NewzIntel.com

Category: India

  • MIL-OSI China: Local media report says 1 black box of crashed Air India plane found

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

    Aviation authorities have found one of the two black boxes of the Air India flight that crashed in the western Indian state of Gujarat, killing 241 on board, local newspaper Hindustan Times said.

    The London-bound flight crashed on Thursday afternoon shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

    “Of the two black boxes, the one in the rear of the aircraft has been located and safely guarded. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will collect the equipment to analyse the recordings. The second black box, in the aircraft’s front portion, is yet to be found,” the newspaper quoting a source said.

    Black boxes are electronic data recorders in the aircraft. The bright orange or yellow rectangular boxes are designed to withstand high-speed crashes, explosions, fire and water pressure.

    Experts said the answer to what went wrong for Air India Flight 171 may lie in these small machines. It contains flight and cockpit recordings, and flight data, which can help investigators to understand the reason behind the plane crash. However, it takes days to analyse the data.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian, apart from two pilots and 10 cabin crew members on board when it crashed at the premises of a medical college.

    Air India on Friday confirmed the crash killed 241 passengers on board, and the only survivor in the incident is being treated in a hospital.

    The Indian government’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated a formal investigation into the crash.

    Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg said he has spoken with Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran following the crash and expressed readiness to support the investigation by Indian authorities.

    The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft bearing number AI171 went down after takeoff at an altitude of 825 feet and crashed on the premises of B J Medical College, causing severe damage to the buildings.

    According to the Federation of All India Medical Associations Doctors Association, one person was killed, while at least five medical students and four relatives of resident doctors were reported missing, and 50 others were injured at the premises of B J Medical College. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: India’s foreign ministry says lot of people lost their lives in plane crash in Gujarat

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

    Debris of an Air India plane is seen at the crash site in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. [Photo/Xinhua]

    India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in Thursday’s plane crash with 242 people on board an Air India flight to London in the western state of Gujarat.

    The Air India flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian on board when it crashed shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

    There were also 12 cabin crew members on board.

    The ministry, however, has not put out an exact figure on the death toll in the plane crash.

    “What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. There are several foreigners. You will receive the updates from the relevant departments — Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India, and others. That is the latest I can share. It is an evolving situation. The rescue operations are on. We need to wait a little more time for exact details to be put out,” India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing.

    Local media reports said that there are no survivors from the ill-fated plane.

    A video of the aircraft flying low and struggling to gain altitude shows the plane going down and exploding in a massive ball of fire.

    Other videos from the site show thick columns of black smoke rising from the ground.

    According to police, the plane crashed directly on the B J Medical College undergraduate hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. The crash caused severe damage to buildings on the premises and several people were reported to be injured.

    A part of the crashed plane landed atop a student hostel, eyewitnesses said.

    Immediately after the crash, authorities rushed fire engines and over two dozen ambulances to the spot to carry out rescue work.

    Police have diverted traffic from the area, and a green corridor has also been established to ferry the injured quickly to the hospital.

    Air India has expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by this devastating event. The airline has changed its logo on social media handles to black after the deadly plane crash.

    The British government has issued a travel advisory, saying they were aware of the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

    “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” reads the advisory.

    Reports said former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was onboard the crashed flight. Web check-in documents obtained by local media said Rupani had completed his check-in in business class on the ill-fated flight.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the plane crash incident as a tragedy and heartbreaking beyond words.

    “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Modi wrote on social media.

    Meanwhile, world leaders have expressed condolences to the families of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. 

    People conduct rescue work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UK sends investigation team to India after deadly plane crash: PM

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

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that an investigation team has been dispatched to India following the deadly crash of Air India flight AI171.

    In a video posted on social media platform X, Starmer said Foreign Secretary David Lammy is leading Britain’s response and that the government is working with Indian authorities to establish the facts.

    Describing the reports and images from the crash as “absolutely devastating,” Starmer assured that updates would be provided as soon as possible.

    Local media reported that Starmer is expected to chair a Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meeting Thursday evening to address the tragedy, a step typically taken during major national or international emergencies.

    Air India has confirmed that flight AI171, which crashed after departing from Ahmedabad Airport, was carrying 242 people. Among the passengers were 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. One British national has been confirmed as a survivor. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Foreign Secretary’s Mansion House Speech 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The Foreign Secretary’s Mansion House Speech 2025

    The Foreign Secretary delivers his 2025 Mansion House Speech.

    My Lord Mayor, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen…

    thank you for hosting me.

    My thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad this morning.

    I have been in touch with Minister Jaishankar to offer my condolences…

    and the Foreign Office has stood up a crisis team to support British nationals and their families.

    Tonight, I want to speak about power.

    This is an audience which will understand that…

    because the City’s financial power scales up every innovation…

    and powers up the world economy.

    Thank you for what you do.

    I became MP for Tottenham 25 years ago.

    I’ll be honest with you…

    I didn’t feel that powerful for many of those years.

    It was a long wait to become Foreign Secretary…

    though not nearly as long as the wait for Tottenham to win a European trophy.

    Politics and supporting Spurs…

    if you stick at them…

    pay off in the end.

    I also want to thank the tens of thousands of diplomats, intelligence officers and development specialists…

    that stand up for Britain in the world.

    Together…

    we’ve tackled wars, evacuations, hurricanes, …

    and thanks to your work…

    much of it classified…

    we are all safer…

    even if your Foreign Secretary is now a little greyer…

    a little thinner…

    and, I hope, a little wiser.

    We do our work in the shadow of history.

    Coming here tonight, I think of Anthony Eden, one of the first Foreign Secretaries to speak in this tradition.

    But I do not think this is the new 1930s.

    The more compelling reference point is 1925.

    A century ago, our world was experiencing what the great historian Adam Tooze called a deluge of modernity.

    New technologies…

    new industries…

    …shifted the balance of power. 

    There is a cheap reading of the 1920s… 

    that a Second World War was inevitable.

    However, I’m not sure it was. 

    With the Locarno Treaties in 1925…

    we almost got there.

    Ultimately though, democracy failed to keep the peace.

    I look back at 1925 today…

    because 2025 is also a molten moment…

    when the earth moves.

    What we are living through is in fact a Great Remaking…

    as modernity leaps forward and reshapes geopolitics.

    In 2025, technology is power.

    Nowhere do we see this more clearly than with China…

    a great civilisation with a long history…

    but today defined as much by their technological cutting edge as anything else.

    Take DeepSeek…

    revealing Chinese AI power.

    BYD’s export boom…

    revealing Chinese battery power.

    And the Chang’e-6 moon landing…

    revealing Chinese space power.

    We cannot ignore how the West and Russia are no longer alone on the technological frontier.

    Nor can we ignore the fact that China has installed more renewables capacity than the US, EU and India combined.

    Britain will be dealing with the threats and opportunities Chinese technology poses for generations to come.

    But it is the United States…

    Britain’s closest ally….

    that is the world’s leading technological power…

    number one when it comes to biotech, AI and quantum.

    But facing such a vast challenge, it is natural the Americans will focus more on the Indo-Pacific.

    And they’ve repeatedly told us, facing Russia, we in Europe need to rely more on ourselves.

    But to quote my friend Vice-President Vance:

    “It’s completely ridiculous to think you’re ever going to be able to drive a wedge between the US and Europe.”

    I agree with J.D. Vance…

    though maybe not when it comes to his love for Diet Mountain Dew…

    I prefer a full fat Coke.

    The United States and China are doing remarkable things with new technology.

    But this is the truth about power today…

    technology is making it more diffuse.

    Power is not just in the hands of the superstates…

    nor the super-spoiler, Putin’s Russia. 

    Many powers are shaping this multipolar age.

    Since 2000, Britain has more Nobel laureates for science than China, India and Russia combined.

    South Korea makes more advanced semiconductors than China.

    The UAE has reached Mars…

    whilst Russia hasn’t been since the collapse of the USSR.

    In 1997, when my party last came to power…

    the US held the majority of the world’s top supercomputers.

    Today, barely a third.

    The cast-list of players is growing.

    When the US talks to Russia, they both head to Riyadh…

    when they talk to China, they both come to London.

    This large group of states, together, are the new great powers.

    This is also our age.

    Your Excellencies, that’s why I want to work even more closely with even more of you…

    some as allies, some as partners…

    some of you on everything, some of you on single issues.

    We are not all the same.

    We do not agree on everything.

    But together, we can build new constellations and coalitions which give us all a seat at the table.

    This is at the heart of our offer to the Global South and our new Approach to the continent Africa.

    It is the core of what I mean by progressive realism.

    Cooperation, not condescension.

    Listening, not lectures.

    A realpolitik of progress.

    For Britain, progressive realism means listening…

    deepening…

    and toughening up.

    For years…

    friends from Africa to Eastern Europe have been saying Britain needs to do more to tackle dirty money.

    Kleptocrats and money launderers rob all our citizens of wealth and security.

    We don’t need to wait for superpowers…

    we can clamp down on blatant theft ourselves.

    And so I can announce today that London will host a Countering Illicit Finance Summit…

    …bringing together a broad coalition for action.

    I will never allow London mansions to be the bitcoin of kleptocrats.

    We will expose them.

    We will punish them.

    And drive them out of our city.

    In the Middle East, I personally find the horrific suffering of civilians in Gaza intolerable.

    We all want to see an immediate ceasefire…

    the release of all the hostages…

    the end of Hamas’ reign of terror.

    That’s why Britain is leading efforts to break the deadlock through new coalitions.

    I can hear others’ desire for peace.

    With France and Canada…

    we sent a clear warning in May that Israel must stop its assault on Gaza.

    With Australia, Canada, Norway and New Zealand…

    we’ve sanctioned those inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank…

    the territory that must form the heart of a future Palestinian state.

    We support the Gulf’s indispensable work on mediation and a plan for the day after.

    Because the two-state solution is the only path to a lasting peace.

    But progressive realism is not only about this…

    but deepening Britain’s alliances and partnerships.

    We actually delivered three deals in two weeks with three of the world’s greatest economies.

    And that’s not all we’ve achieved – we are injecting real momentum into so many of Britain’s partnerships.

    We’re delivering deals for climate…

    launching the Global Clean Power Alliance in Brazil…

    partnering with my friend Mia Mottley’s Bridgetown Initiative…

    securing a climate tech partnership with Qatar.

    Jobs in Cambridge, jobs in Southampton.

    We’re delivering deals for defence…

    the ITAR breakthrough with our AUKUS partners…

    progress in our new fighter jet programme with Italy and Japan.

    Jobs in Glasgow, jobs in Reading.

    We’re delivering deals for growth…

    massive investments from America’s Universal…

    Japan’s car giants…

    German manufacturers…

    and Saudi investors.

    Jobs in Bedford, jobs in north Wales, jobs in Northern Ireland.

    Crucially, we’re also delivering deals on irregular migration.

    Better cooperation with the Balkans…

    new returns agreements with Iraq and Moldova…

    the world’s first sanctions regime targeting smuggling gangs and their enablers.

    This is now a priority for the Foreign Office in a way it never was before.

    This is us playing our bit ensuring those with no right to be here piling pressure on our public services.

    When partners step up on irregular migration…

    this is transforming our wider relationship.

    But if they are unwilling to do so…

    then that has to have consequences for what we can offer them in return.

    And finally, progressive realism is about toughening up.

    I came into politics inspired by the generation who were tested by war in Bosnia and Kosovo.

    My generation here in Europe is the Kyiv generation…

    one that has toughened up.

    The view from that night train to visit President Zelenskyy is not simply out into darkness…

    …but into history in the making.

    You feel what a journey Europe has been on since 2022.

    Britain has toughened up.

    As Secretary of State for GCHQ and SIS…

    I am proud that we are investing £600 million in the UK intelligence community…

    so our spies can defend our way of life.

    As a result, I can confirm today that Britain will spend two point six per cent of GDP on defence from 2027.

    This is a generational uplift…

    keeping working people safe.

    Our soldiers and our intelligence staff are ready to compete with our adversaries.

    And with the new counter-hybrid taskforce I am announcing today…

    our diplomats too will be ready for this murky new age of sabotage and subterfuge…

    where technology is power.

    And I know…

    Europe has toughened up too…

    switching to Putin-free energy…

    as the EU goes further than ever before with common borrowing for military spending.

    Putin believes that we, as Europeans, are unable to stick it out for years to come.

    But just as Ukraine’s heroes have surprised the Kremlin with their endurance…

    so too has Europe been astounding the Kremlin with our dogged persistence in standing with Zelenskyy.

    Today, we had confirmation that Russian casualties in this senseless war have reached one million.

    Every one a reminder that this war is not only a crime against the Ukrainian people…

    but a waste of young Russian lives…

    yet more blood on the Kremlin’s hands.

    With grit, we will prove Putin wrong.

    Europe is not afraid to stand up and fight.

    Our Plan for Change…

    our international strategy…

    is delivering for working people.

    I can see Britain in the years to come…

    safer…

    greener…

    richer…

    happier…

    if we stick to the Plan.

    For me, patriotism has always been about realism…

    And, of course, football!

    Taking the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.

    Taking ourselves as we are, and being proud of it.

    Taking actions that are both astute and bold.

    This is our realpolitik.

    A realpolitik of progress.

    A realpolitik for Britain.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stronger forestry ties with India driving export growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, today announced at the Fieldays Forestry Hub, both inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India this year, aimed at strengthening trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors.

    “India is one of the fastest-growing markets for our forestry exports – and we’re focused on turning that growth into long-term opportunity for New Zealand exporters,” Mr McClay says.

    New Zealand’s wood exports to India have surged from $9.5 million in 2023 to an estimated $76.5 million this year. Pulp exports have more than doubled, from $20 million to $45.6 million.

    “Increased engagement with India is already delivering results. We’re now building on that momentum with a targeted sector focus — including hosting an Indian delegation in New Zealand and planning a Minister-led mission to India later this year.”

    The inbound visit, supported by industry partners, will showcase New Zealand’s world-class forestry systems and sustainable management practices. While the outbound mission will continue to open doors for deeper commercial and government partnerships.

    “Our relationship with India is a priority, and forestry is a key part of that. The goal is clear: to grow the market, remove barriers, and drive better returns back to New Zealand’s foresters and processors.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Backs Federal Response to the Violence in California

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Backs Federal Response to the Violence in California

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador and 24 other Republican Attorneys General issued a joint statement supporting President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in response to violent rioting in California.
    “We will always defend the right to peacefully protest, but there’s nothing peaceful about arson, assault, and anarchy. If you set police cars on fire, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, and loo businesses, you must be held accountable.
    “In California, we’re seeing the results of leadership that excuses lawlessness and undermines law enforcement. When local and state officials won’t act, the federal government must.
    “We stand with law enforcement, we support President Trump’s action, and we will not let chaos take hold in our states.”
    Republican Attorneys General across the country stand united in condemning:

    Violent attacks on law enforcement
    The normalization of mob violence as ‘activism’
    Any attempt to delegitimize efforts to restore order
    Leaders who put politics above public safety

    Attorney General Labrador joined the coalition which includes the Attorneys General of Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Read the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley-Wyden Report Exposes How Organ Procurement Organizations Game the System, Fail to Adequately Address Conflicts of Interest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), current Ranking Member, released the results of their bipartisan investigation into nonprofit Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO), which are responsible for obtaining donated organs for transplant and research in the United States. 
    The senators’ staff report reveals additional transparency is needed to strengthen the integrity of the organ procurement network and ensure the health and safety of organ donors and recipients. The investigation confirms the senators’ long-standing concerns, outlining examples of abuse to boost performance ratings and inadequate efforts by OPOs to identify and resolve conflicts of interest.  
    Building on their nearly two decades of work to bring accountability to the organ donation system, Grassley and Wyden launched their investigation in the 118th Congress. As of 2024, 170 million Americans are registered organ donors. Since 1988, nearly 1.1 million life-saving transplants in the U.S. have been made possible from more than a half-million organ donors.  
    “As millions of American families know first-hand, the organ donation system is a matter of life and death. It’s critical to restore integrity to this system and to strengthen the public’s trust in it. Our investigation uncovered clear examples of OPOs exploiting a loophole in direct opposition to congressional intent. We also uncovered OPOs’ failure to clearly and effectively address conflicts of interest. Together, we are working to ensure the stewardship of precious organs is transparent, accountable and effective in order to save lives,” Grassley said. 
    “Americans expect the national organ transplant system to be fair and efficient so as many patients as possible receive the life-saving donation they need,” Wyden said. “Organ procurement organizations are a key link in this chain, and this investigation demonstrates there’s still more work to be done to improve the system. I look forward to building on our work to make the organ procurement network accountable and successful on behalf of American families who are counting on a transplant.” 
    Full text of the investigative report and records can be found HERE.   
    In the course of its investigation, staff reviewed internal research protocols and conflicts of interest documents produced by seventeen OPOs, including One Legacy, Donor Alliance, LifeQuest Organ Recovery Services, Indiana Donor Network, Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, Mid-America Transplant, New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, LifeBanc, Lifeline of Ohio, Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, Midwest Transplant Network, Versiti Wisconsin, LifeShare Network, Gift of Life Donor Program, Tennessee Donor Services and New Mexico Donor Services. 
    Pancreata Loophole:
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can re-certify OPOs if they meet certain standards. However, CMS has never decertified an OPO, allowing organizations to face little-to-no consequences for underperformance. To enhance accountability, CMS released a final rule in 2020 to update OPOs’ performance metrics. 
    The rule created a loophole allowing pancreata recovered for research to be counted toward recertification, without clear verification the organs were actually used to advance research. Since the CMS rule was finalized five years ago, pancreata recovered for research by OPOs has increased more than four-fold, without a matching increase in researchers’ demand. 
    Grassley and Wyden have sounded the alarm on the pancreata loophole for over three years, beginning with an April 2022 letter to then-Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure. 
    The investigation also found serious concerns regarding OPOs’ relationships with third-party research clearinghouses and biobanks. After handing over procured pancreata to third party research arrangements, OPOs had little-to-no ability to verify the organs were utilized for research or that the research conducted was appropriate. OPOs surveyed by the senators reported an 850% increase in pancreata recovered for research without reporting a clear and corresponding research benefit. 
    This undermines HHS oversight and allows underperforming OPOs to inflate their performance at the cost of critically ill patients. The loophole directly violates congressional intent, including the Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2004.  
    Conflicts of Interest:
    Grassley and Wyden asked eight OPOs to disclose their conflicts of interest policies. Their investigation found CMS does not require uniform conflict of interest policies and procedures, which caused key differences between conflict of interest definitions, as well as who is covered under conflict of interest policies. 
    Despite overwhelming evidence OPOs should address allegations of conflicting business and financial relationships, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is not required to collect details on financial relationships, board member compensation or affiliated businesses. The investigation also found that OPTN and its former sole contractor, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), failed to act following formal complaints about financial conflicts of interest. 
    Recommendations:
    CMS should clarify the requirements and expectations of OPOs reporting pancreata to be counted toward certification or recertification, to ensure OPOs are following the law and congressional intent.
    CMS should further clarify OPO conflict of interest policies to make clear that OPO governing boards and medical advisory boards, as well as CMS surveyors, monitor actual and potential conflicts.
    OPOs should clearly define policy coverage, scope of conflicts and disclosure procedures.
    OPOs should ensure board involvement, oversight and recording.  
    Background: 
    Grassley and Wyden have long sounded the alarm regarding conflicts of interest within the transplant system. In 2020, they wrote to HHS saying, “OPOs have greater financial incentives to focus more on tissue recovery compared to their incentives to recover lifesaving organs.”   
    A 2022 Senate Finance Committee hearing and staff report highlighted a 2012 case involving the Alabama Organ Center (AOC) and its Executive Director who, according to a whistleblower complaint, participated in a “money laundering” scheme and violated AOC’s own “Standard Operating Procedure.” Following multiple apparent financial conflicts between OPOs and outside entities, Grassley and Wyden sent a letter in 2023 requesting answers on certain OPOs’ financial interests and business relationships.   
    Grassley and Wyden are also the authors of bipartisan Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, which marked the first reforms to the U.S. organ donation system in nearly 40 years. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Boeing says it is in contact with Air India regarding the Boeing 787 crash in India

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 12 (Xinhua) — Boeing on Thursday said it is in contact with Air India over the crash of Flight 171 in India.

    “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, rescuers and all those affected,” the company said in a statement.

    According to the Aviation Safety Network, the crash was the first involving a Boeing 787.

    An Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.

    According to Air India, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time /07:38 GMT/. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mescalero Man Receives 27-Month Prison Sentence for Violent Domestic Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for assaulting his girlfriend in a violent domestic incident.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on October 9, 2023, Frank Shorty Trujillo, 20, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim, Jane Doe, at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The incident occurred in the presence of her one-year-old child. During the assault, Trujillo repeatedly punched Jane Doe and bit her on the left leg above the knee. Jane Doe reported fearing for her life during the attack.

    Upon his release from prison, Trujillo will be subject to two years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Issues Statement Following Air India Plane Crash

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    June 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), issued the following statement after the Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad, India:

    “I want to extend my prayers and condolences to the families of the many victims who perished in the Air India plane crash that occurred last night. I hope that Nebraskans will join me in prayer for those who lost their lives and their loved ones. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I also stand ready to support efforts to assist our Indian partners in responding to this tragedy and to ensure the safety of international air travel.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced that Adam Tenbarge II of Chesterton High School is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.  Adam used paint and colored pencils to create his winning artwork, “Journey Through Indiana,” which captures the varied landscapes of Northwest Indiana. 

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to all of the creative students across Indiana’s First Congressional District who participated in the Congressional Art Competition and showcased their artistic ability.  Congratulations to Adam from Chesterton High School on creating such a moving piece of artwork representing our region.” 

    Adam Tenbarge II stated, “I wanted viewers of this piece to get a feel for Northwest Indiana. I hope people are inspired to visit our region after seeing my artwork.”

    Colin May, Art Department Chair at Chesterton High School, stated, “Adam’s powerful creativity is on full display in this piece!  Adam is known for his outstanding technical skill and I had absolute confidence he could pull off such an ambitious piece.  It has stunning color, strong composition and a knowing homage to our beloved northwestern region.  He captured the beauty, serenity and charm of our great state.  I’m so proud of the perseverance he showed to make this happen.  Well done, Adam!”

    Brent Martinson, Principal of Chesterton High School, stated, “We are incredibly proud of Adam Tenbarge II for being named the winner of the Congressional Art Competition.  His talent and dedication to his craft are inspiring, and it’s an honor to see his work recognized at the national level.”

    Dr. Chip Pettit, Superintendent of Duneland School Corporation, stated, “Adam Tenbarge II’s recognition as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition is a tremendous honor for him, his family, and the entire Duneland community.  His artistic talent reflects the excellence we strive for in our schools, and we’re thrilled to see his work showcased in our nation’s capital.”

    Janet Bloch, Executive Director of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and Judge of the Congressional Art Competition, stated, “It was a privilege to jury the competition this year. The dunes, Lake Michigan and the steel mills define our surroundings.  This landscape impacts the way people in our region think, what we value, what we do recreationally, and how we define beauty.  The winning submission depicts these various settings under one unified sky.” 

    To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • ‘National Tragedy’: Amit Shah meets Air India flight crash sole survivor, reviews emergency response

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday described the crash of Air India Flight AI171 as a “national tragedy that has plunged the entire country into mourning” and expressing grief over the immense loss of life, assured families of the victims that the government will provide unwavering support during this time of sorrow.

    Amit Shah visited the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, to meet the sole survivor, other victims’ families, and assess the medical response. He also chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Gujarat government to oversee rescue operations and coordinate investigations.

    “This heartbreaking incident has shaken us all,” he said at a press briefing. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister reached out immediately, and all relevant departments of the Government of India, along with the Gujarat Government, are working together on relief and rescue operations.”

    Providing an update on the casualties, he noted: “The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers, including both Indian nationals and foreign citizens, as well as 12 crew members. Amidst this tragedy, I have received some hopeful news -one passenger has survived. I have personally met him.”

    In a post on social media platform X earlier, Amit Shah expressed his anguish: “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces were swiftly mobilised. I have spoken with Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and the Police Commissioner to take full stock of the situation.”

    Shah emphasised the scale and severity of the disaster, revealing that DNA identification is currently underway to formally confirm the identities of the deceased.

    “Only after the DNA process is completed will we be able to release the names,” he said.

    The minister also highlighted the catastrophic nature of the incident, noting that the blaze erupted with such intensity after the plane went down that “there was no opportunity to save anything.”

    The wreckage was quickly engulfed, making immediate rescue efforts extremely difficult.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, striking a doctors’ hostel near a medical college.

    The impact triggered a devastating explosion, resulting in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. Authorities are continuing recovery and identification operations.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: One Survivor Found After Indian Plane Crash – Media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) — One passenger from a plane that crashed in western India has been found alive hours after the tragedy, the Ahmedabad police chief confirmed on Thursday.

    However, the identity of the survivor has not yet been established.

    “Police have found one survivor sitting in seat 11A. He is currently undergoing medical treatment. I cannot say anything about the number of casualties yet. The death toll may increase as the plane crashed in a residential area,” Ahmedabad Police Chief G S Malik was quoted as saying.

    The Air India flight had 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian on board. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat state.

    There were also 12 crew members on board. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington man sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing meth, fentanyl and heroin

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Tacoma, Washington man who possessed and distributed drugs that impacted Butte and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 14 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Scott Trent Miller, 42, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on September 11, 2024, law enforcement in Butte was informed by a source that Miller was routinely traveling from Washington to Montana to sell drugs. Law enforcement surveilled Miller at a hotel in Butte. They saw him leave and get into a car with another person. A traffic stop was conducted, and Miller denied a request to search the vehicle. During a pat search of Miller, officers found a marijuana pipe and $1,583 in cash. Drug paraphernalia was also found on the other person in the car.

    An officer with a K9 dog was called to the scene and the K9 alerted to the scent of illegal drugs. A search warrant was issued, and officers seized a trash bag containing a large amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, 100 fentanyl pills, and heroin.

    Law enforcement reviewed Facebook records for Miller’s account, which showed him messaging individuals for the purpose of distributing drugs.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Blackfeet Tribes Department of Law and Justice.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Air India crash: what do we know about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ali Elham, Professor of Design Optimisation, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Southampton

    Motive56 / Shutterstock

    An Air India plane bound for London Gatwick airport crashed shortly after take-off on 12 January in Ahmedabad, western India. Flight AI171 was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

    Here, Professor Ali Elham, from the University of Southampton’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, speaks to The Conversation’s Paul Rincon about the plane involved in the crash, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

    How does Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner differ from other passenger planes?

    The Dreamliner was a huge breakthrough in aircraft design. For example, it was the first Boeing aircraft with more than 50% composite material in its structure. In this case, composite material refers mainly to carbon fibre. This carbon fibre was replacing parts of the structure that would have been made from aluminium in previous types of aircraft. This contributed to a huge reduction in aircraft weight.

    There were many innovations in the 787, making it very different from previous iterations of Boeing aircraft, such as the 747 and 767.

    The combination of new engines, improved aerodynamics, and significant weight reduction – largely due to the use of composite materials – resulted in notable reductions in both fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. Another feature was the greatly increased electrification of the plane, with more use of batteries for onboard power systems.

    What is the Dreamliner’s safety record like?

    The Dreamliner has a very good safety record and has been flying for many years without significant problems. But when the plane was new, in 2013 or so, there were a few incidents in which the aircraft’s lithium-ion batteries overheated, in some cases resulting in smoke or even catching fire, both on the ground and during flight. There were no casualties and the aircraft were all able to land safely. But Boeing grounded all Dreamliners for a few months.

    Boeing intensively investigated the problem. They redesigned the batteries, they redesigned the battery containers and then they ran tests and an extensive certification process that allowed them to return the Dreamliners to flight. Since then, there have been no incidents with batteries as far as I am aware.

    Batteries were used instead of getting power from the gas turbines in the engines. The power is used for instruments, for electronics and many other aircraft systems. Increased electrification – getting more of the aircraft’s power from batteries – contributes to reducing carbon emissions, because the gas turbines run on kerosene.

    Do any details currently known about the crash narrow down the search for the cause?

    It’s too early to say anything about the cause of the crash, and as far as I’m aware no official details have been released about the cause.

    Generally speaking, however, when you investigate air crashes, they often involve a chain of problems. One thing happens, then a number of events follow from that. So it might not be one cause here.

    This crash occurred shortly after takeoff. While flying is statistically the safest form of transport, the takeoff and landing phases are generally considered the most critical. This is because aircraft operate closer to the ground, with less time and altitude to respond to technical issues or sudden changes. Although not inherently dangerous, these phases carry a higher risk of incidents compared to cruising at altitude.

    What will the crash investigation focus on?

    They will investigate everything. They will search for the data recorders (black boxes), which are designed to survive a crash. If these are recovered, investigators will be able to view all the flight data, hear all the cockpit conversations. They will take all the information from the control tower. Sometimes clues can be found from all this data. They will also examine the wreckage of the aircraft in detail.

    It’s a different situation from the Boeing 737 Max groundings, which followed two crashes linked to a specific and repeatable software flaw. Similarly, when the Dreamliner first entered service, a series of battery overheating incidents revealed a systemic issue that led regulators to temporarily ground the fleet.

    In the current case, unless investigators identify a recurring technical problem that poses an immediate risk to other 787s, a fleet-wide grounding would be unlikely. Safety is always the top priority, but regulatory responses typically depend on whether an issue appears to be isolated or part of a broader pattern.

    It must be said that the 787 Dreamliner has a very good safety record. It had a very long certification period with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US.

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

    – ref. Air India crash: what do we know about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/air-india-crash-what-do-we-know-about-the-boeing-787-dreamliner-involved-expert-qanda-258853

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: France’s final nuclear tests in the South Pacific, 30 years on

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Roxanne Panchasi, Associate Professor, Department of History, Simon Fraser University

    Former French President Jacques Chirac encounters a protest from members during an official visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in July 1995.
     (European Parliament)

    In recent months, the viability of France’s nuclear arsenal has been making headlines with talk of a French “nuclear umbrella” that might shield its allies on the European continent. In the face of the Russia-Ukraine war, and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in that conflict, the question of how to best defend Europe has taken on an urgency not seen since the height of the Cold War.

    Despite its more robust nuclear weapons capabilities, the United States in the Donald Trump era appears less committed to the defence of its NATO allies. Debates about a French nuclear umbrella aside, these discussions — combined with increased military spending worldwide and resurgent fears of nuclear war — make the history of France’s nuclear readiness and weapons testing feel uneasily current.

    In June 1995, French President Jacques Chirac announced that France would resume testing nuclear weapons in the South Pacific. Just weeks after being elected to office, Chirac ended a three-year moratorium on testing that his predecessor, François Mitterrand, had put into effect in April 1992.

    Chirac insisted this additional series of weapons tests was essential to France’s national security and the continued independence of its nuclear deterrent. The eight planned detonations scheduled to take place over the next several months would, he claimed, provide the data needed to move from real-world detonations to computer simulations in the future. He also said it would enable France to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) banning all nuclear explosions, for military or other purposes, by the fall of 1996.

    France’s history of nuclear tests

    A report on France’s nuclear tests in the South Pacific. (Disclose)

    Chirac’s June 1995 announcement, followed by the first new detonation in September that year, provoked intense opposition from environmental and peace groups, and protests from Paris to Papeete, throughout the Pacific region and across the globe.

    Representatives from the world’s other nuclear-armed states expressed concern that France was choosing to conduct further tests so close to a comprehensive ban. The governments of Australia, New Zealand and Japan also registered their staunch opposition, issuing diplomatic statements, calling for the boycott of French goods and pursuing other measures of rebuke.

    A defensive posture had been a pillar of France’s nuclear weapons policy since the nation first entered the atomic club in 1960 with the detonation of Gerboise Bleue, a 70-kiloton bomb, at Reggane in Algeria. The following three atmospheric and 13 underground Saharan tests resulted in serious long-term health and environmental consequences for the region’s inhabitants.

    In 1966, France’s nuclear testing program relocated to Maō’hui Nui, colonially known as “French Polynesia.”

    The next 26 years saw a further 187 French nuclear and thermonuclear detonations above and beneath the Pacific atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa. They exposed the local population to dangerous levels of radiation, contaminating food and water supplies, and harming corals and other forms of ocean life.

    These experiments — along with the final six underground detonations the French carried out in 1995 and 1996 — left a toxic legacy for generations to come.

    Inadequate compensation for lingering harm

    When Chirac shared his rationale for France’s latest nuclear test series with a room full of journalists gathered at the Elysée Palace in June 1995, he was adamant that these planned tests, and all of France’s nuclear detonations, had absolutely no ecological consequences.

    Today, we know this claim was more than incorrect. It was a falsehood reliant on data and conclusions that grossly underestimated the harmful impact that France’s nuclear testing program had on the health of French soldiers and non-military personnel onsite, inhabitants in the surrounding areas and the environments where these explosions took place.

    Most recently, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, there was an evident deep contradiction between “French Polynesia” as a tourist paradise and idyllic location for the Games’ surf competitions and a space of continuing injustice for test victims that highlights the history of France’s nuclear imperialism in the region.

    In 2010, the French government passed the Morin law ostensibly aimed at addressing the suffering of those significantly harmed by radiation during France’s nuclear weapons detonations from 1960 through 1996.

    The number of people who have been successful in their applications for recognition and compensation remains inadequate, particularly in Algeria. Out of the 2,846 applications submitted by only a fraction of the thousands of estimated victims, just over 400 people in Maō’hui Nui and only one Algerian have received compensation since 2010.

    In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France “owes a debt” to the people of Maō’hui Nui. He has since called for the opening up of key archives pertaining to this history, but there is much more work to be done on all fronts.

    The findings of a recent French parliamentary commission on the effects of testing in the Pacific, scheduled to be released soon, may contribute to greater transparency and justice for victims in the future.

    In Maō’hui Nui, demands for acknowledgement and restitution have been intertwined with the independence movement, while confronting the impact and legacies of the nuclear detonations in Algeria has been fraught with tensions between Algeria and France over the colonial past.

    Future of the test ban treaty

    In January 1996, France conducted its last nuclear test by detonating a 120-kiloton bomb underground in the South Pacific. In September, France added its signature to the CTBT, joining the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, China and 66 other states without nuclear weapons in their commitment not to engage in further nuclear explosions in any context.

    Almost 30 years later, the CTBT has still not come into force. While most signatories have ratified the treaty, China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the U.S. are among the nine that have not. Meanwhile, Russia withdrew its own ratification in 2023. Key non-signatories include India, North Korea and Pakistan — all nuclear-armed states that have conducted their own tests since 1996.

    Given these crucial exceptions to a test ban, the prospects for something as ambitious as the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which not a single nuclear weapons state has signed to date, remain uncertain, to say the least.

    Roxanne Panchasi has previously received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. France’s final nuclear tests in the South Pacific, 30 years on – https://theconversation.com/frances-final-nuclear-tests-in-the-south-pacific-30-years-on-256439

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Plane Crash in India

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the news of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12 June, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people aboard as well as the loss of life and injuries at the BJ Medical College hostel, which was struck during the crash.
     
    He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of India, as well as to all countries whose citizens were affected by this tragedy. He wishes a swift and full recovery to those who were injured.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds to Air India Crash in Ahmedabad

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, India:

    “I am heartbroken by today’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad and want to express my deepest condolences to all those around the world touched by this tragedy. There must be a full investigation to provide answers and prevent such tragedies from happening again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Air India plane crash: Tata Group announces Rs 1 crore support for families of victims

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Thursday announced that the company will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who lost their life in the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad.

    He also said that the Tata Group will cover the medical expenses of those who were injured and ensure they receive full care and support.

    In a statement, Chandrasekaran said: “No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.”

    He added that the Tata Group would also help build a new hostel at B.J. Medical College as part of its support efforts.

    “We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” he mentioned.

    Expressing his grief, Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata said the tragedy has brought “immense grief to countless families”.

    “This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones today,” he said.

    “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them during this unimaginable time.”

    The crash involved Air India Flight 171, which was flying from Ahmedabad to London. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane had 242 people onboard, including ten cabin crew members.

    The DGCA reported that the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1.39 p.m. Shortly after, it sent out a MAYDAY distress signal to the Air Traffic Control (ATC), but no further communication was received after that.

    The aircraft crashed just outside the airport boundary and was seen emitting thick black smoke.

    The flight was being commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as the co-pilot.

    (IANS)

  • Netanyahu to Carney: World leaders express shock and grief over Air India plane crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Top leaders of the world continue to express their heartfelt condolences and deep grief at the tragic crash of an Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The London-bound aircraft, carrying over 200 people, crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghani Nagar.

    “To my friend PMO India Narendra Modi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X.

    Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic crash of Air India flight with the civilian casualties on the ground being equally heartbreaking.

    “I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected onboard. Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students whose lives and futures were struck by this tragedy. At this moment of deep sorrow, the people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with India. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted,” Dissanayake posted on X.

    Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, mentioned that Canada is deeply saddened by the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad.

    “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” he said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Canada for the G7 Summit, next week. Cyprus, another country PM Modi is expected to visit en route to Canada, also expressed shock over the Ahmedabad air crash.

    “Dear PM Narendra Modi, I express my heartfelt condolences to you and the people of India following the devastating loss of Air India Flight AI171. The people of Cyprus mourn with you. In this time of sorrow, we stand by our Indian friends with solidarity and compassion,” stated Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

    Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who was visiting India recently, also took to X to offer his condolences.

    “Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy. There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today,” he stated.

    Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who had just hosted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Brussels, said that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the crash of the Air India flight near the airport in Ahmedabad.

    “Our thoughts are with the victims, the rescuers on the ground, and the people of India in these painful moments. Belgium stands in solidarity with India and all affected communities. Our services are closely following developments,” he said.

    Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad..

    “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe,” said Putin

    President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu also expressed grief and extended solidarity with the Government and people of India.

    “I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this difficult time, the government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India,” Muizzu posted on X.

    Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, too expressed shock over the “heartbreaking news” from India.

    “My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear Narendra Modi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” she said.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

    “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” Starmer posted on X.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took to X, offering his deepest condolences on the tragic accident.

    “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Zelensky posted on X.

    (IANS)

  • Metro rail, highway, and logistics projects reviewed at 95th NPG meeting under PM GatiShakti Plan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 95th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, was held today to assess a series of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency across India. Five major proposals, including a metro rail extension, two highway initiatives, and two multi-modal logistics parks, were reviewed for their alignment with the principles of integrated infrastructure planning and last-mile connectivity.

    One of the key projects discussed was the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2A, proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This project involves the extension of the metro line by 6.032 kilometers from Koteshwar Metro Station to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The extension is designed to significantly boost urban mobility in Ahmedabad by offering quicker and more direct access to the airport for commuters, staff, and residents. Developed in collaboration with the airport authority, municipal corporations, and other local and central stakeholders, the project is expected to ease city congestion and enhance the city’s public transport infrastructure.

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented two highway development projects. The first is the construction of an 8-lane access-controlled highway along NH-248S to improve connectivity to the proposed Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. Designed to support one of India’s most ambitious port projects, the highway will facilitate the movement of cargo to and from the port, which is set to become one of the top ten container ports globally. The highway is projected to handle over 57,000 passenger car units daily by 2030 and will link directly with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and NH-48, ensuring seamless freight evacuation via road and rail.

    The second highway project is a 4-lane elevated corridor in Jodhpur city, which will run 7.63 kilometers from Mahamandir to Akhaliya Chouraha. Aligned along NH-62 and NH-125, the elevated road aims to alleviate heavy urban traffic by bypassing 28 junctions and reducing peak-hour travel times by approximately 20 minutes. The corridor is designed to accommodate future traffic growth and will improve intra-city movement and regional connectivity in Rajasthan.

    Two proposals for multi-modal logistics parks were also reviewed to support India’s broader logistics modernization efforts. The first, MMLP Hyderabad, will be developed in Parkibanda village in Telangana’s Medak district. Spanning 315 acres, this logistics hub is expected to handle 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually by 2028, with its capacity scaling up to nearly 20 MMT by 2070. Its strategic location near NH-44, Manoharabad Railway Station, and the upcoming Regional Ring Road ensures excellent connectivity to industrial clusters around Hyderabad.

    The second logistics park, MMLP Patna, is proposed at Jaitiya village in Bihar’s Fatuah Taluka. Covering 106 acres, this facility is expected to manage 5.43 MMT of cargo annually by 2071. With proximity to Top Sarthua Railway Station, Patna Airport, and multiple national and state highways, the park will be a key node in Eastern India’s logistics network. It will facilitate regional trade and strengthen connections to major hubs like Kolkata and Haldia Port.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the Global Climate in May 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    May Highlights:

    • May and March–May were much warmer than normal for the globe.
    • Global land average precipitation in May was record high, according to preliminary data.
    • Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent was below-normal for the month.
    • Sea ice extent was below average for both poles.
    • Global tropical cyclone activity was below normal with two named storms.
     Map of global selected significant climate anomalies and events in May 2025.

    Temperature

    Globally, May 2025 was the second-warmest May in NOAA’s 176-year record, with a temperature 1.98°F (1.10°C) higher than the 20th-century baseline. This is 0.14°F (0.08°C) cooler than the record set last May (2024). According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, it is very likely that 2025 will rank among the five warmest years on record, with less than a 1% chance of ranking as the warmest year on record. 

     Land and Ocean Temperature Percentiles for May 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.

    May temperatures were above average across much of the globe’s surface, in particular across most ocean areas and parts of every continent. Warm temperature departures were most notable in northern North America, the central and southern parts of South America, the British Isles and surrounding ocean, northern and southwestern Asia and across much of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Pockets of below-average temperatures were present across parts of Alaska, eastern Europe, India and Antarctica.

    Regionally, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arctic all saw their May temperature rank among the 10 highest on record. Europe, Oceania and the Antarctic region also had above-average May temperatures, although they did not rank among the 20 warmest on record. India, parts of the northern Atlantic Ocean, the eastern and southeastern Pacific Ocean, central and eastern Europe and eastern Antarctica had May temperatures that were below average.

    Globally, the March–May 2025 surface temperature was the second-highest in NOAA’s 176-year record, just behind the record set in 2024. This three-month period, defined as meteorological spring for the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, was also the second warmest on record for both hemispheres individually.

    Surface Temperature Departure from the 1991–2020 Average for May 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.

    Precipitation

    May saw varied precipitation patterns globally. Many regions experienced drier-than-average conditions, including parts of North and South America, as well as northern Europe, southwestern Asia, southern Australia and areas in Russia and China. Southern Alaska, the eastern U.S., northern and southern parts of South America, northern and southeastern Australia and widespread parts of Asia had wetter-than-average conditions. Preliminary data indicate that the May 2025 globe land, averaged as a whole, had the wettest May in the historical record, which spans from 1979 to present.

    Snow Cover

    The Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent was the 15th-smallest May extent on record, with 370,000 square miles below average. Snow cover over North America and Greenland was below average by 200,000 square miles and was the 10th-smallest snow cover extent in the 59-year record. Eurasia was also below average by 170,000 square miles–the 16th-smallest extent for May. Below-normal snow cover was observed over Canada, parts of the Rockies in the United States and northern parts of Eurasia, as well as a band from western Mongolia through western China.

    Sea Ice

    Global sea ice extent was 550,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average, ranking as the fifth-smallest May extent in the historical record. Arctic sea ice extent was also below average by 140,000 square miles, tying with 2004 as the seventh-smallest extent in the 47-year record. The Barents, Okhotsk and Bering Seas had lower than normal sea ice extent. The Antarctic sea ice extent was the fifth-smallest for May at 410,000 square miles below average.

    Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in May 2025.

    Tropical Cyclones

    Globally, tropical cyclone activity was below normal during May, with only two named storms. Neither storm reached tropical cyclone strength. One storm formed in the East Pacific basin, while the other formed in the Australian region. 
     

    For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see our May 2025 Global Climate Report or explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Bangladesh should rein in terrorists: India after vandalisation of Tagore’s ancestral home

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India on Thursday strongly condemned the vandalisation of the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore – historically called the Rabindra Kachharibari – in the Sirajganj district of Bangladesh, urging the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in the country to take strict action against the extremist elements involved in the incident.

    “We strongly condemn the despicable attack and vandalisation of the ancestral home of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore by a mob on June 8, 2025. The violent act is a disgrace to the memory and the inclusive philosophy and the teachings that the Nobel laureate espoused in Bangladesh. The attack falls in a broad pattern of systematic attempts by extremists to erase the symbols of tolerance and eviscerate the synchronic culture and cultural legacy of Bangladesh,” said Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly media briefing.

    “We urge the interim government to rein in the terrorists and take strict action against the perpetrators to prevent recurrence of such incidents that sadly have become a repetitive feature,” he added.

    The MEA also reiterated that it wants to establish a positive and constructive relationship with the South Asian neighbour.

    “Our approach to engagement with Bangladesh and our ties with the country are well known. I have stated this from this podium several times. We seek a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, one that is anchored in the aspirations of the people of both countries,” mentioned Jaiswal.

    Bangladeshi media reported that a mob of 50–60 people broke into the Rabindra Kachharibari, which also houses a memorial museum, and vandalised the auditorium and custodian’s office, causing significant damage to the historic building.

    “There were visitors at the site who panicked due to the sudden attack. We took shelter during the attack and informed police immediately,” Bangladesh’s Daily Star quoted Habibur Rahman, a custodian of the Kachharibari, as saying.

    One of the visitors, Enamul Haque, who had arrived with his family, criticised the attack. “Criminal activities at a historic site like Shahzadpur Rabindra Kachharibari are unacceptable,” he said.

    Confirming the incident, Shahzadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC)stated, “A complaint was lodged earlier. We are investigating the matter.”

    The leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, had also raised the issue during his speech at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

    “The sacred legacy of our most precious Kobiguru Rabindranath Thakur was desecrated in Sirajganj, Bangladesh, where a mob led by BNP and Chhatra Shibir activists vandalised the historic Rabindra Kachari Bari. This shameful and utterly disgraceful act of destruction targetted a site that embodies Bengal’s cultural soul and Tagore’s universal message of humanity. Windows shattered, furniture ruined, and a Global Icon’s memory insulted,” he posted on X.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Update: Air India flight AI171, Ahmedabad to London Gatwick

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AAIB Update: Air India flight AI171, Ahmedabad to London Gatwick

    Update on the fatal accident which occurred in Ahmedabad, India on 12 June 2025

    The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation. This is in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 because UK citizens were on board the aircraft.  

    We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation.

    Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident.

    British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): 020 7008 5000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Government e-Marketplace surges past ₹4 lakh crore GMV in just 10 months of FY 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Under the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completes 11 years in office, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore within the first 10 months of Fiscal Year 2024-25. This feat, announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, reflects a nearly 50% growth compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, cementing GeM’s role as a cornerstone of India’s digital procurement revolution.

    Launched in August 2016, GeM has emerged as a trusted platform for transparent and efficient public procurement, serving over 1.6 lakh government entities and 22.5 lakh sellers and service providers. The platform’s GMV for FY 2024-25, achieved by January 23, 2025, outpaces last year’s historic high of ₹4 lakh crore, driven significantly by the services segment, which accounted for ₹2.54 lakh crore (62% of total GMV). The product segment contributed ₹1.55 lakh crore (38%). The services segment’s near-100% growth, fueled by the addition of 19 new service categories, has enabled government entities to procure specialized services like debit card printing, bulk email services, dark fiber leasing, and data center operations management with enhanced efficiency.

    Central government entities, particularly the ministries of Coal, Defence, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Power, and Steel, have been pivotal in this surge. The Ministry of Coal led as the top procurer, with a transacted order value of nearly ₹1.63 lakh crore, including over 320 high-value bids worth approximately ₹42,000 crore for handling and transport services by Coal PSUs. GeM’s versatility is evident in its facilitation of both everyday essentials, such as rations and stationery, and high-end, complex items like advanced technology systems and missile components.

    The platform’s operational excellence was further highlighted by processing 49,960 orders in a single day during FY 2024-25, showcasing its robustness and widespread adoption. Since its inception, GeM has facilitated over 2.59 crore orders, amassing a cumulative GMV of more than ₹11.64 lakh crore. Continuous reforms, including simplified processes and reduced transaction charges, have made GeM more accessible, particularly for Micro and Small Enterprises, startups, and women-led businesses.

  • International Day of Yoga 2025: A global wellness movement led by PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 11 years in office, the Ministry of Ayush has launched preparations for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, heralding it as a global wellness movement. At a curtain-raiser event held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, the Ministry announced that PM Modi will lead a historic yoga session with over five lakh participants in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on June 21, under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

    Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, joined by Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, addressed the media, reflecting on IDY’s transformative journey since its inception. “Following the visionary call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations adopted June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, sparking a global movement rooted in India’s ancient wisdom,” Jadhav said. He highlighted past celebrations in New Delhi, Mysuru, New York, and Srinagar, which have united diverse cultures in the pursuit of health, harmony, and peace.

    This year’s IDY, marking its 11th edition, aims to deepen yoga’s reach across society. The Visakhapatnam event will feature the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), while “Yoga Sangam” sessions at over one lakh locations nationwide will create one of the largest synchronized yoga demonstrations in history. The theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” echoes India’s G20 Presidency vision and the ethos of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease), promoting holistic well-being.

    Jadhav commended the Andhra Pradesh government and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their “YogaAndhra” campaign, which seeks to build a community of 10 lakh regular yoga practitioners. He outlined ten Signature Events planned over 100 days, including Yoga Samavesh for inclusivity and Yoga Bandhan for international partnerships, to promote yoga as a way of life. Countdown events at 100-day, 75-day, 50-day, and 25-day milestones in Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Puducherry have already generated significant enthusiasm.

    “Yoga is more than postures and breathing—it’s a lifestyle,” Jadhav told the media, urging their support to make IDY 2025 a landmark event inspiring millions to embrace yoga for a healthier, happier society.

    Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha noted that over 60 countries are organizing activities for IDY 2025, aligning with the theme and Signature Events. Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Officer on Special Duty for IDY Coordination, presented the event’s scale and strategy, emphasizing collaborations with state governments, civil society, and global partners. The Ministry is leveraging digital tools and grassroots mobilization to position IDY 2025 as a global celebration of wellness.

  • MIL-OSI: Celebrate Freedom, Celebrate America! American Rebel Light Beer—Free Shipping Through June 30th to Honor the Fourth of July and America’s Birthday!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Stock up on “Rebel Light” prior to the Fourth of July—Free Shipping Ends June 30th!
    • America’s Fastest Growing Beer – American Rebel Light now shipping to more than 40 states across the U.S.A.

    Nashville, TN, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB), through its American Rebel Beverages subsidiary and America’s Patriotic Beer – American Rebel Light Beer (www.americanrebelbeer.com) proudly announces, just in time for summer celebrations, a limited-time Free Shipping offer now through June 30th. Customers can order directly from http://shop.americanrebelbeer.com/.

    Raise a Cold One to the Red, White, and Blue!

    Independence Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate freedom than with America’s Patriotic Beer—American Rebel Light Beer! Whether you’re grilling, launching fireworks, or simply raising a toast to liberty, make sure you’ve got American Rebel Light Beer on hand. Time to stock up on American Rebel Light Beer—a better-for-you, all-natural light lager made for freedom-loving Americans.

    “There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with a cold can of American Rebel Light Beer,” said Andy Ross, CEO of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. “This is more than just a beer—it’s a salute to our country, our Constitution, and those who protect our freedom. Raise a “Tall Boy” and toast to the red, white, and blue!”

    Order Now!

    Freedom Delivered to Your Door—Online Sales Are Soaring!

    Patriotic Americans nationwide are stocking up as online sales rapidly increase. This better-for-you, all-natural light lager represents everything we stand for—and now, it’s easier than ever to get your beer of freedom delivered straight to your doorstep!

    Limited-Time Free Shipping—Order Now Before June 30th!

    This exclusive free shipping offer is available through June 30th, making it effortless to prepare for Fourth of July celebrations. Join the movement and drink to independence—because every sip is a salute to the land of the free!

    Stock up now at shop.americanrebelbeer.com and toast to freedom this Fourth of July!

    With delivery now available to over 40 states, American Rebel Light Beer is making it easy to celebrate America anywhere this summer. With strong consumer engagement and nationwide accessibility, American Rebel Light Beer continues to build momentum. Order your American Rebel Light Beer now at shop.americanrebelbeer.com

    States we ship to:

    AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NC, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    American Rebel Light Beer is America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer follow us on our social media platforms.

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer

    For more information, visit americanrebelbeer.com

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories.

    To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Watch the American Rebel Story as told by our CEO Andy Ross visit The American Rebel Story

    Media Inquiries:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@Precisionpr.co
    917-280-7329

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our continued sponsorship of high profile events, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Video games teach students in this class how religion works in the modern world

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Naparstek, Associate Teaching Professor Religious Studies, University of Tennessee

    A man plays the Chinese action role-playing game ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ during its launch day in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on Aug. 20, 2024. STR/AFP via Getty Images

    Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

    Title of the course

    Religion and Gameworlds

    What prompted the idea for the course?

    Most of my research is in Chinese religions, and I find it fascinating that popular video games – like many popular films before them – draw from the mythologies, cosmologies, unseen powers and heroic narratives found across the world’s religious traditions.

    Recent examples such as “Black Myth: Wukong” and “Raji: an Ancient Epic” draw explicitly from mythologies and religious narratives of China and India, respectively, putting the player in direct contest against pantheons of gods. Meanwhile, games such as “Sid Meier’s CIV VI,” where players develop an historical civilization from the Stone Age to Space Age in a quest for global domination, explicitly utilize religion as ways to develop and conquer the world.

    At the same time, the interactive experience of a video game makes it an especially interesting place to study religion. When your character uses magic, interacts with powerful deities, or even achieves godlike status themselves, the player also shares such experiences on some level as well. Sometimes, viewers’ experiences blur the lines between “real life” and on-screen.

    Some churches have even used the game “Second Life” to offer worshippers the option of getting baptized using their digital avatar in the game. This kind of practice raises poignant questions about how we understand religion in our modern world.

    A still from the ‘Second Life’ game.
    Strawberry/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    What does the course explore?

    What makes this course different from many others that utilize video games is that the student experience of playing the games influences how we frame our investigation of religion. Students wrestle with questions about how religion helps build the worlds they are experiencing.

    We meet in the game lab as a class once a week to observe and analyze each other’s experiences playing different kinds of games.

    We start the week with relevant theoretical and historical framing in the traditional classroom. For example, in our investigation of “Black Myth: Wukong,” a game inspired by the 16th-century novel “Journey to the West,” students first read selections from the work as they learn about its protagonist, the trickster monkey god Sun Wukong.

    In the novel, Wukong picks fights with all the gods in an attempt to overthrow the cosmic order, only to eventually be violently put in his place by the highest gods of the Chinese pantheon. Our class discussions thus serve as a general introduction to Chinese religions, while we also get to discuss the theoretical basis for culturally defined ideas such as what makes a hero.

    Playing as a descendant of Sun Wukong, students explore enchanted landscapes, interact with local spirits and engage in magical combat against the very gods that we learned about in class.

    Each week, students note their observations, carefully detailing their experience playing the game, as well as the experience of watching others do the same. Students are also asked to analyze the ways in which religious themes, narratives and practices played a role in the game world they experienced.

    We conclude the class with weekly reflections on the overall experience.

    What will the course prepare students to do?

    In 2024, the video game industry boasted over US$184 billion generated in market value. The global reach of games allows new audiences to experience and learn about religious narratives and practices in new ways.

    Popular media has long been a powerful mode of cultural exchange. Video games are just a recent example, but the scale to which gamers around the world connect with each other through playing demands more attention.

    The wild popularity following the 2024 release of the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” the first premier produced game out of China for an international audience, suggests that this kind of experience is truly a global phenomenon that will only continue to grow. It only makes sense that video games can serve as powerful pedagogical tools as well.

    The goal of the course is to prepare students to better understand the broader contexts in which their shared experience of enjoying video games derives. Learning about the role of religion in shaping that experience allows students to better understand how religion shapes our modern world.

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

    – ref. Video games teach students in this class how religion works in the modern world – https://theconversation.com/video-games-teach-students-in-this-class-how-religion-works-in-the-modern-world-257511

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI China: Air India plane with 242 people onboard crashes near airport in India’s Gujarat

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

    People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.

    The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

    According to Air India, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members.

    “Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals,” the airline said.

    Air India has expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by this devastating event.

    “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said in a statement.

    Chandrasekaran said further updates will be shared as they receive more verified information.

    People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “An emergency center has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” he further said.

    Local media reports said the plane had reached approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended. Police said the plane crashed on the building of a doctors’ hostel.

    There were no reports of any survivors currently, and officials, so far, have not issued any statement on the number of casualties or injured in the crash.

    “As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors’ hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 percent of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here,” a police official told media.

    Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city.

    According to officials, immediately after the crash, authorities rushed over two dozen ambulances to the spot to carry out rescue work.

    Video footage from the site aired on television news channels shows thick columns of smoke rising from the ground.

    Police have diverted traffic from the area, and a green corridor has also been established to ferry the injured quickly to the hospital.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Gatwick Airport confirms plane that crashed in India was heading to London

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    LONDON, June 12 (Xinhua) — London’s Gatwick Airport has confirmed that flight AI171, which crashed while taking off from Ahmedabad, India on Thursday, was scheduled to land at Gatwick at 18:25 local time.

    “Additional information will be released later,” the airport said on social media X.

    An Air India plane with more than 200 people on board crashed on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, local media reported.

    The plane was heading to Britain. Indian TV footage showed thick black smoke rising near the airport. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –