Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Files Budget Amendments to Help Hardworking Vermonters  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch filed 61 amendments to the budget 
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, filed 61 amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget plan. The Senator’s amendments aim to help working families through the affordability crisis, defend programs, services, and disaster aid from Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), and combat President Trump’s reckless, illegal agenda.  
    Senate Republicans’ budget plan, unveiled Wednesday, attacks Medicaid, Medicare, and the health care of seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural patients; threatens Social Security for millions; raises costs for working families and enables President Trump’s trade war; jeopardizes support and health care for veterans; and gives DOGE a greenlight to destroy the federal government—all in the service of paying for Trump’s tax cut to billionaires.  
    “A budget plan says a lot about your values, and President Trump and Senate Republicans’ budget is cruel. They’re threatening the economic and physical health of families, seniors, children, and folks across the country. They’re trying to cut federal funding for hardworking Americans and pass $7 trillion in tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. I’m standing up against their nonsense every step of the way,” said Senator Welch. “That’s why I’ve filed 61 amendments to their budget, which will better address the affordability crisis Vermonters face right now and defend against Elon Musk’s attempts to dismantle our government and the programs people rely on.”   
    Senator Welch’s amendments to the Republican budget resolution would:   
    Address the Affordability Crisis: 
    An amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families. 
    Amendments to support federal dairy programs, organic farmers, and young and beginning farmers. 
    An amendment to address the impacts of disasters in rural communities.   
    An amendment to promote innovation, domestic job creation and U.S. competitiveness. This amendment would support Vermont’s growing semiconductor industry and America’s Tech Hubs. 
    Amendments to block the extension of tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations until all federal services are provided. 
    Defend Federal Programs and Disaster Aid from Elon Musk: 
    Amendments to prohibit cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to improve rural access to nutrition programs. 
    Amendments to protect and defend rural broadband deployment and promote internet affordability.   
    An amendment to prohibit the elimination of over-to-phone identity verification for Social Security beneficiaries. 
    Amendments to prohibit the reduction or elimination of funding for rural care providers, health centers, and critical access hospitals.   
    Amendments to limit affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency’s ability to access federal payment systems and personally identifiable information of Social Security beneficiaries. 
    An amendment to protect disaster survivors’ data privacy during any interaction with Department of Government Efficiency personnel. 
    An amendment prohibiting any reduction in disaster response and recovery programs for States and local communities. 
    Combat Trump’s Reckless and Illegal Agenda:   
    Amendments to preserve relations between the United States and Canada, and to prohibit Canadian energy tariffs that raise energy costs domestically.  
    An amendment to block legislation that enables U.S. troops to operate in Gaza to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. 
    An amendment to prevent enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act, unless there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign government, or an invasion of predatory incursion is perpetrated. 
    An amendment to prevent the arrest, detainment and deportation of college students and faculty on the grounds they have expressed views the sitting administration objects to. 
    An amendment that would block legislation banning the Associated Press from the White House. 
    An amendment that would preserve United States-Denmark relations. 
    An amendment to address global hunger including hiring aid workers and facilitating the dispersal of aid into Gaza 
    In addition, Senator Welch cosponsored 31 amendments. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand POTUS Rescind Executive Order Requiring a Passport to Easily Register to Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand POTUS Rescind Executive Order Requiring a Passport to Easily Register to Vote

    The Executive Order puts onerous requirements that restrict the ability of US citizens to access the ballot, requiring a passport to easily register to vote
    Less than half of Georgians have a current U.S. passport necessary for easily registering to vote under this new executive order
    Noncitizen voting is virtually nonexistent; 2024 audit by Georgia Secretary of State found only 9 instances of noncitizen voting out of 8,200,000 registered voters 
    Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers: “Requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters […] places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) , and 14 of his Senate colleagues urged President Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order that would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
    Under this Executive Order, military IDs or driver’s licenses would not be sufficient in registering to vote in Georgia through the federal voter registration form. Following the announcement of the Executive Order, Senator Warnock issued a statement responding to the unlawful order.
    “This unlawful directive exceeds your authority over an independent agency and would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating barriers to voting, while also inviting chaos into state voter registration processes – including by inappropriately sharing Americans’ data with the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),” wrote the Senators. “Under the Constitution and existing law, this Executive Order cannot be implemented. Sadly, we are not surprised at your continued efforts to undermine our free and fair elections. From welcoming foreign election interference in our elections, to supporting the January 6 insurrection, to promoting baseless election conspiracy theories, your dangerous rhetoric has undermined public confidence in our election system.”
    The proof of citizenship requirements in the executive order would restrict the right to vote for millions of Americans given the burden it creates to obtain these documents. Nearly half of all American citizens do not have valid passports, and millions more have a legal name that differs from other government-issued documents, including up to 69 million married women whose birth certificates no longer match their legal name.
    The Senators emphasized that the order runs counter to the constitutional foundation that elections are to be primarily administered by the states. They also sounded the alarm on the order’s attempt to empower the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review state voter registration lists, other state records, and various federal databases, with the power of subpoena.
    “Voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and, despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, is extremely rare. By interjecting DOGE into the process, this order would interfere with states’ maintenance of voter registration lists, compromising voters’ personal information,” continued the Senators.
    “The new federal voter registration requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters. Millions of Americans do not have passports and many face challenges obtaining other documents that would be required by this order, if it was ever implemented,” concluded the Senators. “This order also places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color.”
    Senator Warnock has a long history of supporting voting rights efforts and defending the sacred right to vote. Since coming to the Senate, Senator Warnock has championed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, two vital pieces of voting rights legislation that expand on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and help secure voting rights for future generations.
    In addition to Senator Warnock, the letter was authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and is also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The letter can be viewed HERE and below:
    Dear President Trump,
    We write to demand that you immediately rescind your recent Executive Order “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” This unlawful directive exceeds your authority over an independent agency and would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating barriers to voting, while also inviting chaos into state voter registration processes – including by inappropriately sharing Americans’ data with the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Under the Constitution and existing law, this Executive Order cannot be implemented. Sadly, we are not surprised at your continued efforts to undermine our free and fair elections. From welcoming foreign election interference in our elections, to supporting the January 6 insurrection, to promoting baseless election conspiracy theories, your dangerous rhetoric has undermined public confidence in our election system.
    This order runs counter to the constitutional foundation that elections are to be primarily administered by the states. The Federal role in elections is focused on helping states with the costs and technical challenges and ensuring that the right to vote is appropriately protected. This order places new mandates on the states and inserts new federal interference in state voter registration processes by federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. We expect state and local election administrators of both parties to have significant legal and operational concerns about this order.
    One of the most disturbing aspects of this illegal order is Sec. 2(b)(iii), which attempts to empower DHS and the DOGE Administrator to review state voter registration lists, other state records and various federal databases, with the power of subpoena. Voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and, despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, is extremely rare. By interjecting DOGE into the process, this order would interfere with states’ maintenance of voter registration lists, compromising voters’ personal information. This effort by DOGE is similar to your 2017 Executive Order that established the “Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity” that sought voter files from states and was rejected by 44 states and the District of Columbia. If this provision were implemented, it would allow Elon Musk and DOGE to recreate this effort to purge state voter databases, preventing the participation of eligible American voters.
    The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was created as an independent, evenly balanced agency in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which was enacted on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. The EAC receives appropriations from Congress to support states with the growing financial and technical challenges of administering elections in thousands of jurisdictions across the nation on a nonpartisan basis. This order lacks the authority to place new conditions on Congressionally appropriated funding or order the EAC require documents that many eligible Americans do not have in order to register to vote in federal elections.
    The new federal voter registration requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters. Millions of Americans do not have passports and many face challenges obtaining other documents that would be required by this order, if it was ever implemented. This order also places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color.
    For these reasons, we must urge you to rescind this illegal order.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    The bipartisan CONNECT For Health Act expands Medicare’s telehealth flexibility, ensuring Georgia seniors can more easily access health care, connect with their doctors
    Current telehealth flexibilities are set to expire in September without congressional action
    Senator Reverend Warnock has long supported efforts to expand telehealth services, especially in rural communities
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “So many Georgian seniors, especially in rural communities, benefited from new telehealth programs that allowed seniors to talk to their doctor online or over the phone. […] The bipartisan and common sense CONNECT For Health Act builds on that progress by continuing to offer people the telehealth they need”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS) in introducing bipartisan CONNECT For Health Act to improve and expand telehealth services for seniors on Medicaid.
    The comprehensive telehealth bill will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. The current telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.
    “So many Georgian seniors, especially in rural communities, benefited from new telehealth programs that allowed seniors to talk to their doctor online or over the phone. Congress needs to keep those programs from expiring. The bipartisan and common sense CONNECT For Health Act builds on that progress by continuing to offer people the telehealth they need,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:
    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.
    Senator Reverend Warnock has long supported efforts to expand telehealth services, especially in rural Georgia communities. In 2023, Senator Warnock announced a slate of new federal grants that help build a more sustainable rural health care system for Georgians by expanding telehealth services.
    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global to Release 2024 Operating Results, Conference Call Scheduled for April 11, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), (the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it will report its 2024 operating results on Friday, April 11, 2025 after the market closes. Management will host a conference call on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Conference call details:

    Date:   April 11, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern / 1:30 p.m. Pacific
    Toll-Free Dial-In Number:   1-844-739-3880   
    International Dial-In Number:   1-412-317-5716

    Pre-register for the call through this link:  https://dpregister.com/sreg/10198405/fed880d536

    All callers should pre-register for the call through the link above. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask to be joined into the Beam Global call.

    A webcast archive will be available on our website (www.BeamForAll.com) following the call.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Chicago, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.comLinkedInYouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1-858-799-4583
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1-858-335-8465
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schweikert Leads Legislation Targeting Fentanyl and Foreign Evasion

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ), alongside China Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) introduced the Manifest Modernization Act— legislation that will help law enforcement track fentanyl precursors entering the U.S., identify major sanction evasions schemes meant to skirt American law, and will uncover Uyghur and forced labor in supply chains. Currently, only ocean vessels must publicly disclose manifest information. The bill would extend the public disclosure requirement to aircraft, truck, and rail manifests. 

    Millions of shipments entering the country each day face little scrutiny. Public disclosure of shipping manifests is critical for tracking imports of unsafe or illegal goods like fentanyl, goods made with forced labor, trade-based money laundering and illicit finance, sanctions evasion, and counterfeit goods.

    Modern problems require modern solutions. Transparency and advanced data analytics can close the gap drug traffickers and bad actors exploit to smuggle illicit drugs and goods into the country,” said Rep. David Schweikert [AZ-01]. “The Manifest Modernization Act is like putting headlights on a car that was driving with one out—you’re not reinventing the system; you’re just completing it.

    The Manifest Modernization Act closes a critical loophole, ensuring air, truck, and rail shipments are held to the same standards as goods arriving by ship. By requiring public disclosure of this shipment data, we’ll improve enforcement against unsafe and illicit goods—effectively stopping fentanyl, counterfeits, and products made with forced labor. This legislation also targets PRC companies that transship through third countries to dodge President Trump’s tariffs, leveling the playing field for American workers,” said House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar [MI-01].

    The Manifest Modernization Act will strengthen and secure our supply chains by improving transparency and efficiency at our ports of entry. By modernizing outdated customs processes, this bipartisan bill will help prevent illicit goods, such as fentanyl, and products made with forced labor in the PRC from entering our country while ensuring lawful shipments can move swiftly and safely,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [IL-08].

    We need to shine a light on the labor and supply chains responsible for unsafe shipments entering the United States by air, land, and rail. Hiding import data allows the abuse of human rights to flourish in the shadows,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett [TX-37]. “Our legislation seeks to improve accountability while giving American consumers the confidence they are not purchasing products that contributed to environmental harm, forced labor or any other form of wrongdoing, or laced with fentanyl.

    Background on the Manifest Modernization Act:

    • Under current law, when an import enters the U.S. via ocean carrier, vessel manifest information must be publicly disclosed while imports that arrive via aircraft, truck, or rail do not.
    • Ocean vessels have long been required to disclose manifest information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including the name and address of the shipper, general character of the cargo, number of packages and gross weight, name of vessel or carrier, port of exit, port of destination, and country of destination. 
    • In 1996, Congress expanded disclosure requirements to include aircraft manifests to help law enforcement and trademark holders track counterfeit goods.
    • However, due to a drafting error in a later bill, courts have ruled that aircraft manifests are not subject to public disclosure. Vehicles, including trucks and rail, have never been required to disclose manifest information.
    • Today, nearly half of the value of imports comes either by air or land. Ocean manifest data has aided investigations that have identified major Russia sanctions evasion schemes, uncovered Uyghur forced labor in supply chains, tracked tainted pharmaceutical products, and helped law enforcement find shipments linked to criminal activity, including drug smuggling.
    • Businesses also rely on data gleamed from ocean manifests to find and evaluate suppliers, identify new customers, research market trends, and protect their intellectual property.
    • The Manifest Modernization Act would simply require all imports to be publicly disclosed by CBP to the American public.
       

      You can read the full bill text here. 

    Back to News

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Secures the Extradition from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain and Thailand of Fugitives Wanted for Murder, Drug Trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse and Cybercrime in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minne

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the United States Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailandresulted in the extraditions last week of individuals alleged to have committed murder child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and fraud.

    The fugitives extradited to the United States include:

    • Roberto Avina-Casillas, 30, a Mexican citizen, was extradited from Mexico to stand trial in Franklin County, Ohio for murder, felonious assault and endangering children. Avina-Casillas evaded arrest for more than 11 years after he was accused of the Aug. 7, 2013 death of his former girlfriend’s 3-year-old son.
    • Justin David Lanoue, 44, a Canadian citizen, was extradited from Canada to stand trial in Washington County, Utah, on charges filed against him in 2015 related to child rape and felony sexual abuse of a minor. The Washington County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
    • Dominik Rydz, 24, a Polish national, was extradited from Germany to stand trial in the state of Michigan, where he faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and one count of unlawful imprisonment. On the night of Sept. 3, 2023, Rydz allegedly lured a woman away from her friends at a social gathering and proceeded to sexually assault the victim and would not let her leave. Rydz’s extradition was first sought from Poland, where he resided. While out on release from the Polish proceedings, Rydz travelled to Germany and was arrested there on an INTERPOL Red Notice.
    • Olof Kyros Gustafsson, also known as “El Silencio,” 31, a Swedish national, was extradited from Spain to face conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering charges in a 115-count federal indictment filed in the Central District of California alleging that he licensed the rights to use the name and persona of the late Colombian narco-terrorist Pablo Escobar and defrauded investors around the world by marketing and selling products — including flamethrowers and cellphones — that did not exist and that he never delivered to paying customers.
    • Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28, both Kosovo nationals, were extradited from Kosovo to face identity theft, access device fraud, and money laundering charges in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their roles as the alleged administrators of the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, an illicit website dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud. The Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are handling the prosecution.
    • Rene Javier Santos Alfaro, 53, a Honduran citizen, was extradited from Honduras to stand trial in the Southern District of Florida for drug trafficking offenses. Santos Alfaro is an alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Honduras that was allegedly responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from Honduras directly into Miami via commercial aircraft.
    • Cristian Eduardo Garcia Jerez, 36, a Colombian national, was extradited from Colombia to face drug trafficking charges in the Northern District of Georgia. Garcia Jerez is alleged to have owned two cocaine processing laboratories and coordinated the manufacturing of cocaine in Colombia and the smuggling of cocaine from Colombia into the United States.
    • Jose Guillermo Granja Rojas, 36, a Mexican national, was extradited from Colombia to face a money laundering conspiracy charge in the Northern District of Georgia. Granja Rojas was allegedly a money launderer for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) who collected hundreds of thousands of dollars of proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the United States and transferred them to Mexico. DTO members directed the deposit of drug proceeds into accounts allegedly controlled by Granja Rojas, and Granja Rojas also allegedly traveled from Mexico to the United States to receive cash drug proceeds in person.
    • Tien Vy Tai Truong, 46, an alleged leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization, was extradited from Thailand to face conspiracy to export methamphetamine charges in a 2024 indictment filed in the Central District of California. Truong is alleged to have engaged in negotiations with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential human source to export about 200 pounds of methamphetamine from the United States to Australia for sale.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. OIA and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions from Colombia. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) also provided assistance with the extraditions from Kosovo. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Secures the Extradition from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain and Thailand of Fugitives Wanted for Murder, Drug Trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse and Cybercrime in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minne

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the United States Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailandresulted in the extraditions last week of individuals alleged to have committed murder child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and fraud.

    The fugitives extradited to the United States include:

    • Roberto Avina-Casillas, 30, a Mexican citizen, was extradited from Mexico to stand trial in Franklin County, Ohio for murder, felonious assault and endangering children. Avina-Casillas evaded arrest for more than 11 years after he was accused of the Aug. 7, 2013 death of his former girlfriend’s 3-year-old son.
    • Justin David Lanoue, 44, a Canadian citizen, was extradited from Canada to stand trial in Washington County, Utah, on charges filed against him in 2015 related to child rape and felony sexual abuse of a minor. The Washington County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
    • Dominik Rydz, 24, a Polish national, was extradited from Germany to stand trial in the state of Michigan, where he faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and one count of unlawful imprisonment. On the night of Sept. 3, 2023, Rydz allegedly lured a woman away from her friends at a social gathering and proceeded to sexually assault the victim and would not let her leave. Rydz’s extradition was first sought from Poland, where he resided. While out on release from the Polish proceedings, Rydz travelled to Germany and was arrested there on an INTERPOL Red Notice.
    • Olof Kyros Gustafsson, also known as “El Silencio,” 31, a Swedish national, was extradited from Spain to face conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering charges in a 115-count federal indictment filed in the Central District of California alleging that he licensed the rights to use the name and persona of the late Colombian narco-terrorist Pablo Escobar and defrauded investors around the world by marketing and selling products — including flamethrowers and cellphones — that did not exist and that he never delivered to paying customers.
    • Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28, both Kosovo nationals, were extradited from Kosovo to face identity theft, access device fraud, and money laundering charges in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their roles as the alleged administrators of the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, an illicit website dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud. The Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are handling the prosecution.
    • Rene Javier Santos Alfaro, 53, a Honduran citizen, was extradited from Honduras to stand trial in the Southern District of Florida for drug trafficking offenses. Santos Alfaro is an alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Honduras that was allegedly responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from Honduras directly into Miami via commercial aircraft.
    • Cristian Eduardo Garcia Jerez, 36, a Colombian national, was extradited from Colombia to face drug trafficking charges in the Northern District of Georgia. Garcia Jerez is alleged to have owned two cocaine processing laboratories and coordinated the manufacturing of cocaine in Colombia and the smuggling of cocaine from Colombia into the United States.
    • Jose Guillermo Granja Rojas, 36, a Mexican national, was extradited from Colombia to face a money laundering conspiracy charge in the Northern District of Georgia. Granja Rojas was allegedly a money launderer for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) who collected hundreds of thousands of dollars of proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the United States and transferred them to Mexico. DTO members directed the deposit of drug proceeds into accounts allegedly controlled by Granja Rojas, and Granja Rojas also allegedly traveled from Mexico to the United States to receive cash drug proceeds in person.
    • Tien Vy Tai Truong, 46, an alleged leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization, was extradited from Thailand to face conspiracy to export methamphetamine charges in a 2024 indictment filed in the Central District of California. Truong is alleged to have engaged in negotiations with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential human source to export about 200 pounds of methamphetamine from the United States to Australia for sale.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. OIA and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions from Colombia. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) also provided assistance with the extraditions from Kosovo. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise: Democrats Want to Shut Down Government to Stop Trump’s Progress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum to discuss tonight’s vote to keep the government funded as Democrats work against American families. Leader Scalise also highlighted Vice President Vance’s visit with House Republicans and shared how House Republicans are working with the White House to implement President Trump’s agenda.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
    On House Republicans working with the Trump-Vance Administration to keep the government open:“Yeah, great to be with you, Martha. When you just heard that comment from [Rep. Jim] McGovern, here he is trying to figure out how to blame Republicans as he’s also trying to engineer a government shutdown. Democrats are trying to have it both ways. Democrats are trying to unite everybody against this bill to shut the government down. You see President Trump pushing as well as all of us in our House leadership to get this bill passed. We had JD Vance, the Vice President, come and talk to our members this morning and did a great job of really laying out why it’s so important that we keep the government open and pass this bill so that we can continue on with the great work that’s being done to get our economy back on track, to get our country moving again.“There are a lot of problems that need to be worked out. You just saw President Trump again delivering by getting a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. President Trump is doing his job. The Democrats want to shut the government down to stop that progress. We’re going to do our job here in the House in just an hour, as you pointed out, and then let the Senate do their job.“Thomas Massie is the only hard no. We’re working, obviously, there are other members that have had some questions, which we always have when you move a big bill through the House. We had our budget just a few weeks ago, and that passed with just one vote extra. That was a bill where we were talking to members the morning and the day of the vote, which is no surprise on those kinds of votes. Today’s no different. We’re still having conversations with members, but at the end of the day, we’re going to pass the bill.”On Democrats rallying around a government shutdown:“Well, if there was a shutdown [from the Senate side], at that point, it would be Chuck Schumer’s shutdown because the Republicans are united in getting this done. Chuck Schumer has got to figure out what he’s going to do. We’ve heard him decry government shutdowns over the years. This is a clean CR to prevent a government shutdown. So if he voted to shut the government down now, how would he explain that when you compare that to his previous comments? And think about what’s in this bill, Martha. I’m not just talking about keeping the government funded. This bill also includes a pay raise for our troops. Our junior enlisted members of the military are going to be getting the largest pay raise in over 40 years. Why would you vote against that? Democrats are going to have to answer that question along with others if they vote no on this bill. Let’s go get it done.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK 11 WINS: President Trump Unleashes Economic Prosperity

    Source: The White House

    It was another highly successful week for the American people as President Donald J. Trump continues his relentless pursuit of strength, prosperity, and peace — and lays the foundation for America to be the global powerhouse for generations to come.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 11:

    • Illegal crossings hit a stunning new record low — down 95% over last year.
      • The number of unaccompanied illegal immigrant children also reached a record low.
      • Los Angeles Times: “California-Mexico border, once overwhelmed, now nearly empty”
      • Bloomberg: “US-Bound Migration Plunges 99% Along Panama Jungle Route”
    • President Trump continued to rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals.
      • The Trump Administration directed the successful arrests of three illegal immigrant MS-13 gang members in Florida, wanted on first-degree murder charges, and another high-ranking MS-13 member in New York, linked to 11 murders.
      • The Trump Administration directed the transfer of 17 violent illegal immigrant terrorists from the U.S. to El Salvador.
      • The Trump Administration, with state and local law enforcement, successfully arrested more than 40 individuals in a Texas operation targeting the brutal Tren de Aragua gang.
      • The Trump Administration deported an illegal immigrant “influencer” who infamously encouraged fellow illegal immigrants to become squatters.
      • Since taking office, the Trump Administration has arrested 113,000+ illegal immigrants, deported 100,000+ illegal immigrants, and released just nine illegal immigrants into the U.S. — a staggering 99.995% decrease over the same period last year under Biden.
    • President Trump implemented his bold plan for reciprocal trade as he seeks to reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base.
      • Coalition for a Prosperous America: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership.”
      • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef.”
    • Americans saw early results of President Trump’s declaration that the days of economic surrender are over.
      • Nissan abandoned plans to eliminate a shift at its Tennessee production facility.
      • General Motors announced it will increase truck production at its Indiana assembly plant.
      • Guardian Bikes announced it will expand its production capacity and grow its U.S.-based investment.
      • Equipment giant JCB committed to doubling the size of its new U.S. manufacturing facility.
      • Ford Motor Company and Stellantis both announced they will offer U.S. consumers employee pricing on their vehicles.
    • President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
      • President Trump deployed additional military assets to the Middle East as a warning to the Iranian regime.
      • The Trump Administration inked a $2 billion air defense deal with Poland.
      • President Trump secured a pledge from Finland to raise its defense spending to 3% of its GDP.
      • President Trump held a successful call with Egyptian President El-Sisi to discuss the immense progress the U.S. has made in eliminating Houthi terrorists.
      • President Trump had a “productive call” with Vietnamese leader To Lam, who expressed willingness to cut the country’s tariffs on U.S. imports.
    • President Trump’s economic agenda delivered more relief for Americans.
      • The latest jobs report shattered expectations for the second straight month — highlighted by massive private sector job growth, a spike in full-time employment, wage growth, and an expanding labor market.
      • CNBC: “Private companies added 155,000 jobs in March, more than expected”
      • Wholesale egg prices continued to drop, falling to an average price of $3 per dozen — or nearly 60% since January amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to combat the avian bird flu and repopulate the chicken supply.
    • President Trump secured the release of two U.S. citizens detained in Mexico.
    • President Trump signed an executive order to crack down on price gouging and ticket scalping in the entertainment industry.
    • President Trump established the United States Investment Accelerator to attract and facilitate billion-dollar investments in the U.S.
    • The Department of Energy unveiled plans to use thousands of acres of its land — including national laboratory campuses, nuclear sites, and former enrichment plants — to quickly develop data centers that will power the artificial intelligence revolution.
    • The Department of Energy removed additional regulatory barriers on liquefied natural gas exports.
    • The Department of the Treasury launched a new public-private partnership to safeguard the financial system against illicit activities by the Iranian regime and announced additional sanctions against Iran as part of the Trump Administration’s maximum pressure strategy.
    • The Department of the Treasury leveled new sanctions against financiers of the Sinaloa drug cartel, which has flooded our country with deadly fentanyl.
    • The Department of the Treasury announced additional sanctions against a network of Houthi terrorist facilitators.
    • The Department of the Treasury withdrew burdensome, duplicative climate-based financial risk guidelines from the banking industry.
    • The Department of the Interior announced its next oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America, fulfilling President Trump’s pledge to unleash American energy.
    • The Department of the Interior implemented President Trump’s executive order to enhance public safety, clean up lands, protect federal parks, and preserve historic monuments in the District of Columbia.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services launched a department-wide restructuring to realign with its core mission and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services announced states can bar welfare recipients from using taxpayer dollars to purchase unhealthy soft drinks.
    • The Department of Labor announced it will return $1.4 billion in unused COVID funds back to the U.S. Treasury.
    • The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a record number of new agent applications under its new leadership.
    • The Department of Justice dismissed a Biden-era lawsuit against common-sense, effective Georgia election law reforms.
    • The Department of Justice launched investigations into DEI initiatives at Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of California, Irvine.
    • The Department of Justice said it will pursue the death penalty for the accused cold-blooded killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
    • The Environmental Protection Agency continued cutting wasteful spending, shuttering a politicized museum erected by the Biden Administration, consolidating office space, and eliminating duplicative grants and contracts — saving taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.
    • The Department of Defense directed a review of the military’s physical fitness standards to ensure it remains the strongest, most lethal fighting force on the planet.
    • The Department of Education and the Department of Justice launched a joint effort to ensure rapid investigations into violations of women’s civil rights.
    • The Department of Education issued a final warning to Maine over its ongoing refusal to comply with Title IX by forcing women to compete against men in athletics.
    • The Department of Education warned states with unlawful K-12 “diversity, equity, and inclusion” programs that they are at risk of losing federal funding.
    • The Department of Education encouraged state education officials to leverage federal funds to support school choice initiatives — a key part of President Trump’s education agenda.
    • The Department of Agriculture paused federal funding to Maine over its unlawful policies forcing women to compete against men in athletics.
    • The Department of Agriculture announced sweeping reforms to protect forests and boost domestic timber production.
    • The Department of Transportation announced an updated Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, eliminating DEI and environmental justice requirements that prevented money from getting where it is needed.
    • The Department of Transportation continued making progress on the unprecedented backlog of unfulfilled grants left over by the Biden Administration.
    • The Department of Housing and Urban Development launched a streamlined website that efficiently provides vital information to Americans and saves taxpayers in the long run.
    • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services formally removed the option of a third gender on immigration paperwork, further restoring common sense to government.
    • Dr. Mehmet Oz was confirmed as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Matthew Whittaker was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO — continuing the rapid pace at which President Trump’s nominees receive final approval.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Atlanta unveils results of labor trafficking operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ATLANTA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in collaboration with the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and other key law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Wellmade Performance Flooring and multiple residences in the Bartow County area March 26, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

    This operation targeted allegations of labor trafficking involving foreign nationals, as well as financial crimes linked to the employer’s business practices.

    As a result of the evidence uncovered during the operation, Wellmade Industries’ owner, Zhu Chen, and nephew, Jiayi Chen were arrested on state charges for trafficking persons for labor servitude. Additionally, dozens of victims employed at Wellmade Performance Flooring were rescued from labor exploitation.

    “This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to combat labor trafficking and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank, who also oversees Georgia and Alabama. “The arrests of Zhu Chen and Jiayi Chen, along with the rescue of numerous victims, reflect the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to leverage all available resources to dismantle these criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”

    HSI urges anyone with information related to labor exploitation, human trafficking, or financial crimes to contact law enforcement through the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or email HSI-DALTON-TIPS@hsi.dhs.gov. Your assistance is crucial in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.

    For more information about HSI’s work, please follow us on X: @HSIAtlanta.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – Ripple effects from Equinor in Norway continue to grow

    Source: Equinor

    04 APRIL 2025 – A new report finds that deliveries within exploration, development projects and operation of Equinor-operated fields and onshore facilities in Norway continued to grow in 2024.

    Equinor procured goods and services with a total value of NOK 142.6 billion, an increase from 134 billion in 2023. 93 per cent of this came from Norwegian suppliers located in 260 different municipalities. This resulted in an employment effect of more than 85 thousand full-time equivalents.

    “The report demonstrates extensive ripple effects and employment effects from Equinor’s activity in Norway. The greatest ripple effects come from operating our fields and onshore facilities, which account for more than 85 billion in deliveries. With the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) in a mature phase, high levels of exploration activity and maturing of new oil and gas resources are important to ensure that this continues,” says Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for EPN.

    The report was prepared by Kunnskapsparken Bodø (KPB) which analysed actual purchases of goods and services from around 1900 suppliers and several thousand sub-suppliers in nearly 300 sectors.

    Development projects contributed Norwegian deliveries worth more than NOK 36 billion and more than 20 thousand full-time equivalents. The largest share of this comes from subsea developments, which accounted for 31%. Johan Castberg was Equinor’s largest Norwegian field development in 2024, and accounted for 26%. The various electrification projects also created significant ripple effects with 23%.

    “Looking towards 2035, Equinor plans to continue to ramp up activity. On the NCS alone, we want to see 250 exploration wells, 600 more development wells, 75 subsea developments, 3000 interventions, 2500 modification projects and 50 low-pressure projects. This robust activity level will require a cost level that yields profitability. Together with its partners and the supplier industry, Equinor must maintain to achieve competitive solutions. If we succeed with this, we’ll be able to maintain value creation on the NCS, as well as preserve high energy deliveries to Europe over the long term,” Hove concludes.

    Equinor’s exploration activity had deliveries amounting to NOK 10.8 billion, an increase of just over 3 billion from 2023.

    “Equinor’s activity generates work for suppliers all across the country, which demonstrates that this company is important for people and local communities. The competition to secure important contracts and long-term supplier relationships also helps develop competence and innovation throughout the entire supplier industry. We have lots of small suppliers in the Norwegian supplier industry who are the leading specialists within their respective areas. We must continue to build on our strengths as an energy nation,” says Per Steinar Stamnes, head of the union Styrke Norwegian Continental Shelf in Equinor, on behalf of the five trade unions in Equinor; Styrke, SAFE, Lederne, NITO and Tekna.

    The 2024 analysis also includes operation of renewable energy facilities and low-carbon solutions, where the Norwegian supplier industry delivered services worth 170 million from the operation of Hywind Tampen and the development of Northern Lights.

    Facts

    The ripple effects report computes the ripple effects that result from the delivery of goods and services for 46 fields, 6 onshore facilities, exploration, development projects and operation of facilities for renewable energy and low-carbon solutions.
    Kunnskapsparken Bodø (KPB) is responsible for analyses and reporting results. Comparable analyses have been conducted on an annual basis since 2019.
    In addition to Equinor-operated fields and onshore facilities, the analysis has evolved over time to also include activities within exploration (from 2022), development projects (from 2023) and facilities for renewable and low-carbon solutions (from 2024).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI: Atlantic Petroleum – Update on Debt

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 2025-04-04 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — P/F Atlantic Petroleum (NASDAQ OMX: ATLA DKK) provides update on debt situation.

    Referring to the press release issued 31st March 2025 concerning debt negotiations, Atlantic Petroleum has come to a framework agreement with its main creditors whereby the total debt will be reduced by more than DKK 90 million. The debt reduction is subject to final agreements to be finalized.

    Part of the debt settlement includes London Oil and Gas (in administration) converting part of its debt to shares in Atlantic Petroleum as per Clause 3E subclause 5 in Atlantic Petroleum’s Articles of Association. London Oil and Gas (in administration) will be issued 795,712 shares in P/F Atlantic Petroleum. The total number of shares would after conversion be 4,493,572, giving LOG 17.7% of the total shares in the company.

    On this basis the Board has decided to continue operations and to submit the annual accounts for 2024 on a going concern basis on the 30th April 2025.

    Atlantic Petroleum in brief:

    Atlantic Petroleum participates in oil and gas joint ventures with reputable, international partners. Atlantic Petroleum P/F is based in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, and the Company currently has subsidiaries in the UK and Ireland. Atlantic Petroleum’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.

    Further Details:

    Further details can be obtained from Mark T. Højgaard, (markh@petroleum.fo). This announcement will be available, together with other information about Atlantic Petroleum, on the Company’s website: www.petroleum.fo.

    Announcement no.: 3/2025

    Issued: 04-04-2025

    P/F Atlantic Petroleum
    Lucas Debesargøta 8
    P.O.Box 1228
    FO-110 Torshavn
    Faroe Islands

    Website: www.petroleum.fo

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Scarlet Sails graduation celebration won a prestigious award.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Graduation Celebration “Scarlet Sails”

    The Scarlet Sails Graduation Festival was recognized as the absolute winner of the XIII annual national award “Event of the Year”. The prestigious award was received in the nomination “Best Direction and Production of the Event” in the category “Innovative Solution of the Year”. The award ceremony took place at the Vladimir Mayakovsky Theater.

    The Scarlet Sails graduates’ festival, which has become a calling card not only for St. Petersburg but for all of Russia, has once again confirmed its uniqueness and significance. This award once again emphasizes the highest level of organization and creative work of the team.

    The Leningrad Graduation Ball appeared in 1968, and was discontinued in 1979. In 2005, on the initiative of Joint-Stock Bank “ROSSIYA”, the Government of St. Petersburg and Channel Five, the holiday was revived. A ship with scarlet sails reappeared in the waters of the Neva.

    All this time, Channel Five has been providing its live television broadcast without fail. For several years in a row, Channel Five’s team has been organizing a colorful water-pyrotechnic show. The main director is Mikhail Kolpakhchiev. The production of the concert part on Palace Square is provided by the event agency “ERA”. In 2024, Vladislav Kabanov and Maxim Akhtyamova acted as directors.

    Every year, the organizers of the legendary graduation try to surprise graduates and spectators, using innovative approaches and modern technologies. So last year, the stage complex used many technical means, lifting devices, platforms and suspended mechanisms, scenery hovering in the air, complex art objects. An unprecedented step by artists and designers is the high-altitude arrangement of multimedia screens and the creation of a wave-like non-linear form from them. This has never been done in the world before.

    The shape of the structure itself was more airy and open compared to previous years. A minimum number of walls were used. This allowed increasing the viewing angle to 270 degrees. The stage had the shape of a tree with a huge crown, with which various metamorphoses took place. The organizers paid special attention to the lighting component of the concert. The audience was presented with unusual experiments in the form of clear synchronization of computer graphics on LED panels and physical effects of light beams, as well as the work of pyrotechnic devices during the performance of Russian pop stars.

    The water-pyrotechnic show in the Neva River water area unfolded in ten locations. Under the salvoes of fireworks and a firefall, the audience, together with the heroes of the show, saw how true love is born and what power it has: it helps to overcome life’s trials. The culmination of the holiday was the appearance of the snow-white brig “Russia” with scarlet sails. A flock of dolphins gliding along the water, which accompanied the ship, added magic to the moment. They were flyboarders in luminous suits. During the final song “There are millions of us”, a crystal opened on the ship – a symbol of true love.

    In 2024, the festival was seen by almost 37 million people worldwide. The live broadcast of the water-pyrotechnic show on Channel Five took first place in the federal broadcast in the key audience of the channel “All 25-59” with a share of 11.4%. Over the past 17 years, the festival has been watched by a record number of Russian TV viewers – 7.7% aged 25 to 59. The water extravaganza was also broadcast by other federal channels. Its combined share on the air of four channels is 26.6% in the audience over 18 years old.

    The total television audience for the holiday in Russia and the CIS countries reached 25.5 million people.

    The fifth also broadcast the legendary graduation online on its website and official social media accounts. In 2024, the show was watched online by 11.3 million people, which is almost 12% more than in 2023.

    Reference*

    The Event of the Year award has been presented since 2011. During this time, it has gained an audience and fame among professionals in the event industry. The award traditionally identifies the best practices in Russia and covers all event formats, allows you to identify trendsetters and gives a well-deserved assessment of their achievements.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Economic and Social Council Fills Vacancies in 15 Subsidiary Bodies

    Source: United Nations 4

    The Economic and Social Council convened today to conduct elections, nominations, confirmations, and appointments to fill vacancies in 15 of its subsidiary bodies. 

    The Council, which plays a vital role in advancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, oversees a complex ecosystem of subsidiary entities, comprising regional and functional commissions, standing committees, and expert and ad hoc bodies. 

    For instance, its Statistical Commission, established in 1946, is responsible for the development of international statistics concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.  The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, formed in 2000, advises the Council on Indigenous peoples’ rights and provides recommendations to Member States on issues affecting indigenous communities. And the Commission on Narcotic Drugs formulates international drug policies and oversees the implementation of global drug control treaties. 

    Statistical Commission

    The Council by secret ballot today elected Romania to the Statistical Commission for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  In a second round of balloting, the Russian Federation was elected for the same four-year term. 

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to the number of vacancies, the Council also elected Austria, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Finland, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru and Uzbekistan by acclamation for the same four-year term. 

    Commission on Population and Development

    To the Commission on Population and Development, the Council elected Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Ireland, Ghana, Malaysia, Mongolia, Norway, Russian Federation, Senegal, United Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania by acclamation for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s sixtieth session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its sixty-third session in 2030. 

    The Council also elected Albania, by acclamation, to the Commission for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s fifty-ninth session in 2026.  Japan and the Philippines were elected, by acclamation, for a four-year term beginning at the first meeting of the fifty-ninth session and expiring at the close of the sixty-second session in 2029.

    Commission on the Status of Women

    To the Commission on the Status of Women, the Council elected Cabo Verde, China, Gabon, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, by acclamation, for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s seventy-first session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its seventy-fourth session in 2030.

    Commission on Narcotic Drugs

    To the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Council elected from the Asia-Pacific States — by secret ballot — Pakistan, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  From the Eastern European States, it elected Slovenia, Lithuania and Ukraine, and from the Western European and Other States, it elected Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and, in a second round of balloting, France, for the same four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

    From the African States and the Latin American and Caribbean States, the Council elected Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, Mauritania and Trinidad and Tobago, by acclamation, to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a four-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

    To the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Council elected by secret ballot from the Eastern European States Valts Ernštreits of Latvia and Suleiman Mamutov of Ukraine for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Brenda Gunn of Canada, Nan Li of China, Rodrigo Paillalef Monnard of Chile, Diego A. Tituaña Matango of Ecuador and Anne-Chantal Nama of Cameroon, by acclamation, for the same three-year term of office. 

    Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund

    Since the number of candidates from the Asia-Pacific States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Antigua and Barbuda, China, Georgia, Guatemala, Iceland, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Canada, Türkiye and Liechtenstein to complete the unexpired term of office of Australia, France and Portugal, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Australia, France and Portugal resigned from their seats on the Executive Board effective 31 December 2025.  

    Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services

    Next, the Council elected Armenia, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Rwanda and the United States, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Monaco, New Zealand and Türkiye to complete the unexpired term of office of Austria, Luxembourg and Ireland, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2026.  Switzerland was elected to complete the unexpired term of office of Belgium, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland resigned from their seats on 31 December 2025.

    Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

    The Council next elected Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda and Senegal by acclamation to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Executive Board of the World Food Programme

    The Council also elected Cuba, Gabon and Kenya by acclamation to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

    The Council by secret ballot elected Ukraine to the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.  Further, it elected Kenya, by acclamation, to the Programme Coordinating Board for the same term.

    The Council then elected by acclamation the Philippines to complete the unexpired term of office of Japan, beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    Committee for Programme and Coordination

    The Council next nominated China, Cuba, Egypt, Nigeria, Republic of Korea and Senegal, for election by the General Assembly to the Committee for Programme and Coordination for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission for Social Development 

    To the Commission for Social Development, the Council elected Switzerland, by acclamation, for a term beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s sixty-seventh session in 2029. 

    Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting

    Next, the Council elected Belarus, Colombia, India and Kyrgyzstan, by acclamation, to the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting, each for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Greece was elected, by acclamation, to the same body for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026.

    Committee for the United Nations Population Award

    Finally, the Council elected Cyprus, by acclamation, to the Committee for the United Nations Population Award for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin congratulated Vladimir Delba on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The telegram, in particular, notes:

    “Dear Vladimir Valerievich!

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate you on your appointment to the post of Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia.

    I am convinced that your activities as head of the Government of Abkhazia will contribute to the development of the economy and social sphere, and to raising the standard of living of the republic’s population.

    I would like to note the importance of further strengthening Russian-Abkhaz relations based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness and alliance. Expansion of trade, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, implementation of large joint projects in various fields fully meet the interests of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia.

    With all my heart I wish you, dear Vladimir Valerievich, good health, prosperity and new successes in your responsible state activities.”

    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

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Moscow Exchange Supervisory Board recommends allocating 75% of net profit for 2024 to dividends

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    On April 4, 2025, the Supervisory Board of Moscow Exchange recommended that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) approve the payment of dividends for 2024 in the amount of 26.11 rubles per share.

    Thus, it is recommended to allocate 59.4 billion rubles for dividend payments, which is 75% of Moscow Exchange’s net profit under IFRS for 2024.

    The issue of profit distribution for 2024 will be submitted for consideration to the AGM, the date of which will be approved later.

    The current dividend policy of Moscow Exchange assumes the allocation of free cash flow for dividend payments, taking into account the necessary capital investments in supporting the business and investments in further development, as well as regulatory requirements for Moscow Exchange and its subsidiaries. The minimum level of dividend payments, according to the dividend policy, is 50% of the Group’s net profit under IFRS.

    The amount of dividends paid for 2023 amounted to 39.5 billion rubles, which corresponded to 65% of the Moscow Exchange Group’s net profit under IFRS.

    The Moscow Exchange Group operates the only multifunctional exchange platform in Russia for trading shares, bonds, derivatives, currencies, money market instruments and commodities. The Group includes a central depository and a clearing center that acts as a central counterparty in the markets, which allows Moscow Exchange to provide its clients with a full cycle of trading and post-trading services.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89164

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Closes Twenty-Eighth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances this afternoon closed its twenty-eighth session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of the Gambia and Malta under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reports on additional information from Belgium and Serbia, reports on stand-alone requests for additional information from Peru and Argentina, and on the implementation of the Convention by the Central African Republic, considered in absence of a report.

    Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro, Committee Rapporteur, said the Committee had adopted concluding observations on the Gambia, Malta, Belgium, Serbia, Peru, Argentina and the Central African Republic after public dialogues with all these States, apart from Argentina, for which a desk review of the State’s written response was conducted. The concluding observations, which would be made public next Tuesday, identified positive aspects, pointed out areas of concern, and presented the Committee’s recommendations to support the authorities of the States concerned in implementing the Convention, in order to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chairperson, said the Rapporteur’s report showed that the Committee had made the best use of its three-week session, achieving impressive results.  He said that five Experts’ mandates were concluding at the end of the session: those of Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro (Ecuador), Mohammed Ayat (Morocco), Suela Janina (Albania), Milica Kolakovic-Bojovic (Serbia) and Horacio Ravenna (Argentina).  Mr. de Frouville thanked these Experts for their dedication to the work of the Committee. The treaty body system rested on the efforts of people like them.  They had worked hard to make the world a better place for the next generation and were an inspiration to future Experts.

    All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    Information on the Committee’s twenty-ninth session will be announced on the Committee web page at a later date.

    Statements

    JUAN PABLO ALBÁN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur, reported that, during the opening of the Committee’s session, the Committee paid tribute to the victims of enforced disappearance, and in that context heard the testimony of Obeida Dabbagh, who recounted the arrest and subsequent disappearance of his brother Mazen Dabbagh and his nephew Patrick in November 2013 at the hands of Syrian Air Force intelligence agents, and the efforts made since then by the family to seek truth, justice and reparation.

    Mr. Albán Alencastro said the Committee had adopted concluding observations on the Gambia, Malta, Belgium, Serbia, Peru, Argentina and the Central African Republic after public dialogues with all these States, apart from Argentina, for which a desk review of the State’s written response was conducted. The concluding observations, which would be made public next Tuesday, identified positive aspects, pointed out areas of concern, and presented the Committee’s recommendations to support the authorities of the States concerned in implementing the Convention, in order to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    Mr. Albán Alencastro reported that the Committee also adopted lists of issues in relation to reports under article 29, section one of the Convention by Croatia, Luxembourg and Togo; as well as lists of priority issues in relation to the reports submitted under article 29, section four of the Convention by Armenia, Gabon and Montenegro, in preparation for their future reviews; and the follow-up report on the implementation of concluding observations by Panama.

    On 17 March, Mr. Albán Alencastro said, the Committee held a private hearing in relation to individual communication 5/2021 concerning Mexico, to receive additional information from the parties and to ask questions relating to the admissibility and merits of the case.  It subsequently adopted its decision on this communication.  Also, during the session, the Committee adopted its report on its visit to Colombia from 21 November to 5 December 2024, which set out the Committee’s main findings and made a series of recommendations to support the Colombian authorities in the development and implementation of an effective and efficient national policy for the prevention and eradication of enforced disappearances.

    Further, Mr. Albán Alencastro reported, the Committee held discussions on its working methods, in particular examining requests for the application of article 34 of the Convention; adopted its report on the urgent action mechanism, in which it highlighted trends in requests registered since the last session and identified lessons learned in the implementation of this procedure; adopted its annual report to the General Assembly and the provisional agenda of its twenty-ninth session; discussed possible strategies for follow-up to the outcome of the First World Congress on Enforced Disappearances held in January this year; and held productive meetings with States parties to the Convention, civil society organizations, and victims.

    During the session, Mr. Albán Alencastro concluded, the Committee continued the process for the future adoption of a general comment on women and enforced disappearance, to which end it adopted a concept note.  Mr. Albán Alencastro said that this was his last address as Rapporteur of the Committee, as his mandate was coming to an end.  He thanked all Committee Experts for their dedication and support throughout his mandate.

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chairperson, said the Rapporteur’s report showed that the Committee had made the best use of its three-week session, achieving impressive results.  He expressed thanks to the Committee’s secretariat and members of the Committee, who had demonstrated exemplary professionalism and their unwavering commitment at a time when it was sorely needed. 

    Five Experts’ mandates were concluding at the end of the session: those of Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro (Ecuador), Mohammed Ayat (Morocco), Suela Janina (Albania), Milica Kolakovic-Bojovic (Serbia), and Horacio Ravenna (Argentina).  Mr. de Frouville thanked these Experts for their dedication to the work of the Committee.  The treaty body system rested on the efforts of people like them.  They had worked hard to make the world a better place for the next generation and were an inspiration to future Experts.

    Mr. de Frouville said that, during the session, under the procedures of article 29 of the Convention, the Committee had reviewed no less than 14 States parties, a record number, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Committee’s new working methods.  The Committee hoped that the concluding observations that emerged from these reviews would help the States concerned to make the necessary changes to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    All the situations the Committee examined were different, the Chair said, yet all demonstrated the tragic relevance of enforced disappearance.  The crime of enforced disappearance continued to be committed in countries like the Central African Republic.  The wounds inflicted by past crimes of enforced disappearance in some countries, such as the Gambia and Serbia, had still not healed, and families were still seeking the truth and justice.  In countries like Malta, the risk of disappearance was heightened by the closure of borders and increasingly strict asylum policies.  Countries such as Belgium were also lifting the veil on the reality of illegal intercountry adoptions, some of which had their origins in enforced disappearance.  Several special procedures mandate holders raised the alarm about this phenomenon in a joint statement in 2022.

    Mr. de Frouville said that the Committee’s report on its visit to Colombia was an unprecedented feat; it conducted precise analysis of the phenomenon of enforced disappearance over a 60-year period, and made targeted recommendations for ensuring truth, justice and reparation.  The Committee would continue to cooperate with Colombia and support the implementation of its recommendations.

    During the session, Mr. de Frouville said, the Committee had also examined the troubling situation in Mexico, including through its urgent action and individual communication procedures, as well as the procedure under article 34 of the Convention.  Under the latter provision, the Committee had received concerning reports that enforced disappearance was practiced in a widespread or systematic manner in Mexico, and had decided to request additional information from the State on the phenomenon in the coming weeks.  The Committee’s aim was constructive dialogue with the State party to achieve the common goal of the full implementation of the Convention.

    The Committee had also adopted the report on its urgent actions procedure, which was a sad reflection of the current practice of enforced disappearances.  To date, the Committee had recorded 2,010 urgent action requests in 31 countries.  The equivalent procedure of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, in place since 1980, had registered more than 61,000 cases in 115 States.  The Committee’s report on urgent actions highlighted a recent increase in the practice of “short-term enforced disappearances”.  In their joint statement on the phenomenon, the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances and the Committee stressed that, under international human rights law, the definition of enforced disappearance did not address the length of the crime.  Thus, the obligations imposed on States were the same regardless of the length of the crime.

    Mr. de Frouville said that during the session, the Committee had held consultations with the head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.  The Committee called on Syria to ratify the Convention and recognise the competence of the Committee under articles 31 and 32, to demonstrate the commitment of the new authorities to combat the practices of the past while responding to the legitimate demands of families in search of truth, justice and reparation. It also called on all States parties to assist Syrian families in search efforts and help fight against impunity for the perpetrators of enforced disappearances in Syria through judicial cooperation.

    The United Nations’ liquidity crisis continued to hamper the Committee’s work; there was still uncertainty about whether the Committee’s next session would be held, Mr. de Frouville said.  In fact, no treaty body sessions scheduled from May onwards had been confirmed yet, including that of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, due to start on 5 May. This was an unprecedented situation. It was Member States’ responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the treaty bodies.  This unique system, which was built on the ruins of the Second World War to build global peace, was now in peril.  At a time when peace was under threat around the world, when the independence of the judiciary was under attack, when the media, human rights defenders and universities were the victims of an unprecedented offensive, everyone needed more international guarantees, not less.  States needed to shoulder their responsibilities now; tomorrow would be too late.

    Mr. de Frouville closed by thanking the Committee for its work and expressing hope that the Committee’s next session would be held in September as planned.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CED25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council Concludes Fifty-Eighth Regular Session after Adopting 32 Resolutions

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Extends 16 Country Specific and Thematic Mandates and Establishes an Intergovernmental Working Group to Draft a Legally Binding Instrument on the Human Rights of Older Persons

     

    Invites General Assembly to Consider Establishing a Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes Committed by All Parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014

     

    The Human Rights Council today concluded its fifty-eighth regular session after adopting 32 resolutions.  In these texts, among other things, the Council voted to extend 16 country specific and thematic mandates, and to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.

    In a resolution on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, the Council invited the General Assembly to consider establishing an ongoing international, impartial and independent mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed by all parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014.  The Council also adopted resolutions on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. 

    The Council extended 13 country mandates during the session.  It decided to extend, for a period of one year, the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan under agenda item two.  It also extended, for a period of one year, the mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus and the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic under agenda item four.

    Under agenda item 10, the Council extended for a period of one year the mandates of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; and the independent human rights expert appointed by the High Commissioner and tasked with undertaking the monitoring of the human rights situation in Haiti.  It also extended, for a period of two years, the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua; and the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner, including its field-based structure in Seoul, to allow the implementation of relevant recommendations made by the group of independent experts on accountability for human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in its report, under agenda item four.

    The Council decided to extend, for a period of three years, the mandates of the

    Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

    The Council requested its Advisory Committee to prepare, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, an in-depth study review on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measure on the right to health of individuals in vulnerable situations.  It also requested its Advisory Committee to draft a set of recommended guidelines for applying the existing human rights framework to the conception, design, development, testing, use and deployment of neurotechnologies.

    Further resolutions adopted concerned cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage; the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights; human rights, democracy and the rule of law; the question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights; the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity; the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights; women, diplomacy and human rights; the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment: ocean and human rights; the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights; human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies; combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief; and technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan.

    The Council appointed three members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Member from Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia, Antonina Gorbunova (Russian Federation); Member from Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Anexa Brendalee Alfred Cunningham (Nicaragua); and member from the Pacific, Valmaine Toki (New Zealand).

    The Council also adopted ad referendum the draft report of the fifth-eighth session.

    Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council, said the Council had reviewed and adopted the results of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 countries; adopted 32 resolutions; and appointed three mandate holders of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  He expressed sincere gratitude to the Bureau of the Council, the Secretariat, and the Member States, for their support and cooperation during the session.

    The fifty-ninth regular session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from 16 June to 11 July 2025.

    Action on Resolutions

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Two on the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.6) on Advancing human rights in South Sudan, adopted by a vote of 24 in favour, 6 against and 17 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a further period of one year; requests the Commission to present a comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan to the Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue, and that the report and an easy-to-read version of it be made available on the website of the Office of the High Commissioner in an accessible format and also requests the Commission to present its latest report, in combination with an oral update on its work, to the General Assembly at its eightieth session, followed by an interactive dialogue. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.30/Rev.1) on the Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 4 against and 16 abstentions (as orally revised), the Council reiterates its request to the Commission of Inquiry to report on both the direct and the indirect transfer or sale of arms, munitions, parts, components and dual-use items to Israel, the occupying Power, and requests, instead, that the report be submitted to the Council at its sixty-first session; invites the General Assembly to consider establishing an ongoing international, impartial and independent mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed by all parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014, to closely cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of violations of international law and violations and abuses of human rights, and to prepare case files in order to facilitate and expedite fair and independent criminal proceedings, in accordance with international legal standards, in national, regional and international courts or tribunals that have or may in the future have jurisdiction over these crimes, in accordance with international law; and requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Three on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.1) on the Negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, adopted by a vote of 28 in favour, 16 against and 3 abstentions, the Council requests the Advisory Committee of the Council to prepare, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, an in-depth study review on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measure on the right to health of individuals in vulnerable situations, and to present its comprehensive report and findings to the Council at its sixty-fourth session; requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise a biennial panel discussion, to be held at the sixtieth session of the Council, on the impact of unilateral coercive measures and overcompliance on the right to food and food security, and requests the Special Rapporteur to act as rapporteur of the panel discussion and to prepare a report thereon, and to submit and present the report to the Council at its sixty-first session. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.4/Rev.1) on Cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the High Commissioner to convene, before the sixty-fourth session of the Council, a one-day workshop to review and promote the tools for the dissemination of good practices and possible methods of, as well as challenges encountered in, implementing an approach to digital heritage that promotes universal respect for cultural rights by all, and to make the workshop accessible to persons with disabilities; also requests the High Commissioner to submit a report thereon to the Council at its sixty-sixth session; and decides to remain seized of the matter.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.5) on Freedom of religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief for a further period of three years; requests the Special Rapporteur to report annually to the Council and to the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work; and decides to remain seized of this question under the same agenda item and to continue its consideration of measures to implement the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.9) on Neurotechnology and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council requests its Advisory Committee to draft a set of recommended guidelines for applying the existing human rights framework to the conception, design, development, testing, use and deployment of neurotechnologies and to present it to the Council at its sixty-fourth session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.16) on the Negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, and the importance of improving international cooperation, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 15 against and 3 abstentions, the Council requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise, prior to the sixty-second session of the Council, a one-day intersessional expert meeting, fully accessible to persons with disabilities, on strengthening international cooperation and shared responsibilities in facilitating the repatriation of illicit funds to advance human rights; requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise, before the sixty-third session of the Council, a regional expert meeting in Africa on ways to support governments’ efforts in repatriating funds of illicit origin; and also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a substantive report on enhancing international cooperation and national efforts to facilitate the repatriation of illicit funds and ensure the effective use of repatriated funds for sustainable development and realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, and to present the report to the Council at its sixty-fourth session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.17/Rev.1) on Human rights, democracy and the rule of law, adopted without a vote, the Council decides that the theme of the sixth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, to be held in 2026, will be “Education for civic participation: empowering future generations, fostering knowledge and critical thinking”; and decides that participation in the sixth session of the Forum will be in accordance with the modalities set out by the Council in its resolutions 28/14, 34/41, 40/9, 46/4 and 52/22.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.7) on the Question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to convene, at its sixty-first session, a panel discussion, accessible to persons with disabilities and open to the participation of States and other relevant stakeholders, on promising practices and measures to mobilise public resources to finance sustainable development in a manner consistent with States’ economic, social and cultural rights obligations; and requests the Secretary-General to prepare and submit to the Council, at its sixty-fourth session, a report, in formats accessible to persons with disabilities, on the question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights under agenda item 3.

    Before the resolution was adopted, the Council rejected amendment L.33 by a vote of 9 in favour, 24 against and 13 abstentions.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.12) on the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food for a period of three years; requests the Special Rapporteur to provide advice and guidance to States and all relevant stakeholders on shaping food systems governance in line with international human rights law; and requests the Special Rapporteur to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their programmes of work. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.13) on the Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to work with relevant stakeholders towards the comprehensive promotion and protection of cultural rights, and to report regularly to the Council and the General Assembly, in accordance with their respective programmes of work. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.14) on the Effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 12 against and 6 abstentions, the Council requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide global analytical and policy strategies in the context of reforms of the international financial architecture; and requests the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, to continue to report regularly to the Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their programmes of work.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.24/Rev.1) on the Open-ended intergovernmental working group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group with the mandate of elaborating and submitting to the Council a draft international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons with the objective of promoting, protecting and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by older persons; also decides that the open-ended intergovernmental working group will meet for two five-day sessions each year in Geneva in a hybrid format, should the General Assembly agree to reintroduce such a format, and that it will be webcast, and that the organisational session should be held before the end of 2025 and no later than the start of the sixty-first session of the Human Rights Council, for three working days; and requests the open-ended intergovernmental working group to submit a report on progress made to the Council for its consideration at its sixty-third session and to make the report available in an easy-to-read accessible format.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.29) on the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism for a period of three years, with the same terms as provided for by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 49/10.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.15) on Women, diplomacy and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy during one panel at the annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women, to be held during the fifty-ninth, the sixty-second and the sixty-fifth sessions of the Council, including with discussions on the elimination of discrimination and structural barriers that hinder women’s participation and representation in decision-making; and invites all States, organizations of the United Nations system and civil society to participate in this celebration.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.26/Rev.1) on the Human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment: ocean and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to adopt and implement strong laws ensuring, among other things, the rights to participation, to access to information and to justice, including to an effective remedy, in environmental matters; and calls upon all States to conserve, protect and restore healthy ecosystems and biodiversity and to ensure their sustainable management and use by applying a human rights-based approach that emphasizes participation, inclusion, transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.21) on the Impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon all States and other relevant stakeholders to cooperate effectively to address the impact of anti-personnel mines on the protection and promotion of all human rights; and requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report, in consultation with States and other relevant stakeholders, on the impact of antipersonnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights, and to present the report to the Council at its sixty-second session, followed by an interactive dialogue.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.27/Rev.1) on Human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies: protecting human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in the digital age, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene three regional workshops, including through hybrid modalities, to assess risks created by digital technologies to human rights defenders and best practices to respond to these concerns in different geographical areas, bearing in mind current and emerging business models and gender, geographic and other digital divides and sensitivities, with participation from civil society, human rights defenders and the private sector; and also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a report containing a summary of those consultations, which could include recommendations for due diligence and improved responses to risks created by digital technologies to human rights defenders, including those exposed to discrimination and those working in situations of armed conflict, and to present it to the Council at its sixty-third session.

    Before the resolution was adopted, the Council rejected amendment L.35 by a vote of 4 in favour, 26 against and 15 abstentions; L.36 by a vote of 10 in favour, 23 against and 14 abstentions; and L.37 by a vote of 7 in favour, 24 against and 15 abstentions.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Four on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.2) on the Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to renew, for a period of two years, the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner, including its field-based structure in Seoul, to allow the implementation of relevant recommendations made by the group of independent experts on accountability for human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in its report; requests the High Commissioner to provide an oral update on the progress made in this regard to the Council at its sixty-first session and to submit a full report on the implementation of the recommendations to the Council at its sixty-fourth session; decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in accordance with Council resolution 37/28, for a period of one year; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to continue to organise a series of consultations and outreach activities with victims, affected communities and other relevant stakeholders. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.3) on the Promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 4 against and 14 abstentions, the Council decides to renew, for a period of two years, the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as established in its resolution 49/3; requests the Group to submit a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-first and sixty-fourth sessions, during an interactive dialogue, and to present an oral update to the Council at its sixtieth and sixty-third sessions; also requests the Group to present its most recent report, in combination with an oral update on its work, to the General Assembly at its eightieth and eighty-first sessions, followed by an interactive dialogue; and requests the High Commissioner to strengthen monitoring and engagement, including by preparing reports that are comprehensive, gender-responsive and take into account race and ethnic origin on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua, and to present them to the Council at its sixtieth and sixty-third sessions, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and to present an oral update to the Council at its fifty-ninth and sixty-second sessions.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.10) on the Situation of human rights in Belarus, adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 5 against and 17 abstentions, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus for a further period of one year, effective from the end of its fifty-ninth session, and requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to monitor developments and to make recommendations on ways to strengthen respect for and protection and fulfilment of human rights in Belarus, and to submit a report on the situation of human rights in Belarus to the Council at its sixty-second session and to the General Assembly at its eighty-first session, including in an easy-to-read version and in an accessible format; also decides to extend the mandate of the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus for a further period of one year; and requests the Group of Independent Experts to give an oral update to the Council at its sixtieth session and to present a comprehensive report at its sixty-first session, including in an easy-to-read version and in an accessible format, both to be followed by an interactive dialogue. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.11/Rev.1) on the Situation of human rights in Myanmar, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council calls for the timely designation of a resident coordinator of United Nations local agencies in Myanmar on a permanent basis; decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further period of one year; requests the Special Rapporteur to present, during an enhanced interactive dialogue, an oral update to the Council at its fifty-ninth session and to submit a report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly at its eightieth session and to the Council at its sixty-first session, and also requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to monitor the situation of human rights in Myanmar; requests the High Commissioner to submit to the Council, at its sixty-second session, a comprehensive report on the overall situation of human rights in Myanmar; and reiterates the need to establish a country office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Myanmar and to issue a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Council. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.20/Rev.1) on the Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted by a vote of 24 in favour, 8 against and 15 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year in order to continue to monitor the ongoing situation of human rights, and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit a report to the Council at its sixty-first session and to the General Assembly at its eightieth session; also decides that the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran should continue for one year to thoroughly and independently monitor and investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran; and requests the Fact-Finding Mission to present a report to the Council at its sixty-first session during a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, and to present an oral update, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, on the implementation of the mandate to the General Assembly at its eightieth session. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.22) on the Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression, adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 4 against and 18 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, defined by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 49/1, for a further period of one year, complementing, consolidating and building upon the work of the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, in close coordination with the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and requests the Commission of Inquiry to give an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its sixtieth session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, to submit a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and to submit a report to the General Assembly at its eightieth session, also to be followed by an interactive dialogue.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.25) on the Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for a period of one year; requests the Office of the High Commissioner to strengthen the resources of the Commission of Inquiry in order for it to completely fulfil its mandate within the Syrian Arab Republic, in particular with regard to security and logistical support and victim protection expertise, welcomes the broad access granted by the interim authorities to the Commission, and encourages the interim authorities to grant the Commission necessary access throughout the Syrian Arab Republic and to cooperate closely with the Commission; requests the Commission of Inquiry to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at both its fifty-ninth and sixtieth sessions, to be followed by an updated report during an interactive dialogue at the sixty-first session of the Council; and reaffirms its decision to transmit the report and oral updates of the Commission of Inquiry to relevant bodies of the United Nations. 

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Seven on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.19) on Human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 6 against and 14 abstentions, the Council demands that Israel stop its repressive measures against the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and release immediately the Syrian detainees in Israeli prisons; requests the Secretary-General to disseminate the present resolution as widely as possible and to report on this matter to the Council at its sixty-first session; and decides to continue its consideration of the human rights violations in the occupied Syrian Golan at its sixty-first session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.31) on the Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, adopted by a vote of 43 in favour, 2 against and 2 abstentions, the Council calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to end immediately its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, which constitutes a wrongful act of continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and to reverse and redress any impediments to the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Palestine, in accordance with the legal findings and determinations of the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, and reaffirms its support for the solution of two States, Palestine and Israel; and urges all States to adopt measures to promote the realisation of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and to render assistance to the United Nations regarding the implementation of this right. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.32/Rev.1) on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 34 in favour, 3 against and 10 abstentions (as orally revised), the Council reiterates its request to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, as mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 55/32 of 5 April 2024, to prepare a report on the identities of settlers, as well as settler groups and their members, that have engaged in or continue to engage in acts of violence, intimidation, harassment or terror against Palestinian civilians and the actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, and by third States to ensure accountability for violations or abuses of international law in this regard, and requests, instead, that the report be submitted to the Council at its sixty-first session; and requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution to the Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session. 

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Nine on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance: Follow-up to and Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.18) on Combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the High Commissioner to prepare and submit to the Council at its sixty-first session a comprehensive follow-up report with elaborated conclusions based upon information provided by States on the efforts and measures taken for the implementation of the present resolution.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 10 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

    n a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.8) on Technical assistance and capacity-building for Mali in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for a period of one year in order to permit the mandate holder to continue to evaluate the situation of human rights in Mali; and requests the Independent Expert to submit a report to the Council at its sixty-first session; decides to hold a dialogue at its sixty-first session, in the presence of the Independent Expert and representatives of the Government of Mali, to assess the changes in the situation of human rights in the country.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.23) on Technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in cooperation and collaboration with the Government of South Sudan and relevant mechanisms of the African Union, to enhance the technical assistance provided to the Government of South Sudan to continue to assist it in addressing human rights challenges in the post-conflict transition; also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to present a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-second session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, with the participation of representatives of the African Union; and further requests the Office of the High Commissioner to submit the above-mentioned report and recommendations to the Human Rights Council, then to share them with the African Union and all relevant organs of the United Nations, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.28) on Technical assistance and capacity-building to improve the situation of human rights in Haiti, in connection with a request from the authorities of Haiti for coordinated and targeted international action, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend, for a renewable period of one year, the mandate of the independent human rights expert appointed by the High Commissioner and tasked with undertaking, with the assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner and in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the monitoring of the human rights situation in Haiti, ensuring, in particular, the inclusion of a gender perspective in all of his work; requests the independent expert to devote greater attention to the situation of children, women and girls and to trafficking in persons, to monitor the impact of illicit arms trafficking on the human rights situation in Haiti and to formulate recommendations to consolidate national, regional and international responses on this issue; also requests the independent expert to provide advice and technical assistance to the Government of Haiti, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, including women’s rights organizations, to assist in their efforts to ensure respect for and the promotion and protection of human rights; and requests the High Commissioner to provide to the Council, within the framework of an interactive dialogue with the participation of the independent human rights expert, an oral update on the situation of human rights in Haiti at its sixtieth session and a report on the subject at its sixty-first session.

    Other Matters

    The Council appointed three members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Member from Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia, Antonina Gorbunova (Russian Federation); Member from Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Anexa Brendalee Alfred Cunningham (Nicaragua); and member from the Pacific, Valmaine Toki (New Zealand).

    The Council also adopted its draft report ad referendum for the fifty-eighth session.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    HRC25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: On 30th anniversary, officials highlight importance of WTO work on rules of origin

    Source: WTO

    Headline: On 30th anniversary, officials highlight importance of WTO work on rules of origin

    In her opening remarks to the anniversary event, Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard noted that the CRO, which first met exactly 30 years ago, was founded upon a clear vision: fostering international cooperation and facilitating trade through predictable, clear and harmonized rules of origin.
    DDG Ellard noted that the Committee’s initial work was focused on negotiating harmonized rules of origin for all non-preferential purposes, i.e., for rules applicable to trade outside of regional and preferential trade agreements.  While completion of the ambitious harmonization objective has proven unattainable, “the objectives of the Agreement retain all their significance for members and business in today’s world,” she said.
    “Businesses navigating global trade need predictability and welcome greater simplicity and transparency,” DDG Ellard told the audience.  “Transparency should, therefore, remain a central objective of this Committee, and I am glad to see recent work in this area, as well as the voluntary use of a new notification template.”
    “New technologies, digital trade procedures, blockchain technologies, and artificial intelligence open many new opportunities and challenges that could guide the work of this Committee,” she continued. “In fact, in the past few years, we have seen an expansion of the Committee’s work, particularly on preferential rules of origin for least developed countries. There is great scope for members to learn from each other and to improve their practices with a view to facilitating trade.”
    “As members implement more detailed and complex rules of origin and control mechanisms, they must also strive for rules that facilitate trade,” she added.  “In this context, multilateral discussions within this Committee are increasingly relevant.
    Rules of origin are the criteria used to define where a product is made for customs purposes.  They are also important for implementing other trade policy measures, including trade preferences, quotas, marking, anti-dumping measures and countervailing duties.
    Non-preferential rules of origin are those which apply when trade is conducted on a most-favoured nation (MFN) basis. Preferential rules of origin are those which apply in reciprocal trade preferences (i.e. regional trade agreements or customs unions) or in non-reciprocal preferences (i.e. preferences in favour of developing countries or LDCs). 
    The Chair of the CRO, Mr. Guna Seelan Balakrishnan of Malaysia, said predictable and clear rules of origin are important for global trade.
    “The necessity of our work is shown in the simplicity of our purpose to determine where a good is made,” the Chair said. “So simple, but as the past 30 years have shown, so complex at the same time.”
    Mr Balakrishnan welcomed in particular the CRO’s recent work on preferential rules of origin for least developed country members, a period of “some of the most extensive activity” from the Committee.  “The responses and interactions I have been part of during the consultations with the LDC Group and the preference granting members has reflected this adaptability to work through an important part of the Committee’s mandate,” he said.
    While outlining the history of the negotiations that led to the conclusion of the Agreement and the subsequent work of the CRO, Darlan F. Martí from the WTO Secretariat also paid tribute to trade negotiators, customs officials, international organizations and former Chairs who dedicated many hours of work to the CRO.
    He also emphasized that the current work of the Committee could be useful for all members: “The lessons learned from this work extend beyond the LDCs – for instance, our conversations about utilization rates or trade facilitating practices that are conducive to the utilization of preferences,” he said. “This is something that is not only useful in the context of non-reciprocal trade preferences for the LDCs, but it’s something that, if members want, could go beyond this and also be discussed in the context of preferential rules of origin used in (free trade agreements) as well.”
    To conclude the event, the International Trade Centre gave an overview of statistics on the use of the WTO, WCO, ITC “Origin Facilitator”, a publicly-available global database on rules of origin.
    Several members and observers took the floor to thank the speakers for their presentations, to comment on the work of the Committee and to identify priorities for future work. They also extended their appreciation to the Chair of the Committee, Mr. Balakrishnan.
    DDG Ellard’s statement and the presentations made, including a video recording of the session, will be made available in the events section of the Rules of Origin portal of the WTO website.
    CRO meeting
    At its meeting on 3 April, the CRO continued to review developments related to preferential rules of origin for LDCs.  Japan provided additional information on its consignment obligations. The EU presented the functioning of its self-certification scheme as well as the operation of the “non-manipulation” principle. China updated the Committee on the introduction of electronic certification for LDCs. The United Kingdom reported on the rates utilization of its Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
    Cambodia presented a new paper regarding differentiating utilization rates of preferential trade arrangements for LDCs while the LDC Group presented ongoing research concerning the identification of specific cases of firms using cumulation in Africa. Cumulation refers to provisions allowing producers in one country to source parts and inputs from other countries without losing the originating status of that input.
    The Secretariat provided an overview of notifications received on non-preferential rules of origin requirements. Switzerland and Viet Nam were the first members to update their notifications using the new template proposed by the Chair in November 2024. The Secretariat noted that 57 members apply non-preferential origin requirements, 61 members do not, and 21 members have not submitted any information yet.
    Next meeting
    The next formal CRO meeting will take place on 5-6 November.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Ellard calls for further acceptances of Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DDG Ellard calls for further acceptances of Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

    Citing alarming data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showing that 38% of global fish stocks are overexploited, DDG Ellard stressed that rebuilding stocks to sustainable levels could yield 16.5 million more tonnes of fish annually and generate USD 32 billion in economic gains. “Sustainable fisheries are not only critical for biodiversity and food security but also for the economic viability of communities that depend on them,” she said.
    Highlighting recent progress, DDG Ellard welcomed the decline in the provision of high-risk subsidies such as fuel support, as reflected in the OECD’s 2025 Review of Fisheries. However, she warned that 65% of global fisheries support risks encouraging unsustainable practices. “Imagine,” she emphasized, “what a positive difference we could make in improving fish stocks if we redeployed the USD 22 billion spent annually in harmful fisheries subsidies and instead dedicated these funds to fisheries management and improvement of fish stocks.”
    Adopted in 2022, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies targets the worst forms of subsidies — those linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated high seas fishing — while preserving policy space for responsible support, particularly for small-scale and artisanal fishers.
    To date, 95 WTO members have deposited their instruments of acceptance — 16 short of the two-thirds threshold required for entry into force. “We are so close. I urge the remaining members to ratify swiftly so we can celebrate this milestone together at the United Nations Ocean Conference in June,” said DDG Ellard.
    DDG Ellard also highlighted the WTO Fish Fund, which will provide support for developing and least developed country (LDC) members to implement the Agreement and undertake fisheries management if they have formally accepted the Agreement.
    DDG Ellard further noted that WTO members are also working toward concluding a second wave of negotiations to develop additional rules addressing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
    “We nearly reached consensus on a new text last December. A handful of members were not yet ready. But this remains within reach if members come together,” she said.
    The Chair of the negotiations, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, is consulting with members to bridge gaps and advance the process before the summer.
    DDG Ellard reiterated that multilateral cooperation — with organizations like the OECD, FAO and World Bank — is critical to success. “The future of our ocean and the resilience of coastal communities depend on what we do next,” she concluded.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Statement on DoD Inspector General Launching Investigation into Pete Hegseth’s Use of Signal to Discuss Airstrike Plans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    April 03, 2025

    One of the four soldiers, Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., was from Joliet, Illinois

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: 

    “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking.  We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance.                                                          

    “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

    -30-



    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronaut Jonny Kim poses for a portrait while wearing a spacesuit on July 17, 2024. In his first mission, Kim will serve as a flight engineer during Expedition 72/73 on the International Space Station. He will launch aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft on Tuesday, April 8.
    Chosen by NASA in 2017, Kim is a decorated naval officer and medical doctor. He completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate; training included technical and operational instruction in International Space Station systems, Extravehicular Activities Operations, T-38 flight training, robotics, physiological training, expeditionary training, field geology, water and wilderness survival training, and Russian language proficiency training. In 2020, Kim began his support of International Space Station operations as a Capsule Communicator (CapCom) in Mission Control Center Houston and the Artemis program under the astronaut Exploration branch. He served as the International Space Station’s Increment Lead for Expedition 65 in 2021. He has continued to support mission and crew operations in various roles within the astronaut office including serving as the Operations Officer, T-38 Liaison to the Aircraft Operations Division and the interim ISS CapCom Chief Engineer.
    Image credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Welcomes Gateway Lunar Space Station’s HALO Module to US

    Source: NASA

    From Italy to Arizona: Gateway’s first habitation module takes a major step on its path to launch.

    A core component of Gateway, humanity’s first space station around the Moon, is now on American soil and one step closer to launch. In lunar orbit, Gateway will support NASA’s Artemis campaign to return humans to the Moon and chart a path of scientific discovery toward the first crewed missions to Mars.
    Gateway’s first pressurized module and one of its two foundational elements, HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), arrived in Arizona on April 1. Fresh off a transatlantic journey from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, the structure will undergo final outfitting at Northrop Grumman’s integration and test facility in Gilbert before being integrated with Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pair of modules will launch together on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

    Gateway’s HALO will provide Artemis astronauts with space to live, work, conduct scientific research, and prepare for missions to the lunar surface. It will offer command and control, data handling, energy storage, electrical power distribution, thermal regulation, and communications and tracking via Lunar Link, a high-rate lunar communication system provided by ESA (European Space Agency). The module will include docking ports for visiting vehicles such as NASA’s Orion spacecraft, lunar landers, and logistics modules. It will also support both internal and external science payloads, enabling research and technology demonstrations in the harsh deep space environment.
    Built with industry and international partners, Gateway will support sustained exploration of the Moon, serve as a platform for science and international collaboration, and act as a proving ground for the technologies and systems needed for future human missions to Mars.

    Download additional high-resolution images of HALO here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other matters – Daily Press Briefing (4 April 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Myanmar
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Haiti
    Ukraine
    Food Prices
    Mine Awareness Day
    Colombia
    International Days
    Deputy Secretary-General
    Antisemitism

    MYANMAR
    As announced by the Secretary-General yesterday, Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrived this morning. Upon arrival, he met with humanitarian teams in Yangon. In the afternoon, he travelled to Mandalay, which as you know, is the epicentre of the earthquake, where tomorrow he is expected to meet with people impacted by the earthquake, as well as with local responders and other humanitarian workers.
    More than 25 search-and-rescue teams are working, medical teams and supplies have been deployed, and water and shelter kits have been distributed in Mandalay and beyond. Just yesterday, more than 30 tons of medical supplies arrived in Myanmar, bringing the total to 100 tons since the earthquakes struck.
    The UN Refugee Agency, for its part, has deployed plastic sheets and kitchen sets for about 25,000 people impacted.
    The agency is also mobilizing supplies from its warehouses in Myanmar for an additional 25,000 people, but it will need to replenish stocks urgently to meet the massive needs due to the quake.
    Our humanitarian colleagues are preparing a new appeal aligned with the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which, as you know, calls for $1.1 billion as needs continue to outpace available supplies and response capacity. So far, less than 5 per cent of this appeal has been received.
    For its part, UNHCR is appealing for $16 million to assist 1.2 million people. The funds will be used to manage displacement sites and support vulnerable people in six impacted regions until the end of the year.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that thousands more families have now fled westward in the Gaza Strip, in response to another displacement order issued by Israeli forces and covering parts of Gaza City. OCHA warns that these displacement orders have left civilians exposed to hostilities and deprive them of access to essential services for their basic survival.
    All crossings, as you know, continue to be closed. We are now in the second month. So, no supplies can come into Gaza.
    The World Food Programme has warned that food stocks in Gaza are running out, and assistance programmes are gradually shutting down. As we told you earlier this week, all WFP-supported bakeries had to close. Now, food parcel distributions are soon to end. Hot meals currently continue, but with dwindling supplies. The World Food Programme reminds us that a single hot meal provides 25 per cent or less of a person’s daily dietary needs.
    Meanwhile, sanitation conditions across Gaza are likely worsening public health risks. Our humanitarian colleagues say that three makeshift displacement sites in Al Mawasi are now reporting infestations of fleas and mites, causing rashes and other health issues. Treating these infestations require chemicals and other items that will only be available once the crossings are again open for the entry of supplies.
    UN humanitarian partners warn that criminal looting and general insecurity are again on the rise, linked to the closure and to lack of basic supplies. On Wednesday, one of the distribution points used by UNRWA was looted, along with nearby buildings. In a social media post, our colleagues at UNRWA said this wasn’t an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a broader breakdown in civil order.
    Turning to the West Bank, OCHA reports that tens of thousands of people remain displaced, unable to return home due to ongoing operations by Israeli forces in the north, mainly in Jenin and Tulkarm. Our humanitarian partners are providing urgent aid and psychosocial support to those impacted.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=04%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmG9TgZHpoA

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Kit For All’ will help more young people get active in Inverness

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued by High Life Highland

    Ruby Younger (IHS), Bailey MacCuish (IHS), Steve Walsh (HLH), Andrea MacKenzie (HLH), Gregor Campbell (DYW), Craig Carswell (HLH), Garry Reid (Sportscotland), Cllr Michael Cameron, Lauren Ramsay (IHS), Abbie Mackie (IHS)

    Active Schools is all about making more children, more active, more often but sometimes barriers exist that prevent this from happening – including access to suitable clothing.

    To help combat this, Active Schools Coordinators for the Inverness High School High cluster are establishing two ‘Kit for All’ drop off points in Inverness where sports clothing and footwear – which is no longer used but still in good condition – can be donated and then distributed to young people in the community who’ll benefit the most.

    The project, which is supported nationally by Sportscotland, was launched at Inverness High School this morning (Friday 4 April), which was recently voted School of the Year at the Highland Heroes Awards.

    The Highland Council has generously donated two blue recycling bins for the initiative, and these will be located at Inverness Leisure and at the Forge Gym on Carsegate Road North, with the items collected being distributed to the Inverness High School’s cluster primaries.
    Developing the Young Workforce Inverness is also playing an instrumental part in the project offering storage and sorting space.

    Craig Carswell, High Life Highland’s Active Schools Coordinator for the Inverness High School cluster explained: “We want to widen participation in sport and physical activity while encouraging recycling and reducing the amount of textile waste going to landfill. We would be especially grateful for donations of items for children and young people including sport trainers and boots, strips, t-shirts, socks, athletic jackets and other associated kit.”

    All items should be clean, in good condition and placed in tied bags. The donations will then be collected, sorted and distributed accordingly, with High Life Highland Young Leaders involved in the process.

    Speaking at this morning’s ‘Kit For All’ launch Steve Walsh, High Life Highland Chief Executive said: “Removing barriers to participation is so important and suitable clothing is a barrier that is often overlooked. At High Life Highland our sole purpose is Making Life Better and this is an initiative that will help improve the lives of local children. I’d encourage anyone who can, to donate their unused or unwanted items so we can make sure all young people can access the kit they need to get active and get involved with sports.”

    Joining High Life Highland staff and Young Leaders at today’s launch was former Inverness High School pupil, Councillor Michael Cameron. He said: “The Council is delighted to support this new project to recycle clothing and kit to those who can make good use of it. I’m sure it will be a great success. Not only does it cut down items with lots of life still left in them from going to landfill, but it will remove any stigma from not having the right kit when participating in sports. I’m sure lots of young people will benefit.”

    The Highland Council’s Education Chair Cllr John Finlayson added: “Encouraging young people to have active lifestyles is very important. I’m sure people will relish this opportunity to pass on items they no longer use, so they can get a new lease of life by someone else.”

    Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop commented: “Established by the sportscotland Young People’s Sport Panel several years ago, I am thrilled to see the continuance and expansion of the Kit for All initiative. With the focus on improving access to sport and physical activity, as well as supporting sustainability, it is fantastic to see more groups and schools like the Inverness High School cluster, collaborating and creating new drop points to donate sports clothing and footwear. As the national agency, we are continuing to work with our partners to address the barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.”

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE INDRA-2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA 2025 between Indian and Russian navies was held from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 2025.

    This 14th edition of the exercise included a wide range of activities and structured drills designed to enhance interoperability towards countering common maritime threats.

    The operations involved complex coordinated manoeuvres and simulated engagements showcasing the combined combat power of the participating navies.

    The exercise achieved its aim of enhanced jointmanship and reinforced the shared commitment to upholding the principles of maritime order, promoting global peace and stability.

    The drills also provided invaluable operational experience, strengthening collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges. The exercise facilitated the exchange of best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and enhancing the ability to operate seamlessly in complex maritime environments.

    The INDRA series of exercises have been a cornerstone of India-Russia Defence relations since its inception in 2003 and both countries recognise the importance of maritime security and the need for a collaborative approach to counter common threats and concerns.

    *****

    VM/SKS                       

    (Release ID: 2119037) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRODUCTIVITY DURING FOURTH SESSION OF 18TH LOK SABHA WAS AROUND 118 PERCENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India

    PRODUCTIVITY DURING FOURTH SESSION OF 18TH LOK SABHA WAS AROUND 118 PERCENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    26 SITTINGS OF LOK SABHA WERE HELD DURING FOURTH SESSION, WHICH LASTED FOR 160 HOURS 48 MINUTES: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    DISCUSSION ON VOTE OF THANKS ON PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS LASTED FOR 17 HOURS 23 MINUTES AND 173 MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN THE DISCUSSION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    GENERAL DISCUSSION ON UNION BUDGET 2025-26 LASTED FOR 16 HOURS 13 MINUTES AND 169 MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN DISCUSSION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    10 GOVERNMENT BILLS WERE INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA AND 16 BILLS WERE PASSED: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    RECORD 202 MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE WERE RAISED DURING ZERO HOUR ON 3 APRIL, 2025: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    FOURTH SESSION OF EIGHTEENTH LOK SABHA CONCLUDES

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 6:05PM by PIB Delhi

    The Fourth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, which commenced on 31 January, 2025, concluded today. Shri Birla informed the House that 26 sittings were held during the Session which lasted for around 160 hours 48 minutes. The productivity of the House during the Session was 118 percent, informed Shri Birla.

    Hon’ble President of India addressed Members of both the Houses of Parliament on 31 January, 2025 and the discussion on Vote of Thanks on the President’s Address lasted for 17 hours 23 minutes. 173 Members participated in the discussion, informed Shri Birla.

    The Finance Minister presented Union Budget 2025-2026 on the floor of the House on 1 February, 2025. General Discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26 lasted for 16 hours 13 minutes. Shri Birla informed that 169 Members participated in the discussion. Finance Minister replied to the discussion on 11 February, 2025.

    Demands for Grants of selected Ministries/ Departments were discussed in the House from 17 to 21 March, 2025 and subsequently the Demands for Grants were passed by the House. Appropriation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on 21 March, 2025 and the Finance Bill was passed on 25 March, 2025.

    Shri Birla further informed that, 10 Government Bills were introduced and 16 Bills were passed, during the session. Some of the important bills which were passed are as follows:

    (i)            The Finance Bill, 2025;

    (ii)           The Appropriation Bill, 2025;

    (iii)          The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025;

    (iv)         The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and

    (v)          The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

    During the Session, 134 starred questions were answered orally. A total of 691 Matters of Public Importance were raised by the Members during the Zero Hour, out of which a record number of 202 Matters of Public Importance were raised during Zero Hour on 3 April, 2025, Shri Birla informed. A total of 566 matters were taken up under Rule 377 during the Session.

    Shri Birla informed that during the Session, a total number of 32 Statements, including 23 Statements under Direction 73A. 61 Reports were presented by Departmentally Related Standing Committees and as many as, 2518 papers were laid on the Table of the House, he further said.

    A Calling Attention Motion on hardships faced by fishermen community was discussed under Rule 197 on 1 April, 2025.

    As regards Private Members’ Business, a Private Member’s Resolution moved by Shri Shafi Parambil, MP, regarding appropriate measure to regulate airfare in the country was discussed in the House on 28 March, 2025 however, the discussion remained inconclusive. On 2 April, 2025, Statutory Resolution ratifying President’s Rule in Manipur was adopted by the House.

    During the Session, the House welcomed the Russian Parliamentary Delegation led by Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, H.E., Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin on 3 February 2025. On 11 February 2025, the House welcomed the Parliamentary Delegation from Maldives led by H.E. Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives. Similarly, on 12 March 2025, the House welcomed the Parliamentary Delegation from Madagascar led by H.E. Mr. Justin Tokley, President of the National Assembly of Madagascar.

    ***

    AM

    (Release ID: 2118945) Visitor Counter : 74

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AYUSH Chair in foreign universities to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems globally

    Source: Government of India

    AYUSH

    AYUSH Chair in foreign universities to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems globally

    50 Institute-to- Institute Memorandum of Understanding with foreign institutions to facilitate research and academic exchange in AYUSH

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Chair Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems (AYUSH) globally. Under this program, AYUSH Chairs are established in foreign universities and institutions to facilitate academic collaboration, research, and awareness about AYUSH systems. The Ministry of Ayush, has established AYUSH academic chairs in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia and Malaysia.

    These chairs are part of a broader strategy to promote AYUSH systems of medicine internationally. The specific objectives being pursued through this initiative are as under:

     

    1. Undertake academic and research activities related to AYUSH Systems of Medicine.
    2. Design and finalize the curriculum for the short term/ medium term courses as per need of the University and AYUSH education guidelines in India.
    3. Take tutorials/ lectures / practical sessions as per the curricular requirements of the University and will take part in the activities such as departmental seminars, conferences, faculty meetings, etc. as mutually agreed between University and the Chair.
    4. Explore feasibility of undertaking collaborative research.
    5. Act as credible source of information related to AYUSH systems of medicine for the host country and other neighboring countries.
    6. Liaise with Indian Embassy/ High Commission of India, host University and Ministry of AYUSH.
    7. Conduct workshops/ seminars on AYUSH Systems in cooperation with the host organization.
    8. Identify existing academic/ research programmes on AYUSH systems, their strength & gaps and provide inputs to the Ministry of Ayush and concerned institute in India.
    9. Carry on other incidental responsibilities as may be determined by the host University such as providing clinical services for practical demonstration / clinical trainings at the attached Hospital/ Clinic.
    10. Undertake any other activity as assigned by the Ministry of Ayush from time to time.
    11. Deliver at least 2 public lectures in a year to be arranged by the University, which would be termed as AYUSH Lectures.

     

    The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has signed 50 Institute-to-Institute Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with foreign institutions to facilitate research and academic exchange in AYUSH. The details of the Institutes with whom the Ministry of Ayush has signed the MoUs are placed at Annexure.

    -3-

    These initiatives help to enhance global propagation, recognition, and acceptance of AYUSH systems of medicines. For assessing the impact of AYUSH Chair, a monthly report on activities undertaken is obtained from the chair. The evaluation of the chair’s impact is being conducted based on the report.

    Annexure

     

    Sl.

    No.

    Details of MoU

    Country

    1.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH (on behalf of all the research councils- CCRAS, CCRUM, CCRS, CCRH, CCRYN) and the University of Mississippi, USA, on behalf of National Centre for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) for cooperation

    in the field of traditional medicine

    USA

    2.

    MoU between CCRH and Royal London Hospital for

    Integrated Medicine, UK

    United

    Kingdom

    3.

    MoU       between      Central      Council      for     Research                in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and College of Homeopaths of

    Ontario (CHO), Canada

    Canada

    4.

    United         States       Pharmacopoeia          Convention                    and

    Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine

    USA

    5.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Homeopathy Medicine was signed between CCRH and Universidad Maimonides, Buenos

    Aires, Argentina

    Argentina

    6.

    MoU on Cooperation in Research and Development in the field of Ayurvedic Science was signed between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Medical Research Infrastructure and Health Services fund of the Tel Aviv Sourasky medical

    Institute (TASMC), Israel

    Israel

    7.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science, on Behalf of All Research Councils, Ministry of AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India located in New Delhi, (“CCRAS”) and The Governors of the University of Alberta  as  Represented  by  the  Integrative  Health

    Institute Located in Edmonton, ALBERTA, Canada

    Canada

    8.

    MoU between National Institute of Ayurveda and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia in the field of Education, Training, Research, Publication  and  Popularization  of  Ayurveda  in

    Malaysia

    Malaysia

    9.

    MoU between Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) with Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the

    United States (HPCUS)

    USA

    10.

    MoU between Scientific Society for Homoeopathy (WissHom), Germany and Central Council for

    Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)

    Germany

    11.

    Agreement on cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Homoeopathy between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Federal

    University of Rio De Janerio (FURJ), Brazil

    Brazil

    12.

    MoU on cooperation and collaboration in the field of Ayurveda between the All India Institute of Ayurveda, (AIIA), Ministry of AYUSH and European Academy

    of Ayurveda (Birstein), (REAA) Germany

    Germany

    13.

    MoU on Cooperation in the field of Research in Homeopathic Medicine was signed between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Centre for Integrative Complementary Medicine,

    Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

    Israel

    14.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Research in Homeopathy was signed between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM), Australia

    Australia

    15.

    MoU on Establishment of an Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and College of Medicine (UK) was signed during the visit of Hon’ble PM of India to UK

    United Kingdom

    16.

    MoU on collaboration in the field of Ayurveda was signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria

    Austria

    17.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Unani medicine was signed between Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and State Educational Establishment“ Tajik State Medical University named

    AbualiIbn Sino”

    Tajikistan

    18.

    MoU        on      the      establishment         of      an                 academic

    collaboration in Ayurveda has been signed between All India       Institute      of    Ayurveda      (AIIA),     Ministry               of

    USA

    AYUSH and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, USA

    19.

    MoU CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH and Department of Neurology and Complementary Medicine, Lutheran, Hospital Hattingen, Germany for Cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Ayurveda

    Germany

    20.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and Wester Sydney University (WSU), Australia

    Australia

    21.

    MoU between MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA (MDNIY) MINISTRY OF AYUSH, GOVT OF INDIA NEW DELHI and DIVINE VALUES SCHOOL, ECUADOR (DVSE)

    Ecuador

    22.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, (CCRAS) Ministry of AYUSH Government of the Republic of India and University of Debrecen, Hungary (UD) on the Intention of Establishment of European Institute of Ayurvedic Sciences (EIAS), Hungary

    Hungary

    23.

    MoU between NIA & the University of West Indies for Collaboration in the field of Education, Training, Research, Treatment, Publication etc

    West Indies

    24.

    An Agreement signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK for undertaking research on Ashwagandha for promoting recovery from Covid-19 in the UK.

    United Kingdom

    25.

    MoU between Shimane University, Japan and All India Institute of Ayurveda

    Japan

    26.

    MoU between Fizz, Frankfurt, Germany and All India Institue of Ayurveda

    Germany

    27.

    MoC with Japan

    Japan

    28.

    MoU       between      CCRUM      and     Hamdard               University Bangladesh

    Bangladesh

    29.

    MoU between CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH and OCCAM, National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services, Government of the United States of America

    USA

    30.

    Memorandum of Understanding between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, and The Institute for Social medicine, Epidemiology and the Health Economics, Charite University Medical Centre, Berlin Germany

    Germany

    31.

    Institute for the History of Medicine, Robert Bosch Foundation,                            Stuttgart,                                                Germany on Cooperation in the Field of Development of Museum on AYUSH System and Archives on Homoeopathy

    Germany

    32.

    MoU between MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA (MDNIY) MINISTRY OF AYUSH, GOVT OF INDIA NEW DELHI and Leaders

    Development Institute (LDI), Ministry of Sports Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia

    33.

    MoU between Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth (RAV) and Fundacion De Salud Ayurveda Prema, Argentina

    Argentina

    34.

    MoU between AIIA and Future Vision Institute, Brazil and University of Sao Paulo Brazil

    Brazil

    35.

    MoU between AIIA and The University General Hospital in La Reunion – CHU de La Reunion in the field of Ayurveda

    Chu      de             La Reunion

    36.

    MoU between AIIA, The Fedral University of Rio De Jenerio (UFRJ) and The Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), Brazil

    Brazil

    37.

    MoU between National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur

    and Philippines institute of traditional and Alternative Healthcare, (PITHAC)Philippines

    Philippines

    38.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and University Health Netwrok (UHN), Canada

    Canada

     

    39.

    Agreement on Co-operation in collaborative research in the field of Ayurveda and Siddha between CCRAS,       Romanian               Society                                   of Medicine and Suraj Ayurveda Clinic and Research Centre Pune.

    Romania

    40.

    MoU between CCRAS and PHFI for Ayush- WHO- PHFI collaborative project entitled Assessment of integration of AYUSH System into the public health system for combating COVID-19.

    WHO

    41.

    India Yoga Center (IYC), Korea

    Korea

    42.

    MoU between AIIA and UCMH, Havana Cuba The Establishment of an Academic Collaboration In Ayurveda

    Cuba

    43.

    MoU        between       AIIA     and     National       Institute      of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

    Japan

    44.

    MoU Between MDNIY and Sarv Yoga International Italy

    Italy

    45.

    MoU Between ITRA and National Institute of Health,

    Republic of Peru

    Peru

    46.

    MoU between AIIA and Kvarner Health Tourism

    Cluster, Croatia

    Croatia

    47.

    MoU between NIA and Department of Thai Traditional

    and Alternative Medicine

    Thailand

    48.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda and Sri

    Vajera Foundation and Associated Institutions

    Brazil

    49.

    MoU Between CCRUM and Allied Health professions

    Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)

    South Africa

    50.

    A Tripartite MoU between Charles University Czech Republic with NIA, Jaipur and MDNIY New Delhi was signed on 17.07.2024 on the Establishment of

    Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Yoga

    Czech Republic

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2118854)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UPGRADATION OF PORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Under Modernisation pillar of Sagarmala Programme, 234 projects at cost of around Rs. 2.91 Lakh crores have been undertaken for implementation across Coastal States/UTs. These projects are implemented by Central Ministries, IWAI, Indian Railways, State Government and Major Ports etc. Out of these, 103 projects worth Rs. 32,634 crores have been completed and 56 projects worth Rs. 74,744 crores are under implementation. The details of projects undertaken in Sagarmala Programme in the State of Andhra Pradesh under Port Modernisation pillar is annexed. [Annexure-I]

    Under the Sagarmala Scheme, the Ministry provides financial assistance to State/UT Governments for Port infrastructure projects, Coastal berth projects, Road & Rail projects, fishing harbours, skill development projects, Coastal community development, cruise terminal and projects such as Ro-Pax ferry services. Ministry has till date undertaken 119 projects at a total Cost of Rs. 9407 Cr. for partial funding under Sagarmala Scheme. Out of these, 72 projects have been completed till date. The State Wise details of projects under Sagarmala Scheme are annexed. [Annexure-II]. Under Sagarmala Scheme, Ministry is partially funding 12 projects costing around Rs. 2,410 Crore in the State of Andhra Pradesh including Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Out of these, 7 projects have been completed. The details of projects are provided at Annexure-III.

    Major Ports are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The details of companies (public and private) which are involved in the construction and upgradation of Major Ports across the country is annexed. [Annexure-IV]

    Annexure – I

    List of Sagarmala Projects in Andhra Pradesh under Ports Modernisation pillar.

    Annexure II

    Annexure-III

    List of Sagarmala-funded Projects in Andhra Pradesh

    Annexure-IV

    Companies (public and private) which are involved in the construction and upgradation of Major Ports

    • West Bengal: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

    Century Ports Pvt. Ltd.

    Mackintosh Burn Limited

    M/s Biswajyoti Bhattacharyya

    M/s Tribeni Constructions Ltd

    Hooghly Oil and Gas Terminal Private Limited (HOGTPL)

    HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd (HBTL)

    Ganges bulk terminal Pvt. Ltd.

    • Tamil Nadu: Kamarajar Port Limited

    Indian Pors Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited

    Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC)

    Jan De Nul Dredging India Pvt. Limited

    Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors bv

    Sripathy Associate Pvt. Ltd.

    Sentinel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

    • Tamil Nadu:V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority

    M/s Jandenul Dredging India Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Surabhi pile foundation & Gio Technics Pt. Ltd. Mumbai.

    M/s Jefferson samuelraj& Sons.

    M/s TTK Construction, Madurai

    M/s R.K & Sons, Salem

    M/s JSWTMTPL, Mumbai

    M/s Tuticorin International Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (TICTPL), Tuticorin.

    • Maharashtra: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority

    M/s Ferro Concrete Construction (India) Pvt. Ltd. Indore, MP

    M/s Thakur- Mhatre JV, Mumbai.

    M/s Alfra- Backbone- Tarmat JV Mumbai

    M/s Thakur-Mhatre- Kharpatil JV, Mumbai

    M/s RKEC Projects Ltd., Visakhapatnam.

    M/s Blue Star Construction Co,

    M/s Manoj Infracon Private Limited, Mumbai.

    M/s J.M. Mhatre infra Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai.

    M/s Paresh Construction Co., Mumbai

    M/s JPR Balaji Infra Pvt. Ltd., Jalna.

    M/s Niraj Cement Structurals Ltd., Mumbai.

    M/s Ferro Concrete Construction (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

    M/s DEV Engineers

    M/s Capacite Engineering Pvt Ltd and M/s. Capacit’e Infraprojects Ltd. (JV), Mumbai.

    M/s P.P. Kharpatil Construction Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

    M/s ITD Cementation Ltd., Mumbai

    M/s Shandar Interior Pvt. Ltd, Pune

    M/s Van Oord India Pvt Ltd

    M/s MAN Infra Construction Ltd

    M/s ITD Cementation

    M/s MAN Infraconstruction Ltd

    M/s Antelec Pvt Ltd

    M/s Doosan Enerbility Vietnam

    M/s Doosan Enerbility Vietnam

    M/s Wuxi Huadong Heavy Machinery

    M/s Cullen Grummitt& Roe (India) Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Egis India Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd

    M/s Ultratech Environmental Consultancy and Laboratory Pvt Ltd.

    M/s National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)

    M/s Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE)

    M/s ARI Simulation, New Delhi

    M/s Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune (CWPRS)

    • Maharashtra: Mumbai Port Authority

    M/s Vanoord India Private Ltd.

    M/s Magoxy Infra Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s BELIEVE Infra Project Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Belhekar and Kale Associated (JV)

    M/s Kargwal Construction Pvt. Ltd

    M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd.

    M/s DVP Infraprojects Pvt Ltd.

    • Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam Port Authority

    M/s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited

    M/s RKEC & M/s SBEC

    M/s ITD Cementation Ltd.,

    M/s SSN&Co.

    M/s Indus Project Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s SSN&Co.

    M/s PJR Constructions (P) Ltd.

    M/s JD Constructions

    M/s GR Constructions

    M/s Sri Venkateswara Constructions

    M/s Md. Jahangeer

    M/s Lalitha Constructions

    M/s Hardware Tools and Machinery Projects Pvt Ltd.,

    M/s IPRCL

    M/s IPRCL

    M/s JD Constructions

    M/s ShrushtiContechPvt. Ltd. & Others.

    M/s AKVR Infra

    M/s Shell Refractories and Insulations, (JV) with M/s. Karagwal Constructions Pvt.

    M/s Integrated Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Everson Marine Trade Pvt. Ltd.

    • Gujarat: Deendayal Port Authority

    M/s Kandla International Caontainer Terminal

    M/s Italgrus.r.l., Italy

    M/s Suzlon Energy Limited, New Delhi

    M/s Inox Wind Limited, Noida.

    M/s RISHI Shipping, Gandhidham

    M/s Merit BMH Engg. Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

    M/s Sterling and Wilson Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Omkar Enterprise, Ahmedabad

    M/s Hi-Tech Elastomers Ltd., Ahmedabad

    M/s Hi-Tech Elastomers Ltd., Ahmedabad

    M/s Woodfield Systems International Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

    M/s Italgrus.r.l., Italy

    M/s Jay Project, Baroda and M/s Patel Construction Co., Gandhi Dham

    M/s Jay Project, Baroda

    M/s C.K Electrical, Surat

    M/s L&T Energy Green Tech Limited, Vadodara.

    M/s Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL)

    M/s Hindustan Gateway Container Terminal Kandla Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Kandla Oil Terminal Private Ltd.

    M/s Coviva Energy Terminal Ltd.

    M/s Rock and Reef Dredging Pvt Ltd.

    M/s K.K. Sorathia JV Hariom Earthmovers and Transport, Adipur

    M/s BMS Projecs – Marymatha JV

    M/s Indian port rail & ropeway corporation limited (IPRCL)

    M/s Neelkanth Infratech Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Hariom Earthmovers and Transport – Adipur

    M/s Radhe Associated, Mehsana

    M/s Neelkanth Infratech Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Dhanji K. Patel

    M/s Patel Corrtech JV

    M/s Patel Construction Co., Gandhidham

    M/s Baldaniya Construction

    • Goa: Mormugao Port Authority

    M/s South West Port Ltd (SWPL)

    M/s Delta Ports Mormugao Terminal Pvt. Ltd.

    M/s Goa IGT Pvt. Ltd. Navi Mumbai

    • Kerala: Cochin Port Authority

    M/s KVJ Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd. Kochi

    M/s KVJ Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd. Kochi

    M/s RKEC Projects Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam

    • Karnataka: New Mangalore Port Authority

    M/s JSW-MCTPL

    • Odisha: Paradip Port Authority

    Paradip East Quay Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd.

    Jindal Paradip Port Ltd.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to QUESTION NO. 5544 in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2118872) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bridging Progress: The Rise of the New Pamban Bridge

    Source: Government of India

    Bridging Progress: The Rise of the New Pamban Bridge

    India’s first vertical lift sea bridge sets a new benchmark in modern infrastructure and maritime harmony

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge during his visit to Tamil Nadu on April 6, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.

    The New Pamban Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development. Rooted in history, its story traces back to 1914 when British engineers constructed the original Pamban Bridge, a cantilever (a long piece of metal or wood that extends from a wall to support the end of a bridge) structure with a Scherzer Rolling Lift span to connect Rameswaram Island with mainland India.

    For over a century, it served as a critical lifeline for pilgrims, tourists, and trade. However, the harsh marine environment and growing transportation demands necessitated a modern solution. In 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the construction of a technologically advanced, future-ready replacement.

    The result is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, a 2.07-kilometre-long marvel spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu. Blending heritage with innovation, the New Pamban Bridge not only preserves the cultural and historical importance of the region but also marks a significant leap forward in design, connectivity, and regional development.

    The New Pamban Bridge was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways.

    Key Features of the New Pamban Bridge:

    The 72.5-meter navigational span can be lifted up to 17 meters, allowing larger ships to pass underneath.

    The new bridge is 3 meters higher than the existing one, improving sea connectivity.

    The substructure is designed for two tracks, with the superstructure initially accommodating a single line.

    The use of modern materials and engineering techniques will ensure the bridge’s longevity.

    The bridge has been constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints.

    Special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.

    The Need & Vision for the New Pamban Bridge

    By the early 21st century, the old bridge could no longer meet the demands of modern transportation. The increasing volume of traffic, coupled with the need for faster and safer connectivity prompted the government to envision a new structure that would be technologically advanced, durable, and future-ready.

    The construction of a state-of-the-art sea bridge that could accommodate growing traffic volumes, ensure durability and facilitate smoother maritime navigation. The New Pamban Bridge was conceived to address the limitations of its predecessor while paving the way for enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth.

    The New Pamban Bridge is set to ensure:

    • Enhanced Transportation: Accommodating heavier rail traffic and faster trains.
    • Maritime Integration: Allowing larger vessels to pass without disruptions.
    • Durability: Ensuring a lifespan of over 100 years with minimal maintenance.

    Modern Construction Techniques
     

    The original 1914 bridge was vital for trade and pilgrimage but was no longer suitable for modern rail demands. Given the region’s seismic activity, cyclones, and marine corrosion, a resilient, technologically advanced replacement was essential. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), under the Ministry of Railways, led the project, ensuring it met higher speed, load, and maritime requirements. This new bridge enhances connectivity while showcasing India’s infrastructure capabilities in safety, durability, and innovation.

    1. Selection of Launching Method
    • Site constraints like limited support structures, low shore draft, ship traffic, fishing activity, and strong sea currents made conventional lift span launching methods unfeasible.
    • The solution used was pier-to-pier launching of the lift span girder using the ‘Auto Launching Method based on Relationship Principle,’ designed by Suntech Construction Engineering Consultants and verified by IIT Madras.
    1. Transportation, Assembly and Final Welding
    • After painting and inspection, segments were trucked to Pamban, where a temporary platform with two EOT cranes (Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes) enabled girder assembly. Welding was done in specialized huts, joints inspected by PAUT (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing), and corrosion protection completed with metalizing and painting.
    • Metalizing and painting completed corrosion protection, ensuring structural integrity.
    1. Launching of the Lift Span
    • Following assembly at Abutment No. 2, the 448.305m lift span was launched in 90 sequences to Pier 77–78 using launching girders and the auto-launching method, with counterweights ensuring precise movement along a 2.65° curve.
    1. Components of the Launching System
    • Key components included steel stools, stainless steel sliding bases, and swing-type traverse bases with guide rollers. Two front launching girders (51m each) and two rear ones (47m each) were supported at multiple points
    • Each girder set had ~10 MT counterweights. Tooth plates held jack pistons, and 200T Hilman Rollers enabled smooth movement. Pivots allowed 360° rotation. Push/pull jacks (50T, 1000mm stroke) enabled span movement, requiring 13.375T–18.725T force, factoring lateral resistance.
    1. Hydraulic Jacking and Final Placement
    • Eight 200T hydraulic jacks lifted the span and repositioned the girders.
    • Mounted on frames at end cross girders, they hung during movement and were supported by adjustable stools at each pier, ensuring precise placement.
    1. Lift Span Movement Sequence
    • With launching girders aligned and span loaded, movement began. Each pier was spaced 20m apart. The 75.70m span required two moves per pier—16m first (rear over pier), then 4m (front over next pier).
    • Rear and front girders moved in turn to the next piers. This process, repeated over 90 sequences for 448.325m, took 2–3 days per pier. Once at its final position, temporary equipment was removed and the span lowered onto bearings.
    1. Erection of Towers
    • Towers were fabricated in 28 segments, painted, and transported to Pamban using trailers.
    • A temporary jetty allowed segments to be loaded onto barges via a 150 MT crane and hauled by boats. A marine crane launched segments near the navigational channel.
    • Towers were connected by a lintel forming a 21.30m × 6.80m × 4.50m machine room housing the lifting system. The room weighs ~100 MT, with 315 MT counterweights at each end ensuring balance and smooth operation.

     

    Challenges in Construction: Overcoming the Odds

    The construction of the new Pamban Bridge presented numerous challenges, ranging from environmental obstacles to logistical complexities. The Palk Strait’s turbulent waters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather patterns created difficulties in the construction process. Additionally, the region’s susceptibility to cyclones and seismic activity necessitated careful planning and robust design.

    Another significant challenge was managing logistics, particularly the transportation of heavy materials to the remote construction site. The team had to make the most of the narrow timeframes offered by tidal conditions to ensure timely delivery. Despite these obstacles, the engineers and workers demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, leveraging innovative solutions, advanced technology, and unwavering determination to overcome the difficulties and successfully complete the bridge.

    Throughout the execution of the project; which involved over 1,400 tons of fabrication, the launching of lift spans and 99 girders, as well as track and electrification work carried out at sea, the entire operation was completed without a single injury.

    India Making its Mark on a Global Scale

    While the new Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, it shares similarities with other globally recognized bridges known for their technological advancements and unique designs. These include the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Tower Bridge in London and the Oresund Bridge in Denmark-Sweden. Each of these iconic structures, though different in design and functionality, represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence. Now, the new Pamban Bridge stands proudly in their company, combining cutting-edge technology with the challenges posed by India’s coastal and seismic conditions.

     

    Safety & Environmental Features

    Conclusion
    The New Pamban Bridge is a symbol of India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Overcoming environmental, logistical, and technical challenges, this state-of-the-art vertical lift railway bridge stands as a proud testament to the nation’s growing infrastructure capabilities. With its modern design, enhanced safety features, and commitment to sustainability, the bridge not only revitalizes a critical transport link but also strengthens regional connectivity and economic development. As trains and ships are all set to pass effortlessly over and under, the bridge serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when vision meets determination.

    References:

    • Ministry of Railways

    Click here to download PDF

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2118895) Visitor Counter : 113

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News