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Category: India

  • UN peacekeepers attacked by civilians in Lebanon, no casualties reported

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A large group of civilians wielding metal rods and axes attacked a patrol of U.N. troops in southern Lebanon on Friday, causing damage to U.N. vehicles but no injuries, a United Nations peacekeeping force said.

    The U.N. troops used non-lethal force to protect themselves and those present, according to the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), adding the patrol had been on a routine operation between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim.

    The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were notified and arrived shortly after the incident, escorting the patrol back to base.

    UNIFIL said the patrol had been pre-planned and coordinated with the LAF.

    The U.N. peacekeeping mission stressed that its mandate, under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, guarantees freedom of movement in its area of operations with or without LAF accompaniment.

    On Wednesday, UNIFIL said that direct fire from the Israeli army had hit the perimeter of one of its peacekeeping positions in south Lebanon. UNIFIL said the incident on Tuesday was the first of its kind since Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire last November.

    (Reuters)

  • EU readying new sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, von der Leyen says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday as leaders from across Europe met in Tirana.
     
    The EU, however, has already adopted 17 sanction packages – the latest one this week – and diplomats say it is increasingly difficult to get the necessary unanimity among the bloc’s 27 members to pass new measures.
     
    “He does not want peace, so we have to increase the pressure, and this is why we are working on a new package of sanctions,” von der Leyen said, referring to Putin, before the European Political Community summit in Albania.
     
    “This package will include for instance sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. It will include working on listing more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet and also lowering the oil price cap, and also more sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.”
     
    Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, each consisting of two pipes, were built by Russia’s state-controlled Gazprom to pump natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. They were ruptured by a series of blasts in 2022.
     
    “Massive” sanctions European leaders have threatened over the past days would need U.S. support to succeed, officials and diplomats have said.
     
    Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Istanbul on Friday for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
     
    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but has spurned a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet him in person, and instead has sent a team of mid-ranking officials to the talks.
     
    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Putin “made a mistake by sending a low-level delegation”.
     
    “What we saw yesterday and overnight is yet more evidence that Putin is not serious about peace,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said as he arrived at the Tirana summit.
     
    “He’s been dragging his heels, and I think it’s really important therefore, that we have absolute unity with our allies. We’ll be working on that again today to be clear that there must be a ceasefire, but also to be clear that should there not be a ceasefire, then we will act together in relation to sanctions.”
     
    (Reuters)

  • APEC highlights ‘fundamental challenges’ in global trade as tariffs overshadow meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group adopted a statement on Friday that cited “fundamental challenges” facing the global trading system, but stopped short of discussing a joint response to U.S. tariffs looming large over its meeting.

    The annual gathering is the first major multilateral trade gathering since U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs that hit more than half of the 21 members of the bloc with U.S. import duties in excess of the 10% minimum.

    “We are concerned with the fundamental challenges faced by the global trading system,” APEC members said in the joint statement.

    They also said they remained committed to APEC as the main forum for regional economic cooperation and addressing the economic challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region.

    The statement expressed support for the continued role of the World Trade Organization, while noting its shortcomings.

    “We recognise the importance of the WTO to advance trade issues, and acknowledge the agreed-upon rules in the WTO as an integral part of the global trading system.”

    The statement also said that “the WTO has challenges and needs meaningful, necessary, and comprehensive reform to improve all its functions, through innovative approaches, to be more relevant and responsive in light of today’s realities”.

    The Trump administration views the WTO as a body that has enabled China to gain an unfair export advantage and has recently moved to suspend U.S. funding to the institution.

    Kim Yong Jin, a management professor at Sogang University in Seoul, said the joint statement reflected U.S. claims “they are at a disadvantage under WTO, and that needs to be fixed.”

    APEC warned at the start of the meeting that exports from a region that accounts for around half of world trade would slow sharply this year as a result of the U.S. tariffs.

    Earlier on Friday, some diplomats from member countries had expressed doubts the group would even be able to adopt a joint statement, although they said South Korea Minister for Trade, Cheong In-kyo, had pushed hard for some consensus.

    “There was new momentum created through these meetings to overcome a difficult situation … as APEC urged a trans-regional effort to break through uncertainties engulfing the global economy,” Cheong told a briefing.

    In February, a Group of 20 meeting of finance ministers and central bankers in Cape Town failed to agree a joint communique after top officials from several countries, including the United States, skipped it.

    Cheong said there was no “official” discussion about a joint response to U.S. tariffs, despite pressure from some members for such talks.

    “From our standpoint, it is difficult to jointly respond because each country is in a completely different situation,” he said.

    APEC is a non-binding regional economic forum established in 1989 to facilitate deepening ties in the Asia-Pacific region, with the United States, China, countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan among its member economies.

    BILATERAL MEETINGS

    For many of the member economies, the attendance of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raised the stakes of the conference held on South Korea’s Jeju Island, ahead of a leaders’ summit scheduled later in the year.

    On the first day, many, if not all, of the representatives had or sought a meeting with Greer, according to host country officials.

    Greer met China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang on Thursday, less than a week after their first face-to-face talks in Geneva on May 10-11, where they agreed to significantly lower tariffs for 90 days.

    Beijing’s commerce ministry spokesperson, He Yongqian, told a press conference that China was always open to discussing economic and trade relations with the United States through offline communication, but gave no details on the substance of the latest talks.

    According to a statement from the ministry, China’s Li said at the APEC meeting that in recent years individual economies had implemented so-called reciprocal tariffs, which provoked global trade frictions and strong dissatisfaction and opposition from many trading partners.

    Greer also spoke with South Korea’s Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, three weeks after Seoul and Washington held their opening round of trade talks, and ministers from Malaysia and Taiwan, yielding optimism that further talks would lead to reduced tariffs.

    (Reuters)

  • IIFT sets up first overseas campus in Dubai, marking historic step in global expansion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major stride towards internationalising Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The move marks a significant milestone in IIFT’s 62-year history and underscores India’s growing presence in the global education landscape.

    The announcement was made by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday. The new campus has received the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Education, along with No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the development as a reflection of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of making India a global hub for education. “This truly reflects the spirit of NEP 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalisation of Indian education and its growing role in shaping global thought leadership. It is also a testament to the strengthening India-UAE partnership,” he said.

    Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal described the Dubai campus as a turning point in IIFT’s journey. “This represents India’s emergence as a provider of world-class education, especially in the field of international trade,” he noted, while applauding the institute’s continued focus on aligning academic and research efforts with national priorities.

    Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who supported the initiative. Reaffirming the institute’s commitment to excellence, he said, “We aim to transform IIFT into a world-class institution through our Dubai campus by excelling in education, training, and research in international trade.”

  • India’s current sugar season to end with 52 lakh tonnes of buffer stock: ISMA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes, leaving a comfortable buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes to meet domestic demand, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday.
     
    The estimated figure includes 257.44 lakh tonnes of sugar produced up to mid-May in the current season, along with an additional 4 to 5 lakh tonnes expected from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, ISMA stated.
     
    “The season commenced with an opening stock of 80 lakh tonnes. Considering the projected domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and export estimates of up to 9 lakh tonnes, the closing stock is likely to be around 52–53 lakh tonnes. This reflects a comfortable buffer, ensuring that the country has sufficient sugar to meet domestic demand,” the association added.
     
    So far, around 27 lakh tonnes of sugar have been diverted for ethanol production up to April 30, 2025. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted for the same purpose over the remainder of the season, ISMA noted.
     
    As of May 15, 2025, total sugar production in the ongoing season has reached 257.44 lakh tonnes, with two factories still in operation—both located in Tamil Nadu, where the main crushing season is still underway.
     
    To augment production, several factories in South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are expected to resume operations during the special crushing season, which typically runs from June/July to September. Historically, this season contributes an additional 4 to 5 lakh tonnes of sugar production.
     
    Looking ahead, the industry body said the 2025–26 sugar season is shaping up to be promising, supported by favourable developments across key sugar-producing regions.
     
    In the southern states—particularly Maharashtra and Karnataka—sugarcane planting has seen a notable increase due to a favourable southwest monsoon in 2024. With strong cane availability, the crushing season is expected to begin on time in October 2025.
     
    In the northern region, including Uttar Pradesh, varietal replacement initiatives are likely to boost cane yields and improve sugar recovery rates.
     
    Further strengthening this positive outlook are climate forecasts from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet, which predict a normal southwest monsoon in 2025.
     
    “This bodes well for crop health and production, bolstering confidence in a robust and productive sugar season ahead,” ISMA said.
     
    — IANS
     
    –IANS

  • India’s fight against terror now part of defence doctrine: Defence Minister at Bhuj Air Force Station

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that combating terrorism is now a core element of India’s defence doctrine, asserting the government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate “hybrid and proxy warfare.”
     
    “Attacking and eliminating terrorism is the new normal,” Singh said while addressing air warriors at the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat.
     
    In a stern message to Pakistan, Singh cautioned that Operation Sindoor—India’s recent offensive against terror infrastructure—“is not over yet.” He added that the current ceasefire with Pakistan should be seen as “probation,” contingent on Islamabad’s actions.
     
    “Our actions were just a trailer. We will show the full picture, if need be,” he warned. “India is prepared to mete out the harshest punishment if Pakistan fails to dismantle its terrorist networks.”
     
    Singh accused Pakistan of rebuilding the very terror infrastructure destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor. He urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its $1 billion assistance package to Islamabad, warning that the funds may be misused to finance terrorism.
     
    “Pakistan will spend the tax collected from its citizens to give around Rs 14 crore to Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organisation, even though he is a UN-designated terrorist. The Pakistan government has also announced financial assistance to rebuild the terror infrastructure of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed located in Muridke and Bahawalpur. Certainly, a large part of IMF’s one billion dollars assistance will be used to fund the terror infrastructure. Will this not be considered indirect funding by IMF? Any financial assistance to Pakistan is no less than terror funding,” Singh said, adding, “India’s contributions to the IMF should not be used, directly or indirectly, to finance terrorism in Pakistan or anywhere else.”
     
    He commended the Indian Air Force for its swift and decisive role in Operation Sindoor, stating that it destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in just 23 minutes.
     
    “When missiles were dropped inside enemy territory, the world heard the echoes of India’s valour and might,” Singh said, adding that the IAF’s strikes on terror camps and air bases demonstrated the transformation in India’s war strategy and technological capabilities.
     
    Singh also highlighted the superior performance of indigenous weaponry during the operation, including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems.
     
    “Made-in-India weapons are now integral to our military strength. These are not only effective but impenetrable,” he said.
     
    Reiterating the government’s commitment to modernising the armed forces, Singh noted that India is shifting from being a major defence importer to a growing exporter. “We used to rely heavily on imports, but today we manufacture artillery systems, radar, missile shields, drones, and counter-drone systems right here. And this is just the beginning,” he said.
     
    Praising Bhuj as the “land of patriotism,” Singh recalled its strategic role in India’s victories over Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, and more recently, in the success of Operation Sindoor.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Top Prize Awarded in Lunar Autonomy Challenge to Virtually Map Moon’s Surface

    Source: NASA

    NASA named Stanford University of California winner of the Lunar Autonomy Challenge, a six-month competition for U.S. college and university student teams to virtually map and explore using a digital twin of NASA’s In-Situ Resource Utilization Pilot Excavator (IPEx). 
    The winning team successfully demonstrated the design and functionality of their autonomous agent, or software that performs specified actions without human intervention. Their agent autonomously navigated the IPEx digital twin in the virtual lunar environment, while accurately mapping the surface, correctly identifying obstacles, and effectively managing available power.

    Adam dai
    Lunar Autonomy Challenge team lead, Stanford University

    Dai added, “It pushed us to find solutions robust to the harsh conditions of the lunar surface. I learned so much through the challenge, both about new ideas and methods, as well as through deepening my understanding of core methods across the autonomy stack (perception, localization, mapping, planning). I also very much enjoyed working together with my team to brainstorm different approaches and strategies and solve tangible problems observed in the simulation.” 
    The challenge offered 31 teams a valuable opportunity to gain experience in software development, autonomy, and machine learning using cutting-edge NASA lunar technology. Participants also applied essential skills common to nearly every engineering discipline, including technical writing, collaborative teamwork, and project management.
    The Lunar Autonomy Challenge supports NASA’s Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII), which is part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate. The LSII aims to accelerate technology development and pursue results that will provide essential infrastructure for lunar exploration by collaborating with industry, academia, and other government agencies.

    Niki Werkheiser
    Director of Technology Maturation and LSII lead, NASA Headquarters

    “To succeed, we need input from everyone — every idea counts to propel our goals forward. It is very rewarding to see these students and software developers contributing their skills to future lunar and Mars missions,” Werkheiser added.  
    Through the Lunar Autonomy Challenge, NASA collaborated with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Caterpillar Inc., and Embodied AI. Each team contributed unique expertise and tools necessary to make the challenge a success.
    The Applied Physics Laboratory managed the challenge for NASA. As a systems integrator for LSII, they provided expertise to streamline rigor and engineering discipline across efforts, ensuring the development of successful, efficient, and cost-effective missions — backed by the world’s largest cohort of lunar scientists. 
    Caterpillar Inc. is known for its construction and excavation equipment and operates a large fleet of autonomous haul trucks. They also have worked with NASA for more than 20 years on a variety of technologies, including autonomy, 3D printing, robotics, and simulators as they continue to collaborate with NASA on technologies that support NASA’s mission objectives and provide value to the mining and construction industries. 
    Embodied AI collaborated with Caterpillar to integrate the simulation into the open-source  driving environment used for the challenge. For the Lunar Autonomy Challenge, the normally available digital assets of the CARLA simulation platform, such as urban layouts, buildings, and vehicles, were replaced by an IPEx “Digital Twin” and lunar environmental models.
    “This collaboration is a great example of how the government, large companies, small businesses, and research institutions can thoughtfully leverage each other’s different, but complementary, strengths,” Werkheiser added. “By substantially modernizing existing tools, we can turn today’s novel technologies into tomorrow’s institutional capabilities for more efficient and effective space exploration, while also stimulating innovation and economic growth on Earth.”
    FINALIST TEAMS
    First PlaceNAV Lab teamStanford University, Stanford, California

    Second PlaceMAPLE (MIT Autonomous Pathfinding for Lunar Exploration) teamMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

    Third PlaceMoonlight teamCarnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

    OTHER COMPETING TEAMS

    Lunar Explorers
    Arizona State University
    Tempe, Arizona

    AIWVU
    West Virginia University
    Morgantown, West Virginia

    Stellar Sparks
    California Polytechnic Institute Pomona
    Pomona, California

    LunatiX
    Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering
    Baltimore

    CARLA CSU
    California State University, Stanislaus
    Turlock, California

    Rose-Hulman
    Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
    Terre Haute, Indiana

    Lunar Pathfinders
    American Public University System
    Charles Town, West Virginia

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review progress of fisheries sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the progress of the fisheries sector, with a focus on fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and high seas.

    In the meeting, PM Modi emphasized the extensive use of satellite technology to harness better use of fish resources and provide safety instructions to fishermen, modernization through smart harbours and markets, use of drones in transportation and marketing of the catch, and improvements in processing and packaging of the produce.

    PM Modi said that, similar to agro tech in the agriculture sector, adoption of fish tech in the fisheries sector should be enhanced for improving the production, processing, and marketing practices.

    He suggested the usage of seaweeds for fuel purposes, as nutritional inputs in pharmaceuticals and other sectors, and fisheries production in Amrit Sarovars to improve the livelihoods of the fishermen. PM Modi said that ornamental fisheries also need to be promoted along with a strategy to serve the needs of landlocked areas, where there is high demand for fish but not enough supply.

    He suggested undertaking capacity building of fishermen in modern fishing practices, and maintenance of a negative list of items that hinder the growth of the sector. Facilitation of investments from the private sector was also discussed in the meeting.

    Since 2015, the government has stepped-up investment to Rs. 38,572 crore through various Central schemes and programs – namely Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). India has registered an annual fish production of 195 lakh tons in 2024-25 with a sectoral growth rate of more than 9%.

  • Two climbers, from India and the Philippines, died on Everest

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Indian climber and another from the Philippines became the first mountaineers to die on Mount Everest in the current March-May climbing season of the world’s highest peak, hiking officials said on Friday.

    Subrata Ghosh, 45, from India, died on Thursday below the Hillary Step while returning after reaching the 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) peak.

    “He refused to descend from below the Hillary Step,” said Bodhraj Bhandari of Nepal’s Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition organising company.

    No other details were available.

    The Hillary Step is located in the ‘death zone’, an area between the 8,000-metre (26,250 ft) high South Col and the summit where the level of natural oxygen is inadequate for survival.

    “Efforts are underway to bring his body down to the base camp. The cause of his death will be known only after post post-mortem,” Bhandari said.

    Philipp II Santiago, 45, from the Philippines, died late on Wednesday at the South Col while he was on his way up, said Himal Gautam, a tourism department official.

    Santiago was tired when he reached the fourth high camp and died while resting in his tent, Gautam added.

    Santiago and Ghose were both members of an international expedition organised by Bhandari.

    Nepal has issued 459 permits to climb Everest during the current season that ends in May. Nearly 100 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit this week.

    Mountain climbing, trekking, and tourism are a source of income and employment for Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world.

    At least 345 people have died on Everest in more than 100 years since summiting expeditions were known to have started, according to the Himalayan Database and hiking officials.

    –Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra – Withdrawal of Directions

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India had issued Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra vide Directive No. DCBS.CO.BSD-I/D-7/12.22.395/2017-18 dated May 18, 2018 for a period of six months up to the close of business on November 18, 2018. The same were modified from time to time and were last extended up to the close of business on May 17, 2025.

    2. After reviewing the financial position of the bank, the Reserve Bank of India on being satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary to do so and in exercise of the powers vested in it under sub-section (2) of Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 hereby withdraws the Directions issued to Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra with effect from the close of business on May 16, 2025.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/349

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Russians and Ukrainians in Turkey for what would be first talks in 3 year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Istanbul on Friday for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

    The encounter anticipated at the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus would be a sign of diplomatic progress between the warring sides, who had not met face-to-face since March 2022, the month following Russia’s invasion.

    Expectations for a major breakthrough, already low, were dented further on Thursday when Trump said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

    Trump, winding up a Middle East tour and heading back to Washington, said on Friday he would meet the Russian leader “as soon as we can set it up”.

    In Istanbul, a Reuters reporter saw the first vehicles arriving at the talks venue, including white minibuses and several black cars. A Turkish Foreign Ministry source said a meeting had started between Turkish, U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

    Turkish sources had said the Ukrainian and Russian delegations would meet in the presence of Turkish officials, beginning at 0930 GMT.

    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but has spurned a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet him in person, and instead has sent a team of mid-ranking officials to the talks.

    Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also flew to Istanbul on Friday, told reporters the night before that, based on the level of the negotiating teams, a major breakthrough was unlikely.

    “I hope I’m wrong. I hope I’m 100% wrong. I hope tomorrow the news says they’ve agreed to a ceasefire; they’ve agreed to enter serious negotiations. But I’m just giving you my assessment, honestly,” he said.

    Russia says it sees the talks as a continuation of the negotiations that took place in the early weeks of the war in 2022, also in Istanbul.

    But the terms under discussion then, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

    With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

    Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

    (Reuters)

  • India and Honduras deepen bilateral ties with inauguration of Honduran Embassy in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday inaugurated the Embassy of Honduras in New Delhi, calling the event a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.

    Dr. Jaishankar said that it marked a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also expressed appreciation for Honduras’ strong message of solidarity with India in opposing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    The establishment of the Honduran Embassy is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, promote economic cooperation, and deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

    Tracing the evolution of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 28 September 1994, Dr. Jaishankar noted that the relationship has grown steadily across political, commercial, developmental, and cultural domains. He highlighted that bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 310 million and spans a diverse range of goods, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and machinery. India, in turn, imports coffee, wood, and leather from Honduras.

    Dr. Jaishankar said that Indian businesses were showing increasing interest in the renewable energy and IT-enabled services (ITES) sectors in Honduras. He pointed to the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between Reliance Jio and Hondutel, Honduras’s national telecom operator, for the rollout of 5G infrastructure. According to him, it represents a “significant step in digital connectivity and technological innovation.”

    He went on to emphasize that the Embassy would serve as a hub for trade promotion, facilitating business-to-business connections and enabling greater institutional support for bilateral initiatives. “We see this as an opportunity to encourage more investment partnerships and to share our developmental experiences,” he added.

    The Minister also mentioned ongoing cooperation under the framework of Global South solidarity. In this context, he announced plans to install an early warning disaster management system in Honduras, developed by India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), to enhance the country’s resilience against natural disasters.

    On the multilateral front, Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged Honduras’s consistent support for India at the United Nations and other international forums. He also noted the positive contribution of the small but vibrant Indian diaspora in Honduras, which he said acts as a “living bridge of friendship” between the two nations. The growing interest in Indian culture, yoga, and wellness practices in Honduras was another encouraging sign of deeper people-to-people ties, he said.

    Reflecting on India’s wider engagement with the Latin American region, Dr. Jaishankar said that when he assumed office six years ago, he had committed to increasing India’s diplomatic and developmental footprint in the region. The opening of the Honduran Embassy in New Delhi, he noted, is a reaffirmation of that promise and a sign that such efforts are bearing fruit.

     

    Finally, the External Affairs Minister extended his warmest congratulations to the Honduran delegation and expressed hope that the newly inaugurated mission would pave the way for more intensive interaction and collaboration between the two countries in the years ahead.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Exim Bank’s GOI-supported Line of Credit (LOC) for USD 700 million to the Govt. of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for financing construction of Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-2026/37
    A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 05/2025-26

    May 16, 2025

    All Category – I Authorised Dealer Banks

    Madam/Sir

    Exim Bank’s GOI-supported Line of Credit (LOC) for USD 700 million
    to the Govt. of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for financing construction of
    Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia

    Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has entered into an agreement dated January 16, 2025, with the Government of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for making available to the latter, Government of India supported Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 700 Mn(USD Seven Hundred Million only) for financing construction of Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia.

    2. The export of eligible goods and services from India, as defined under the agreement, would be allowed, subject to their eligibility under the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India and whose purchase may be agreed to be financed by the Exim Bank under this agreement.

    3. The Agreement under the LoC is effective from May 06, 2025. Under the LoC, the last date for disbursement will be 48 months after scheduled completion date of the contract.

    4. Shipments under the LoC shall be declared in Export Declaration Form/Shipping Bill as per instructions issued by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

    5. No agency commission is payable for export under the above LoC. However, if required, the exporter may use his own resources or utilize balances in his Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency Account for payment of commission in any foreign currency. Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks may allow such remittance after realization of full eligible value of export, subject to compliance with the extant instructions for payment of agency commission.

    6. AD Category – I banks may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their exporter constituents and advise them to obtain complete details of the LoC from the Exim Bank’s office at Centre One, Floor 21, World Trade Centre Complex, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 005 or from their website www.eximbankindia.in.

    7. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under section 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions/ approvals, if any, required under any other law.

    Yours faithfully

    (N Senthil Kumar)
    Chief General Manager

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • India to conduct first biological experiment on ISS to study sustainability of human life in space: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India is set to conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to explore the sustainability of human life in space, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday.

    The research is part of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) policy, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

    The experiments will be conducted during the upcoming AXIOM-4 mission to the ISS, now scheduled to launch on June 8 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will represent India as a crew member on this milestone mission.

    The first experiment will examine the effects of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae—a nutrient-rich potential food source for long-duration space missions.

    With high protein, lipid, and bioactive compound content, microalgae also offer exceptional photosynthetic efficiency, enabling effective carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production in closed environments like spacecraft. Their short growth cycle and biomass productivity make them a promising candidate for sustainable food and air regeneration systems in space.

    The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic responses of cyanobacteria—specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus—under microgravity, using both urea- and nitrate-based media.

    Spirulina, known as a space “superfood,” is rich in proteins and vitamins and can potentially help recycle carbon and nitrogen from human waste, making it valuable for closed-loop life support systems in long-term missions or extraterrestrial habitats.

    Both experiments are being developed in collaboration with scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, under the broader ISRO-DBT research partnership.

    Singh highlighted these developments during a visit to the newly inaugurated DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry, a state-of-the-art facility built on the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) model. The facility, which was virtually inaugurated during the 31st Meeting of the ICGEB Board of Governors, aims to accelerate synthetic biology and biomanufacturing research.

    Singh praised PM Modi’s “visionary leadership” for propelling India’s biotechnology sector to global prominence and emphasized the strategic importance of the BioE3 Policy. Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024, the policy seeks to drive innovation and growth across six strategic areas: bio-based chemicals and enzymes, smart proteins and functional foods, precision therapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and marine and space research.

  • All eyes on Doha as Neeraj Chopra launches 2025 campaign

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s two-time Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, is set to begin his 2025 Diamond League campaign in Doha, Qatar. This marks his first competitive appearance of the season in the prestigious international series.

    Aiming for the elusive 90m mark

    The elusive 90-metre barrier remains one of Chopra’s key goals heading into the season. Despite winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at Paris 2024, the landmark distance continues to stay just out of reach.

    For the new season, Neeraj Chopra has shifted to training under Czech javelin legend Jan Železný, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and the current world record holder. This move marks the end of his successful partnership with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, under whose guidance he achieved both Olympic and World Championship glory.

    The meet in Doha carries added importance for Chopra, as it will be his only major competition in May. His next planned appearance, the NC Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, was cancelled. The meet, originally set for May 24, was being organised in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India.

    In Doha, Chopra will face a strong field of elite competitors. The lineup includes Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist; Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, last year’s winner in Doha; Germany’s Julian Weber and Max Dehning; Kenya’s Julius Yego; and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, will be absent as he focuses on preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea.

    India will also have representation beyond Chopra. Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Kumar Jena will also compete in the men’s javelin event. On the track, national record holder Gulveer Singh will run in the men’s 5000 metres, while Parul Chaudhary will compete in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase.

    Neeraj Chopra’s event is scheduled to begin at 10:13 PM IST on Friday, May 16. The meet will not be broadcast on television but will be streamed live on the Wanda Diamond League’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.

  • PIB flags AI-generated fake Daily Telegraph report cited by Pakistan minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has flagged yet another instance of fake news pushed by Pakistan, this time involving a digitally altered image of a UK newspaper’s front page that falsely praised the Pakistan Air Force. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) said the image, circulated widely on social media, was AI-generated and never published by The Daily Telegraph.

    The image, dated May 10, carried the headline: “Pakistan Air Force: The Undisputed King of the Skies.” The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit confirmed the image was digitally altered and not published by The Daily Telegraph.

    What raised further alarm was the image being referenced by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a statement in the country’s Senate on May 15. PIB flagged the move, saying that an official endorsement of a fabricated report “intentionally lent official weight to a piece of digital deception.”

    https://x.com/PIBFactCheck

    This is not the first time Pakistan-linked accounts have been flagged by PIB. Earlier this week, the fact-checking body debunked another claim related to an alleged Indian Air Force (IAF) casualty during ‘Operation Sindoor’. Viral images suggested the last rites of a Rafale pilot were conducted after the reported mission. PIB clarified the image used was from 2008 and unrelated to any recent developments.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Kenneth Barber, age 45, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 293 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

    On November 5, 2024, Barber pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on December 20, 2023, Barber killed the victim with a single intentional shot to the head fired at close range from a .22 caliber rifle.  The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Barber will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Young people are concerned they lack the green skills to effectively act on climate change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Capgemini Press contact: 
    Sereydana Oum
    Tel.: +33 6 61 42 03 59 
    Email: sereydana.oum@capgemini.com

    UNICEF Press contact:
    Anupama Saikia
    E-mail: ansaikia@unicef.org

    Young people are concerned they lack the green skills
    to effectively act on climate change

    Six in ten 16–24-year-olds globally agree that developing green skills could open up new career opportunities but less than half (44%) possess the skills required for today’s green workforce

    Paris, May 16, 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF* Generation Unlimited’s report, ‘Youth perspectives on climate: Preparing for a sustainable future’ published today, explores youth perspectives on the climate crisis. It includes their take on “green skilling” and graduating to a green job, as well as how business and government can collaborate with young people to inspire climate advocacy. The report finds that despite rising climate anxiety, a majority of young people remain hopeful that there is still time to address and fix the problems caused by climate change. Young people in both, the Global South and Global North, want to be a part of the solution, with most interested in shaping environmental policy and many interested in pursuing a green job, however the report highlights a worrying lack of requisite green skills.

    According to the research, most young people worry about climate change. Over two-thirds of youth globally say they are concerned about how climate change could affect their future, representing an increase since 2023, when a UNICEF USA survey found that 57% of youth globally experienced “eco-anxiety.”1 Youth in the Global North report higher levels of climate-related anxiety (76%) compared to their peers in the Global South (65%). A rural-urban divide is also evident, with 72% of youth living in urban and suburban areas expressing concern about climate change impacts on their future, versus 58% in rural areas.

    Young people believe there is still time to fix the problems caused by climate change
    Despite their climate anxiety, most youths believe green skills are key to a brighter future, with 61% agreeing that developing green skills2 will offer them new career opportunities. They are interested in aligning their paid employment with their climate conscious values, with slightly over half (53%) globally and almost two-thirds (64%) in the Global North interested in a green job.

    “Young people across the globe, and in particular in the US, are hyperaware of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It’s clear that they are also eager to be part of the solution,” said Sarika Naik, Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini. “We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills. This report shows how critical it is that business, governments, and education leaders work together to bridge the skills gap, empower youth voices, and create pathways to meaningful green careers.”

    “Young people are architecting climate solutions. They are designing and deploying innovative solutions that respond to the climate realities their communities are facing,” said Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited at UNICEF. “Green Rising, with its ecosystem of public and private sector partners, is supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need to take climate action, start green companies, access green jobs and power green solutions.”

    Youth lack the necessary green skills
    Young people provide a workforce pipeline for tackling climate change, but the green transition requires a skilled workforce. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), environmental sustainability competency relies on a strong foundation in science, an understanding of climate change, a commitment to protect the environment, the confidence to explain environmental issues, and the motivation to act sustainably3.

    However, the report finds that less than half of youth globally (44%) believe they have the green skills necessary to be successful in today’s workforce. In terms of green skills, young people in rural areas lag even further behind young people in suburban and urban areas. This percentage also differs across regions. In the Global South, around six in ten Brazilian youth say they are equipped with green skills, while only 5% of Ethiopian youth say the same.

    Since the Capgemini Research Institute’s 2023 research4, youth in several countries in the Global North have regressed in their knowledge of green skills. Among youth aged 16 to 18 in Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, recycling and waste reduction remains the most commonly held green skill. But the share of youth knowledgeable about sustainable design, sustainable energy, and sustainable transportation has significantly declined since 2023. In the Global South, young people are most knowledgeable about recycling and waste reduction, energy conservation and water conservation, but least knowledgeable about climate technologies, data analysis, and sustainable design.

    The generational divide must be overcome to find solutions
    Most youth globally (71%) agree that they should have a strong influence on environmental policy and legislation. However, the majority agree that business and political leaders are not playing their part and should be contributing more to the fight against climate change. While almost two-thirds of young people feel engaged enough to want to speak with local leaders about climate action, fewer than half believe their opinions are actually heard by community leaders.

    The report urges community leaders to support young people in advancing climate solutions and green skills. According to the report, integrating green education, expanding access to training, and aligning climate goals with youth employment strategies should be part of the solution and implanted by policymakers. Whereas corporate leaders could be encouraged to co-create green job pathways, invest in youth-led initiatives, and embed young voices in CSR, ESG, and climate strategies in order to build trust and drive sustainable innovation.

    As young people seek to upskill, global movements like Green Rising aim to support 20 million young people by 2026 in taking grassroots action, offering opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, paid work and entrepreneurship. This initiative is led by Generation Unlimited at UNICEF and supported by the public and private sector, including Capgemini.

    To read the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/global-youth-and-sustainability

    Report Methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute carried out extensive research into youth perspectives on climate change and interest in green skills and green jobs in February and March 2025. They conducted an online survey of 5,100 youth aged 16 to 24 across 21 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. This included 4,394 youth aged 18 to 24 and 706 youth aged 16 and 17 years old. For the 14% of the sample that were minors (<18 years old), they obtained parental permission from 706 parents. The majority (83%) of the youth surveyed live in the Global South (low- and middle-income countries).5 The remaining youth respondents live in the Global North or high-income countries.

    About UNICEF
    UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

    About Generation Unlimited
    Launched by the UN Secretary-General at the 2018 UN General Assembly, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited is a leading global Public-Private-Youth Partnership on a mission to skill and connect the world’s 1.8 billion young people to opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact. The partnership brings together global organisations and leaders including Heads of State, CEOs, Heads of UN agencies, and civil society champions with young people to co-create and deliver innovative solutions on a global scale.

    * UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

    1 UNICEF USA, “From eco-anxiety to eco-optimism, listening to a generation of resilient youth,” January 2023.
    2 Green skills refer to the hard and soft skills which help people take care of nature, stop pollution, and use resources wisely.
    3 OECD, Skills Outlook 2023: Skills for a resilient green and digital transition, November 6, 2023.
    4 CRI, Digital skills and technology in secondary education survey, March 2023
    5 Bank Group, Income Group Class, according to 2023 gross national income (GNI) per capita, calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends wishes on the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood. In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted that Sikkim is associated with “serene beauty” and has made “strides” in various sectors.

    “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood! Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions, and industrious people. It has made strides in diverse sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to prosper,” the PM said in his post.

    Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also extended his greetings on the occasion. He termed the day as “historic” and paid homage to the legacy of the Kingdom of Sikkim. He further reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddha Sikkim, ani Samarth Sikkim,” aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”

    Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975, under the leadership of Lhendup Dorjee Khangsarpa, the state’s first Chief Minister, who ushered in democracy in the erstwhile Chogyal Kingdom.

    ANI

  • Peace breakthrough unlikely as Putin declines to meet Zelenskiy in Turkey

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia’s Vladimir Putin spurned a challenge to meet face-to-face with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Turkey on Thursday, instead sending a second-tier delegation to planned peace talks, while Ukraine’s president said his defence minister would head up Kyiv’s team.

    They will be the first direct talks between the sides since March 2022, but hopes of a major breakthrough were further dented by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Putin.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later echoed that view, telling reporters in the Turkish resort of Antalya that Washington “didn’t have high expectations” for the Ukraine talks in Istanbul.

    The head of the Russian delegation, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, said he expected Ukraine’s representatives to turn up for the beginning of discussions on Friday in Istanbul at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT).

    “We are ready to work,” Medinsky said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. He said his delegation had held “productive” talks on Thursday evening with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

    Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

    “We can’t be running around the world looking for Putin,” Zelenskiy said after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

    “I feel disrespect from Russia. No meeting time, no agenda, no high-level delegation – this is personal disrespect. To Erdogan, to Trump,” Zelenskiy told reporters.

    Zelenskiy said he would also not go to Istanbul and that his team’s mandate was to discuss a ceasefire.

    A decree issued by Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s delegation would be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and include the deputy heads of its intelligence services, the deputy chief of the military’s general staff and the deputy foreign minister.

    Ukraine backs an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire but Putin has said he first wants to start talks at which the details of such a truce could be discussed. More than three years after its full-scale invasion, Russia has the advantage on the battlefield and says Ukraine could use a pause in the war to call up extra troops and acquire more Western weapons.

    Both Trump and Putin have said for months they are keen to meet each other, but no date has been set. Trump, after piling heavy pressure on Ukraine and clashing with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office in February, has lately expressed growing impatience that Putin may be “tapping me along.”

    “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

    Rubio, speaking in Antalya, later echoed that thought: “It’s my assessment that I don’t think we’re going to have a breakthrough here until the President (Trump) and President Putin interact directly on this topic.”

    Referring to the current state of the talks as a “logjam,” Rubio said he would travel to Istanbul to meet with Turkey’s foreign minister and Ukraine’s delegation on Friday.

    The diplomatic disarray was symptomatic of the hostility between the sides and the unpredictability injected by Trump, whose interventions since returning to the White House in January have often provoked dismay from Ukraine and its European allies.

    While Zelenskiy waited in vain for Putin in Ankara, the Russian negotiators had no one to talk to on the Ukrainian side. Some 200 reporters milled around near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus Strait that the Russians had specified as the venue.

    CEASEFIRES AND PEACE TALKS

    The enemies have been wrestling for months over the logistics of ceasefires and peace talks while trying to show Trump they are serious about trying to end what he calls “this stupid war.”

    Hundreds of thousands have been killed and wounded on both sides in the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Washington has threatened repeatedly to abandon its mediation efforts unless there is clear progress.

    Asked if Putin would join talks at some future point, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “What kind of participation will be required further, at what level, it is too early to say now.”

    Russia said on Thursday its forces had captured two more settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. A spokesperson for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointedly reminded reporters of his comment last year that Ukraine was “getting smaller” in the absence of an agreement to stop fighting.

    FIRST TALKS FOR THREE YEARS

    Once they start, the talks will have to address a chasm between the two sides over a host of issues.

    Russian delegation head Medinsky is a former culture minister who has overseen the rewriting of history textbooks to reflect Moscow’s narrative on the war. It includes a deputy defence minister, a deputy foreign minister and the head of military intelligence.

    Key members of the team, including its leader, were also involved in the last direct peace talks in Istanbul in March 2022 – and Medinsky confirmed on Thursday that Russia saw the new talks as a resumption of those interrupted three years ago.

    “The task of direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side is sooner or later to achieve long-term peace by eliminating the basic root causes of the conflict,” said Medinsky.

    The terms under discussion in 2022, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

    With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

    Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 16, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 160558

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1258 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

    Valid 161200Z – 171200Z

    …THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    KENTUCKY…NORTHERN AND WESTERN TENNESSEE…SOUTHEAST MISSOURI…FAR
    SOUTHERN ILLINOIS…SOUTHERN INDIANA…FAR SOUTHWEST OHIO…

    …SUMMARY…
    A regional outbreak of severe thunderstorms is likely this afternoon
    into tonight across parts of the mid Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee
    Valleys. This will include intense supercells associated with
    tornadoes, large hail and wind damage. Several strong tornadoes are
    expected, and a long-track high-end tornado will be possible. From
    the evening into the overnight, a bowing line segment is expected to
    form with potential for tornadoes and damaging winds, some possibly
    greater than 75 mph.

    …Mid Mississippi and Ohio Valley/Tennessee Valley…
    A negatively-tilted mid-level trough will move through the Upper
    Midwest and mid Mississippi Valley today, as an associated 75 to 90
    knot mid-level jet translates northeastward into the Ozarks. At the
    surface, a low will move into the western Great Lakes, as a cold
    front advances eastward into the mid Mississippi Valley. A very
    moist airmass will remain in place ahead of the front, extending
    eastward into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. Across this airmass,
    surface dewpoints will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s F. Warming
    surface temperatures will result in moderate to strong
    destabilization across much of the moist sector by afternoon. An
    area of low-level convergence is expected to become increasingly
    focused from the Ozarks into the mid Mississippi Valley. This will
    result in the initiation of scattered strong to severe storms around
    midday. Several convective clusters are expected to organize and
    move eastward into the lower Ohio Valley during the afternoon. Storm
    coverage will expand markedly during the late afternoon and early
    evening as low-level flow increases across the region.

    Concerning the thermodynamic environment, a pristine airmass is
    expected to be in place by afternoon. Model forecasts are in good
    agreement that MLCAPE will peak from 3000 to 4000 J/kg from parts of
    the Ozarks eastward into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. As
    instability increases, deep-layer shear and lift are also expected
    to increase as a mid-level jet approaches from the west. Ahead of
    this feature, an 850 mb jet is forecast to develop over the mid
    Mississippi Valley. This jet will gradually increase in strength
    into the 45 to 65 knot range, moving eastward into western Kentucky
    by late afternoon. Near the axis of the low-level jet at Paducah,
    RAP forecast soundings at 23Z have MLCAPE near 3500 J/kg, 0-6 km
    shear around 60 knots, and low to mid-level lapse rates near 7 C/km.
    0-3 km helicity is forecast to be between 225 and 250 m2/s2. This
    environment will support supercells and tornadoes. Several strong
    tornadoes appear likely, and a high-end long-track tornado will be
    possible from far southeast Missouri, into southern Illinois and
    southern Indiana, southward into western Kentucky and far northern
    Tennessee.

    During the late afternoon, storm coverage is expected to become
    widespread across the moist sector. Several supercell clusters will
    move eastward from the mid Mississippi Valley into the Ohio and
    Tennessee Valleys. Steep mid-level lapse rates will promote large
    hail development. The more intense cores may have hailstones between
    2 and 4 inches in diameter. Supercells will also be capable of
    producing damaging wind gusts. During the early evening, the
    wind-damage threat is expected to increase as some of the convective
    clusters gradually transition into more linear structures. Winds
    could exceed 75 mph along the leading edge of these faster-moving
    bowing line segments. During the evening, multiple bow echos are
    expected to form that will result in extensive wind damage swaths.
    Wind damage is expected across a broad area, including parts of the
    mid Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into the central
    Appalachian mountains.

    …Ark-La-Tex/Lower Mississippi Valley…
    A very moist airmass will be in place today across the Ark-La-Tex
    and lower Mississippi Valley. Surface dewpoints in the lower to mid
    70s F will result in moderate to strong destabilization across much
    of this airmass. A capping inversion is expected to be in place for
    much of the day, but should weaken late in the afternoon as a
    mid-level jet moves eastward into the mid Mississippi Valley. The
    southern edge of the jet will help to increase large-scale ascent,
    aiding convective development. In response, a few clusters of storms
    will form and move eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley during
    the late afternoon and early evening. In areas that strongly
    destabilize, storms could be capable of producing large hail and
    wind damage. Hailstones greater than 2 inches in diameter will be
    possible with intense supercell cores.

    ..Broyles/Weinman.. 05/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 16, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 3-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 5,293
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 5,293
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/341

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career.

    Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s estimated total earnings are around $275 million.

    The Portuguese forward increased his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media followers: 939 million in total as of May.

    Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who in March became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers, jumped to second place in the rankings with $156 million.

    Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $146 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury’s income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show.

    Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, reached fourth with $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.

    Meanwhile, Argentine Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million — the same as last year — having moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, as well as continuing to receive high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple.

    Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, nearing the end of his illustrious career, came sixth with $133.8 million.

    MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto came in at a remarkable seventh place, earning $114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican signed a $765 million, 15-year contract, the largest in baseball history.

    French striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, is eighth with earnings of $104 million.

    Japanese Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with $102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were boosted significantly by their World Series victory last year.

    NBA Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant rounds off the top 10 with $101.4 million.

    –Reuters

  • India–UK Trade Deal to Spur 15 % Annual Growth Through 2030, Says CareEdge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom is expected to grow by about 15 per cent a year until 2030, on the assumption that the recently concluded free-trade agreement (FTA) will take effect within the next twelve months, according to a report released on Friday.

    The accord, finalised on 6 May after nearly three years of negotiations, presents a strategic opportunity for Indian companies to deepen their presence in the British market, stimulate domestic manufacturing and drive overall economic expansion, CareEdge Ratings said.

    “This landmark FTA also fosters investment, joint ventures and collaboration in the services sector, thereby deepening economic ties. Going forward, the agreement marks a pivotal shift in India–UK economic relations, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, strengthening manufacturing and enriching consumer markets,” observed D. Naveen Kumar, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings.

    At present the United Kingdom accounts for roughly two per cent of India’s total trade, yet the relationship has been expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 11 per cent over the past decade.
    Under the deal, India will cut tariffs on 90 per cent of British goods, with 85 per cent becoming entirely duty-free over ten years. In return, the UK will abolish duties on selected products, leaving 99 per cent of Indian exports tariff-free.

    “Key benefits for Indian exporters include improved market access, more resilient supply chains, greater competitiveness, higher volumes and fresh avenues for growth,” the report noted.

    Lower tariffs and streamlined regulations are expected to bolster India’s export performance, making its products more price-competitive and therefore more attractive to British buyers. Exporters, who have faced sluggish sales and uncertainty over possible retaliatory US tariffs, may find welcome relief.

    Significant gains are anticipated in automobiles, whisky, industrial machinery and pharmaceuticals, where steep tariff cuts and simplified norms will apply. The agreement is also set to open lucrative prospects for India’s gems-and-jewellery sector by leveraging the UK’s affluent consumer base and mature luxury market.

    Tariffs ranging from 8 per cent to 14 per cent on various electrical and engineering goods will be scrapped, giving Indian manufacturers a clear edge over global rivals, the report added. (IANS)

  • EAM Jaishankar speaks to Taliban’s acting foreign minister, thanks him for support after Pahalgam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday.

    The conversation came days after the Taliban administration—though not officially recognised by India—strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.

    Expressing “deep appreciation” for the condemnation, Jaishankar posted on X: “Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”

    He further noted India’s “traditional friendship with the Afghan people” and reiterated support for Afghanistan’s development needs. The two leaders also discussed potential avenues for future cooperation.

    The call marked the first political-level interaction between Indian and Afghan ministers since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August 2021.

    It comes amid a series of recent diplomatic engagements between Indian officials and the Taliban.

    In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai. More recently, on April 27, senior Indian diplomat Anand Prakash was received by Muttaqi in Kabul, shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack and amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

  • Cricket West Indies calls for inclusive pathways to Olympic participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging that the unique structure of West Indies cricket be fairly considered in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding qualification for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

    Unlike other Olympic participants, the West Indies represents a collective of sovereign Caribbean nations rather than a single country. With T20 cricket set to debut at the 2028 Games, CWI has raised concerns about how its teams will be accommodated under current Olympic eligibility rules, which only allow participation by independent nations.

    In its communication, CWI proposed two inclusive and practical qualification models that would allow Caribbean nations, with strong Olympic traditions, to participate in line with the values and requirements of the Olympic Charter.

    CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow made an emphatic appeal for fairness and inclusion:
    “The Caribbean has always punched above its weight at the Olympics, inspiring the world with our athletic brilliance. Cricket’s return to the Games in 2028 must not exclude our young cricketers from the same dream that has long inspired our athletes. The Olympic Charter champions fairness, transparency, and universality. We ask only that these principles be reflected not just in words, but in action. West Indies cricket must have a pathway and fully deserves the opportunity to compete.”

    CWI’s appeal comes amid concerns that, under current Olympic rules, the West Indies men’s and women’s cricket teams would be ineligible for participation.

    To address this, CWI has recommended two potential pathways:

    1. Internal Qualification Model: If the West Indies men’s or women’s teams meet ICC Olympic qualification criteria, a tournament among Olympic-affiliated Caribbean nations could determine which country will represent the region at the Games.
    2. Expanded Global Qualification Pathway: A revised qualification system that includes associate ICC members across the five ICC Development Regions, along with the individual member countries of the West Indies.

    In its proposal, CWI cites the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which requires qualification systems to be “fair and transparent” and to promote universal representation, equal access, and the inclusion of top athletes from all regions.

    CWI reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with the ICC and expressed readiness to collaborate on a qualification framework that upholds Olympic values while recognizing the unique composition of Caribbean cricket.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: India, Japan notify WTO of possible retaliation against US tariffs

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

    India and Japan have recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of potential retaliatory measures in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

    The European Union(EU) and Britain had submitted similar notifications to the WTO earlier.

    WTO documents show that both India and Japan argue that the U.S. tariffs, imposed since March 2018, constitute safeguard measures under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, although they were not officially notified by the United States to the WTO. In line with this agreement, the two countries, respectively, stated that they reserve the right to suspend concessions and other obligations by imposing additional tariffs on selected U.S. imports.

    India estimates that the tariffs will affect 7.6 billion U.S. dollars worth of its relevant exports to the United States, generating 1.91 billion dollars in duties. India has vowed to impose “an equivalent amount of duty collected from products originating in the United States” as part of its proposed suspension of concessions.

    Japan’s WTO notification reveals that its retaliatory measures will target not only U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, but also American import restrictions on automobiles and auto parts.

    The proposed suspension of concessions will take the form of an equivalent increase in duties on selected U.S. products, said the notification, adding that the details, based on the most recent export data, will be provided to the WTO prior to the implementation.

    The United States began imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports in March 2018 under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, citing “national security concerns.”

    In February 2020, these tariffs were extended to derivative steel and aluminum products.

    Starting from March 12, 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on aluminum from 10 percent to 25 percent and ended duty-free quotas, exemptions and exclusions for steel and aluminum tariffs.

    These measures have triggered widespread condemnation and opposition. The EU and Britain have also notified the WTO that they reserve the right to suspend the substantially equivalent concessions. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • UK court rejects Nirav Modi’s bail plea again amid CBI push for extradition in PNB fraud case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant development, the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London, on Thursday rejected the latest bail petition filed by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Deepak Modi. This marks the tenth time Modi’s bail request has been denied since his detention in the United Kingdom.

    The bail application was strongly contested by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which was supported by a dedicated team from India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), including investigating and legal officers who travelled to London specifically for the hearing. The CBI effectively defended the Indian government’s position, leading to the court’s decision to deny bail.

    Nirav Modi is a declared fugitive economic offender wanted in India for trial in a massive bank fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB), in which he allegedly defrauded the bank of Rs. 6,498.20 crore. His extradition to India has already been approved by a UK court in favour of the Indian government.

    The latest rejection adds another layer to the prolonged legal battle, as Indian authorities continue their efforts to bring Modi back to face justice.

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Police Week, Cortez Masto Takes Steps to Advance Key Legislation to Support Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, two of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.) bills supporting law enforcement were passed out of committee, the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act. She also gave a speech on the Senate floor urging the swift passage of her Invest to Protect Act.

    “During Police Week, I meet with officers from all over the Silver State to discuss how I can support them from Washington,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am proud that these key bipartisan bills were moved through committee this week, and I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass them into law. I am dedicated to supporting the hardworking men and women who keep Nevadans safe.”

    The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, which Cortez Masto is leading alongside Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today with unanimous bipartisan support. This legislation would ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. It now moves to the Senate floor.

    The STOIC Act, which Cortez Masto is sponsoring alongside Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), also passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today with bipartisan support. This legislation would establish suicide prevention programs and mental health services within law enforcement communities. It now moves to the Senate floor.

    Cortez Masto also gave a speech on the Senate floor encouraging the swift passage of her bipartisan Invest to Protect Act, which she is leading alongside Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). This legislation would set aside $250 million to help law enforcement agencies with fewer than 175 full-time sworn officers invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention.

    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention passed the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 257

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 257
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    930 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northern and West-Central Indiana
    Far Southern Lower Michigan
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 930 PM
    until 300 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will spread east-northeastward this evening
    and overnight while posing a threat for a few tornadoes, scattered
    severe/damaging winds with the ongoing cluster, and large hail with
    any sustained supercells.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles east of Benton Harbor MI to 90
    miles south of South Bend IN. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 253…WW 255…WW 256…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24040.

    …Gleason

    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 257
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    930 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northern and West-Central Indiana
    Far Southern Lower Michigan
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 930 PM
    until 300 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will spread east-northeastward this evening
    and overnight while posing a threat for a few tornadoes, scattered
    severe/damaging winds with the ongoing cluster, and large hail with
    any sustained supercells.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles east of Benton Harbor MI to 90
    miles south of South Bend IN. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 253…WW 255…WW 256…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24040.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW7
    WW 257 TORNADO IN MI LM 160130Z – 160700Z
    AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    30E BEH/BENTON HARBOR MI/ – 90S SBN/SOUTH BEND IN/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM E/W /24SSE PMM – 35N IND/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.

    LAT…LON 42138497 40398546 40398718 42138672

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU7.

    Watch 257 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (30%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (80%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –