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Category: CTF

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

    Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.

    The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.

    The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.

    With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.

    This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.

    Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.

    A rising Poland

    For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

    This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.

    Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.

    Impacts on Ukraine

    Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.

    This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.

    Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:

    Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.

    Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.

    Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.

    I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.

    This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.

    Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.

    However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.

    Poland divided

    The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.

    There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.

    Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.

    Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.

    While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.

    As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).

    After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.

    That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.

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

    – ref. Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women – https://theconversation.com/pro-trump-candidate-wins-polands-presidential-election-a-bad-omen-for-the-eu-ukraine-and-women-257617

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Empowering Women, Greening Urban Transport in Uzbekistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.

    While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.

    A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.

    Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.

    Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.

    Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Change of Leadership Team Members

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Change of Leadership Team Members

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Danmarks National­bank’s comments on the Economic Council’s discussion paper, Spring 2025

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Danmarks Nationalbank generally shares the Chairmanship’s assessment of the growth outlook, along with price and wage developments in the coming years. Despite the trade conflict, there are still prospects for significant growth in Danish exports, partly due to production abroad under Danish ownership, while increases in real wages support growth in private consumption. In its latest projection from March, Danmarks Nationalbank predicted higher growth and, contrary to the Chairmanship, that employment will continue to increase in the coming years. This reflects a subsequent increase in US tariffs and a different assessment of how the current capacity pressure in the economy will affect growth.

    Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that there is currently unusually high uncertainty affecting consumers and businesses, e.g. it is difficult to plan investments and supply chains etc. However, Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that the Danish economy has a solid foundation without significant imbalances to handle the uncertainty arising from the trade conflict.

    The Chairmanship notes that trade is important, especially for a small, open economy like Denmark. Increased tariffs hamper economic activity, productivity and prosperity as less trade reduces the ability to utilise comparative advantages and capitalise on economies of scale. Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with this.

    Since the bank’s last projection, a number of risks related to the trade conflict have materialised and a number of international organisations have downgraded growth in Denmark’s export markets. Based on a number of model calculations, Danmarks Nationalbank estimates that increased tariffs will weaken economic activity and, in common with the Chairmanship, assesses that there is no prospect of a massive downturn even if further risks related to the trade conflict materialise.

    The Chairmanship assesses that the Danish economy will remain in a moderate boom with a high level of employment in the coming years. Danmarks Nationalbank to a greater extent than the Chairmanship assesses that pressure on the labour market has eased and that it is currently lower than the Chairmanship’s assessment. Overall, Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that the Danish economy is currently in an approximately neutral cyclical stance. This assessment is reflected in the fact that most indicators of pressure on the labour market do not deviate significantly from the period immediately before the pandemic, when developments in consumer prices were weak and wage growth moderate. Lower pressure on the labour market compared to a few years ago is also reflected in this spring’s collective wage agreements in the private labour market, with agreed wage increases compatible with stable, low inflation, as the Chairmanship also expects.

    Based on the assessment that the Danish economy is in a moderate boom, the Chairmanship assesses that fiscal policy is too expansionary for the coming years from a narrow stabilisation perspective, which increases the risk of imbalances building up in the Danish economy. However, the Chairmanship also states that there are currently no clear cyclical imbalances in the Danish economy and that consequently, there are no imminent socio-economic risks in the planned fiscal policy. In its March projection, Danmarks Nationalbank agreed with the Chairmanship that there is considerable uncertainty about future defence spending and how much it will impact capacity pressures. A significant and rapid increase in defence spending could increase capacity pressures and challenge public finances. Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that if capacity pressure increases noteworthy, it should be offset by fiscal policy measures that reduce pressure in the economy accordingly. This assessment reflects that Denmark is currently assessed to be in a neutral cyclical position.

    Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with the Chairmanship that a uniform carbon tax on emissions basically ensures the cheapest reductions in socio-economic terms. Danmarks Nationalbank also agrees that uniform pricing of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture across EU countries reduces total socio-economic costs, and that it is therefore ideally appropriate to work towards agriculture being covered by a common quota system at EU level.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Electronic ID for Cattle mandatory in step forward for UK biosecurity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Electronic ID for Cattle mandatory in step forward for UK biosecurity

    Changes introduced to cattle identification, registration, and reporting for cattle in England.

    Cattle identification and traceability in England will change over the next 2 years, in a major step forward in disease control and trade across the farming sector, Defra has announced today (Monday 2 June).

    From Summer 2026, Defra will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting that will improve the government’s ability to respond effectively to disease. These changes will also simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

    New requirements will see Electric ID (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with eID eartags are able to be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number. Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy.

    This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which will be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike. This will simplify existing regulations and support the livestock industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

    This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease, and the recent announcement that livestock farmers in England can apply for a series of free annual vet visits on farm to check for diseases and receive biosecurity recommendations and tailored animal health and welfare advice.

    Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said: 

    This is a significant milestone in modernising how we manage cattle health, welfare and traceability in England.  

    These reforms strike the right balance in supporting farmers with clearer, simpler rules while helping the sector strengthen its productivity, resilience and global competitiveness.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss said:

    Electronic identification is a game-changer for disease traceability. It allows for faster, more accurate tracking of cattle movements, which is crucial in responding to outbreaks and maintaining our high biosecurity standards.  

    This shift puts England in step with best global practice and today’s early confirmation will provide the livestock industry the clarity it needs to begin preparing now — ensuring that the right tags, readers and systems are available at scale ahead of rollout.

    Defra will also take a more proportionate approach to enforcement, which will give keepers the opportunity to correct issues before further action is considered, as part of a broader move to reduce red tape while strengthening biosecurity. 

    Following the wide-reaching sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal recently agreed at the UK-EU summit, this decision will further benefit livestock businesses in England by reducing trade friction and boosting their ability to export agri-food products abroad. 

    Today’s changes follow the UK Government’s Cattle Identification Consultation 2023 which has been published today, which signalled strong industry support for the measures introduced.

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    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lidiya Kondratieva elected as an honorary professor of Henan Urban Development University (PRC)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Lidiya Nikitovna Kondratieva, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Geotechnics at SPbGASU, was elected as an Honorary Professor of Henan University of Urban Development (HUUC) in Pingdingshan, China, where she currently teaches.

    Lidiya Nikitovna has been working at SPbGASU since 2004. From 2004 to 2006, she was the vice-rector for educational work, from 2008 to 2015 – the head of the department of structural mechanics, then she became a professor of the department of geotechnics. From 2006 to 2014, she served as the academic secretary of the University Academic Council.

    She is a member of two dissertation councils: the first one is on structural mechanics, building structures, buildings and constructions; the second one is on foundations and bases, underground structures. She worked for a long time in the dissertation council on architecture. She was the scientific secretary of the first of the three named councils.

    Published more than 70 scientific and educational works.

    For her conscientious work, she has been repeatedly awarded university certificates. In 2005, she received gratitude from the Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg for many years of conscientious work and personal contribution to the development of the city’s construction industry, and was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. In 2012, she was awarded the title of “Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation”.

    Henan University of Civil Engineering is one of the top 500 universities in China (according to the Shanghai Ranking). The university was founded in 1983. It is the only university in the field of civil engineering and urban development in Henan Province and one of two Chinese universities that train specialists in the field of urban engineering. In 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed between SPbGASU and Henan University of Civil Engineering.

    We wish Lidiya Nikitovna further creative and pedagogical success!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 2, 2025

  • Amit Shah inaugurates new central forensic science laboratory building in Kolkata

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Speaking at the event, Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to establishing a secure, transparent, and evidence-based criminal justice system. “This laboratory will serve as a crucial pillar in realizing that vision and aid in the implementation of the new criminal laws,” he said.
    The Union Minister emphasized the role of forensic science in securing convictions and ensuring justice, stating that a national network of FSLs is being established through a cluster approach, where 3–4 states will share facilities and resources. Beginning January 2026, the government plans to launch a campaign to integrate forensic practices down to the police station level, aiming to move from a system based on argument to one rooted in evidence.
    Shah also formally launched Narcotics Version 2.0 and Explosives Version 2.0, digital tools designed to simplify forensic processes. He noted that crimes are evolving in the digital age and that law enforcement must stay ahead through the adoption of science and technology.
    He highlighted the government’s commitment to reforms through the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replace colonial-era laws. Shah said these laws empower investigators with clear legal backing for using technology and make forensic visits mandatory in cases involving sentences of more than seven years.
    The Home Minister also underlined progress in justice delivery, stating that 60% of chargesheets are now filed within 60 days and that provisions such as trial in absentia will help prosecute absconders using international mechanisms.
    To support this infrastructure, the government has approved 16 campuses of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), with 7 already operational. Plans are in place to train 36,000 forensic professionals annually through these institutions, exceeding the country’s current estimated need of 30,000 trained experts per year.
    Additionally, 9 more NFSU campuses and 7 new CFSLs are being set up in states including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar, at a combined investment of over ₹2,100 crore. A National Forensic Data Centre, with an allocation of ₹200 crore, will also be established.
    Amit Shah said the modernization of India’s forensic infrastructure will help ensure that even the most marginalized citizen can approach the justice system with confidence. “It is our responsibility to create a system where justice is swift, science-based, and accessible to all,” he concluded.

    June 2, 2025

  • Indian parliamentary delegation meets PKR leaders in Malaysia, seeks support against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with representatives of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, as part of India’s global outreach campaign following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor.

    The delegation, which arrived in Kuala Lumpur on May 31, was briefed by India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy. He underscored the strategic importance of India-Malaysia relations and “outlined the Malaysia-specific messaging to strongly convey India’s commitment to combat terrorism under Operation Sindoor.”

    According to a statement from the Indian High Commission, the delegation held “wide-ranging” interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and conveyed India’s “resolute stance against cross-border terrorism.”

    “Diaspora members, including voices from the Malaysian Indian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned terrorism. An appeal was made to amplify the message of unity and zero tolerance through various platforms and communities,” the statement said.

    The delegation also engaged with major Malaysian media outlets and social media influencers, stressing India’s new doctrine that “terror and talks cannot go together” and asserting that any act of terror will now be treated as an act of war.

    “The delegation paid heartfelt homage to the Malaysian national who lost her life in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, emphasizing that terrorism is a global menace that endangers all of humanity,” the statement said.

    Speaking to ANI, delegation leader Sanjay Kumar Jha outlined the significance of the multi-nation tour.

    “Our first visit was to Japan and it was an important country because so many trades of ours happen with Japan…Japan endorsed the stance of the country…Then we went to South Korea…they also appreciated and supported us…in Singapore also…we had positive talks…Jakarta has the highest Muslim population in the world…their stand against terrorism was in support of India…the whole world has criticised the Pahalgam attack,” he said

    He added: “We will be in Malaysia till the day after tomorrow…the President of Malaysia has strongly condemned (Pahalgam attack)…we have made two requests, the first one is that we are not part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) even though India has a large Muslim population…Pakistan keeps passing resolutions against us…so we have sought support from Malaysia and Indonesia…Pakistan needs to be brought back to the FATF list, so we have kept this demand before all the countries to consider this and extend support to this. Malaysia has supported us in getting a permanent membership in the UN Security Council…,”

    Apart from Jha, the delegation includes MPs Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), and Hemang Joshi (BJP), along with former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, and former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar.

    (With ANI inputs)

    June 2, 2025

  • India Stands Out as Global Fintech Bright Spot as Credit Demand Surges

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ndia has emerged as one of the most dynamic fintech markets globally, driven by a potent combination of digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, Account Aggregator), a mobile-first population, and regulatory clarity, a report showed on Monday.

    Fintech-led digital lending grew at a 35 per cent CAGR in 2024, driven by rising credit demand, according to the report by QED Investors and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

    Tools like UPI have enabled a wave of fintech innovation — from digital lending to payments to wealth — particularly benefiting underserved and unbanked populations. These enablers have accelerated innovation and financial inclusion at scale, making India a key focus for both global investors and domestic fintech players, said the report.

    India features among the top geographies poised for future fintech investment. Investors are encouraged to diversify capital into high-growth regions like India, with an emphasis on AI integration and disciplined scaling, it added.

    India’s affluent middle class, currently 31 per cent of the population, is projected to grow to 40 per cent (nearly 600 million) by 2031. This demographic shift is fuelling a surge in consumer demand for credit across the retail, consumption, and SME sectors.

    “India stands at a unique inflection point in the global fintech landscape. With a strong foundation in digital infrastructure like UPI, Aadhaar, Account Aggregator, and a tech-savvy, mobile-first population, the country has already shown how innovation can drive financial inclusion at scale,” said Sandeep Patil, Partner and Head of Asia at QED Investors.

    To win the next chapter, fintechs must pair innovation with disciplined execution.

    “That means building trust, demonstrating profitability, and navigating an evolving regulatory landscape with maturity. The Indian market is large, dynamic, and underpenetrated — well positioned to be one of the defining arenas for global fintech over the next decade,” Patil added.

    Globally, in 2024, fintech revenues grew by 21 per cent — up from 13 per cent in 2023 — marking a threefold acceleration over the financial services industry at large.

    “A class of scaled fintechs is coming of age. Investors are demanding greater maturity, and regulators want more accountability,” said Deepak Goyal, a Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG.

    “Meanwhile, emerging disruptors are harnessing next-generation technologies like agentic AI and pioneering new business models, pushing established players to continuously innovate,” he added.

    (IANS)

    June 2, 2025

  • President of Paraguay Santiago Peña begins state visit to India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    he President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, arrived in India on Monday for a State Visit from June 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first official visit to India and only the second-ever visit by a Paraguayan head of state to the country.

    President Peña is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business representatives. As part of the visit, he will also travel to Mumbai before concluding his trip on June 4.

    During his stay in New Delhi, President Peña is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Monday, where the two leaders will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi is also set to host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet President Peña and will host a banquet in his honour. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are also expected to call on the Paraguayan President.

    India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since shared warm and cooperative ties. Over the years, both nations have expanded their collaboration in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay holds significance as a trading partner for India within Latin America, with several Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors operating in the country. Conversely, Paraguayan firms, primarily through joint ventures, have established a presence in India, adding strength to bilateral economic engagement.

    The two nations also share similar perspectives on various global issues, including the need for reforms in the United Nations, action on climate change, promotion of renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.

    As part of his Mumbai visit, President Peña is expected to meet with state leaders as well as representatives from India’s business community, startups, innovators, and the technology sector.

    June 2, 2025

  • Viksit Bharat Requires Thriving Agriculture, Prosperous Farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    nion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday emphasised the government’s firm commitment towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’, stating that the path to national development passes through agricultural prosperity and farmers’ welfare.

    Union Minister Chouhan is in Motihari, Bihar. He is holding discussions focused on boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring better livelihoods for farmers in the state.

    Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan said, “The Prime Minister is committed to building a Viksit Bharat. For this, developed agriculture and prosperous farmers are essential. This is the guiding mantra of the Agriculture Department. Across the country, 16,000 agricultural scientists are engaging directly with farmers. Scientists, along with state and central agriculture departments and agricultural universities, are working together to find ways to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide compensation in case of losses.”

    “I have come to Bihar to support and serve the farmers here and help increase agricultural productivity,” he added.

    During his visit, Chouhan stressed that Bihar holds tremendous potential for agricultural development, and efforts are being made to ensure that farmers in the region benefit from scientific innovations, government schemes, and institutional collaboration.

    He added that the government is actively promoting agricultural diversification, natural farming, and focused initiatives like the Pulses Mission and Oilseeds Mission — all aimed at making Indian agriculture more resilient, sustainable, and profitable.

    Referring to the ongoing efforts under the government’s “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,” Chouhan said, “Ek Rashtra, Ek Krishi, Ek Team (One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team)” is the motto driving these initiatives. He underlined the importance of integrating the efforts of central and state governments, agricultural scientists, and universities to ensure long-term solutions for India’s agricultural challenges.

    (IANS)

    June 2, 2025

  • Indian delegation meets UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, highlights Operation Sindoor and India’s counter-terrorism resolve

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, met with the UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel and her team on Sunday to convey India’s unwavering resolve in combating cross-border terrorism.

    During the meeting, the delegation emphasized India’s evolving counter-terrorism doctrine, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a clear representation of the country’s “new normal” in its response to terror threats.

    “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation met with Shadow Foreign Secretary @pritipatel and her team to share India’s firm resolve in combating cross-border terrorism. They also highlighted how #OperationSindoor exemplifies the new normal set by India in this ongoing effort,” the Indian High Commission in the UK said in a post on X.

    Earlier, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian diaspora at India House in London. In their address, the members reiterated India’s united stance against terrorism and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to taking decisive action against any acts of terror.

    “The All Party Delegation of MPs interacted with representatives of the large and diverse Indian Diaspora at India House in London today. They reaffirmed India’s united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, and underlined the readiness of India to continue to decisively punish any and all acts of terror,” the High Commission noted.

    During the interaction, Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing critique of Pakistan, calling it a failed democracy run by its military establishment.

    “Pakistan armed forces have made a country for themselves — unelected, unaccountable, and without popular mandate,” Prasad said. “Ayub Khan ruled for a decade, Yahya Khan for over seven years, Zia-ul-Haq for eleven, and General Musharraf for nine. Now there is General Munir, who was defeated in the field but promoted to field marshal. That is the whole scenario.”

    Prasad also condemned Pakistan for sheltering Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Praising Operation Sindoor, he pointed out that the terrorists responsible for hijacking Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in 1999 and securing the release of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, were neutralized by Indian forces under the operation. He added that members of Azhar’s family were also killed during the offensive.

    Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador to Russia and the US, Pankaj Saran.

    (With inputs from ANI)

    June 2, 2025

  • Security personnel rescue people stranded in floods in Northeastern states

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief operation is underway across the Northeastern states of India as incessant rainfall has triggered severe flooding in several regions. The Indian Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state authorities have launched coordinated rescue and relief efforts to assist those stranded.

    Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the launch of the mission on Monday, calling it a critical intervention to manage the unfolding crisis. “A critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission is being launched by the Indian Air Force, Central Armed Forces, NDRF and State Government Forces in North East India,” Rijiju said in a post on X.

    In Manipur, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have intensified their efforts under Operation Jal Rahat-2, rescuing over 500 civilians from flood-hit areas in Imphal East and West. The affected zones include Wangkhei, Heingang, Lamlong, Khurai, JNIMS, and Ahallup.

    Ten flood relief columns, equipped with BAUTs (Boat Assault Universal Type) and inflatable boats, have been deployed. Army personnel also undertook emergency repair work on a breached section of the Iril River boundary wall near Arapti Lamkhai in Lilong, Thoubal district, in a bid to prevent further flooding.

    “Army boats ferried stranded patients to safety at JNIMS Hospital. Nearly 800 bottles of drinking water and other essential supplies were distributed to displaced families across affected areas,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

    Operations are being carried out in close coordination with civil authorities to ensure timely aid and continuous support for the affected population.

    Meanwhile, in Sikkim’s Mangan district, restoration work continues after the Phidang Bailey Bridge, which connects Mangan to Chungthang, was partially damaged by the swelling Teesta River. Authorities have restored the Chungthang-Phidang road, enabling the safe evacuation of stranded tourists.

    Search operations are still ongoing for nine tourists who went missing following a tragic vehicle accident in Mangan on May 29. The rescue efforts are being supervised by a joint task force comprising the District Police, District Administration, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NDRF, General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Fire and Medical Teams, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and local stakeholders including the TAAS and Driver Association.

    (ANI)

    June 2, 2025

  • Kanimozhi-led delegation pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Spain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi began the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid on Sunday.

    The Indian Embassy in Spain said in a statement on X: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation commenced the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid by paying homage to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The tribute was a solemn occasion to reflect on and honor the Mahatma’s enduring values of non-violence and peace.”

    Following the ceremony, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian community and emphasized that India remains unshakable and united in its fight against terrorism, which threatens global peace and humanity. The delegation highlighted that its diverse composition reflects a strong national consensus and resolve across political lines to combat this menace. They urged the Indian community in Spain to take pride in their roots, stand united and actively support India’s efforts to promote justice and peace.

    “During the interaction, members of the Indian diaspora shared that their Spanish acquaintances had reacted with shock and concern to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reflecting growing international awareness of the challenges India faces in combating terrorism,” the statement said.

    The community also expressed strong support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and conveyed their solidarity with the nation, the statement added. “The delegation is scheduled to engage with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians and civil society representatives on the final day of their visit. These engagements will provide a platform to brief Spanish leaders on Operation Sindoor and to articulate India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy, committed to peace, stability and a resolute stance against terrorism.”

    In another post on X, the Indian Embassy said: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had a insightful interaction with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to peace in the face of terrorism. They emphasized that India will lead the global fight against terrorism, upholding the values of peace and resilience. The delegation with humility and conviction, called upon the community to stand united in pride and shared heritage. The diaspora responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing deep solidarity with the nation and a strong sense of identity and belonging.”

    “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting Spain interacted with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish businessman, who is a survivor of the horrible terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Arturo joined the delegation in condemning the menace of terrorism,” added the embassy.

    Apart from Kanimozhi, the delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf.

    June 2, 2025

  • Drones hidden in wooden sheds: How Ukraine carried out its most devastating drone strike of the war

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian secret services were able to attack strategic bomber aircraft at Russian air bases on Sunday by hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roofs of wooden sheds, according to a Ukrainian security official and images posted online.

    Ukraine’s domestic security agency, the SBU, acknowledged that it carried out the operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web” and said it had caused considerable damage.

    The sheds were loaded onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases. The roof panels of the sheds were lifted off by a remotely-activated mechanism, allowing the drones to fly out and begin their attack, the official said.

    The security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said strikes were conducted on Sunday on four air bases, and that 41 Russian warplanes were hit.

    An SBU statement posted on the Telegram messaging app estimated the damage caused by the assaults at $7 billion.

    “Thirty-four percent of strategic cruise missile carriers at the main airfields of the Russian Federation were hit,” the SBU said on the Telegram messaging app.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, writing on Telegram, expressed delight at the “absolutely brilliant outcome”.

    “And an outcome produced by Ukraine independently,” he wrote, noting that the operation had taken more than a year and a half to prepare. “This is our longest-range operation.”

    Speaking shortly afterwards in his nightly video address, the president noted that 117 drones had been used to attack the Russian bases and that Russian forces suffered “very tangible losses, and justifiably so”.

    Zelenskiy said the SBU had set up a nerve centre for the operation right next to a regional office of Russia’s FSB intelligence service. All operatives taking part had been brought out of Russia “on the eve of the operation”, he said.

    VIDEO SHOWS BOMBERS ABLAZE

    Unverified video and pictures posted on Russian social media showed Russian strategic bombers on fire at the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region of Siberia.

    Igor Kobzev, the regional governor, said there had been a drone attack on a military unit near the village of Sredny, which is near the Belaya base, though he did not specify what the target was. He said the drones had been launched from a truck.

    The Irkutsk region attack was the first time a drone assault had been mounted by Ukraine so far from the front lines, which are more than 4,300 km (2,670 miles) away.

    That is beyond the range of the long-range strike drones or ballistic missiles Ukraine has in its arsenal, so required a special scheme to get the drones close enough to their targets.

    Photographs shared with Reuters by the Ukrainian security official showed dozens of short-range quadrocopter drones piled up in an industrial facility. The official said these were the same devices used in the attack.

    Other images shared by the official showed the wooden sheds with their metal roofing panels removed, and the drones sitting in the cavities between roof beams.

    Separate video posted on Russian Telegram channels, which has not been verified by Reuters, appeared to show matching sheds on the back of a truck.

    The roof panels can be seen lying on the ground next to the truck, and the video footage shows at least two drones rising out of the top of the sheds and flying off.

    The Russian online media outlet that posted the video, Baza, said in a caption that it was filmed in the district near the Belaya air base.

    The Irkutsk region air base hosts Tupolev Tu-22M supersonic long-range strategic bombers, a type of aircraft that has been used to launch missiles against targets in Ukraine.

    The operation, according to the Ukrainian security official, was personally overseen by Zelenskiy and Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU domestic intelligence agency.

    If confirmed, the strikes would be the most damaging Ukrainian drone attack of the war, and would be a significant setback for Moscow.

    The source shared video footage shot from a drone, saying it showed one of the strikes. The images showed several large aircraft, some of which appeared to be Tu-95 strategic bombers, on fire.

    (Reuters)

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wilson Statement on the Murder of Two Members of the Israeli Embassy Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on the murder of two members of the Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.: 

         “My sincerest condolences to the families of the bright staffers whose lives were senselessly taken by a coward while attending an event representing peace and a positive future for Jewish communities around the world. Remarking on the ‘beautiful couple,’ Israel Ambassador Yechiel Leiter spoke of Israeli and American resilience and together overcoming moral depravity. 

         “I am grateful that Attorney General Pam Bondi, Washington, D.C. Chief of Police Pamela Smith, and the highest levels of law enforcement are dedicated to justice and eliminating the scourge of anti-Jewish hatred in our streets.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wilson Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) is pleased to announce Kinsleigh Ringus of Lexington High School, as the Second District of South Carolina’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner. 

    “The Congressional Art Competition is a way to recognize the talent of young artists in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina and across the nation. I congratulate Kinsleigh for her wonderful submission. The piece, entitled ‘Under the Palmetto Sky,’ is a talented and colorful use of watercolor, pencil, and acrylics to convey a South Carolina theme. A special thank you goes to her parents, Adrian and Ashleigh, as well as her art teacher, Anna Degtyareva. I look forward to showing her artwork to all of our visitors in the U.S. Capitol over the coming year,” said Congressman Wilson. 

    For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit Congressman Wilson’s website here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata’s Statement of Strong Support for President Trump’s Fishing Order as Lawsuit Filed

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement: 

    “These islands within PRIMNM are not Hawaiian islands nor are they American Samoan islands; these are America’s islands and waterways, and food security is national security. Insuring the safe supply of domestic American canned tuna for our military, schoolchildren and consumers is paramount and a national emergency that President Trump has recognized and acted upon with the urgency that is needed.

    “I commend his Administration for both enacting his Executive Orders in this regard in his first 100 days and for doing so on April 17, American Samoa’s Flag Day, when the union between the United States and American Samoa was enacted.

    “The President recognized and honored Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way of life, by taking this action on the historic 125th Flag Day just a few weeks ago and helped all Americans during these critical times of food and other resource needs to protect our whole country.

    “Lastly, neither Presidents Bush, Obama or Biden ever asked American Samoa what they wanted before they took away our indigenous fishing rights without any science — they decided what they wanted first, gave us lip service and back filled their decisions with bureaucracy and outside interests. President Trump asked and acted, and I thank him again for his EO for the safety and security of the food supply for American Samoa and all America.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes $302,000 EPA Water Quality Monitoring Grant

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming $302,000 in federal funds for American Samoa from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorized by Congress in the BEACH Act. 

    “The EPA is fulfilling one of its original key functions with these coastal water monitoring funds for health protection,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, a friend and former colleague in Congress, as well as Region 9 Administrator Josh F.W. Cook as you work with our dedicated local department and American Samoa Government on this and other efforts throughout the year.”

    In all, the EPA has announced $9.7 million in BEACH Act grant funding for states, Tribes and territories to monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches such as to notify the public if elevated levels of illness-causing bacteria make swimming unsafe.

    The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act was reauthorized by Congress in 2024. The EPA states these allocations advance the agency’s goals of cooperative federalism and ensuring that every American has access to clean and safe water. Each of these goals supports EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative.

    “Millions of Americans will travel to the beach this summer to relax or play in the water. They will make lifelong memories and provide a boon to local economies,” said EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Peggy Browne. “With $9.7 million from EPA, states and local authorities can help ensure that our beaches are open for business and that beachgoers can swim and splash without fear of getting sick.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER REP. CHARLIE RANGEL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement upon news today that former Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York had passed:

    “Charles B. Rangel dedicated his life to this country and the people of New York from fighting on the battlefields of Korea to commanding the gavel in the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He was a decorated soldier, a determined federal prosecutor, and a champion for human and civil rights. He was driven to create a better world and make the American Dream more attainable for hard-working Americans.

    “He was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and helped blaze a trail for future generations of public servants. I had the honor of working with him to improve the lives of our veterans as co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Veterans Brain Trust.

    “He was a patriot, true friend, and compassionate soul. My wife, Vivian, and I send our deepest condolences his family, friends and all who mourn his loss.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES PARTISAN BUDGET BILL THAT INCREASES U.S. DEFICIT WHILE ALSO HURTING FAMILIES, SENIORS, VETERANS, AND THE DISABLED

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that would gut crucial basic needs programs upon which millions of Americans rely and increase red tape. These cuts are being used to fund trillions of dollars in tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires and still explodes the deficit by $3.8 trillion.

    “Despite weeks of efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to make this bill better and remove at least a few of its many warts, Congressional Republican leaders ignored our amendments and, in the dead of night, moved forward on a bill that makes it harder for millions of Americans to afford food and healthcare, and undermines public education,” said Congressman Bishop.

    The Congressman added, “This bill is a reverse Robin Hood. Make no mistake, more children will go hungry and more working Americans will lose access to healthcare. Seniors and veterans will find it harder to access their hard-earned benefits and care. The cost of living for the vast majority of Americans will go up thousands of dollars in return for meager tax relief. However, the wealthiest 1% of Americans – folks who do not rely on the programs and services being cut – will each get over $100,000 in tax breaks.”

    H.R. 1 hurts Americans by:

    • Cutting nearly $700 billion in Medicaid which will cause millions to lose healthcare coverage as well as make it harder for hospitals and nursing homes across the country to provide all the care communities need or to even stay open – even people who do not rely on Medicaid may have to travel farther to get the care they need;
    • Taking $300 billion from the ACA exchanges which will increase monthly health insurance premiums and co-payments;
    • Slashing SNAP by $300 billion which will cost America’s farmers around $30 billion in lost income, threaten more than 27,000 retailers nationwide and imperil nearly 400,000 jobs and $20 billion in direct wages throughout the food supply chain;
    • Gutting school breakfast, lunch, and senior nutrition programs;
    • Increasing the cost of education by eliminating Pell Grants for over 4 million students;
    • Eliminating energy conservation program funds that will push up gasoline prices, make it harder for homeowners and small businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs, makes it harder for schools to afford less expensive, clean buses that reduce their students’ exposure to air pollution, and undermine efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing;

    If H.R. 1 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF ISRAEL EMBASSY EMPLOYEES IN WASHINGTON, DC

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in response to the killing of two Israel Embassy employees last night in Washington, DC:

    “It is heartbreaking that these two young Israel Embassy employees who were attending an event dedicated to peace were cut down in the prime of their lives. Antisemitism and political violence have no place in a civilized society. May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim be a blessing.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP’S STATEMENT REGARDING THREAT TO JOB CORPS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Job Corps Caucus, released the following statement in response to news today that the Trump Administration is pausing Job Corps Center operations, effectively shuttering Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia.

    “The Job Corps program is the embodiment of a hand up and not a handout. It provides workforce skills and training that empower participants to become self-sufficient and productive citizens. Today’s foolish action by the White House and the United States Department of Labor to close the Job Corps program will shatter the dreams and aspirations of tens of thousands of promising students.

    “For over sixty years, there has been strong, bipartisan support for Job Corps. It has paid tremendous dividends in terms of ensuring that young people become valuable members of the labor force. I intend to work with my Republican colleagues to protect and improve Job Corps to ensure its continued success.”

    Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse Issues Statement Following Attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after an attack earlier today on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder: 

    “I am horrified by the heinous act of terror that took place in downtown Boulder this afternoon, and my wife Andrea and I are praying for the victims. Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence. The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence. We stand with the Jewish community — today and always — and will be united in supporting the victims and their families, and to redoubling our efforts to stop antisemitism.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Statement on Removal of Nevada & Utah Public Lands Sale in Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — After public outrage swelled following Congressman Joe Neguse’s exposure of House Republicans’ last-minute move to force the sale of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada, the amendment was stripped from the reconciliation bill. The provision at issue would have mandated the sale of 11,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah and at least 500,000 acres in Nevada, all to pay for tax cuts benefiting the country’s wealthiest citizens.

    Rep. Neguse, Ranking Member of the Committee on Federal Lands, unveiled Republicans’ disastrous scheme during the House Natural Resources Committee’s midnight markup of the budget reconciliation bill earlier this month, and further amplified opposition to the provision during the House Rules Committee 21-hour marathon markup this week. 

    “As my Republican colleagues push forward with a disastrous scheme to strip millions of Americans of health care, food assistance, and more—all to fund a $7 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires—House Democrats remained consistent in our pursuit of the truth. For literally the last 29 hours straight — and pushing back day after day, week after week prior — my colleagues and I continue to stand in firm opposition to this reckless legislation,” said Congressman Neguse. 

    “While I am proud to see our efforts result in the removal of Republicans’ plan to sell off treasured public lands in Nevada and Utah, I continue to be deeply concerned for the sweeping threats this bill still poses to critical conservation and public oversight programs. It’s time for common sense to prevail and for more members of the Republican Conference to speak up for the folks they were elected to represent, working with us to champion beliefs I know we’ve long shared, like the protection of America’s prized public lands.”

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    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Leads Bipartisan Effort to Cut Red Tape for Disaster Survivors’ Access to Federal Disaster Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort to streamline homeowners’ access to federal assistance after natural disasters. Neguse, who represents a congressional district that is no stranger to natural disasters, introduced two bills that would modernize how the Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes aid for homeowners: the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act, co-led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and the Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act, co-led by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC). 

    “After working with constituents impacted by natural disasters from Granby to Fort Collins and everywhere in between, I know the road to recovery can be slow, all-consuming, and too often lacking in resources and support,” said Congressman Neguse. “With these bills, we’re taking action to ensure those affected receive clear guidance on next steps, along with the time they need to react and recover. You never know when tragedy will strike, and I’m proud to join Reps. Ciscomani and Edwards in this bipartisan effort to equip homeowners, small business owners, and individuals with the foundational tools they need to ensure the people we represent have a safety net to fall back on.”

    “As we head into the summer and temperatures in Arizona continue to rise, we have seen wildfires ignite across the state, disrupting small businesses and impacting the lives of thousands of residents,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, the road to recovery from these disasters can often be slow and burdensome. As families and businesses look to rebuild, the last thing they should encounter are unnecessary financial hurdles. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act to codify a policy within the Small Business Administration to provide zero-interest loans for victims of natural disasters and give homeowners and entrepreneurs up to a year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.”

    “After Hurricane Helene, many business and home owners did not know Small Business Administration disaster loans were needed until after they had gone through the FEMA application process. Despite extensions to the SBA application window, there were still folks left behind without access to this vital recovery resource because the FEMA process took too long and the SBA application closed before victims realized they needed to apply,” said Congressman Edwards. “The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act will make sure that homeowners and small business owners have sufficient time and information to get the assistance they need after their lives have been turned upside down. It’s a commonsense way to better support disaster survivors in their greatest times of need.”

    Find additional details on both bills below: 

    • The Natural Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act codifies a policy previously implemented by the SBA that would waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months. Read bill text HERE.
    • The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act modifies application deadlines and communication requirements for disaster assistance by directing the SBA to extend loan application deadlines past the current window of two to three months post-disaster declaration, and issuing guidance for public awareness campaigns in affected areas to better educate individuals on the application process and ensuring the Members of Congress who represent these districts stay informed and receive regular updates. Read bill text HERE.

    Background 

    Congressman Joe Neguse has prioritized efforts to extend the access of federal disaster assistance for communities responding to and recovering from natural disasters, like wildfires, since first being elected to Congress. Earlier this year, he helped introduce the Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act, a bill that would allow borrowers to get a SBA disaster assistance loan for up to $50,000, rather than the current $14,000, without pledging collateral.
    Additionally, last summer, Neguse moved quickly to secure federal funding to help Coloradans fight the Alexander Mountain Fire burning in Larimer County and the Stone Canyon Fire burning in Boulder County. He also took swift action to ensure that Coloradans had secured proper cost coverage after the Marshall Fire in 2021, leading a successful effort alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, to get the SBA to update their formula used to calculate the Disaster Loan Program amount survivors can borrow to rebuild after the Marshall Fire. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Introduces Legislation to Reinstate All Parks and Forest Staff Fired by DOGE Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — As the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) brace for impact, with public reporting warning additional layoffs are imminent, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced landmark legislation that pushes back against further cuts to the federal workforce and moves to restore adequate staffing levels ahead of the agencies’ busy summer months. The bills, the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act, direct administration officials to rehire individuals wrongfully terminated as part of Trump’s DOGE initiative.  

    Neguse, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, represents some of Colorado’s world-renowned parks and forests, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho and Roosevelt and White River National Forests. Since the start of the year, he’s been a vocal opponent of the administration’s full-scale attack on the federal workforce, and his latest effort highlights the dramatic impact of cuts on parks and forests—leaving these shared spaces understaffed and vulnerable, with weakened wildfire prevention, search-and-rescue operations, and maintenance of campgrounds, trails, and restrooms. 

    “Coloradans are sounding the alarm: the Trump Administration’s federal funding and purging of the workforce have made our national parks and forests less safe and more prone to disaster. This is simply unacceptable,” said Congressman Neguse. “With the summer months fast approaching, we must act to reinstate terminated employees at our land management agencies to protect communities across the West.” 

    Both the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act are co-led by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), as well as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, Andrea Salinas (OR-06). They are championed by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) in the United States Senate. 

    “The Trump Administration’s relentless and deeply damaging attacks on our federal workforce, especially the dedicated public servants at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, demand accountability,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman. “From abrupt relocations to politically motivated firings, the career professionals who steward our public lands have been treated as expendable. With another wave of forced reductions reportedly imminent, Congress must act. The Protect Our Parks Act and the Save Our Forests Act will ensure these agencies are fully staffed, reinstate wrongfully terminated employees, and keep critical federal projects on track—from climate resilience and wildfire prevention to trail maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. We owe it to these workers, and to the American people who depend on them, to set this right.”

    “With summer fast approaching, we should be hiring more workers who can keep visitors safe at our national parks and protect our communities from wildfires. Instead, the Trump Administration is recklessly firing workers at both the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service – putting even more strain on these agencies at a time when they are already short-staffed,” said Congresswoman Salinas. “These job cuts are unacceptable, which is why I’m proud to introduce two bills that would restore staffing levels and rehire Park Rangers and Forest Service workers who were wrongfully terminated. America’s public servants deserve respect and appreciation for their hard work, and our legislation does just that.”

    “The National Park Service and National Forest Service are crucial to land conservation, historic preservation, and protecting our natural resources. Due to the illegal actions of this Administration, these agencies are operating on a skeleton crew and shoestring budget to carry out the work the law requires. I am proud to co-lead the Protect Our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act with Assistant Leader Neguse, Ranking Member Huffman, and Rep. Salinas to reinstate staff and restore funding at the NPS and NFS,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.  

    Find additional details on the bills below:

    • The Protect our Parks Act directs the Secretary of Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the National Park System for the overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural resource protection. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025).
    • The Save Our Forests Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure adequate staffing within the National Forest System, as well as proper resources for maintaining the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025). 

    Both bills also help keep critical federal projects moving forward, including those funded by widely supported and enacted laws such as the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 

    They are endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, The Wilderness Society, Environment America, National Federation of Federal Employees, and The Trust for Public Land; and the Protect our Parks Act has additional backing from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).  

    See what they’re saying below:  

    “With mass firings of land management staff, the Trump administration has put our public lands and our ability to enjoy and benefit from them at risk,” said LCV Conservation Program Director, America Fitzpatrick.“Legislation like the bills introduced today by Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth, and Salinas will serve to curb the fallout from the Trump administration’s dangerous policies that seek to decimate our parks and public lands. LCV thanks the bill sponsors for standing up for public servants who steward our parks and public lands, fight wildfire, educate the public, and share our nation’s history, and for continuing to fight back against this administration’s dangerous and indiscriminate firings.“ 

    “Our national parks are facing a crisis. Since January, roughly 13% of park staff have been pushed out due to pressured buyouts, retirements and resignations,” said President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Theresa Pierno. “These workers are the backbone of our parks, maintaining trails, managing wildlife, guiding visitors, and protecting our natural and cultural heritage. Parks can’t thrive without the staff who protect them, which is why this bill is so critical right now. This bill would bring back essential staffing as parks face record-breaking crowds. NPCA commends Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth and Salinas for supporting the dedicated staff who care for America’s most cherished places every day.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse Calls for Renewed Commitment to American Servicemembers, Introduces Legislation to Boost Veteran Employment

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — With Memorial Day upcoming, Congressman Joe Neguse called for a renewed commitment by the Congress to supporting American servicemembers by introducing two bills aimed at expanding support for veterans after their service. The Veterans Jobs Training Act and the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act focus on the essentials for successful reintegration: employment, housing, and establishing a clear path forward.

    Colorado is home to over 300,000 veterans, many of whom rely on regular access to federal assistance as they adjust to civilian life. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s reckless federal cuts have impacted these individuals’ ability to access their hard-earned and well-deserved benefits. In response, the bills Congressman Neguse introduced are a step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans aren’t left to navigate these hurdles on their own. 

    “As we memorialize the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our Armed Forces, we must also recommit ourselves to supporting the veterans in our communities. Our neighbors who sacrificed so much to keep us safe. In their honor, I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures they have access to good-paying jobs and a roof over their heads. And these bills do exactly that—helping employ veterans in careers where their skills and service are valued, including among our wildland firefighting workforce,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

    Find details on the bills below:

    • The Veterans Jobs Training Act would increase the authorization level for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by $15 million in federal funding, expanding the already successful initiative’s ability to provide competitive employment for unhoused veterans. HVRP’s core objectives are to provide services to assist in reintegrating unhoused veterans into meaningful employment and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address problems facing unhoused veterans. Read the bill text HERE.
    • The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act would establish a pilot program to help employ veterans into wildland firefighting positions, putting their valuable skill set to work. More specifically, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate in an effort to help employ veterans in any temporary, seasonal, or permanent wildland firefighting activities. Read the bill text HERE.

    The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act is supported by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFEE) and Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

    “NFFE is proud to support legislation that would encourage our military veterans to continue serving their country as federal wildland firefighters,” said Randy Erwin, National President, NFFE. “These men and women understand the sacrifice of public service and the importance of defending American communities. Thank you to Representative Neguse for his continued support of veterans, wildland firefighters, and federal workers.”

    “The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters applaud Congressman Neguse on his continued efforts to bolster and address wildfires in the United States. United States Veterans and federal wildland firefighting have a long and storied history. Any effort to reinforce and build a bridge between United States military veterans and the work of wildland firefighting should be robustly supported by Congress. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters fully support the efforts and intent of Congressman Neguse,” said Luke Mayfield, President, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

    Background

    Congressman Joe Neguse has been a strong advocate for veterans and service members since first being elected to Congress. Significantly, he was successful in getting his bill the Mental Health for Military Families Act signed into law, expanding access to counseling and mental health services for Colorado’s military families. Neguse has also championed proposals that would improve the treatment and compensation for veterans experiencing PTSD and create regional “network hubs” for veterans, service members, and their families to seek resources and support. And in 2022, the Colorado lawmaker helped secure $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. A project that supports veterans in Colorado’s Second Congressional District through the construction of modular homes.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow, Senator Bennet Host Centennial Town Hall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    CENTENNIAL — Last night, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) hosted a town hall at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, where they spoke directly with Coloradans about how they’re fighting to lower costs and pushing back against Republicans attacks on Medicaid. This is Congressman Crow’s third town hall this year.

    “One of the most important parts of my job is listening to constituents. It was great to talk with hundreds of Coloradans and hear about the issues that matter most to them. As Republicans vote to kick millions off their health care to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut, Senator Bennet and I are doing everything we can to fight back,” said Congressman Crow.

    “This is an extraordinary time in our country’s history, a profoundly reactionary time in our nation’s history,” Senator Bennet said at the town hall. “But I have no doubt that if we do what we’re required to do, when we consider what our responsibilities are to this democracy, that we will not just get through this – that there will be something on other side that is very important to the kids, for instance, that graduated this week from Arapahoe High School. That is who is on my mind when I’m on the Senate floor.”

    Congressman Crow is dedicated to hearing directly from his constituents on the issues that matter most to them. He most recently hosted a town hall in Aurora and a telephone town hall with thousands of constituents. He has hosted regular in-person and telephone town halls throughout his time in Congress, and regularly hosts student town halls to hear from youth in the community.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow, Lt. Gov. Primavera Discuss Trump’s Harmful AmeriCorps Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, representatives from Serve Colorado, and local non-profits held a roundtable to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to AmeriCorps. 
     

    Since its founding in 1993, AmeriCorps has provided more than 1 million Americans with the opportunity to address challenges in their communities, especially in the areas of education, economic opportunity, veterans and military family services, health, the environment, and disaster services. In 2024, more than 6,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors served at over 700 local sites across Colorado. However, the Trump administration abruptly ended more than $400 million in AmeriCorps grants and laid off most of the full-time workforce, requiring more than 32,000 members to stop their critical work in communities nationwide. 

    “Service makes our nation better, and AmeriCorps enables Coloradans to serve their community directly. Their service makes Colorado a better, safer place to call home. Trump’s cuts to AmeriCorps are narrow-minded, short-sighted, and will leave Colorado worse off. I’ll continue speaking out and fighting back,” said Congressman Crow.

    “I’ve seen firsthand how national service changes lives — not just for those who serve, but for the individuals and families they support,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s about what’s at stake for students, patients, and neighbors who rely on AmeriCorps programs daily. When you cut AmeriCorps, you don’t just shrink a program — you take away mentors from classrooms, hands from food banks, and care from underserved communities. We’re standing up to stop that from happening.”

    “AmeriCorps is a proven pipeline into Colorado’s most critical industries, from education and public health to climate resilience. These cuts don’t just threaten AmeriCorps service across the state – they undermine our future workforce and the communities that depend on it,” said John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado.

    Participants included: Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera; John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado; Manuel Aragon, Senior Director of Programs of Corps for a Change; Hannah Chung, Member of Corps for a Change serving at Vista Peak in APS; Barb Knapp, Manager of Spark Health Corps; Katie Navin, Executive Director of Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education; and Brittany Pimental, Senior Director of Operations for Denver Urban Gardens.

    Congressman Crow strongly opposes the Trump administration’s efforts to gut AmeriCorps, and has supported bipartisan efforts to block these cuts. He has been vocal about balancing the federal budget in a way that does not take a sledgehammer to critical programs that working Americans rely on for their families and communities.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 2, 2025
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