NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Demand Key Communications and Records Relating to FBI’s Handling of Hunter Biden’s Laptop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel demanding that the FBI provide internal communications and records relating to its handling of Hunter Biden’s laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019.

    “On April 1, 2025, Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger published a report and released FBI ‘chat messages’ from October 2020, which revealed that FBI officials were ‘actively shutting down discussion of the [Hunter Biden] laptop’s credibility before the 2020 presidential election,’” the senators wrote. 

    “While your predecessor opted to stonewall and ignore our multiple requests for information on the matter, we expect that under your leadership the FBI will be transparent with Congress. The American people deserve to see every document, along with a detailed explanation of how the FBI handled the laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019,” the senators noted to Director Patel.

    Sens. Johnson and Grassley have requested the following information:

    1. All “chat messages” referenced in Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger’s report, including but not limited to all messages provided to any office or committee of the U.S. House of Representatives referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop.

    2. All text messages, instant messages, team chats, and all other “chat messages” referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop, sent between and among the following individuals:

      1. Elvis Chan;
      2. Laura Dehmlow;
      3. Bradley Benavides;
      4. James Dennehy; and
      5. Any other FBI employee or detailee involved in the receipt, review, or assessment of the Hunter Biden laptop.

    3. All FBI records from December 1, 2019 to the present related to Hunter Biden and his electronic devices. 

    See Catherine Herridge’s post about the letter here.

    Full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: COVID Scammer Admits to Defrauding Investors with Fake Products and False Documents

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    OUSTON – A 30-year-old Los Angeles, California, resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a $12.5 million scam that victimized investors in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    In the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Maxwell falsely represented to investors that he had procured a manufacturing contract with a Chinese company for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. He also purported to have a domestic agreement to sell the PPE. 

    He used fabricated bank records, agreements and other documents to solicit millions in investments to aid in this purported venture. He then pocketed the investment funds, while the PPE never existed.    

    At the same time, Maxwell agreed to help produce an at-home aerosol product intended to kill coronavirus. While again taking in millions from investors, Maxwell claimed he was working with a manufacturing plant in Texas and an out-of-state distributor to produce and deliver the product to major retailers. 

    Maxwell told victims that retailers were selling out of the product and ordering millions of additional units in a bid to obtain additional investor funds. However, the entire arrangement was a fraud. No one had even manufactured the product, retailers had never heard of it nor of Maxwell, and he had fabricated all the documents he showed to investors to bolster the scheme.   

    Maxwell admitted to stealing more than $12.5 million from victims in the course of his fraudulent scheme. 

    “The Southern District of Texas takes an aggressive approach against would-be fraudsters and swindlers,” said Ganjei. “Those who take advantage of a national emergency to enrich themselves by false pretenses will find themselves where they belong – in prison.”

    U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing July 17. At that time, Maxwell faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

    He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Carter and Christian Latham prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL Schedules First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after the market closes. An earnings news release, investor fact sheet and presentation will be published on the company’s investor relations website offering an overview of the financial results.

    The company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. EDT the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rohit Kapoor and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Maurizio Nicolelli, who will provide insights into the company’s operational and financial results.

    To listen to video live webcast or to participate in the call, please register here. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately one year.

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence (“AI”) company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Contact:
    John Kristoff
    Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
    +1 212 209 4613

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Special Opportunities Fund Seeks to Elect Directors of Tejon Ranch Co.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SADDLE BROOK, N.J., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Special Opportunities Fund, Inc., (SPE or the “Fund”) (NYSE: SPE), one of the largest shareholders of Tejon Ranch Co., (TRC or “Tejon”) (NYSE: TRC), announced that it is soliciting proxies to elect three independent directors of Tejon at its annual meeting of shareholders on May 13, 2025.

    Phillip Goldstein, Chairman of the Fund and a Managing Partner of Bulldog Investors, LLP (“Bulldog”), the Fund’s investment advisor, stated: “Investors that purchased shares of Tejon forty years ago have had virtually no return on their investment. Investors that purchased shares of Tejon twenty years ago have lost about 70% of their investment. The need for change at the Board level could not be clearer.”

    Andrew Dakos, President of the Fund and a Managing Partner of Bulldog, stated: “We believe that Tejon’s stock price does not reflect the value of its assets and that Tejon’s incumbent directors have been far too complacent in taking action to remedy that disparity. If elected, our nominees intend to focus their attention on four areas: capital allocation, executive compensation, communication and transparency, and excessive expenses. Our sole objective is to advocate for measures that we believe will result in a significantly higher price for Tejon’s shares.”

    For information, please contact: Thomas Antonucci, Bulldog Investors LLP (1-201-566-0092)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Proposal by the IL Fund to amend the terms of HFF bonds approved by bondholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 10th of April, a meeting of bondholders of HFF34 and HFF44 was held. At the meeting, a proposal was put forward for an amendment to the terms of the bonds, which permits the issuer to settle the bonds by delivery of certain assets. The proposal is the result of more than a year of negotiations between the advisors of 18 pension funds, which together hold the majority of the fund’s debt, and the negotiating committee of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs.

    81.4% of the owners of the claim amount who voted at the meeting on the HFF34 category, approved the proposal, which is binding for all owners equally.

    81.6% of the owners of the claim amount who voted at the meeting on the HFF44 category, approved the proposal, which is binding for all owners equally.

    On 8th of April, a Supplementary Budget Bill, Parliamentary Document 367, was published on the website of the Parliament. If the bill becomes law, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs will have the necessary powers from Parliament to be able to enter into a settlement in accordance with the proposal, which is a prerequisite for the winding up of the IL Fund.

    According to the proposal, the issuer is expected to notify the creditor with at least seven days’ notice if the issuer decides to exercise the settlement authorisation. On June 14, 2025, the proposal expires.

    Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs:

    “I welcome the decision of the bondholders, which in most cases are domestic pension funds, to accept this offer to complete the settlement of the IL Fund. I would also like to take this opportunity to praise and thank all parties involved in the case for having solved this complex issue and come to a common conclusion for the good of Icelandic society.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Host Panel on Advancing Africa’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Potential

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum will feature a high-level panel on Advancing Africa’s LNG Potential: Overcoming Infrastructure and Investment Challenges, sponsored by Perenco. As global demand for natural gas rises, Africa’s abundant reserves and strategic location position the continent as a key supplier – provided infrastructure, regulatory and financing hurdles can be addressed.

    Moderated by Jacqueline Chinwe, Global Future Energy Leader, the panel brings together influential voices from the LNG value chain. Confirmed speakers include Julius Rone, Managing Director of UTM Offshore; Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Eni; Dominique Gadelle, Vice President, Upstream & LNG at TechnipEnergies; and Denis Chatelan, Head of Business Development at Perenco. These leaders will share strategies to accelerate LNG development, including de-risking investments, leveraging blended finance models and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure commercial viability.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4lq1VMj) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Africa’s natural gas resources – particularly in countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania and the Republic of the Congo – are attracting growing international interest. Natural gas is expected to account for 40% of Africa’s oil and gas capital expenditures by the end of the decade, according to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report. In West Africa, major projects such as Phase 2 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development and the Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project in Senegal are set to significantly boost LNG production and regional gas-to-power capacity, while Eni’s Congo LNG project in the Republic of the Congo is leveraging FLNG technology to fast-track exports and monetize offshore reserves.

    With major LNG projects advancing across the continent, investment momentum continues to build. Floating LNG solutions – such as UTM Offshore’s facility in Nigeria and Perenco’s Cap Lopez terminal in Gabon – are offering scalable, capital-efficient models for deployment. In Mozambique, Eni is expanding on the success of its Coral South FLNG by developing a second floating facility, Coral North. Meanwhile, gas-to-power initiatives hold strong potential to address chronic energy shortages, contributing to both energy security and the transition to a more sustainable, lower-carbon energy mix. The panel will explore how to align Africa’s export ambitions with domestic industrialization and energy access goals, driving inclusive economic growth while contributing to global energy security and environmental objectives. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene
    jawerner

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced funding to community-based programs in Western North Carolina that provide alternatives to incarceration. The $6.5 million will support diversion programs and reentry services in counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. These counties include, but are not limited to, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Rutherford, Surry and Wilkes.

    “At a time when our western counties are struggling to rebuild infrastructure and meet daily needs, programs that help people avoid entering or remaining in the justice system are more important than ever,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We know that half of the people in North Carolina prisons and jails have mental health needs, and three-quarters have substance use disorders. They need treatment and support to prevent further involvement in the system and to find a path toward recovery.” 

    Of the organizations receiving funding, three will establish or expand their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs: Project Lazarus, HealthBook, and Vaya Health. LEAD supports community-based alternatives to jail and incarceration. The program connects individuals who are at risk of being arrested with mental health, medical and social services. 

    Diversion programs like LEAD provide dedicated resources to give law enforcement alternatives to punitive action for addressing low-level non-violent crimes through referrals to treatment or community services. Approaches vary, but it is common for law enforcement to partner with community agencies to support the referral process. Diversion programs provide appropriate safety nets along the way to reduce the chance of a return to jail or prison.

    “Our western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene need support for programs that prevent detention.  When these types of programs aren’t available, people who need treatment for mental health and substance use disorders can end up in carceral settings,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “We know that incarceration raises the risk of drug overdose, post- traumatic stress disorder  and chronic health conditions. LEAD programs, transitional housing and employment services are crucial interventions that steer people away from incarceration and toward recovery and stability.”

    HealthBook, FIRST at Blue Ridge, Oxford House, and Freedom Life Ministries will all receive funds to support housing services, while both Healthbook and FIRST at Blue Ridge will also receive funding for employment services. All six awardees support reentry programs to provide dedicated resources before or immediately after release from incarceration, so people transition back into their communities safely and successfully. 

    Reentry programs include guidance and case management support as well as addressing non-medical needs like transportation, housing and employment. The goal of reentry programs is to reduce the number of people who cycle back into the justice system. Supporting people upon their release with housing, employment and other needs is critical to stopping the cycle of justice system involvement. It also improves outcomes and efficiency across our health and justice systems.

    This $6.5 million funding announcement builds on a previous announcement of $11 million for people at risk of incarceration and is part of NCDHHS’ historic $835 million investment to transform behavioral health in North Carolina. The department is investing $99 million to support people involved in the justice system by increasing services related to diversion, reentry and capacity restoration.

    Looking ahead, the department plans to leverage the $835 million investment to further expand services and continue to build toward an integrated behavioral health system that works for all North Carolinians. 

    More information on North Carolina’s investments in behavioral health is available in the following report: Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. Additionally, the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 details plans for driving innovation and positive change for all North Carolinians. 

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy la financiación de programas comunitarios en el oeste de Carolina del Norte que ofrecen alternativas al encarcelamiento. Los $ 6.5 millones apoyarán programas de alternativas y servicios de reingreso en condados que fueron fuertemente afectados por el huracán Helene. Estos condados incluyen, entre otros, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Rutherford, Surry y Wilkes.

    “En un momento en que nuestros condados occidentales están luchando por reconstruir la infraestructura y satisfacer las necesidades diarias, los programas que ayudan a las personas a evitar ingresar o permanecer en el sistema de justicia son más importantes que nunca”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Sabemos que la mitad de las personas en las prisiones y cárceles de Carolina del Norte tienen necesidades de salud mental, y tres cuartas partes tienen trastornos por uso de sustancias. Ellos necesitan tratamiento y apoyo para evitar una mayor participación en el sistema judicial y encontrar un camino hacia la recuperación”.

    De las organizaciones que reciben fondos, tres establecerán o ampliarán sus programas de alternativos asistido por la policía (LEAD, por sus siglas en inglés): Project Lazarus, HealthBook y Vaya Health. LEAD apoya alternativas a la cárcel y el encarcelamiento basadas en la comunidad. El programa conecta a las personas que corren el riesgo de ser arrestadas con servicios de salud mental, médicos y sociales.

    Los programas de alternativas como LEAD proporcionan recursos dedicados a brindar alternativas de aplicación de la ley a la acción punitiva para abordar delitos no violentos de bajo nivel a través de remisiones a tratamiento o servicios comunitarios. Los enfoques varían, pero es común que las fuerzas del orden se asocien con agencias comunitarias para apoyar el proceso de alternativas. Los programas de alternativas proporcionan redes de seguridad apropiadas en el camino para reducir la posibilidad de un regreso a la cárcel o prisión.

    “Nuestros condados del oeste afectados por el huracán Helene necesitan apoyo para programas que prevengan la detención.  Cuando este tipo de programas no están disponibles, las personas que necesitan tratamiento para la salud mental y los trastornos por uso de sustancias pueden terminar en un entorno carcelario”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios por Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS. “Sabemos que el encarcelamiento aumenta el riesgo de sobredosis de drogas, trastorno de estrés postraumático y enfermedades crónicas. Los programas de LEAD, la vivienda de transición y los servicios de empleo son intervenciones cruciales que alejan a las personas del encarcelamiento y las llevan hacia la recuperación y la estabilidad”.

    HealthBook, FIRST en Blue Ridge, Oxford House y Freedom Life Ministries, recibirán fondos para apoyar los servicios de vivienda, mientras que Healthbook y FIRST en Blue Ridge también recibirán fondos para servicios de empleo. Los seis seleccionados apoyan los programas de reingreso para proporcionar recursos dedicados antes o inmediatamente después de salir del encarcelamiento, para que las personas regresen a sus comunidades de manera segura y exitosa.

    Los programas de reingreso incluyen orientación y apoyo en el manejo de casos, así como abordando necesidades no médicas como transporte, vivienda y empleo. El objetivo de los programas de reingreso es reducir el número de personas que vuelven al sistema judicial. Apoyar a las personas tras su liberación con vivienda, empleo y otras necesidades es fundamental para detener el ciclo de participación en el sistema de justicia. También mejora los resultados y la eficiencia en nuestros sistemas de salud y justicia.

    Este anuncio de financiamiento de $6.5 millones se basa en un anuncio anterior de $11 millones para personas en riesgo de encarcelamiento y es parte de la histórica inversión de $835 millones de NCDHHS para transformar la salud del comportamiento en Carolina del Norte. El departamento está invirtiendo $99 millones para apoyar a las personas involucradas en el sistema de justicia mediante el aumento de los servicios relacionados con el desvío, el reingreso y la restauración de la capacidad.

    Mirando al futuro, el departamento planea utilizar la inversión de $835 millones para expandir aún más los servicios y continuar avanzando hacia un sistema integrado de salud conductual que funcione para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte.

    Puede encontrar más información sobre las inversiones de Carolina del Norte en salud conductual en el siguiente informe: Transformar el sistema de salud conductual de Carolina del Norte: invertir en un sistema que brinde atención integral cuando y donde las personas la necesiten. Además, el Plan Estratégico para 2024-2029 de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del NCDHHS detalla planes para impulsar la innovación y el cambio positivo para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte.

    Apr 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Larson reintroduce Neighborhood Homes Investment Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax and John Larson (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Social Security Subcommittee, reintroduced the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a new tax incentive to build and preserve more than 500,000 affordable, single-family homes for homeownership over ten years in under-resourced communities.

    “The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act will allow homeowners and developers to not only affordably restore beautiful homes, but also to build and create more affordable housing in communities that need it the most. For the families whose dreams of homeownership feel unattainable, this bill could make those dreams closer to reality,” said Rep. Kelly. “I am proud to join my colleagues in leading the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which will create stronger homes, stronger families, and stronger neighborhoods.”

    “I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. Mike Kelly, to introduce a bipartisan solution to bring down costs and increase the supply of affordable housing,” said Rep. Larson. “The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act will tackle our housing crisis by incentivizing the construction of new homes and the revitalization of vacant homes in need of repair. We will continue to work together to spur the development of good, quality housing in the Northeast and across the country, and make homeownership a reality for more of our nation’s families.”

    The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act gained strong backing in the 118th Congress, with 111 House cosponsors, including 17 members of the House Ways & Means Committee. The Senate version of the bill had 16 cosponsors last Congress, and a companion Senate bill is anticipated to be reintroduced later this month by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Mark Warner (D-VA).

    House original co-sponsors include Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Carol Miller (R-WV), Mike Carey (R-OH), David Kustoff (R-TN), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

    BACKGROUND

    Under this legislation:

    • Tax credits would be awarded to project sponsors through statewide competitions administered by state housing finance agencies.
    • Sponsors, which could include developers, lenders, or local governments, would use the credits to raise capital for their projects, and investors would claim the credits against their federal income taxes.
    • The credits can only be claimed for homes developed or rehabilitated in eligible low-income
      communities, and only after the homes are sold and occupied by lower or middle-income families.

    The Neighborhood Homes Coalition estimates that the legislation would support a substantial economic impact over the next 10 years. The 500,000 homes that would be developed or rehabbed would:

    • Spur $125 billion in total development activity.
    • Support 861,000 jobs in construction and construction-related industries.
    • Create $56 billion in wages and salaries.
    • Produce $26 billion in federal and $12 billion in state and local tax revenues and fees.

    You can read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Proposal by the IL Fund to amend the terms of HFF bonds approved by bondholders

    Source: Government of Iceland

    On 10th of April, a meeting of bondholders of HFF34 and HFF44 was held. At the meeting, a proposal was put forward for an amendment to the terms of the bonds, which permits the issuer to settle the bonds by delivery of certain assets. The proposal is the result of more than a year of negotiations between the advisors of 18 pension funds, which together hold the majority of the fund’s debt, and the negotiating committee of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs.

    81.4% of the owners of the claim amount who voted at the meeting on the HFF34 category, approved the proposal, which is binding for all owners equally.

    81.6% of the owners of the claim amount who voted at the meeting on the HFF44 category, approved the proposal, which is binding for all owners equally.

    On 8th of April, a Supplementary Budget Bill, Parliamentary Document 367, was published on the website of the Parliament. If the bill becomes law, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs will have the necessary powers from Parliament to be able to enter into a settlement in accordance with the proposal, which is a prerequisite for the winding up of the IL Fund.

    According to the proposal, the issuer is expected to notify the creditor with at least seven days’ notice if the issuer decides to exercise the settlement authorisation. On June 14, 2025, the proposal expires.

    Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs:

    “I welcome the decision of the bondholders, which in most cases are domestic pension funds, to accept this offer to complete the settlement of the IL Fund. I would also like to take this opportunity to praise and thank all parties involved in the case for having solved this complex issue and come to a common conclusion for the good of Icelandic society.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX 32nd Resupply Mission Launches New Research to Station

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]

    NASA and SpaceX are launching the company’s 32nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station later this month, bringing a host of new research to the orbiting laboratory. Aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft are experiments focused on vision-based navigation, spacecraft air quality, materials for drug and product manufacturing, and advancing plant growth with less reliance on photosynthesis.
    This and other research conducted aboard the space station advances future space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars, and provides many benefits to humanity.
    Investigations traveling to the space station include:

    Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2) uses the space station’s Astrobee robots to demonstrate using a vision-based sensor developed by NASA to control a formation flight of small satellites. Based on a previous in-space demonstration of the technology, this investigation is designed to refine the maneuvers of multiple robots and integrate the information with spacecraft systems.
    Potential benefits of this technology include improved accuracy and reliability of systems for guidance, navigation, and control that could be applied to docking crewed spacecraft in orbit and remotely operating multiple robots on the lunar or Martian surface.

    During spaceflight, especially long-duration missions, concentrations of airborne particles must be kept within ranges safe for crew health and hardware performance. The Aerosol Monitors investigation tests three different air quality monitors in space to determine which is best suited to protect crew health and ensure mission success. The investigation also tests a device for distinguishing between smoke and dust. Aboard the space station, the presence of dust can cause false smoke alarms that require crew member response. Reducing false alarms could save valuable crew time while continuing to protect astronaut safety.

    The DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2 produces a special type of molecule formed by DNA-inspired, customizable building blocks known as Janus base nanomaterials. It also evaluates how well the materials reduce joint inflammation and whether they can help regenerate cartilage lost due to arthritis. These materials are less toxic, more stable, and more compatible with living tissues than current drug delivery technologies.
    Environmental influences such as gravity can affect the quality of these materials and delivery systems. In microgravity, they are larger and have greater uniformity and structural integrity. This investigation could help identify the best formulations and methods for cost-effective in-space production. These nanomaterials also could be used to create novel systems targeting therapy delivery that improves patient outcomes with fewer side effects.

    The newest Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC) investigation adds capabilities to an existing protein crystallization facility. The cassette can process more sample types, including tiny gold particles used in devices that detect cancer and other diseases or in targeted drug delivery systems. Microgravity makes it possible to produce larger and more uniform gold particles, which improves their use in research and real-life applications of technologies related to human health.

    Rhodium USAFA NIGHT examines how tomato plants respond to microgravity and whether a carbon dioxide replacement can reduce how much space-grown plants depend on photosynthesis. Because photosynthesis needs light, which requires spacecraft power to generate, alternatives would reduce energy use. The investigation also examines whether using supplements increases plant growth on the space station, which has been observed in preflight testing on Earth. In future plant production facilities aboard spacecraft or on celestial bodies, supplements could come from available organic materials such as waste.
    Understanding how plants adapt to microgravity could help grow food during long-duration space missions or harsh environments on Earth.

    An ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), examines fundamental physics concepts such as Einstein’s theory of relativity using two next-generation atomic clocks operated in microgravity. Results have applications to scientific measurement studies, the search for dark matter, and fundamental physics research that relies on highly accurate atomic clocks in space. The experiment also tests a technology for synchronizing clocks worldwide using global navigation satellite networks.

    Download high-resolution photos and videos of the research mentioned in this article.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government steps up support for enterprises in coping with US tariffs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (April 10) announced that in view of the reckless tariff imposition by the United States (US), including the further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will introduce a new round of enhanced measures to support the export trade in Hong Kong and help enterprises in expediting expansion into new markets.
     
    The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED), Mr Algernon Yau, said, “The US has been repeatedly changing its policies, increasing tariffs within days and imposing the so-called reciprocal tariffs against Hong Kong notwithstanding that we have never implemented any tariffs. It is totally illogical and ungrounded, once again showing the US’s bullying act for suppressing its competitors. I call upon the business community to unite and face the challenges together with a view to jointly counteracting the unreasonable coercion of the US. Further to the Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the ECIC to 95 per cent, the three enhanced measures introduced by the ECIC will help accelerate Hong Kong enterprises’ expansion into new and diversified markets.”
     
    To support Hong Kong enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) in coping with the current challenges, the ECIC will, with immediate effect, introduce three enhanced measures, including (1) extend the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP) which is tailor-made for the SMEs until June 30, 2026; (2) offer a 50 per cent discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders; and (3) reduce the premium rates for new markets to be in line with those for traditional major markets to reduce the costs and support exporters in tapping into the ASEAN market.
     
    Since the US’s announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariffs last week, the SCED has separately met with the representatives of major local chambers of commerce, SME associations, and representatives of industries that are more affected by the tariffs (including jewellery, textiles and garment, food and aluminium industries) to listen to their views and discuss measures in response to the incident. The CEDB will continue to maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the unreasonable coercion of the US and provide support to the SMEs through various funding schemes and support measures, including the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, etc in managing cash flow, enhancing competitiveness and expanding into more diversified markets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels

    Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.

    In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”

    Details of Operation:

    NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025

    Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.

    ​In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages. 

    Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.

    ​NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

                     

    (Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)

    ​NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

    These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.

    *****

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    (Release ID: 2120774) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    Source: Government of India

    Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts in central and eastern India. That is why in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Along with zero tolerance towards violence, we have also focused on a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor people in these regions.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.

    However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement – has delivered significant success. The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.

    The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.

    The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.

    Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

    State-wise details of LWE perpetrated violence (number of deaths recorded) in the last 3 years are as given under:

    State

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    3

    1

    Bihar

    11

    4

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    246

    305

    267

    Jharkhand

    96

    129

    69

    Kerala

    0

    4

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    7

    11

    Maharashtra

    16

    19

    10

    Odisha

    16

    12

    6

    Telangana

    9

    3

    8

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL

    413

    485

    374

    Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives

    The government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas. The government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.

    To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

    The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc. On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring. The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
    • Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
    • Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
    • Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
    • Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
    • Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
    • Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
    • Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
    • Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
    • Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.  For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.

    Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

    October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.

    Success Stories

    As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered.

    Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered. On 29th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’.

    As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.

    In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.

    To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.

    In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045 surrendered.

    Conclusion

    India’s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally. The government’s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2062905

    https://www.mha.gov.in/en/divisionofmha/left-wing-extremism-division

    https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-01/QuestionFaqEng_16012025.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2042128

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3524_Vx5iCE.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU2378_awyJFP.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.narendramodi.in/our-prime-role-is-to-ensure-good-governance-harness-aspirations-of-those-who-have-reposed-faith-in-us-pm-540680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112250

    https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU2951_bVSJLP.pdf?source=pqars

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3989_Tr9MsC.pdf?source=pqals

    https://x.com/amitshah/status/1909881269950853260?s=48&t=TYQpZk9GYbxE_Un686FYnA
    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117140

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113303

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113902

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2042680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2101652

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116756

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116853

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

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2115170 

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120771) Visitor Counter : 74

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SDEV on works policy areas at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Opening remarks by SDEV on works policy areas at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting 
    Chairman,
     
         In 2025-26, the total estimated expenditure of Works Branch of the Development Bureau (DEVB) and its departments is about $24,578.4 million, which is about $1,294.5 million higher than the revised estimate for last year. This is mainly because Works Branch and its departments have more projects involving capital expenditure, and the expenditure of such projects will vary in accordance with the changes in demand and cash flow each year. In this session of the special meetings of Finance Committee, I will highlight the work of the DEVB in the works portfolio.
     
    Controlling costs of public works projects and enhancing cost-effectiveness
     
         Land and infrastructure development are important investments for the long-term development of Hong Kong. While taking forward the development projects, we have to endeavour to control the costs of public works projects and take measures in four major directions. 
     
         First, we will enhance our project procurement models, one of the measures is the adoption of centralised procurement. We will take the lead in formulating specific centralised procurement options for two types of construction products, namely Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) modules and steel reinforcement within this year.
     
         Second, we have commissioned the Building Technology Research Institute to review and enhance Hong Kong’s building standards, and compare and complement the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions, with a view to promoting local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas.
     
         Third, we will continue to take the lead in expediting the promotion of construction digitalisation and applied research and development, and advocate advanced technologies such as high productivity construction to reduce manpower demand and enhance cost-effectiveness. We will also step up promotion of advanced construction technologies through the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund.
     
         Fourth, the DEVB will, in collaboration with various policy bureaux/departments, continue to take forward measures of streamlining development control, including promoting self???certification, introducing more arrangements for phased submission of information, reviewing the need for submitting various technical assessments, and streamlining land administration process and approval process, etc. 
     
    Promoting professional development of construction industry
     
         Another major work is promoting professional development of construction industry as we need talent at different levels to sustain the development of our construction industry. We have set aside $15 million for the work of the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders (CoE) over the next two years to enhance the professionalism, innovation capabilities and cost-effectiveness management of the construction industry. The courses of the CoE will facilitate exchanges transcending geographical and sectoral boundaries.
     
         We will also extend the On-the-job Training Subsidy Pilot Scheme. In the past two academic years, about 1 000 higher diploma graduates were subsidised to enrol in part-time construction-related degree programmes under the scheme. To assist more young people in grasping opportunities for upward mobility, we and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) will jointly allocate funding totalling about $95 million to continue the provision of on-the-job training subsidies over the next two academic years. The subsidy amount is the same as that before. It is anticipated to benefit an additional 1 000 employed trainees.
     
         Noting that there has been a reduction in private construction output recently, we have launched another measure to subsidise employers to employ and retain young construction graduates for the sustained development of the talent pool of the industry. The CIC will allocate around $150 million to provide on-the-job training for about 2 500 graduates of degree in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning and landscape architecture, and assist them in attaining professional qualifications. This subsidy scheme has been open for application from last month. 
     
    Promoting co-operation with the Mainland/ Greater Bay Area (GBA) in construction industry
     
         Another major work related to the construction industry is promoting co-operation among the construction sectors in Hong Kong, the Mainland, as well as the GBA, in order to tie in with the strategy of high-quality development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA. 
     
         We have co-operated with Mainland authorities and local professional bodies, and successfully sought recognition of qualifications in the Mainland for professionals of Hong Kong’s construction industry, i.e. Professional Title. Last year, pilot evaluation was successfully implemented in five engineering disciplines, with 207 Hong Kong engineers obtaining Mainland Professional Title qualifications through the mechanism as of now. The evaluation mechanism will be regularised in the middle of this year, and its coverage will be expanded to other construction-related disciplines, creating favourable conditions for their development in the Mainland.
     
         The governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are also actively pressing ahead with the formulation of GBA standards and taking forward the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement. We will mainly follow the higher standards among the three places and cover the key elements in the individual syllabuses of the three places, so as to uplift the training quality of the construction industry in the whole GBA.
     
         We piloted the GBA standards and took forward the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” for painters and bricklayers last month, and will establish the GBA standards for the first technician position on a trial basis later this year. Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will take forward the above arrangement for more trades of the construction industry progressively, taking into account the implementation experience and situations.
     
         In addition, we are collaborating with the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province to actively leverage complementary advantages of Modular Integrated Construction methods and develop MiC as an industry in the GBA. Efforts will be dedicated to research and development, quality accreditation and international marketing of MiC.
     
    Conclusion
     
         There are other tasks of the works portfolio, including water supply, heritage conservation, delivery of major infrastructure projects, etc. Relevant details have been provided in the Controlling Officer’s Reports and multiple questions have been answered. My team and I shall be happy to respond to further questions from Members.
    Issued at HKT 21:58

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SDEV on planning and lands policy areas at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, on planning and lands policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 10):
     
    Chairman,
        
    In 2025-26, the total estimated expenditure of the Development Bureau’s Planning and Lands Branch and the departments under its purview (mainly including the Buildings Department, the Lands Department, and the Planning Department) is approximately $8.037 billion, a decrease of approximately $23 million over the revised estimate for the previous year, and the number of civil service posts will decrease by 168. We will continue to put resources to more effective use through measures such as reprioritisation of work, internal redeployment and streamlining of procedures, and will take forward the following priority tasks under the principle of enhancing quantity, speed, efficiency and quality.
     
    Enhancing speed and efficiency in increasing land supply
     
    On land supply, we will continuously create land to support the development of new industries, and improve citizens’ quality of life. When land creation is completed, we will roll out such land for various types of development in an orderly manner in light of the latest situation.
     
    The Government will continue to accord high priority to devoting resources and spare no effort to take forward the Northern Metropolis (NM) development. It is estimated that 600 hectares of private land will be resumed in the next five years, and at least 570 hectares of land be formed. In the coming five years, it is estimated that a total of 60 000 public and private residential units will be completed and 1 million square metres of economic floor space be provided in the NM. Moreover, we will complete the rezoning procedures for a data park site in Sandy Ridge within this year to facilitate early disposal of the site in the market by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. During the year, we will also finalise the land use proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung.
     
    We will adopt more diversified development approaches. We are analysing the expressions of interest (EOIs) received for the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in the NM, and will commence the tendering work progressively from the second half of this year. We will invite land owners to submit applications for in-situ land exchanges in respect of the San Tin Technopole later this year. Moreover, we have invited tenders under the “two-envelope” approach for two sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu for developing multi-storey buildings for modern industries. The Government has recently fine-tuned the tender conditions in response to constructive market feedback and extended the tender closing date to end-July accordingly.
     
    To facilitate market participation and enhance investment incentives, we are exploring land administration work in several areas. Firstly, we will consider allowing land owners to voluntarily surrender land planned to be resumed by the Government in the NM to offset the premium payable for in-situ land exchange or large-scale land disposal in new development areas (NDAs). Secondly, wider application of the “pay for what you build” approach will be explored, including allowing developers to pay premium for lease modifications, which is not based on the maximum floor area but is determined according to the actual construction floor area. Thirdly, consideration will be given to tenancies with a long tenure, which will be longer than the current maximum fixed term of seven years for short-term tenancies.
     
    We will also continue to explore a wide array of other measures to further streamline the approval process, in particular various administrative approval processes at construction stage, to reduce construction costs.
     
    We announced the Government’s 2025-26 Land Sale List in end-February. Taking into account the eight residential sites available for sale and other sources, the potential private housing land supply in 2025-26 is estimated to have a capacity to produce about 13 700 flats, similar to the target for annual supply of the Long Term Housing Strategy. The Government has indicated that it will not roll out any commercial sites for sale in the current financial year, and will consider rezoning some of the commercial sites expected to be ready and available for sale in the next few years into residential use or allowing greater flexibility of land use.
     
    In line with the “industry-led” planning approach, we invited the market to submit EOIs for three island and coastal tourism projects last week. This is the first time in recent years that the Government takes forward the creation of new land parcels for tourism and recreation purposes, and intends to make the best use of participation of enterprises and the market force for developments to be realised. As regards the marina development at the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, we are inviting the market to submit EOIs. The exercise will conclude by the end of this month. In addition, we will announce in around mid-2025 the land use proposals for Lung Kwu Tan and Tuen Mun West, including the River Trade Terminal, which will provide sites for developing key industries including new energy, modern logistics, advanced construction and circular economy.
     
    Work on enhancing quality
     
    In respect of “enhancing quality”, urban renewal and building safety are among our key priorities. With the amended Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance in force since December last year, the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale commenced operation in August last year. We are working with the Urban Renewal Authority to conduct district planning studies on Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po, with renewal master plans to be released within this year. We are also exploring the use of land in NDAs to create more favourable conditions for future urban redevelopment projects by the public and private sectors, with a view to driving redevelopment. Preliminary proposals will be put forward within this year.
     
    In respect of amending the Buildings Ordinance to strengthen building safety, tackle unauthorised building works and enhance safety of construction works, we are consolidating public views, and a bill is expected to be introduced in the first half of next year.
     
    On leveraging harbourfront resources, we will set up refreshment stalls at harbourfront locations with higher visitor flow in Central, Wan Chai, North Point and Tsim Sha Tsui this year to enrich visitors’ experiences. We will consult stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Development, on the proposals for residential and commercial developments and a marina in the waterfront site in the vicinity of Hung Hom Station this month. Separately, we have just completed the scrutiny of the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill, and the second reading will resume next month. We will make good use of the streamlined mechanism to take forward works conducive to public enjoyment of the Victoria Harbourfront.
     
    The above is a brief report. My colleagues and I will be happy to respond to any further questions that Members may wish to raise.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU investments and actions for the active prevention of gender-based violence and femicide, including through smart video surveillance systems – E-001380/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001380/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giusi Princi (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Caterina Chinnici (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE)

    The alarming figures on femicide in Europe – highlighted by the tragic fate of the Italian students Ilaria Sula and Sara Campanella, killed within a few hours of each other – confirm the urgent need for decisive action at EU level against gender-based violence.

    Given that:

    – Violence against women is a serious violation of fundamental rights and requires timely and effective responses;

    – The Commission presented the Gender Equality Roadmap on 7 March 2025;

    – The InvestAI initiative, a EUR 200 billion plan for artificial intelligence ‘made in Europe’, was recently launched.

    Can the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.What specific actions and resources will be devoted to the active prevention of gender-based violence and femicides, as part of the Gender Equality Roadmap? Are there any additional appropriations foreseen?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to promote, in the context of InvestAI, the development of AI-based smart video surveillance systems – in line with the Artificial Intelligence Act and in full respect of privacy – in order to promptly report incidents of violence against women to police authorities, thus preventing the risk of further tragedies?

    Submitted: 3.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AXIAN Telecom receives US$ 100 million investment from EIB Global for mobile broadband network expansion in Madagascar and Tanzania

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • European Union Global Gateway strategy supports investments in mobile broadband networks in Tanzania and Madagascar.
    • The project will notably double 4G coverage in both Madagascar and Tanzania; and will continue the roll-out of 5G sites.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) today announced a financing package of US$ 100 million to AXIAN Telecom to support the expansion of its mobile broadband network infrastructure across Madagascar and Tanzania. The project will expand 4G mobile broadband network infrastructure across the two countries as well as continuing the introduction of 5G coverage.

    This new Global Gateway investment, backed by a budgetary guarantee of the European Commission, will enhance access to high-speed communications, accelerate inclusive digitalisation, and drive sustainable development across the two countries. This investment will help reduce geographic inequality of telecom access in Africa and emerging markets.

    AXIAN Telecom is a leading pan-African telecommunications company with a strong market position in its core areas of operation. AXIAN Telecom currently serves over 44 million subscribers and is present in nine Sub-Saharan African countries with its key mobile and fixed operations being in Tanzania, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo and Comoros.

    US$ 60 million of the financing will benefit Tanzania and US$ 40 million will go to Madagascar. AXIAN Telecom operates under the Yas brand in both countries.

    AXIAN Telecom’s CEO, Mr Hassan Jaber said, “The US$ 100 million EIB Global financing will help us expand mobile phone infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania and benefit millions of people. This new large-scale network investment will pave the way for socio-economic growth, digital inclusion, and better opportunities.”

    “Digital connectivity opens doors for education, business, healthcare and social inclusion,” stated European Investment Bank Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “This new investment demonstrates the EIB’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and driving positive change through enhanced access to affordable high-speed communications.”

    Improved connectivity plays a pivotal role in advancing socio-economic development, and this investment under the European Union Global Gateway Strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By expanding a resilient and energy efficient mobile broadband infrastructure, the new EIB Global investment will unlock numerous SDG benefits, including sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, leading to the creation of quality jobs. Fragile communities will gain access to the tools and resources necessary to connect with the wider world, fostering knowledge sharing, e-commerce, and innovation.

    The European Union Ambassadors to Madagascar and Tanzania have expressed their support for the EIB’s investment and its significant impact on the countries’ development.

    Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros Laurent d’Ersu stated that “This commitment from the EU through the EIB further demonstrates, in difficult times, our desire to contribute to the sustainable development of Madagascar through private investments in the formal sector and thereby generate growth and open up opportunities for all.This investment will enhance mobile broadband connectivity and bring vital opportunities for economic and social growth to all corners of Madagascar. The expansion of 4G and the introduction of 5G in a context of fair competition between telecommunication operators will be key drivers of digital inclusion, supporting education, innovation, and the creation of new jobs.”

    EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Christine Grau, said, “The European Union is a key partner for Tanzania in advancing the government’s digital transformation agenda. Our partnership is broad, covering policy support as well as infrastructure and investments. This EIB Global investment in AXIAN Telecom, made possible through a European Union guarantee, is a concrete example of our commitment to invest in digital connectivity. The European Union believes that in the area of connectivity, reinforcing public-private partnerships is crucial for a human-centric model of digital transformation to ensure that no one is left behind.”

    EIB Global is a key financier for telecom and digitalisation in Africa and emerging markets. The current project supports the objectives of the EU’s Digital4Development (D4D) initiative launched in 2017. It feeds into the Global Gateway strategy for Africa that seeks to mobilise up to €150 billion by 2030 for the development of physical and digital infrastructures across the continent. By collaborating with local stakeholders, telecom operators and government agencies, EIB Global aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive digital ecosystem

    Though AXIAN Telecom is operating in a highly competitive market, the burgeoning youth population across countries of operation is expected to accelerate growth of demand for mobile communications and digital services.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.  

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here. 

    About Global Gateway

    The Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. In a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions, together we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

    The EU-Africa Global Gateway investment package consists of €150 billion in investments to help accelerate Africa’s digital and green transition as well as support sustainable jobs growth and stronger health systems. More information on the investment package as well as country specific flagships can be found here.

    About AXIAN Telecom:

    AXIAN Telecom is a pan-African telecommunications service provider operating in nine markets through its subsidiaries and affiliates in Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Réunion, Mayotte, and the Comoros. It operates across three key business segments, providing mobile and fixed networks as well as digital infrastructure and mobile financial services.  

    AXIAN Telecom has unified its mobile network operators in Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, Togo and Tanzania under a single brand, Yas, while its fintech operations in Tanzania, Togo and Senegal are now branded as Mixx by Yas. The Yas brand aligns to AXIAN Telcom’s aim to create a pan-African powerhouse which brings a more streamlined customer experience and innovations that are solutions driven with real impact.  

    Yas positions itself as a trusted partner, dedicated to helping customers unlock their digital potential. By uniting its operations under one brand, AXIAN Telecom can better serve its customers leveraging the combined resources and assets of a strong, unified pan-African business under one brand.

    AXIAN Telecom is Africa’s 6th largest mobile operator serving more than 44 million customers and is a market disruptor, having expanded through active acquisitions and heavy network investments since 2015.  The group systematically ensures that its businesses have a sustainable and positive impact on the daily lives of millions of people. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Homeland Security Committee Colleagues in Demanding Investigation of Use of Signal and Gmail by Senior Trump Administration Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 04.09.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led his committee colleagues in calling for an immediate investigation into the use of personal Gmail accounts and Signal chats by senior government officials to conduct official government business, including the transmission of sensitive and possibly classified information about military operations. Federal cybersecurity policy and records preservation laws prohibit the use of personal accounts or unsecure commercial platforms to conduct government business. The senators’ request follows revelations that key administration officials used Signal and its disappearing message features while communicating sensitive information about an airstrike in Yemen, and that national security advisor Michael Waltz and other National Security Council members used personal Gmail accounts to send messages related to military operations and weapons systems. Peters was joined in sending the letter by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rueben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA).
    “New revelations now show that senior Trump Administration officials have failed to adequately preserve government records and are actively using commercial platforms to communicate sensitive, national security information. In addition to the clear national security risks and apparent violations of federal records and other laws, this presents new potentially significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” wrote the senators. “As members of the Senate committee with jurisdiction over the management of government records and cybersecurity of federal agencies, we ask that you investigate potential unauthorized disposition of records associated with the reported use of personal Gmail accounts to conduct official business by national security advisor Michael Waltz and other National Security Council (NSC) members. We also request that you review and take appropriate actions to enforce laws governing the reported use of an automatic deletion mechanism on a Signal chat between the Vice President, agency heads, and other officials discussing government business.”
    The senators continued: “Both of these commercial platforms have been regularly targeted by foreign adversaries and are not considered secure enough for communications on official government business or for classified information. In November 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned that, in addition to nation state actors from Russia and China, cybercriminals were also increasingly targeting personal email accounts. Both the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency have warned employees against using Signal, even for unclassified information, due to Russian hacking groups using a vulnerability in the application. An investigation is required not only to determine whether any federal laws were broken, but also because we do not know how frequently such platforms or associated automatic deletion mechanisms are being used by federal officials.”
    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Boosting fire network for faster wildfire response

    [. Central to these efforts is the province’s fire weather network, which plays a vital role in predicting fire conditions and detecting fires earlier.

    That is why Alberta’s government is investing an additional $900,000 over three years, bringing the total to $1.9 million over three years for upgrades to the network and to add new stations to key locations. These improvements will ensure that Alberta Wildfire teams are equipped with the tools they need to respond to wildfire risks quickly and effectively.

    “Our government is continuing to make strategic investments to enhance our wildfire-fighting capabilities. By better predicting how fire risks evolve throughout the season, we’re not only helping Alberta Wildfire teams respond more effectively – we’re also helping communities reduce their exposure to wildfires. This technology is vital to keeping our firefighters safe, and to helping protect lives and livelihoods across the province.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    Alberta’s fire weather network includes 150 strategically placed weather stations that collect information on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind conditions and moisture levels. This real-time data helps Alberta Wildfire stay one step ahead of potential threats, guiding response teams and ensuring resources are deployed to where they’re needed most. New weather station locations will be determined in the near future, as Alberta Wildfire teams work to identify areas lacking weather monitoring coverage.

    “FortisAlberta is privileged to be tasked with providing safe and reliable electricity to customers and communities living in some of the most environmentally diverse and beautiful parts of Alberta. Investing in wildfire mitigation technology is not only the right thing to do to protect our communities, but it also helps protect customer affordability. We are very pleased to see the expansion of Alberta’s fire weather network and look forward to working with Minister Loewen and his team to manage wildfire risks for the benefit of all Albertans.” 

    Janine Sullivan, president and CEO, FortisAlberta Inc.

    Improved monitoring is especially important during the spring thaw, when melting snow can lead to drier conditions and increase wildfire risk. New sensors will track snowfall accumulation throughout the winter, providing Alberta Wildfire with valuable insights into how dry conditions might be as the season begins. These upgrades will not only enhance fire danger monitoring but also support more efficient resource planning, ensuring firefighting efforts are deployed effectively from the outset of the wildfire season.

    “Clearwater County is pleased by the province’s investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, which directly benefits our region. With 85 per cent of our county within the Forest Protection Area, real-time data is crucial for reducing wildfire risk. Our fire services team already collaborates closely with Alberta Wildfire, using its expertise to make informed decisions, such as pre-positioning resources for structure protection. The more data we receive, the better prepared we are to respond quickly and efficiently together, ensuring stronger protection for our residents and first responders, and the landscapes we call home.”

    Michelle Swanson, reeve, Clearwater County

    “This investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, and the inclusion of our region as a strategic location, will provide Alberta Wildfire teams with timely, accurate data to anticipate and respond to risks more effectively. For a community that understands the realities of wildfire, this kind of infrastructure is more than welcome – it’s essential. We’re grateful for this support and the continued efforts to protect our region and strengthen our resilience.”

    Nancy Dodds, mayor, Drayton Valley

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31.
    • Budget 2025 also provides:
      • $160 million for the base wildfire budget, an increase of $5 million from 2024.
      • $15 million for the Community Fireguard Program administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
      • $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts. 

    Related information

    ·Alberta Wildfire

    • Map of weather stations
    • Images of weather stations

    Related news

    • Alberta is ready for the 2025 Wildfire Season (March 4, 2025)
    • Start of 2025 wildfire season: Minister Todd Loewen (Feb. 28, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where 4-Year-Old Was Injured

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    ?           MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for illegally possessing a firearm recovered at the scene of a shooting. On April 9, 2025, a judge ordered that 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan serve 174 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his 14-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Jordan will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented at his January 2025 trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass after hearing gun shots. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.

                Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.

                Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. Law enforcement found two additional firearms when searching Jordan’s residence in April of 2024. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The jury found Jordan guilty earlier this year for illegally possessing the firearm recovered on March 16, 2024.

                “This significant sentence not only reflects the need to ensure justice is served, but it also reflects the gravity of the danger posed by Grenden Jordan’s reckless behavior,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Violent crime has an enormous impact on communities and those that work and live within them, including our children. This case is a stark reminder of the harm that can be inflicted when individuals use guns to settle disputes without regard for the wellbeing of others. Montgomery is a safer place with Grenden Jordan off the streets.” 

                “This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated and most especially by a previously convicted felon,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd. “FBI Mobile will continue to work alongside our state, local, and federal partners to bring justice to the victims of this senseless gun violence.”

                This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining Student Visa, Other Documents

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    T. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted fraudulently obtaining a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri and admitted using the visa to obtain a Social Security card, a driver license, a bank account and an apartment.

    Mercy Ojedeji, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.

    Ojedeji admitted using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendations, a resume and a report about his English language proficiency to obtain a student visa from the University of Missouri and admission to the chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023. Ojedeji also obtained a stipend and a tuition waiver worth more than $49,000. Ojedeji presented his student visa and other documents to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security card and used the fraudulently-issued Social Security number and other documents to open a bank account. He also used the Social Security number and documents produced by his paramour to rent an apartment. After Ojedeji failed to attend classes, his assistantship or join a research group, the university terminated him from the graduate program in January 2024. This also resulted in the termination of his student visa. On Feb. 26, 2024, Ojedeji used his fraudulently-obtained and now invalid visa and other documents to obtain a Missouri driver license.

    The investigation into Ojedeji began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints that romance fraud victims were mailing packages containing cash and gift cards to the home of Ojedeji’s paramour. Between Dec. 19, 2023, and Jan. 4, 2024, 35 Express Mail packages that had been tracked by Nigerian internet protocol addresses were delivered to the paramour’s address. A court-approved search of the home resulted in the discovery of packages sent pursuant to a Nigerian romance fraud scheme. A total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman. At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total intended loss is more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement. Ojedeji continues to deny any involvement in romance fraud.

    A judge will ultimately determine the loss amount at Ojedeji’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 10. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The immigration charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (CRUZ) and the Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF (HDRO) Closure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of ETF Series Solutions, upon recommendations from Defiance ETFs, LLC, the investment adviser to the Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (CRUZ) and the Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF (HDRO) (each, a “Fund,” and together, the “Funds”), has determined to close and liquidate the Funds immediately after the close of business on April 29, 2025. Shares of the Funds are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

    Effective on or about April 18, 2025, the Funds will begin liquidating their portfolio assets. This will cause the Funds to increase their cash holdings and deviate from the investment objectives and strategies stated in each Fund’s prospectus.

    The Funds will no longer accept orders for new creation units after the close of business on the business day prior to the Liquidation Date, and trading in shares of the Funds will be halted prior to market open on the Liquidation Date. Prior to the Liquidation Date, shareholders may only be able to sell their shares to certain broker-dealers, and there is no assurance that there will be a market for the Funds’ shares during that time period. Customary brokerage charges may apply to such transactions.

    On or about the Liquidation Date, the Funds will liquidate their assets and distribute cash pro rata to all remaining shareholders. These distributions are taxable events. Shareholders should contact their tax advisor to discuss the income tax consequences of the liquidations. In addition, these payments to shareholders will include accrued capital gains and dividends, if any. As calculated on the Liquidation Date, each Fund’s net asset value will reflect the costs of closing the Fund, if any. Once the distributions are complete, the Funds will terminate. Proceeds of the liquidations will be sent to shareholders promptly after the Liquidation Date.

    For additional information, please call +1 833.333.9383 or email info@defianceetfs.com.

    The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment companies. The prospectus can be obtained by calling +1 833.333.9383. Please read it carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    A commission may apply when buying or selling an ETF.

    Defiance ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    Contact Information:
    David Hanono
    833.333.9383
    info@defianceetfs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde Introduces Bill to Enhance USPS Oversight Following Botched Consolidation Process in Georgia

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) introduced the Postal Service Transparency and Review Act to bolster oversight of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) decision-making processes.

    The legislation seeks to address the lack of sufficient oversight of significant changes to postal services following the USPS’s decision to transition and consolidate local Processing & Distribution Centers across North Georgia to the Regional Processing & Distribution Center (RPDC) in Palmetto, Georgia. The agency’s poor planning and mishandling of this transition has extensively disrupted mail delivery operations throughout the region.

    “The U.S. Postal Service’s botched transition and consolidation operation in North Georgia highlights the dire need for oversight reform,” said Clyde. “If the USPS had fulfilled its legal obligation to seek an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission, I believe Georgians would not have been forced to bear the loss of revenue, immense pain, and hardships brought on by mail delays caused by the disastrous transition. I’m hopeful that by strengthening oversight of the Postal Service’s decision-making processes, my legislation will ultimately prevent large scale postal service changes from negatively impacting Americans in the future.”

    Postal Transparency and Review Act

    Currently, under 39 U.S.C. 3661, the Postal Service is required to request an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) before making any nationwide or substantially nationwide service changes. However, the USPS has broad discretion which allows the agency to determine whether a proposed change warrants a PRC review. Additionally, since there is no explicit deadline for the Postal Service to submit changes for review, the agency can delay submission until changes have already been implemented. 

    This has resulted in the Postal Service bypassing necessary oversight, as evidenced by its unilateral decision to implement significant changes to the RPDC network in major metropolitan areas without seeking input from the PRC.

    The Postal Transparency and Review Act addresses this issue by:

    • Requiring the USPS to submit significant proposed changes to the PRC for review no later than 180 days prior to the proposed effective date of such changes.
    • Expanding the submission requirement to include changes that impact service not only at the national level but also at the postal district level, which typically align with state boundaries.
    • Authorizing the PRC to suspend any changes if the Postal Service fails to seek the required advisory opinion under the amended requirements.
    • Mandating that any postal operations changes suspended by the PRC be reverted to their previous state before the implementation of the suspended changes until an advisory opinion is published.
    • Allowing Congress to intervene and disapprove of changes through a fast-tracked joint resolution pursuant to the Congressional Review Act after receiving the PRC’s advisory opinion.

    By strengthening this oversight process, Rep. Clyde’s Postal Transparency and Review Act aims to prevent the Postal Service from bypassing accountability and ensure that changes with significant service impacts undergo thorough review and evaluation. 

    Original cosponsors include Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Austin Scott (GA-08). 

    Text of the Postal Transparency and Review Act is available HERE.

    Background

    On August 13th, 2024, Rep. Clyde led the Georgia Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to then-USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy demanding that he immediately fulfill his legal obligation to seek an advisory opinion from the PRC for the agency’s recent consolidation process in the Peach State.

    On August 22nd, the Postal Service responded to this letter by announcing the agency would finally seek an advisory opinion from the PRC on its “Delivering for America” plan, which encompassed the changes made in Georgia.

    On January 31st, 2025, the PRC published its advisory opinion, which found that the Postal Service’s plan depends on “defective modeling” and does not appear ready for implementation. Additionally, the opinion notes that the USPS’s proposal relies on “overly optimistic financial projections for cost savings” and has “significant negative impacts on rural communities throughout the United States.”

    Related

    Rep. Clyde Demands Audit & Investigation of USPS Mail Delays

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TOBYHANNA MAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD FOR HIS MISAPPROPRIATION OF COVID RELIEF FUNDS AND WITH MAKING A FALSE TAX RETURN IN SUPPORT OF WIRE FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Freeman, IV, age 45, of Tobyhanna, PA, was charged by criminal information with one count of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, over a multi-year period between 2020 and 2021, Freeman submitted at least 10 applications seeking pandemic stimulus funds through both the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on behalf of several entities under his control, including, Second Haven Services for Youth, Inc., Phoenix Behavioral Health Network, LLC, Pocono Wing Hut, LLC, and Legacy Group Real Estate Company. The applications submitted by Freeman were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false employee headcount information, fabricated gross revenues, and costs of goods sold. Freeman additionally made material misrepresentations on these applications about his criminal history, representing that he had none when, in fact, he did. Freeman obtained over $300,000 dollars in stimulus funds through filing the fraudulent applications, which he spent on unapproved personal expenses and which was never repaid. 

    Additionally, and in support of that fraud, Freeman filed a falsified Form 1040 and a falsified W-3 in 2020 for the 2019 tax year claiming thousands of dollars in taxes that were withheld and paid over to the IRS which never happened. In addition to his failure to pay over those taxes, he also attempted to obtain thousands of dollars of tax refund money. Mr. Freeman did this for the purpose of creating a filed tax return in an attempt to obtain additional stimulus funds.

    The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti. 

    “IRS Criminal Investigation agents will continue to be on the front lines to fight fraud.” Stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 23 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Spare developing countries from new US tariffs: UN trade chief

    Source: United Nations 4

    By Conor Lennon

    Economic Development

    As governments and global markets struggle to deal with the massive upheaval unleashed by the United States’ unilateral trade tariffs, Rebeca Grynspan, the head of the UN trade agency (UNCTAD) told UN News on Thursday that the poorest countries – which have a negligible effect on the US trade deficit – should be exempt.

    Ms. Grynspan was speaking in the wake of growing UN concern at the effect on-going uncertainty could have on the most vulnerable developing economies.

    On Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that “trade wars are extremely negative,” and warned that the impact of tariffs could be “devastating.”

    Tariffs are a tax on imports coming into a country which are usually charged to the exporter as a percentage of value – an extra cost which is normally passed on to the consumer.

    In an interview with the Financial Times published on Thursday morning, the UNCTAD chief appealed for the US to reconsider its strategy, noting that the 44 Least Developed Countries contribute less than two per cent of the US’s trade deficit, and that higher tariffs would only make their existing debt crisis much worse.

    Speaking to UN News, Ms. Grynspan laid out the ways that UNCTAD is supporting developing nations, and advocated for closer regional trade ties, which can strengthen their hand in international trade negotiations.

    UN News: The world’s two biggest economies, the US and China, are in the process of imposing or threatening huge trade tariffs on each other. How worried do you think we should all be?

    Rebeca Grynspan: When you the two main global economies impose tariffs, it will affect everybody, not only the economies engaged in the tariff war. We are already in a “new normal” of low growth and high debt, and we are worried that the global economy will slow down.

    Our emphasis has been to put attention on what can happen to countries that are more vulnerable, such as the Least Developed Countries, and small island developing States. What is happening to those countries is what really worries us.

    © ADB/Deng Jia

    A factory in inner Mongolia, China (file)

    UN News: Some experts are saying that this could be the end of the post-war international financial system. Are those fears warranted?

    Rebeca Grynspan: We still don’t know where we will end up. One of the things that we are doing is trying to give the public a real account of what is actually taking place, and what is still just talk.

    The most important point is the problem of the uncertainty. If we know the final position, we will adjust, we will have strategies and we can see how to live with the decisions that are being taken. But if we have a prolonged period of uncertainty, where things change all the time, this is damaging because we don’t know what to do. Investment is paralyzed because CEOs are deciding to sit and wait, which means investment will not come back at the scale the world needs.

    Our first call is for rational decisions to be taken, so we can plan, strategize and adapt to change – but we still don’t know what that change will entail.

    UN News: You’ve made the case for poorer countries to be spared tariff hikes imposed by the US administration. Are your concerns being heard?

    Rebeca Grynspan: I haven’t seen anybody making the analysis that we have made, proving that these countries really are making no contribution to the US trade deficit. Most of the exports that they send to the US are commodities and many of these are exempt from tariffs under the new rules. These commodities don’t compete with the US, rather they help in production processes.

    The point I want to make is that there are a number of countries that don’t really contribute to the deficit, are not important in terms of the revenue [that the US can collect from tariffs] and are not competition or a national security threat to the US.

    So, maybe we can avoid starting new bilateral agreements and negotiations and spare them the pain of the tariffs.

    ILO Asia-Pacific

    Women workers at a textile factory in Viet Nam stitch puffer jackets, destined mostly for Western markets.

    UN News: What advice could you give to a manufacturing worker in a developing country like Viet Nam or Madagascar?

    Rebeca Grynspan: It’s difficult to say, because some countries are receiving higher tariffs than others, and so you don’t know what competitive impact this will have.

    Madagascar is a good example of what we’re talking about, because the country’s main export to the US is vanilla. Their contribution to the US trade deficit is so small it doesn’t even register, so it makes no sense to penalise a country like this.

    UN News: Explain the role that UNCTAD plays in supporting developing countries?

    Rebeca Grynspan: As an organization, we analyse trade, investment, financing and technology from the point of view of development, which means we help countries to take advantage of the opportunities of trade.

    We are not involved in trade negotiations – these take place at the World Trade Organization – but we will help developing countries to get a better deal in trade and help their economies to perform better globally.

    UN News: You have advocated for developing countries to trade more within regional blocs where they can have more say in negotiations with richer countries. Would that be useful in this kind of situation?

    Rebeca Grynspan: Africa has a huge opportunity with the African Free Trade Area. According to our numbers, this could add around $3 trillion to the African economy.

    It’s a huge opportunity, and if they can accelerate the pace, they could take advantage of a bigger market and make economies of scale. African nations need to diversify their economies because, if they continue to be dependent on commodities, they won’t be able to provide their populations with the services and the income they deserve.

    There is also a deepening of trade relationships in Southeast Asia with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and in parts of Latin America with Mercosur (the Southern Common Market).

    These partnerships could be very important, particularly at this precise moment.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crossing borders and closing deals: Alberta’s Q1 update

    As trade threats escalate, Alberta is taking decisive action to secure new global markets, driving diversification and growth to protect the province’s economic future. Alberta is broadening its trade horizons – to reduce risk and build a more resilient economy, ready to weather any storm.

    Despite U.S. tariffs, Alberta’s economy is outperforming expectations, driven by its robust oil production, increased home construction and a diversified economic base.

    Alberta’s economy is built to last, anchored by three powerful pillars – diversifying trade, breaking down barriers and attracting investment. Together, they are driving future success for an economy that leads and outperforms.

    “During challenging economic times, Alberta is strengthening its economy by opening new global markets, eliminating trade barriers, and securing investments that generate jobs and ensure sustained growth.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Unlocking Global Trade

    As the U.S. continues to introduce new barriers to trade, Alberta is focused on expanding its economic pathways elsewhere, such as in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

    In 2024, Alberta’s total trade with non-U.S. countries totalled almost $36 billion, an increase of 10 per cent over 2023. Alberta’s government will continue investing in this growth for the future. Between 2023 and 2024, Central Asia, South and East Asia, South America and Europe all increased the amount of goods they are buying from Alberta. This proves the world relies on Alberta’s high-quality goods and products. Alberta’s top-tier export performance fuels economic growth, creates high-paying jobs and enhances Canada’s global competitiveness, benefiting all Canadians.

    “Expanding our markets is critical to the future of oil and gas in Alberta and we are actively working towards this. The Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission is exploring selling our oil and gas throughout Asia and Europe. Countries like Japan and Korea view our natural gas, hydrogen and ammonia as key to their future economies and transitioning from thermal coal.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    Alberta also doubled the 2025-26 budget for the Alberta Export Expansion Program, funding small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits to promote their products globally. In 2024-25, the program helped more than 450 Alberta companies and organizations join 28 government-led trade missions to countries like Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Philippines and Germany. In 2024-25, Alberta’s government facilitated more than 800 business-to-business meetings on trade missions that connected Alberta companies to global partners, to make substantial international deals.

    Leading Interprovincial Trade

    Alberta remains Canada’s leader in interprovincial trade and continues to lead the way by cutting red tape and reducing regulatory burdens, making it easier for businesses and workers to thrive across provincial borders. Since 2019, Alberta has eliminated almost 80 per cent of its party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, unlocking smoother interprovincial trade and securing better opportunities for Albertans.

    Alberta is tearing down trade barriers to boost both the province’s and Canada’s economies. In February 2025, Alberta joined counterparts across the country in endorsing bold new commitments to further reduce regulatory barriers, implement mutual recognition for goods and services and create new economic opportunities for businesses and consumers. Alberta’s government is bulldozing internal trade barriers – turning roadblocks into smooth highways for Alberta industry.

    Attracting Job-Creating Investments

    When investors set their sights on Alberta, it is a win-win for companies, workers and Alberta’s economy. For example, thanks to the Investment and Growth Fund (IGF), Alberta’s government has secured more than $820 million in capital, created 1,250 jobs and leveraged $25 in private investment for every $1 spent. The IGF is attracting global giants like Lufthansa Technik from Germany, which is bringing 330 new jobs and $120 million in investment, along with NewCold from the Netherlands, which is adding 250 jobs and a $222 million boost to Alberta’s economy.

    “NewCold’s multi-million investment is a direct result of Alberta’s targeted approach to attracting global businesses through tools like the Investment and Growth Fund. With this support, we’re building one of the most advanced cold storage facilities in North America – right here in Alberta.”

    Jonas Swarttouw, executive vice-president commercial, NewCold

    Through strategic investment, Alberta is securing its future by diversifying export markets and expanding global partnerships, because when opportunity knocks, Alberta always answers.

    Alberta’s plan goes beyond braving changing trade-winds – it is about driving economic growth with a strategy built to endure any storm. By diversifying its international trade partners, tearing down barriers to internal trade and bringing in substantial investments, Alberta’s government is forging ahead on a path to an economically unstoppable future.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s exports to international markets in 2024 saw a 4.3 per cent increase year-over-year, with a total value of $182 billion.
    • Despite representing less than 12 per cent of Canada’s population, Alberta ranks second in exports nationwide, accounting for more than 25 per cent of the country’s total exports.
    • In 2024, Alberta exports, imports, and total trade with non-U.S. countries totalled $20.7 billion, $15.1 billion, and $35.8 billion, respectively.
    • Between 2023 and 2024, Alberta’s exports to Central Asia increased by 42.8 per cent, Southeast Asia increased by 41.4 per cent, South Asia increased by 39.9 per cent, East Asia increased by 15.9 per cent to $11.2 billion, Europe increased to $2.2 billion and South America increased by 6.1 per cent to $1.4 billion.
    • Alberta’s government has doubled the Alberta Export Expansion funding from $1 million to $2 million to support more businesses in their efforts to expand into global markets.
    • Recently, the IGF provided $2 million to Crust Craft, a high-capacity bakery company, to support its $51-million expansion in Alberta.
      • In this case, Alberta was competing with a U.S. jurisdiction for Crust Craft’s expansion.

    Related information

    • Alberta Export Expansion Program
    • Export, trade and international relations
    • Trade mission calendar
    • Latest Alberta investment – bringing in the dough

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Origin Bancorp, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUSTON, La., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: OBK) (“Origin”), the financial holding company for Origin Bank, plans to issue first quarter 2025 results after the market closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and hold a conference call to discuss such results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time). The conference call will be hosted by Drake Mills, Chairman, President and CEO of Origin, William J. Wallace, IV, Chief Financial Officer of Origin, and Lance Hall, President and CEO of Origin Bank.

    Conference Call and Live Webcast
            
    To participate in the live conference call, please dial +1 (929) 272-1574 (U.S. Local / International 1); +1 (857) 999-3259 (U.S. Local / International 2); +1 (888) 700-7550 (U.S. Toll Free), enter Conference ID: 66134 and request to be joined into the Origin Bancorp, Inc. (OBK) call. A simultaneous audio-only webcast may be accessed via Origin’s website at www.origin.bank under the investor relations, News & Events, Events & Presentations link or directly by visiting https://dealroadshow.com/e/ORIGINQ125.

    Conference Call Webcast Archive

    If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the webcast will be archived on the Investor Relations section of Origin’s website at www.origin.bank, under Investor Relations, News & Events, Events & Presentations.

    About Origin Bancorp, Inc.

    Origin Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana. Origin’s wholly owned bank subsidiary, Origin Bank, was founded in 1912 in Choudrant, Louisiana. Deeply rooted in Origin’s history is a culture committed to providing personalized relationship banking to businesses, municipalities, and personal clients to enrich the lives of the people in the communities it serves. Origin provides a broad range of financial services and currently operates more than 55 locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Houston, North Louisiana, Mississippi, South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. For more information, visit www.origin.bank.

    Contact Information
    Investor Relations
    Chris Reigelman
    318-497-3177
    chris@origin.bank

    Media Contact
    Ryan Kilpatrick
    318-232-7472
    rkilpatrick@origin.bank

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously convicted Norfolk meth dealer sentenced to over three years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents, William Gus Hart, 45, was convicted in 2016 for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Following his release from prison, Deputy U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest Hart on June 3, 2024, for violating the terms of his supervised release. As the Deputy Marshals approached Hart in the parking lot of a Chesapeake hotel, Hart fled and dropped a backpack and a motorcycle helmet. Hart ran to a grassy area where he laid down on the ground. A Deputy U.S. Marshal located a firearm in Hart’s backpack, which also contained eight grams of methamphetamine and approximately $2,000 in cash.

    As a previously convicted felon, Hart cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Shannon Saylor, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-114.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Leads Legislation to Support Cutting-Edge Research into Corn Genetics and Yields

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would support continued agricultural research to expand knowledge of crop and animal genetics and phenomics. This includes critical research taking place at Iowa State University to increase crop yields while keeping costs low for Iowa farmers and producers.

    More specifically, this legislation reauthorizes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) – which was included in the 2018 Farm Bill as a competitive grant program – at $40 million to fund research concerning genomes and phenomes of both crops and animals critical to American agriculture. Investing in this research will ensure that our producers can reach their full potential through more efficient and secure agricultural production. 

    “Last year, I invited House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to Iowa to meet with our farmers, producers, and agricultural community. In addition to attending the Farm Progress Show in Boone to see the newest advancements in farm technology, we had the opportunity to learn more about research taking place at Iowa State University through the Genome to Phenome Initiative. In part, this initiative studies plant genetics – particularly corn – to determine how to increase yields and make crops more resilient,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Investments in agricultural research are critical to our farm economy and the long-term strength of Iowa agriculture. It’s why I introduced legislation to reauthorize the Genome to Phenome Initiative and ensure that this program receives funding to continue this cutting-edge research. Representing the second largest agricultural-producing congressional district in the nation, increasing yields, lowering input costs, and supporting our farmers are important priorities for agriculture and our rural communities.”

    “In Iowa, we continue to grow more with less and this progress is largely due to our ongoing efforts to enhance corn’s resilience against various environmental challenges through Genomes to Phenomes research,” said Stu Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President and farmer from Galt, Iowa. “Genomes to Phenomes funding plays an important role as we continue advancing corn research and production, ensuring it meets the needs of both farmers and consumers in an ever-changing world. ICGA appreciates Congressman Feenstra’s continued leadership on this important issue.”

    Sitting on the House Agriculture Subcommittee for Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, promoting critical investment in agricultural research has been a priority for Feenstra. Recently, Feenstra helped introduce the Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization (Future FARMER) Act, which includes funding for the Food and Agricultural Sciences Education account in the Farm Bill, helping to promote several agricultural research and education priorities.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Joins Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) joined Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) today in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft to combat these criminal operations.

    “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Congresswoman Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.’

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes.”

    Congresswoman Titus joined six other members of the House in co-leading the legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers,  the American Trucking Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

    Background

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center will allow increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject matter experts, to create a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.

    According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –