation’s history is the importance of second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings. Before the United States was even established, those facing challenges in their home countries – whether through religious persecution or socioeconomic strains – looked toward our shores for hope and opportunity. And when our nation was finally conceived, those who fought hard to establish our democratic republic carried that hope with them to establish a rule of law that provided opportunity, not affliction, for those looking for second chances.
Earlier this year, it was an honor to lead the charge in the House of Representatives to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Second Chance Month. This piece of legislation provided the perfect opportunity to bring awareness to the struggle millions of previously incarcerated individuals face when looking to reenter their community. Millions of Americans who have paid their debt to society face innumerable and cumbersome barriers to find good work, contribute to their communities, and start fresh – all because of their past. In fact, the American Dream itself is the idea that neither your class nor your past determines your value, and your success can be achieved through hard work and dedication – not the family you were born into or even your past mistakes.
Former President Ronald Reagan spoke at an event in Valley Stream, New York, in 1984, when he said, “America’s greatest gift has always been freedom and equality of opportunity – the idea that no matter who you are, no matter where you came from, you can climb as high as your own God-given talents will take you.” President Reagan may not have been speaking to incarcerated individuals, but the spirit of this statement rings true: our nation is perhaps the greatest in the world not only for its strength and prosperity, but the opportunity for starting anew. Because of this principle that has resonated throughout our nation’s history, it was a privilege to sign on as an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act last week.
This important piece of legislation reauthorizes reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008 for an additional amount of time, paving the way for the federal government to continue making important investments into programs across the country to bolster reentry services, reduce recidivism rates, and in turn, create stronger families and safer communities. There are thousands of Arkansans facing these challenges, even now, and Congress is poised to take action to advocate for the need for transitional housing services, substance abuse treatments, and other provisions to support our friends and neighbors who have paid their debt to society and now seek a second chance.
As a constant champion for this legislation, which aligns deeply with Arkansas’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, it is a privilege to work toward finding a solution to the problems of a strained justice system, high recidivism and incarceration rates, and securing the safety of our Arkansas communities. The Second Chance Act will continue to be an answer, and I look forward to continuing to advocate alongside my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to bring these folks back to the shores of hope and opportunity.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Across the nation, conversations this week likely revolved around the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that passed out of the House, delivering on the mandate handed down by over 77 million Americans to address concerns like border security, increasing costs, healthcare, and more. It was especially exciting to be a part of this process, not only as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, but also in my capacity as a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Through each of these committees, we were able to find a combined total of over $55 billion in savings – putting more money back into taxpayers’ pockets.
Hearing directly from my constituents is an important aspect of my role, as it provides me with better insight, enabling me to serve and represent the folks of the Fourth District of Arkansas as best as possible in Washington. It was a great privilege to host a telephone town hall earlier this week where I was able to do just that – listen to the questions and concerns my friends and neighbors back home have regarding this significant piece of legislation. I was encouraged by the number of callers who expressed a deep desire to learn and understand what House Republicans are doing to craft legislation that puts Americans first.
Most notably, there is evident concern around Medicaid and tax breaks for hard working Americans. In recent years, we’ve seen incredible abuse and wasteful spending through programs like Medicaid. This vital program that millions of Americans depend on for healthcare has been abused and mismanaged, endangering access for countless of Americans who rightfully need help. This piece of legislation rights these wrongs and protects vulnerable Americans – pregnant women, single mothers, low-income seniors, and disabled individuals – just as the program was designed.
It certainly does not go unnoticed by me how many working families, small business owners, and hourly workers reside right here in the Fourth District. These hardworking Americans are the backbone of our economy, and as such, are in need of a tax break that allows them to retain their hard-earned money. Taxpayers’ money doesn’t belong to the federal government, it belongs in their pockets, allowing them to spend and save that money as they choose.
Under this big, beautiful bill, working American families will see the largest tax break in our nation’s history. Under the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, which this bill extends, Americans earning under $100,000 received an average tax cut of 16 percent, while the taxes paid by the top 1 percent were found to increase. Moreover, earners in the bottom 20 percent who make up to $26,000, saw their federal tax rate fall to its lowest level in 40 years. With no tax on tips or overtime pay, expanding and making permanent the 199A small business deduction, and providing additional tax relief for seniors, there is no question that this bill champions the hardworking Americans who provide the greatest, most integral support to our nation’s economy.
No matter how you slice it, this bill works for all Americans – not just one small sect or tax bracket, but every single hardworking American who pours their heart and soul into providing for their families, contributing to their communities, and holding the aspiration of achieving the time-honored goal of “The American Dream.” It is an honor to work alongside House Republicans as we continue to deliver on our mandate and put Americans first.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
The badge and uniform our law enforcement officials wear come with a weighty responsibility and reality. They come with service and sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the communities these brave men and women have sworn to protect. This week is National Police Week, and our nation honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to ensure the safety of our cities, state, and nation.
For sixty-three years, our country has set aside this special week to memorialize and honor the fallen police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially signed a proclamation designating the 15th of May as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. However, for much longer than that, our nation has been grateful for those who have sworn to protect and serve.
America’s first taste of the law enforcement system began in colonial America, as society became less rural and began a more urban way of life, ushering in the unfortunate reality of crime, riots, and other public acts of endangerment. Boston’s watchmen were the very first American law enforcement group to be organized in 1631, receiving a small amount of pay in exchange for their watchful eye over the safety of their community.
Since that time, our nation has continued to grow and expand its law enforcement system, following in the footsteps of our English counterparts and its system of sheriffs, constables, and other law enforcers who, combined, contribute to create our local and state justice systems. Now, there are hundreds of men and women in the state of Arkansas who proudly wear their badge and uniform to protect their fellow Arkansans.
The Arkansas State Police were established in March 1935 by Governor J.M. Futress with the assistance of the Arkansas General Assembly. Act 120, the Chrip-Carter bill, was signed into law establishing Arkansas’s state police force with the goal of protecting the lives of Arkansans and their property. As the Representative of the Fourth District of Arkansas, I am certainly grateful for the service of each one of our law enforcement officers and their contributions to our state’s ultimate safety.
Our nation stands united in gratitude for every law enforcement officer who has paid the ultimate sacrifice in keeping their sworn oath to protect our communities. Lawmakers in Washington took this week to pass legislation supporting our nation’s law enforcement officials and pay tribute to the nearly 24,400 officers who have fallen in the line of duty across the country – holding vigils and memorial services in their honor.
National Police Week will always serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our nation’s police officers make to secure our nation’s safety. House Republicans will always continue to back the blue, and it is truly an honor to join my colleagues in passing legislation and advocating for such important measures to ensure their safety and supply them with the tools they need to continue protecting our communities.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
The war against opioids and deadly illicit drugs still rages on, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for those who struggle with substance abuse. As we learn more about the successful ways to address substance use disorders, more opportunities for treatment and recovery are created that reach into our communities and create viable paths forward. Many of these opportunities for recovery are thanks in part to work done not only on the local and state levels, but at the federal level through legislation passed by Congress.
In 2018, Congress passed the Substance-Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act which was ultimately signed into law by President Trump. At that time, it was historically the largest Congressional investment in overdose prevention focused on strengthening the nation’s response to the substance abuse crisis that had already claimed millions of lives. Now, Congress has the chance to extend these life-saving provisions and continue extending critical care and resources to those in need.
Legislation like the SUPPORT Act that is focused on treatment and recovery programs is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the decreasing number of fatal overdoses reported across the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in Arkansas, fatal overdoses fell 25.5% from 517 in 2023 to 385 in 2024. Promising results like this are exactly why we must continue creating avenues to bolster training programs for first responders, fund community-based recovery and youth prevention efforts, and renew funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs, among other initiatives.
On the floor this week in the House of Representatives, House Republicans passed legislation reauthorizing key public health programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder that were established in the original SUPPORT Act and proved to be successful, providing life-saving solutions. Vital pieces of legislation like this reflect House Republicans’ sincere commitment to improving America’s health, combatting the deadly opioid crisis, and creating opportunities for success among our nation’s most vulnerable.
It is an honor not taken lightly to work diligently and tirelessly in Washington on behalf of the friends and neighbors whom I serve across the Fourth District. In passing legislation like the SUPPORT Act, Congress has the ability to lift up local programs across the Fourth District which directly affect real people with real needs. While there is still much work to be done to put an end to the opioid crisis for good, the SUPPORT Act is an excellent step in the right direction to provide hope for the people of Arkansas and our country.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA
Norfolk, VA – Today, the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee held a hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration proposed policies and DOGE cuts for veterans. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), a Vietnam war combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, testified alongside committee Co-Chairs Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA). The committee heard from policy experts, healthcare providers, and veterans on how Congressional Republican schemes make it more difficult to plan, access care, and utilize critical programs across the federal government.
“Since his first day back in office, the President has gone after our nation’s veterans. The President has fired thousands of veterans and VA staff, taken a sledgehammer to the PACT Act serving veterans exposed to toxic substances, and canceled hundreds of contracts for programs supporting veterans’ mental health and addressing veteran homelessness. Make no mistake: This administration is making our veterans, their families, and the American people worse off,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Today, I heard a clear message from veterans, healthcare leaders and VA workers: President Trump’s agenda is making it harder for veterans and their families to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Trump administration has fired over 6,000 veterans who are federal workers, implemented hiring freezes in the VA hospital system and cut mental healthcare for veterans. These attacks against the brave men and women who served our country in uniform are undignified and disrespectful.” “Our veterans served our country and have earned the care and benefits they were promised,” said Rep. Barragán. “Yet, Donald Trump and House Republicans have fired thousands of veterans, canceled contracts for programs to end veteran homelessness and prevent veteran suicide, frozen hiring new staff at the VA, and cut programs that provide health care and education — all so that they can line the pockets of their billionaire donors. House Democrats will continue to put our veterans over billionaires, fight back against Trump and House Republicans, and work to keep America’s commitment to our veterans.” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who hosted the field hearing in his district said, “Today’s hearing highlighted the ways President Trump, Secretary Collins and Congressional Republicans have harmed our nation’s veterans by firing veterans, weakening the VA, and slashing Medicaid. I was proud to host my colleagues in Hampton Roads, home to one of the largest veterans’ populations in the country. I look forward to continuing to work together to protect America’s veterans from these attacks and ensure they receive the quality health care they earned.” “As Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I hear heartbreaking stories of our veterans being fired or denied and delayed from receiving their hard-earned benefits and services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “Trump and Republicans are breaking our promise to America’s veterans, letting Elon Musk’s DOGE cut benefits and healthcare our veterans earned while carrying out the largest firing of veterans in American history.” This year, the Steering & Policy Committee has held hearings on Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Small Business, and Veterans. Each one shared personal stories of how everyday Americans are being harmed by this administration. The Steering & Policy Committee will continue to hear, collect, and share more stories from across the nation in the months ahead. The full video of today’s hearing can be foundhere.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA
St. Helena, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the undue arrest of California SEIU President, David Huerta, and the President’s unwarranted deployment of California National Guard troops to Los Angeles:
“The Trump Administration’s choice to deploy California’s National Guard and arrest California SEIU President David Huerta are typical and unsurprising. The Trump Administration is doing exactly what they do best: dividing the American people and causing chaos.
“People have a right to protest peacefully and within the law. Local law enforcement has not requested federal support. Our Governor has asked this administration to get out of California, so they should get out. I urge Los Angeles residents to continue to stand up to this intimidation by continuing to speak out and demonstrate peacefully.”
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today proceeded to Oslo, Norway, after concluding a visit to the UK, where he showcased Hong Kong’s determination to expand international financial co-operation.
Addressing a lunch event hosted by the UK’s Hong Kong Association yesterday, Mr Hui said Hong Kong’s vibrant capital markets offer global investors, including those from the UK, a gateway and access to invest in Asia’s burgeoning tech sector.
He highlighted that the strengths of Hong Kong’s capital markets are supported by geopolitical developments and the Mainland’s technological advancements, and urged global investors to leverage the city’s deep market liquidity and robust regulatory framework.
Mr Hui also remarked that Hong Kong’s integration into the London Metal Exchange’s global warehouse network in January this year not only enhances Hong Kong’s commodities infrastructure but also creates significant opportunities for UK firms.
Riding on its proximity to Asia’s industrial markets, Hong Kong can partner with the UK to jointly tap growing demand for new-energy metals and support global industrial transformation and sustainable development, he added.
Mr Hui also held a roundtable meeting yesterday with members of TheCityUK, a body representing the UK’s financial and related professional services industries, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on establishing a partnership between it and the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC).
He was joined in doing so by TheCityUK’s Leadership Council Chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown.
The MOU was signed by FSDC Executive Director King Au and TheCityUK’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, Policy & Research John Godfrey.
Mr Hui said the MOU reflects a shared vision to harness the strengths of Hong Kong and the UK, creating opportunities that benefit both places and the global financial ecosystem.
Earlier in the day, Mr Hui held a bilateral meeting with City of London Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King, and briefed him on developments in Hong Kong’s financial services sector.
Mr Hui also met PwC UK Chief Markets Officer Carl Sizer to discuss the role the auditing and accounting profession can play in helping Mainland enterprises go global.
On Monday morning, Mr Hui attended a briefing session hosted by British independent think-tank Asia House, and spoke to its members about the latest financial developments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area at large.
He also responded to questions about Hong Kong’s financial outlook in a Q&A session moderated by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence.
His other engagements on Monday included a meeting with senior management from ICBC Standard Bank, and another with Economic Secretary to the UK Treasury Emma Reynolds and other financial officials.
He briefed the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Wang Wenbin and other senior executives about the international gold trading market and commodity trading ecosystem that Hong Kong is developing.
At the meeting with the UK officials, Mr Hui reaffirmed the financial partnership between the Hong Kong and London, as two leading international financial centres, and gave an update on the situation in Hong Kong’s capital markets.
In addition, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK Wang Qi.
Europol’s 2025 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), published today, reveals how stolen data fuels the digital underworld, powering a criminal ecosystem that spans from online fraud and ransomware to child exploitation and extortion. The report paints a stark picture of a cybercrime economy built on access—access to your systems, your identity, and your most sensitive information.The Head of Europol’s…
Opposition parties say Aotearoa New Zealand’s government should be going much further, much faster in sanctioning Israel.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters overnight revealed New Zealand had joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in imposing travel bans on Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Some of the partner countries went further, adding asset freezes and business restrictions on the far-right ministers.
Peters said the pair had used their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution.
Israel and the United States criticised the sanctions, with the US saying it undermined progress towards a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, attending Fieldays in Waikato, told reporters New Zealand still enjoyed a good relationship with the US administration, but would not be backing down.
“We have a view that this is the right course of action for us,” he said.
Behind the scenes job “We have differences in approach but the Americans are doing an excellent job of behind the scenes trying to get Israel and the Palestinians to the table to talk about a ceasefire.”
Asked if there could be further sanctions, Luxon said the government was “monitoring the situation all the time”.
Peters has been busy travelling in Europe and was unavailable to be interviewed. ACT — probably the most vocally pro-Israel party in Parliament — refused to comment on the situation.
The opposition parties also backed the move, but argued the government should have gone much further.
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has since December been urging the coalition to back her bill imposing economic sanctions on Israel. With support from Labour and Te Pāti Māori it would need just six MPs to cross the floor to pass.
Calling the Israeli actions in Gaza “genocide”, she told RNZ the government’s sanctions fell far short of those imposed on Russia.
“This is symbolic, and it’s unfortunate that it’s taken so long to get to this point, nearly two years . . . the Minister of Foreign Affairs also invoked the similarities with Russia in his statement this morning, yet we have seen far less harsh sanctions applied to Israel.
“We’re well past the time for first steps.”
‘Cowardice’ by government The pushback from the US was “probably precisely part of the reason that our government has been so scared of doing the right thing”, she said, calling it “cowardice” on the government’s part.
“What else are you supposed to call it at the end of the day?,” she said, saying at a bare minimum the Israeli ambassador should be expelled, Palestinian statehood should be recognised, and a special category of visas for Palestinians should be introduced.
She rejected categorisation of her stance as anti-semitic, saying that made no sense.
“If we are critiquing a government of a certain country, that is not the same thing as critiquing the people of that country. I think it’s actually far more anti-semitic to conflate the actions of the Israeli government with the entire Jewish peoples.”
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer . . . “It’s not a war, it’s an annihilation”. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the sanctions were political hypocrisy.
“When it comes to war, human rights and the extent of violence and genocide that we’re seeing, Palestine is its own independent nation . . . why is this government sanctioning only two ministers? They should be sanctioning the whole of Israel,” she said.
“These two Israel far right ministers don’t act alone. They belong to an entire Israel government which has used its military might and everything it can possibly do to bombard, to murder and to commit genocide and occupy Gaza and the West Bank.”
Suspend diplomatic ties She also wanted all diplomatic ties with Israel suspended, along with sanctions against Israeli companies, military officials and additional support for the international courts — also saying the government should have done more.
“This government has been doing everything to do nothing . . . to appease allies that have dangerously overstepped unjustifiable marks, and they should not be silent.
“It’s not a war, it’s an annihilation, it’s an absolute annihilation of human beings . . . we’re way out there supporting those allies that are helping to weaponise Israel and the flattening and the continual cruel occupation of a nation, and it’s just nothing that I thought in my living days I’d be witnessing.”
She said the government should be pushing back against “a very polarised, very Trump attitude” to the conflict.
“Trumpism has arrived in Aotearoa . . . and we continue to go down that line, that is a really frightening part for this beautiful nation of ours.
“As a nation, we have a different set of values. We’re a Pacific-based country with a long history of going against the grain – the mainstream, easy grind. We’ve been a peaceful, loving nation that stood up against the big boys when it came to our anti nuclear stance and that’s our role in this, our role is not to follow blindly.”
Undermining two-state solution In a statement, Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Peeni Henare said the actions of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir had attempted to undermine the two-state solution and international law, and described the situation in Gaza as horrific.
“The travel bans echo the sanctions placed on Russian individuals and organisations that supported the illegal invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
He called for further action.
“Labour has been calling for stronger action from the government on Israel’s invasion of Gaza, including intervening in South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, creation of a special visa for family members of New Zealanders fleeing Gaza, and ending government procurement from companies operating illegally in the Occupied Territories.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This year again, the number of victims and survivors of sexual violence treated by MSF teams in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains at an alarming level.
MSF calls on all parties to the conflict to improve the safety of civilians and access to care for all. We also urge the international community to maintain care for survivors as a priority, despite the current funding cuts.
Goma –For years, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have repeatedly warned of the alarming level of sexual violence in eastern DRC. The number of victims treated by MSF has surged in the past three years, since fighting between the Congolese army, the M23/AFC (Alliance Fleuve Congo) armed group, and their respective allies resumed. The crisis is particularly acute in North Kivu, where MSF teams treated an unprecedented number of victims and survivors – nearly 40,000 – in 2024.
This worrying trend has continued in 2025. Since January, MSF teams have treated an alarmingly high number of survivors to the facilities they support in North and South Kivu.
“The context in this region has changed, but the problem of sexual violence—which disproportionately affects women—has not.” says François Calas, head of MSF’s programme in North Kivu.
Sexual violence remains a medical emergency that requires immediate action.
Goma’s camps, housing more than 650,000 displaced people, were dismantled in February 2025 following the capture of the city by M23/AFC. However, MSF teams continue to treat new victims of sexual violence every day in facilities in and around the city, totalling nearly 7,400 patients between January and April 2025. Twenty kilometres west of Goma, in the small town of Saké, more than 2,400 survivors were treated over the same period.
Since the camps were dismantled, many displaced women have been unable or unwilling to return home to their villages and are often left alone with their children where they are sheltering.
“We receive many women who have been abused in or near the host families’ homes or community centres where they are staying,” says Calas. “Very often, they are coerced into sexual acts in exchange for accommodation. Wherever they are, they don’t seem to be safe anywhere.”
As has been the case for years, most assaults reported by victims in 2025 were committed under the threat or force of a weapon by individuals who could not be identified due to the large number of people carrying weapons—both civilian and military—the proliferation of weapons, and persistent insecurity.
“In Goma, many patients report that they are raped at night during periods of high insecurity, during burglaries that are often accompanied by the kidnapping or even murder of their husbands,” says Calas. “But in some neighbourhoods, these attacks are even committed during the day.”
“Armed men came into our home at around 10.30 p.m.,” says Nasha*, a woman who built a shelter in the courtyard of a school after she was displaced. “Some men were killed and some women, including me, were raped. Three men wanted to rape me in front of my husband and eight children. My husband resisted . . . they killed him.”
On the outskirts of Goma and Saké, many victims say they were attacked on the roads or in the fields.
“They asked me to choose between handing over my body or being killed,” says Rika*, a resident of a village about forty kilometres west of Goma. “They raped me, one after the other.”
At the Mungunga 3 health centre in Goma, in the east of DRC, MSF psychologist Jean consults a survivor of sexual violence. Democratic Republic of Congo, May 2025.Lamine Keita/MSF
In South Kivu, the situation is also worrying. In the territories of Kalehe and Uvira, MSF teams have treated nearly 700 victims and survivors of sexual violence since the beginning of 2025. Most of the accounts gathered describe acts committed at gunpoint.
“We suffered in the fields where we took refuge,” says a woman from a village in the hills around Kamanyola in South Kivu. “The armed men did not allow us to cross the villages. Some women were even raped when they tried to cross to reach health facilities.”
“The figures are underestimated because there are many obstacles to accessing care: fear of reprisal, stigma, geographical remoteness, and lack of treatment capacity in the facilities,” says Luders Leriche, head of MSF medical activities in South Kivu.
The higher or lower number of cases in certain areas reflects available treatment capacity rather than the scale of the problem in that region.
Essential services under threat
The impact of sexual violence—which mainly affects women, and even children—has long been known and documented. The number of men who are victims, although much lower, is also a cause for concern. Beyond the health and psychological impact, the social consequences are devastating: family and social rejection, stigma, divorce, suicidal thoughts, and immense difficulty for survivors to continue living in the locations where they were assaulted.
The situation is even more worrying because access to treatment services is becoming increasingly difficult. Several health facilities in the provinces of North and South Kivu have already run out of medicines and kits they need to treat survivors of sexual violence.
“In addition to the disruption of supply chains and the delivery of medicines due to the ongoing conflict, global cuts in humanitarian funding are raising serious concerns about the future,” says Calas. “Despite the current challenges, we must not abandon these women and children. Their care must be an absolute priority.”
In addition to supporting care for victims and survivors, MSF also calls on all stakeholders to do their utmost to further guarantee the protection of civilians and their access to healthcare.
MSF teams provide comprehensive medical and psychological care to victims and survivors of sexual violence in Goma, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale in North Kivu, and Kalehe and Uvira in South Kivu. Medical care includes medical and psychological support, preventative treatment against sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraception, vaccines, and safe abortion care. The most severe cases are referred to specialist hospitals.
*Names changed to protect patient anonymity.
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Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the commercial launch of 5G services by partnering with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung) in Bengaluru region, one of the key telecom markets in India and a global IT hub known as the “Silicon Valley of India”. Since 2024, the companies have been working together to deploy a new generation, 5G network and modernize Vi’s legacy 2G and 4G networks with Samsung’s industry-leading solutions in major telecom circles of India including Bihar, Karnataka and Punjab.
As part of this collaboration, Vi had already launched 5G commercial services in Chandigarh and Patna in April 2025. Vi has successfully deployed Samsung’s small form-factor, energy-efficient and high transmit power radios for enabling a seamless 5G experience across all the three circles. These solutions offer increased cell capacity and energy savings features to deliver better consumer experience with greener and more sustainable approaches for Vi’s customers.
For this deployment, Samsung provided its wide range of radios supporting diverse spectrum bands, including 32T32R Massive MIMO radios, along with Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that encompass baseband and software functions known as the virtualized Central Unit (vCU).
The companies have also implemented the nation’s first virtualized Base Station Controller (vBSC), a key network element for 2G services, thereby modernizing its network with cutting-edge software solutions while still ensuring legacy technology and services are supported.
Virtualization of network functionalities enable Vi to streamline network deployment and facilitate easier management, which results in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, better resource allocation control, and increased customer satisfaction. With this virtualization adoption, operators can build software-based and flexible networks more easily, gaining a competitive edge in bringing future networks.
Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “The launch of Vi’s 5G services in Bengaluru as well as Chandigarh and Patna, marks a key step in introducing Samsung as a new partner in our ecosystem and towards delivering seamless, highly reliable next-generation services to our customers. By partnering with Samsung, our endeavor is to offer the best customer experience and provide our customers with enhanced mobile broadband throughputs and high capacity required in today’s digitally connected world.”
Woojune Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics said: “India, especially Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of the global digital transformation, and we are proud to accompany Vi’s innovative journey in delivering next-generation connectivity to its customers in one of the world’s most dynamic and advanced IT markets. Samsung always thinks a step ahead, anticipating future needs of mobile operators. Through this collaboration, Samsung is fully committed in supporting Vi to satisfy the demands of mobile users and boost enterprise growth with our innovative spirits.”