NewzIntel.com

Category: India

  • Amit Shah lauds security forces for eliminating 31 Maoists

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against Maoist insurgency, security forces have eliminated 31 Naxalites in what has been termed the biggest-ever anti-Naxal operation in India. The 21-day-long joint operation was carried out at Karreguttalu Hill (KGH), situated along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border—a region long considered a formidable stronghold of Naxal activity.
     
    Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the security forces for the historic success. In a post on X, he said the area once ruled by red terror now proudly hoists the Indian tricolour. He informed that KGH was previously the unified headquarters of major Naxal outfits including the PLGA Battalion 1, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee (TSC), and the Central Regional Committee (CRC). It served as a critical center for Naxal training, strategy formulation, and arms production.
     
    The Home Minister highlighted that the operation, successfully concluded within 21 days, did not result in any casualties among the security personnel. He congratulated the CRPF, Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel for their courage in carrying out the mission under challenging weather and terrain conditions. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to root out Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated that India is on track to become Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
     
    Senior officials, including CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, and Additional Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) also briefed the media in Bijapur on the operation’s details. According to officials, 31 uniformed Naxalites—including 16 women—were killed, and 35 weapons were recovered following 21 encounters during the course of the mission. So far, 28 of the deceased have been identified, and a total bounty of ₹1.72 crore had been announced for them.
     
    The operation, which took place between April 21 and May 11, was the result of detailed intelligence gathering and strategic planning. Inputs received from multiple agencies led to the formation of a multi-agency team tasked with collecting and analyzing technical and human intelligence. Based on this intelligence, security forces were able to detect Maoist hideouts, locate arms caches, and recover a large cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), BGL shells, and other materials. Officials stated that the use of real-time information helped prevent multiple IED-related casualties.
     
    Karreguttalu Hill, a vast and difficult terrain measuring around 60 kilometers in length and up to 20 kilometers in width, had become a refuge for 300–350 armed Maoist cadres, including members of the PLGA’s technical department and allied units. Over the past two and a half years, the Naxalites had entrenched themselves in the area, prompting a need for a large-scale and carefully executed security response.
     
    During the course of the operation, security forces destroyed 214 hideouts and bunkers and recovered 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of codex wire, detonators, and nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies. Additionally, four Naxal technical units engaged in the production of weapons and explosives were dismantled. Authorities believe that several senior Naxal cadres may have been killed or seriously injured, though the difficult terrain has hindered full recovery of all bodies.
     
    Despite daytime temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and treacherous terrain, the morale of the troops remained high. Eighteen personnel from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit, STF, and DRG sustained injuries, mostly due to IED blasts, but all are currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.
     
    The operation also reflects the broader success of the government’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach to combating Maoism, which combines robust security action with focused development initiatives in affected regions. Under the Home Ministry’s Joint Action Plan, new security camps have been established in strategic areas, and several central schemes are being implemented to bring development and governance to previously neglected regions.
     
    According to official data, 197 hardcore Naxalites have been neutralized in the first four months of 2025 alone. The number of most-affected districts has dropped from 35 in 2014 to just 6 in 2025. Naxal-related incidents have significantly declined from 1,080 in 2014 to 374 in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of security personnel killed annually in Maoist violence has decreased from 88 in 2014 to 19 in 2024. In the same period, the number of Naxalites killed in encounters has risen sharply, and the number of surrenders remains high, with 928 surrendering in 2024 and 718 so far in 2025.
     
    Infrastructure in affected areas has also seen considerable enhancement. Since 2019, over 320 security camps have been set up, along with 68 night-landing helipads. The number of fortified police stations has increased from 66 in 2014 to 555 by 2025.

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 May 2025 Medical product alert Medical Product Alert N°3/2025: Falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Alert Summary

    This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to three batches of falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml. The falsified products have been detected in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye. These falsified products were reported to WHO in March 2025.

    WHO previously issued Medical Product Alert N°5/2024 regarding another falsified batch of IMFINZI that was detected in Armenia, Lebanon, and Türkiye.

    IMFINZI is a sterile concentrate for infusion. It contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient durvalumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. As monotherapy, it is indicated for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in adults.

    How to identify these falsified products

    These products are falsified as they deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, and source. The genuine manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has identified multiple visual discrepancies in the falsified products. AstraZeneca has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are indeed falsified.  Check for the following and see the Annex below for more details:

    • Lot BAZR – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in India. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing.
    • Lot BBEG – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in Egypt. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing. The product price (in Egyptian Pounds) is also missing.
    • Lot AVZT – This lot number is not recognized by the genuine manufacturer. Any IMFINZI product with this lot number is considered falsified.

    Risks

    These falsified products should be considered unsafe, and their use may be life-threatening in some circumstances. The use of these falsified IMFINZI injections may lead to ineffective or delayed treatment. It is important to detect and remove any falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injections from circulation to prevent harm to patients.

    Advice to health-care professionals, regulatory authorities and the public

    Health-care professionals should report any incident of adverse effects, lack of expected effects or suspected falsification to the National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

    WHO advises increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. National regulatory authorities/health authorities/law enforcement are advised to immediately notify WHO if the falsified product is detected in their country. If you are in possession of any of these products, WHO recommends that you do not use them. If you, or someone you know, has, or may have used these products, or suffered an adverse event or unexpected side-effect after use, seek immediate medical advice from a health-care professional or contact a poisons control centre.

    All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. If you have any information about the manufacture or supply of these falsified products, please contact WHO via rapidalert@who.int.

    Annex: Products subject to WHO Medical Product Alert N°3 /2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan

    Date：2025-05-10
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 10, 2025  
    No. 153  

    Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, eliciting international concern. 
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) works closely with democratic partners worldwide in staunch opposition to international terrorism. It expresses firm support for all legitimate and necessary actions taken by the government of India to safeguard national security and fight terrorist forces that cross borders to attack innocent civilians.
     
    MOFA will continue to pay close attention to developments between India and Pakistan and engage in joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. MOFA advises Taiwan nationals to pay heed to their personal safety, leave the area of conflict as soon as possible, and seek assistance from the nearest overseas mission in the event of an emergency. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan

    • Date：2025-05-10
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 10, 2025  

    No. 153  

    Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, eliciting international concern. 

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) works closely with democratic partners worldwide in staunch opposition to international terrorism. It expresses firm support for all legitimate and necessary actions taken by the government of India to safeguard national security and fight terrorist forces that cross borders to attack innocent civilians.

     

    MOFA will continue to pay close attention to developments between India and Pakistan and engage in joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. MOFA advises Taiwan nationals to pay heed to their personal safety, leave the area of conflict as soon as possible, and seek assistance from the nearest overseas mission in the event of an emergency. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Two lizard-like creatures crossed tracks 355 million years ago. Today, their footprints yield a major discovery

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University

    Marcin Ambrozik

    The emergence of four-legged animals known as tetrapods was a key step in the evolution of many species today – including humans.

    Our new discovery, published today in Nature, details ancient fossil footprints found in Australia that upend the early evolution timeline of all tetrapods. It also suggests major parts of the story could have played out in the southern supercontinent of Gondwana.

    This fossil trackway whispers that we have been looking for the origin of modern tetrapods in the wrong time, and perhaps the wrong place.

    The first feet on land

    Tetrapods originated a long time ago in the Devonian period, when strange lobe-finned fishes began to haul themselves out of the water, probably around 390 million years ago.

    This ancestral stock later split into two main evolutionary lines. One led to modern amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders. The other led to amniotes, whose eggs contain amniotic membranes protecting the developing foetus.

    Today, amniotes include all reptiles, birds and mammals. They are by far the most successful tetrapod group, numbering more than 27,000 species of reptiles, birds and mammals.

    They have occupied every environment on land, have conquered the air, and many returned to the water in spectacularly successful fashion. But the fossil record shows the earliest members of this amniote group were small and looked rather like lizards. How did they emerge?

    The oldest known tetrapods have always been thought to be primitive fish-like forms like Acanthostega, barely capable of moving on land.

    Acanthostega, an early tetrapod that lived about 365 million years ago, was a member of the ancestral stock that gave rise to amphibians and amniotes.
    The authors

    Most scientists agree amphibians and amniotes separated at the start of the Carboniferous period, about 355 million years ago. Later in the period, the amniote lineage split further into the ancestors of mammals and reptiles-plus-birds.

    Now, this tidy picture falls apart.

    A curious trackway

    Key to our discovery is a 35 centimetre wide sandstone slab from Taungurung country, near Mansfield in eastern Victoria.

    The slab is covered with the footprints of clawed feet that can only belong to early amniotes, most probably reptiles. It pushes back the origin of the amniotes by at least 35 million years.

    Mansfield slab, dated between 359-350 million years old, showing positions of early reptile tracks.
    The authors

    Despite huge variations in size and shape, all amniotes have certain features in common. For one, if we have limbs with fingers and toes, these are almost always tipped with claws – or nails, in the case of humans.

    In other tetrapod groups, real claws don’t occur. Even claw-like, hardened toe tips seen in some amphibians are extremely rare.

    Claws usually leave obvious marks in footprints, providing a clue to whether a fossil footprint was made by an amniote.

    Close up showing the oldest known tracks with hooked claws from Mansfield, Victoria. Left, photo; right, optical scan.
    The authors

    The oldest clawed tracks

    The previous oldest fossil record of reptiles is based on footprints and bones from North America and Europe around 318 million years ago.

    The oldest record of reptile-like tracks in Europe is from Silesia in Poland, a new discovery also revealed in our paper. They are around 328 million years old.

    However, the Australian slab is much older than that, dated to between 359 and 350 million years old. It comes from the earliest part of the Carboniferous rock outcropping along the Broken River (Berrepit in the Taungurung language of the local First Nations people).

    This area has long been known for yielding many kinds of spectacular fossil fishes that lived in lakes and large rivers. Now, for the first time, we catch a glimpse of life on the riverbank.

    Fossil hunters search the Carboniferous red sandstone in the Mansfield area of Victoria. Such outcrops recently yielded the trackways of the world’s oldest reptile.
    John Long

    Two trackways of fossil footprints cross the slab’s upper surface, one of them overstepping an isolated footprint facing the opposite direction. The surface is covered with dimples made by raindrops, recording a brief shower just before the footprints were made. This proves the creatures were moving about on dry land.

    All the footprints show claw marks, some in the form of long scratches where the foot has been dragged along.

    The shape of the feet matches that of known early reptile tracks, so we are confident the footprints belong to an amniote. Our short animation below gives a reconstruction of the ancient environment around Mansfield 355 million years ago, and shows how the tracks were made.

    A short animation showing the creature making the tracks and its scientific significance. By Flinders University and Monkeystack Productions.

    Rewriting the timeline

    This find has a massive impact on the origin timeline of all tetrapods.

    If amniotes had already evolved by the earliest Carboniferous, as our fossil shows, the last common ancestor of amniotes and amphibians has to lie much further back in time, in the Devonian period.

    We can estimate the timing of the split by comparing the relative lengths of different branches in DNA-based family trees of living tetrapods. It suggests the split took place in the late Devonian, maybe as far back as 380 million years ago.

    This implies the late Devonian world was populated not just by primitive fish-like tetrapods, and intermediate “fishapods” like the famous Tiktaalik, but also by advanced forms including close relatives of the living lineages. So why haven’t we found their bones?

    The location of our slab provides a clue.

    Big evolutionary questions

    All other records of Carboniferous amniotes have come from the northern hemisphere ancient landmass called Euramerica that incorporated present-day North America and Europe. Euramerica also produced the great majority of Devonian tetrapod fossils.

    The new Australian fossils come from Gondwana, a gigantic southern continent that also contained Africa, South America, Antarctica and India.

    In all of this vast landmass, which stretched from the southern tropics down across the South Pole, our little slab is currently the only tetrapod fossil from the earliest part of the Carboniferous.

    The Devonian record is scarcely much better. The Gondwana fossil record of early tetrapods is shockingly incomplete, with enormous gaps that could conceal – well, just about anything.

    This find now raises a big evolutionary question. Did the first modern tetrapods, our own distant ancestors, emerge in the temperate Devonian landscapes of southern Gondwana, long before they spread to the sun-baked semi-deserts and steaming swamps of equatorial Euramerica?

    It’s quite possible. Only more fieldwork, bringing to light new discoveries of Devonian and Carboniferous fossils from the old Gondwana continents, might one day answer that question.

    We acknowledge the Taungurung people of Mansfield area where this scientific work has taken place.

    John Long receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki receives funding from the Swedish Research Council and the European Research Council.

    Per Ahlberg receives funding from the European Research Council and the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

    – ref. Two lizard-like creatures crossed tracks 355 million years ago. Today, their footprints yield a major discovery – https://theconversation.com/two-lizard-like-creatures-crossed-tracks-355-million-years-ago-today-their-footprints-yield-a-major-discovery-254301

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Qatar Airways signs deal for 160 Boeing jets during Trump visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    State carrier Qatar Airways signed a deal on Wednesday to purchase jets from U.S. manufacturer Boeing during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country.
     
    Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion and included 160 jets. Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.
     
    The deal was signed during Trump’s second stop on a tour of Gulf states after he struck a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
     
    Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer next to Trump and the Qatari emir, told him “it’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing, that’s good”.
     
    Trump added: “It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there.”
     
    It’s not clear which Boeing aircraft models would be part of the deal and whether the orders from Qatar are firm, which require a deposit and several contractual obligations, or are options.
     
    Boeing no longer issues catalogue prices but based on the most recent published value for its most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth some $70 billion. Aviation analysts say that airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.
     
    Boeing was not immediately available for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for clarification or comment.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Phil Crowe, bids farewell

    Source: City of Preston

    14 May 2025

    Today, Councillor Philip Crowe, the 696th Mayor of Preston, steps down from his role, making way for Councillor Sue Whittam, who will proudly take on the title of Madam Mayor. 

    “It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as Mayor of Preston.” 

    To mark the occasion, Councillor Crowe will address fellow councillors and guests at the Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber at Preston Town Hall. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe has shared many memorable highlights, from unveiling the Feathers McGraw statue and opening the new Animate Leisure Complex, to meeting famous faces like Nick Park and Paddy McGuinness, and attending the unforgettable Radio 2 in the Park event, where he made a guest appearance on stage in front of thousands with Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox.

    Speaking fondly about that weekend, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “That was brilliant — I was dying to see the Pet Shop Boys. We were taken to this huge tent, filled with screens, surrounded by police, fire and rescue, the ambulance service, and Preston City Council.  

    “Then the head of security announced, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston,’ and everyone stood up. It was incredible.” 

    Throughout his mayoral year, Councillor Crowe has championed several charities, including Furniture for Education Worldwide (FEW), Let’s Grow Preston, and Disability Equality North West.

    He is especially proud of his ongoing work with FEW in The Gambia. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “Every day has brought a new highlight. The number of people who volunteer in Preston is phenomenal. In addition to my mayoral duties, I’m also honoured to serve as Honorary President of St Catherine’s Hospice, which alone has more than 600 volunteers.” 

    Though his mayoral chapter is ending, Councillor Crowe will continue to serve as a councillor and remain committed to supporting his community. 

    Councillor Crowe added: 

    “I never imagined becoming a councillor, let alone the Mayor. It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent the city I love.”

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters Calls out Republican Cuts to Clean Energy and Fossil Fuel Favoritism in Tax Plan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    [embedded content]

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during the Energy and Commerce Committee’s consideration of the Republican tax plan, which will kick 13.7 million people off their healthcare, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) called out provisions that will make it easier to build polluting coal power plants and cut back on investments in clean energy technologies.

    Watch Rep. Peters’ opening statement against the Republican tax plan here.

    Speaking on the Republican plan, Rep. Peters said, “Last Congress, my Republican colleagues were insistent that we should have an all-of-the-above energy strategy, one that leveraged our natural resources, unleashed American innovation, and cut through bureaucratic red tape. Which is why I am confused that we are considering a reconciliation bill that picks winners and losers, and elevates expensive, outdated, and inefficient sources like coal over cheap American-made energy like solar, wind, and storage.”

     

    He continued, “Why does this bill provide government-backed insurance to coal plants, as the President of the United States single-handedly kills hundreds if not thousands of clean energy jobs across the country by illegally targeting projects and weaponizing the permitting process?”

    And he concluded, “We need to face reality; we can’t build anything in America anymore. North America has built about 7 gigawatts of interregional transmission since 2014, with less than half of that in the U.S. In that same time frame, South America has built 22 gigawatts, Europe has built 44 gigawatts, and China has built 260. There is a growing bipartisan coalition for permitting reform. Whether it’s forest management, electric transmission, or building housing, I have reached across the aisle and found success in moving solutions forward. Many of us have voiced our desire to work in a bipartisan way to make America more energy dominant. Now is the time to put our money where our mouth is, and focus on durable, common-sense, and all-of-the-above policies that provide certainty for industry and consumers.”

    CA-50 Medicaid Facts:

    • 156,100 people in the district rely on Medicaid for health coverage—that’s 20 percent of all district residents.
      • 34,700 children in the district are covered by Medicaid.
      • 17,700 seniors in the district are covered by Medicaid.
      • 64,900 adults in the district have Medicaid coverage through Medicaid expansion—that includes pregnant women who are able to access prenatal care sooner because of Medicaid expansion, parents, caretakers, veterans, people with substance use disorder and mental health treatment needs, and people with chronic conditions and disabilities.
    • At least five hospitals in the district had negative operating margins in 2022. These hospitals would be especially hard-hit by cuts to Medicaid. For example:
      • Scripps Mercy Hospital had a negative 25.3 percent operating margin—and nearly 22 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid.
      • Sharp Coronado Hospital had a negative 3.5 percent operating margin—and over 36 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid.
      • University of California San Diego Medical Center had a negative 2.4 percent operating margin—and nearly 19 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid.
    • There are 54 health center delivery sites in the district that serve 529,944 patients.
    • Those health centers and patients rely on Medicaid—statewide, 69 percent of health center patients rely on Medicaid for coverage.
    • Health centers will not be able to stay open and provide the same care that they do today, with more uninsured and underinsured patients. They are already operating on thin margins—in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins.
    • Medicaid cuts put health centers at risk, including:
      • Family Health Centers of San Diego
      • Neighborhood Healthcare
      • North County Health Project
      • San Diego American Indian Health Centers
      • St. Vincent De Paul Village

    Read Rep. Peters full remarks below:

    Last Congress, my Republican colleagues were insistent that we should have an all-of-the-above energy strategy, one that leveraged our natural resources, unleashed American innovation, and cut through bureaucratic red tape.

    Which is why I am confused that we are considering a reconciliation bill that picks winners and losers, and elevates expensive, outdated, and inefficient sources like coal over cheap American-made energy like solar, wind, and storage.

    Why does this bill expedite permitting for natural gas pipelines – an undeniably important component of our energy system – while completely ignoring transmission lines, without which we would not be able to meet a single kilowatt of energy demand?

    Why does this bill provide government-backed insurance to coal plants, as the President of the United States single-handedly kills hundreds, if not thousands, of clean energy jobs across the country by illegally targeting projects and weaponizing the permitting process?

    This entire Congress, my Republican colleagues have focused almost exclusively on our need to build baseload power to meet energy demand from data centers, manufacturing, and AI. 

    However, when they have an opportunity to ensure this baseload power can move from where it’s generated to where it will be used, my Republican colleagues have not only chosen to completely ignore the problem, but are rescinding funds to make it easier to build out the energy infrastructure we need to reduce costs and keep the lights on.

    We need to face reality; we can’t build anything in America anymore. North America has built about 7 gigawatts of interregional transmission since 2014, with less than half of that in the U.S. In that same time frame, South America has built 22 gigawatts, Europe has built 44 gigawatts, and China has built 260.

    There is a growing bipartisan coalition for permitting reform. Whether it’s forest management, electric transmission, or building housing, I have reached across the aisle and found success in moving solutions forward.

    Many of us have voiced our desire to work in a bipartisan way to make America more energy dominant. Now is the time to put our money where our mouth is, and focus on durable, common-sense, and all-of-the-above policies that provide certainty for industry and consumers. 

    This bill, however, doesn’t come anywhere close to meeting the moment. It isn’t real permitting reform, it doesn’t make us energy dominant, and it only makes things more uncertain for industry, for Americans, and for our future.

    Instead of making it easier to build everything, once again we are cutting off our feet in the race to energy resilience. This is the definition of picking winners and losers. And this not the way we will achieve a resilient, energy-abundant future.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hola Prime and Pro Basketball Player Karl-Anthony Towns Team up for ‘Speed is Success’ Campaign, Redefining Prop Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Hola Prime, a leading global proprietary trading firm, is proud to announce Basketball Champion, Karl Anthony Towns as its first-ever brand ambassador. This partnership marks a significant moment in Hola Prime’s journey, highlighting its commitment to reshaping modern prop trading around what truly matters – speed, performance, discipline, and fairness.

    The announcement coincides with the launch of Hola Prime’s new brand campaign, ‘Speed is Success’, produced by one of the top agencies. The campaign draws a compelling parallel between elite sports and trading – in both, speed is not just an advantage, but the edge. The cinematic film captures how success depends on reacting swiftly, thinking clearly under pressure, and executing with discipline, whether on the court or in the market.

    “At Hola Prime, we have always believed that trading, at its core, is a performance profession,” said Somesh Kapuria, Founder and CEO of Hola Prime. “It’s not about luck or shortcuts. It’s about building skill, managing risk, staying calm under pressure, and performing when it matters most. Karl-Anthony Towns personifies these values. His career reflects what we encourage in our traders – consistency, resilience, and the courage to keep improving every day. And Hola Prime compliments their skills with a fair and transparent trading environment, and super fast payouts.” Explaining his decision to collaborate with Hola Prime, Karl-Anthony Towns said, “What drew me to Hola Prime is how they’re flipping the script – not just in finance, but in how people see trading,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “As a pro athlete, I know what it means to bet on yourself, and that’s exactly what Hola Prime is about, so I’m happy to be their first ambassador and to help bring that mindset to the next generation.”

    Hola Prime’s decision to collaborate with an elite athlete reflects its belief that trading, like sports, rewards those who move fast, think fast, and execute fast. It’s a natural extension of its trader-centric approach – creating a platform where individuals thrive through speed, strategy, and discipline.

    With innovations like transparent pricing, under-one-hour payouts, one-on-one mentorship, and clear trading rules, Hola Prime is redefining trading speed from execution to earnings. The ‘Speed is Success’ campaign champions a new era of fair, fast, and performance-driven trading – empowering individuals to thrive through agility, skill, and accountability.

    The partnership with Towns positions Hola Prime as a standout in a saturated market – more than just a platform, it is a movement. With the star power of a professional basketball giant and the soul of a fintech disruptor, Hola Prime is redefining what trading looks like in 2025 and beyond.

    Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/yE0Mj3BIBhc?si=ie_IEyAYMRbh471N

    About Hola Prime

    Hola Prime is a global proprietary trading firm with offices in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Dubai, and India. It supports a diverse community of traders across 175+ countries, offering access to over 150 financial instruments across multiple trading platforms. The firm is known for its structured approach to risk management, transparency, and trader-centric operations. Learn more at holaprime.com.

    Social Links

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVEJa1Ml132Be7tnk-DjeQ

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=true

    X: https://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobal

    Discord: https://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBf

    Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/

    Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/

    Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267

    Media Contact

    Company: Hola Prime

    Contact: Media Team

    Email: marketing@holaprime.com

    Website: https://holaprime.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mrs Dalloway at 100: Virginia Woolf’s timeless novel is a work of pandemic fiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Snaith, Professor of Twentieth-Century Literature, King’s College London

    Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, set on a June day in 1923, is unusual in that its two protagonists – society hostess Clarissa Dalloway and shell-shocked veteran Septimus Smith – never meet.

    Published 100 years ago on May 14 1925, the novel follows Clarissa as she prepares to host a party. She is visited by a former suitor, Peter Walsh, who has just returned from India. Her movements on London’s streets are intertwined with those of her husband, Richard, and daughter, Elizabeth, as well as a host of minor characters.

    Simultaneously, Septimus is experiencing what we would now understand as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by his service in the first world war. His sense of London as an apocalyptic war zone is exacerbated by his treatment at the hands of his doctors and their refusal to “hear” his trauma.

    Mrs Dalloway has inspired and continues to inspire numerous creative responses and reworkings, such as Michael Cunningham’s novel The Hours (1998) and Wayne McGregor’s triptych ballet Woolf Works (2015). The novel now has its own biography by Mark Hussey due to be published next month and DallowayDay celebrations that echo James Joyce’s Bloomsday.

    A century on, Mrs Dalloway speaks in so many ways to our own moment of militarisation, neo-imperialism and political crisis. In her diary, Woolf wrote that she wanted to “criticise the social system and to show it at work” and the novel offers an often excoriating critique of the military industrial complex of interwar Britain.

    This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.

    In her representation of returned soldier Septimus Smith’s PTSD, Woolf complicates the characters’ refrain that the “war is over” and the collective refusal to acknowledge the trauma of trench warfare. She was ahead of her time as a woman writing about war and in her literary depiction of the term and experience of “shell shock” so soon after the conflict when the condition was still often understood to be cowardice and malingering.

    Septimus’s trauma connects to the unspecified “illness” experienced by Clarissa, wife of a Conservative MP, preparing to host a party that evening. Woolf takes this privileged figure, who appears in her first novel The Voyage Out (1915) as a satirical cameo, and in this iteration offers the reader her rich inner life: her complex stream of thoughts, sensations and philosophical musings.

    The original book jacket.
    Wiki Commons

    Woolf’s acquaintance Kitty Maxse may have been the model for Clarissa. Kitty fell down the stairs to her death, raising the possibility of suicide. Instead, Woolf has Septimus commit suicide when he is faced with the threat of incarceration and the “rest cure”. News of the tragedy interrupts Clarissa’s party, but she understands his act: “Death was defiance. Death was an attempt to communicate … Somehow it was her disaster – her disgrace.”

    Clarissa feels herself, like Septimus, to be expendable: “She had the oddest sense of being herself invisible; unseen; unknown; there being no more marrying; no more having of children … this being Mrs Dalloway; not even Clarissa anymore.”

    Clarissa is 52 and, while the menopause is not mentioned directly, Woolf touches here in such a prescient way on the medicalisation and pathologising of women’s health. The novel is radical in its centring of a middle-aged protagonist – the novel form bends as it is uncoupled from the marriage plot. Woolf’s complex treatment of ageing – “she felt very young; at the same time unspeakably aged” – and the sense of both loss and possibility is acutely felt.

    Clarissa’s conformity to social expectations includes the suppression of her queer desires. Alone in her upstairs room, she reminisces about her “falling in love with women” and more specifically, her kiss with Sally Seton: “the most exquisite moment of her whole life … the whole world might have turned upside down!” Again, in her representation of queer lives, Woolf overturned the status quo.

    Mrs Dalloway and the pandemic

    In its engagement with feminist and queer politics, then, the novel has enduring appeal. But its post-COVID appreciation as a pandemic novel has meant that the novel has been read afresh by a whole new audience. Woolf and Clarissa are both survivors of the post-first world war influenza pandemic (known as the Spanish flu), which infected a third of the global population and caused an estimated 50-100 million deaths.

    We learn that Clarissa had “grown very white since her illness”, “her heart, affected, they said, by influenza”. Her sheer joy at walking London’s summer streets and mixing with crowds of passersby is a legacy of the pandemic as is the sense of loss and tolling of bells that echo through the novel.

    Critic Elizabeth Outka in Viral Modernism: the Influenza Pandemic and Interwar Literature (2019) has read the pandemic into the novel’s mobile and multifarious perspective.

    [It has] a narrative perspective that could move as nimbly among bodies as a virus, a plot defined less by linear timelines and more by temporal and experiential fluidity, and a structure that could express the delirious, hallucinatory reality that infused the culture.

    Clarissa has a poignant sense of the horror (“it was very, very dangerous to live even one day”) and joy (“in the triumph and the jingle … was what she loved; life; London; this moment of June”) of existence.

    The legacy of the war is present not only in Septimus’s trauma but in a wider civilian trepidation. In one scene, a skywriting aeroplane recalls the aerial and aural threat of wartime air raids over London. In another, a backfiring car sounds to Clarissa like a “violent explosion” or a pistol shot.

    The novel both registers the collective trauma of war but finds solace in the noisy, connective dynamism and diversity of urban life. Perhaps it is in Woolf’s acknowledgement of both the enormity and the minutiae of daily existence that this novel continues to speak to a contemporary readership.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Anna Snaith 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. Mrs Dalloway at 100: Virginia Woolf’s timeless novel is a work of pandemic fiction – https://theconversation.com/mrs-dalloway-at-100-virginia-woolfs-timeless-novel-is-a-work-of-pandemic-fiction-256642

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • India, Austria reaffirm strong bilateral ties, discuss Ukraine conflict and regional security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening India-Austria bilateral relations and addressing pressing global challenges.
     
    Dr. Jaishankar, in a post on X, said he appreciated the conversation with Minister Meinl-Reisinger and congratulated her on her recent appointment. The two leaders expressed mutual agreement on the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism and firmly rejected any form of nuclear blackmail.
     
    In a separate post on X, Minister Meinl-Reisinger described the exchange as a “very good phone call,” noting that both countries are committed to elevating their already strong partnership. She reiterated Austria’s condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a “vital step toward de-escalation.”
     
    The Austrian minister also emphasized the need for a collective global effort to end the war in Ukraine. “Now is the time for Russia to stop the killing and agree to the ceasefire,” she said, underscoring Austria’s continued call for peace.

  • MIL-OSI: First Busey Corporation Prices Depositary Share Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEAWOOD, Kan., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Busey Corporation (“Busey”) (Nasdaq: BUSE), the holding company for Busey Bank and CrossFirst Bank, announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 8,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of its 8.25% Fixed Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series B preferred stock”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share).

    When, as, and if declared by the board of directors of Busey, dividends will be payable on the Series B preferred stock from the date of issuance at a rate of 8.25% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2025. Busey may redeem the Series B preferred stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per depositary share, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering.

    Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to redeem Busey’s 5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030, and for general corporate purposes including to support balance sheet growth of Busey Bank.

    Busey intends to apply to list the depositary shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSEP.”

    Piper Sandler & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. are serving as joint bookrunning managers for the offering, and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is acting as the co-manager.

    The Company expects to close the offering, subject to customary conditions, on or about May 20, 2025.

    The Company filed a “shelf” registration statement (File No. 333-274620) (including a base prospectus (the “Base Prospectus”)) on September 21, 2023 and the related preliminary prospectus supplement on May 13, 2025 (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Busey, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the Base Prospectus and the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement if you request it by emailing Piper Sandler & Co. at fsg-dcm@psc.com or calling Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC toll-free at 1-866-718-1649 or Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company at 1-800-966-1559.

    This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Corporate Profile
    As of March 31, 2025, First Busey Corporation (Nasdaq: BUSE) was a $19.46 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

    Busey Bank, a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of First Busey Corporation headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, had total assets of $11.98 billion as of March 31, 2025. Busey Bank currently has 62 banking centers, with 21 in Central Illinois markets, 17 in suburban Chicago markets, 20 in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, three in Southwest Florida, and one in Indianapolis. More information about Busey Bank can be found at busey.com.

    CrossFirst Bank, a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of First Busey Corporation headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, had total assets of $7.45 billion as of March 31, 2025. CrossFirst Bank currently has 16 banking centers located across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. More information about CrossFirst Bank can be found at crossfirstbank.com. It is anticipated that CrossFirst Bank will be merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025.

    Through Busey’s Wealth Management division, the Company provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations. Assets under care totaled $13.68 billion as of March 31, 2025. More information about Busey’s Wealth Management services can be found at busey.com/wealth-management.

    Busey Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FirsTech, specializes in the evolving financial technology needs of small and medium-sized businesses, highly regulated enterprise industries, and financial institutions. FirsTech provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions, including online, mobile, and voice-recognition bill payments; money and data movement; merchant services; direct debit services; lockbox remittance processing for payments made by mail; and walk-in payments at retail agents. Additionally, FirsTech simplifies client workflows through integrations enabling support with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services. More information about FirsTech can be found at firstechpayments.com.

    For the fourth consecutive year, Busey was named among 2025’s America’s Best Banks by Forbes. Ranked 88th overall, Busey was one of seven banks headquartered in Illinois included on this year’s list. Busey was also named among the 2024 Best Banks to Work For by American Banker, the 2024 Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions and Investments, the 2024 Best Places to Work in Illinois by Daily Herald Business Ledger, the 2025 Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and the 2024 Best Companies to Work For in Florida by Florida Trend magazine. We are honored to be consistently recognized globally, nationally and locally for our engaged culture of integrity and commitment to community development.

    First Busey Corporation Contacts
    For Financials:  For Media:
    Scott Phillips, Interim CFO Amy L. Randolph, EVP & COO
    First Busey Corporation  First Busey Corporation
    (239) 689-7167 (217) 365-4049
    scott.phillips@busey.com amy.randolph@busey.com
       

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Busey’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of Busey’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “position,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Busey undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond Busey’s ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (1) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures, the threat or implementation of tariffs, trade wars, and changes to immigration policy); (2) changes in, and the interpretation and prioritization of, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies (including those concerning Busey’s general business); (3) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East); (4) unexpected results of acquisitions, including the acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc., which may include the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that the transaction and integration costs may be greater than anticipated; (5) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by Busey’s commercial borrowers; (6) new or revised accounting policies and practices as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (7) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s assets (including the impact of sustained elevated interest rates); (8) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (9) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (10) the loss of key executives or associates, talent shortages, and employee turnover; (11) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation, investigations, or other legal proceedings, inquiries, and regulatory actions involving Busey (including with respect to Busey’s Illinois franchise taxes); (12) fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (13) credit risk and risk from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral, and industry), within Busey’s loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including commercial real estate loans); (14) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (15) the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s balance sheets; (16) interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (17) breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; (18) the economic impact on Busey and its customers of climate change, natural disasters, and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts; (19) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact Busey’s cost of funds; (20) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (21) the effectiveness of Busey’s risk management framework; and (22) the ability of Busey to manage the risks associated with the foregoing. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dan Starr and Mindy Creighton Truex Appointed to Lakeland Financial Corporation and Lake City Bank Boards of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARSAW, Ind., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN) and Lake City Bank announced today that Dan Starr and Mindy Creighton Truex have been appointed to their respective Boards of Directors.

    “Our boards represent the foundational building blocks of stable corporate governance, leadership and engagement in our Indiana communities and provide balanced and thoughtful feedback to our leadership team. The addition of Dan and Mindy brings two proven business and community leaders to the table,” said David M. Findlay, Chairman and CEO. “Our boards are an extension of the bank in our Indiana markets and are active partners in the focus to drive long-term shareholder value. Both Dan and Mindy share a strong commitment to building long-term relationships within their industries and communities, which fits perfectly with Lake City Bank’s community banking philosophy.”

    Starr is CEO of Do it Best Corp., a Fort Wayne-based member-owned hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry with thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries. He has been with Do it Best Corp. for two decades and held several leadership roles prior to becoming President and CEO in 2016. Before joining Do it Best Corp., Starr was a partner with Barnes & Thornburg LLP and served as the firm’s Business, Tax & Real Estate departmental administrator in Fort Wayne.

    “Lake City Bank plays a vital role in many communities across our state and joining the board is an exciting opportunity,” said Starr. “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and momentum of the bank.”

    Starr has a juris doctor degree magna cum laude from the Indiana University School of Law. He has served in numerous board leadership roles within the greater Fort Wayne community, including the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, St. Francis Family Business Center and Fort Wayne Ballet. He currently serves as chairman of the Parkview Health Board of Directors, as well as on the Manchester University Board of Trustees Outreach Committee and the Do it Best Foundation.

    Mindy Creighton Truex is President of Creighton Brothers Farms LLC, a Warsaw-based family-owned farm founded in 1925. With extensive experience in the agricultural sector, she has been instrumental in developing innovative initiatives with Creighton Brothers Farms, including educational and farm-to-table experiences. She has served in leadership roles with national and local agricultural advocacy organizations, including the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers, Indiana State Poultry Association and Purdue University Animal Science Department Dean’s Advisory Committee.

    “As a sixth generation Kosciusko County farmer, I’m honored to join the Lake City Bank and Lakeland Financial Corporation boards,” said Creighton Truex. “Lake City Bank has been a part of the fabric of our community since 1872 and I’m excited to help the bank continue to grow.”

    Creighton Truex has a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from Purdue University. She has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations that impact her local community, including the Kosciusko County Visitor’s Bureau, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko County Leadership Academy, Purdue University’s Kosciusko County Agricultural Extension, Kosciusko County Farm Bureau, and United Way of Kosciusko County.

    Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN) is a $6.9 billion bank holding company headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana. Lake City Bank, its single bank subsidiary, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in‐market long‐term customer relationships while delivering technology‐forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

    Contact
    Luke Weick
    Marketing Manager
    574 267-9198, x47279 office
    260 431-7061 mobile
    luke.weick@lakecitybank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Indian stock markets close higher; defence sector maintains momentum

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets ended Wednesday’s session on a positive note, driven by gains in metal, real estate, and technology stocks.

    Among the standout performers was the domestic defence sector, which continued its upward trajectory for the third consecutive session. The sector attracted steady buying interest, reflecting sustained investor confidence.

    Despite intra-day volatility, overall market sentiment remained optimistic, helping benchmark indices close in the green.

    At the close, the BSE Sensex rose 182 points, or 0.22 per cent, to settle at 81,330.56, while the NSE Nifty gained 88 points, or 0.36 per cent, to end at 24,666.

    According to analysts, key option data for the Nifty indicates major resistance at 25,000 and 25,500 call levels, with strong support around the 24,000 and 24,500 put levels. The put-call ratio (PCR) stood at 0.72, signaling a mildly bearish bias, noted Sundar Kewat of Ashika Institutional Equity.

    On the 30-share Sensex, Tata Steel emerged as the top gainer, climbing 3.88 per cent. It was followed by Eternal (2.18 per cent), Tech Mahindra (2.02 per cent), and Maruti Suzuki India (1.66 per cent).

    In contrast, Asian Paints was the biggest laggard, slipping 1.78 per cent to close at ₹2,283.65. Other notable losers included Tata Motors (down 1.26 per cent) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (down 1.11 per cent).

    Broader markets outperformed the frontline indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose 1.13 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 1.36 per cent, highlighting strong interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

    Investor confidence was further buoyed by the latest retail inflation data, which showed price growth in April easing to its slowest pace in over six years. The decline, mainly due to lower food prices, has strengthened expectations of a potential rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India.

    Global cues also contributed to the upbeat mood, as softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data eased concerns over monetary tightening and raised hopes that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more accommodative stance.

    “The retreat in crude oil prices and the softening of the U.S. dollar served as additional tailwinds, lending support to the rupee during intra-day trading,” said Dilip Parmar of HDFC Securities.

    With both domestic and global factors currently favoring the market, analysts expect investor sentiment to remain constructive in the near term.

    —IANS

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Beer Announces Sponsorship of Losers Bar & Grill Midtown Legendary Parking Lot Concert Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Surprise Guests Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett and Jamey Johnson Join Ernest, Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, and Rhys Rutherford for First 2025 Concert

    Nashville, TN, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), announces that American Rebel Light Beer will sponsor the 2025 Losers Bar & Grill (“Losers”) Parking Lot Concert Series and the amazing first concert held Tuesday, May 12, featured surprise guest and country music superstar Morgan Wallen, (morganwallen.com), Gabby Barrett (gabbybarrett.com), and Jamey Johnson (jameyjohnson.com) along with Ernest (ernestofficial.com), Chandler Walters (Instagram.com/chandlerwaltersmusic), Cody Lohden (Instagram.com/codylohden/) and Rhys Rutherford (Instagram.com/rhys_rutherford_/).

    As Losers likes to say, “you never know who might show up to a parking lot party,” and this statement was proven true when Morgan Wallen surprised the huge crowd and appeared on stage with Ernest to sing their hit duet “Flower Shops.” Ten-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson and top female artist and actress Gabby Barrett also joined Ernest on stage.

    “I’ve been coming to Losers for 16 years,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “I’ve watched Steve Ford grow Losers Midtown into the iconic place where artists, industry and locals like to hang their hat. The Parking Lot Concert Series grew out of those roots and fans get treated to amazing music and surprise guests during these incredible intimate concerts. American Rebel Light Beer is honored to be involved with Steve Ford and the entire Losers team to sponsor the 2025 Parking Lot Concert Series as well as the Raised Rowdy Round and Riley Green’s Duck Blind podcasts. In addition to Losers Midtown, Losers also has a downtown Nashville location, a bar in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and a bar in Belize. It’s incredible what Steve is doing.”

    Losers Parking Lot Concerts are announced on the Losers Instagram page (Instagram.com/losersoriginal/).

    The American Rebel Light Beer sponsorship of the Losers Bar & Grill Parking Lot Concert Series features American Rebel Light Beer signage throughout the concert area and bar and servers proudly wearing official American Rebel merchandise. American Rebel Light is also sponsoring the Raised Rowdy (Instagram.com/raisedrowdy/) songwriter rounds at Riley Green’s Duck Blind, as well as Riley Green’s Duck Blind (Instagram.com/duckblindnash/) podcasts. American Rebel Light Beer is very proud to highlight its Nashville foundation through its sponsorship of the iconic Losers Midtown Parking Lot Concert Series, the Raised Rowdy Rounds and the Riley Green Duck Blind podcast.

    About American Rebel Light:

    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 and Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or Instagram.com/americanrebelbeer/.

    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.

    About Losers Midtown

    Dive bars are an American tradition. For better or worse, every town has at least one and Nashville’s is Losers Midtown powered by Riley Green’s Duck Blind. Spend the evening with the who’s who of Nashville’s music industry at an intimate, no-frills venue for live music, serving classic bar eats and a variety of beers on tap. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter. You never know who you might run into… This Life Ain’t For Everybody! For more information on Losers Midtown go to losersmidtown.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 americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@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 a launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, 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. 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.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
    info@americanrebel.com

    Media Contact:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@PrecisionPR.co

    For more details on American Rebel Light Beer and upcoming events, visit AmericanRebelBeer.com or follow @AmericanRebelBeer on social media.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Trump says he’s still open to attending talks on Ukraine, unsure about Putin

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was still considering whether to attend talks on the war in Ukraine planned for Thursday in Turkey but he does not know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will go.

    “He’d like me to be there, and that’s a possibility. … I don’t know that he would be there if I’m not there. We’re going to find out,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Qatar.

    He has said he may visit Turkey for the talks as part of his trip to the Middle East this week. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was still considering whether to attend talks on the war in Ukraine planned for Thursday in Turkey but he does not know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will go.

    “He’d like me to be there, and that’s a possibility. … I don’t know that he would be there if I’m not there. We’re going to find out,” Trump said while traveling aboard Air Force One en route to Qatar.

    Trump has said he may visit Turkey for the talks as part of his trip to the Middle East this week. He cited his next stop to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

    “We have a very full situation. Now that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it to save a lot of lives and come back,” Trump said, according to a pool report from the Washington Post. Trump noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be at Thursday’s talks in Istanbul.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday said he would only attend if Putin was also there.

    On Wednesday, the Kremlin said it would send a delegation to Istanbul but did not say who would be representing Moscow.

    (Reuters)

  • Operation Sindoor important example of India’s identity: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday described Operation Sindoor as a defining expression of India’s national identity and a testament to the strength of the armed forces under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
     
    Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw said the military response following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 not only showcases India’s strategic capabilities but also reflects the new defence doctrine shaped by the Centre’s firm approach.
     
    “Operation Sindoor is a powerful example of India’s ‘asmita’ (identity), the decisive role of our armed forces, and the strong leadership guiding them. It represents the new doctrine we have adopted and is a praiseworthy development for the country,” he said.
     
    The Union Minister was addressing the press following the Union Cabinet’s approval for setting up India’s sixth semiconductor manufacturing facility, a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. The facility, to be located near the upcoming Jewar airport within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), will commence production in 2027.
     
    With an investment of ₹3,700 crore, the plant will have a capacity to process 20,000 wafers per month and manufacture 36 million chips monthly. These chips will cater to sectors including mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, and personal computers.
     
    The semiconductor industry in India remains at a nascent stage, but the initiative is expected to enhance self-reliance and address vulnerabilities exposed during the global chip shortage amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Five other semiconductor plants are currently under construction in Gujarat and Assam.
     
     
    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 May 2025 The journey of Muthuramalingam: a life devoted to restoring sight in India

    Source: World Health Organisation

    “I thought I’d just end up as a postmaster in my hometown,” says Muthuramalingam with a soft chuckle. “But life had other plans”. 

    It all began at a Lions Club eye camp, where Muthuramalingam got involved in helping as a volunteer. He had no medical training, only a strong desire to help..  His dedication caught the attention of visiting doctors and trainers who saw potential in him. Encouraged by their support, he began learning about eye care and refraction—planting the seeds of what would become his life’s mission. 

    That  decision changed his life and brought hope to countless others. Armed with simple tools and a firm resolve, Muthuramalingam rode his bicycle from one village to another,  transforming school verandas and shaded spots beneath trees into makeshift clinics. His goal was clear: to  restore sight to those overlooked by regular healthcare. 

    “Eye care is not just treating vision,” he says. “It is giving people a whole new life.” 

    Over  the years, he witnessed  community eye care evolve – from humble beginnings with basic tools to well-equipped camps with trained teams and  modern facilities. Still, the heart of the work stayed focused on reaching  people who needed help the most.

    One of Muthuramalingam’s most cherished memeories comes from a school screening in Melur, a town near Madurai. There, he met  a 12-year-old boy who  struggled  in school and  appeared withdrawn. The reason:  a severe refractive error. “Once he started wearing eyeglasses, he became one of the best students in his class,” Muthuramalingam  recalls with pride in his voice. “That single pair of eyeglasses completely changed his path in life.” 

    Muthuramalingam estimates that over his decades-long  career, he has screened and treated tens of thousands across Tamil Nadu. From  Madurai to Salem, Erode to Coimbatore, he has travelled tirelessly, village by village, ensuring that no one is left in the dark.   

    The journey has not been easy – marked by cultural barriers, grueling travel , and constant exhaustion . Yet, the community trust and the visible impact keep him going. “Back then, we handled everything—planning, counseling, and eye exams. Now there’s support , but the mission  remains the same,” he says. 

    Muthuramalingam still organizes school screenings and guides families through care. What motivates him to keep going? “A child smiling after seeing for the first time. That’s all I need,” he says. 

    As India grapples with rising  preventable vision problems, his journey highlights the crucial role of  grassroots health workers . “We can’t sit back and wait for people to come to the hospitals,” he explains. “We have to reach  them. That’s how we build stronger, healthier communities .” 

     In a time  when most step back from work, Muthuramalingam refuses to slow down. “The body might feel its age,” he says, “but the spirit should never get tired.” 

     

     

    Photo credits: Aravind Eye Foundation

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    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump is making it easier to fire federal workers, but they have some legal protections – 3 essential reads

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Amy Lieberman, Politics + Society Editor, The Conversation

    An estimated 2% of federal civil servants could soon find their jobs are no longer secure under the Trump administration. iStock/Getty Images Plus

    The Trump administration is moving ahead with policy changes that would make it easier to fire some federal workers.

    The Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, filed proposed regulations in the Federal Register on April 23, 2025, that would reclassify about 50,000 career civil servants as “at-will” employees.

    Trump’s first administration attempted similar changes, known as by some as Schedule F but those plans were not implemented.

    An estimated 2% of nearly all of the 3 million federal workers would then experience a shift in how the government classifies their jobs, renaming their classification “Schedule Policy/Career.”

    It is not entirely clear which workers will be reclassified, since the process is largely at Trump’s discretion.

    “This will allow agencies to quickly remove employees from critical positions who engage in misconduct, perform poorly, or undermine the democratic process by intentionally subverting Presidential directives,” the Office of Personnel Management proposal reads.

    Trump supports these changes and says they can help remove corrupt or unqualified workers. Critics maintain that the changes will allow the administration to fire federal employees the administration sees as not supporting its agenda.

    Trump is expected to sign another executive order in the next few weeks that would formally reclassify certain federal job positions as Schedule Policy/Career.

    Here are three stories from The Conversation’s archive about the rights of federal civil servants.

    Former U.S. Agency for International Development employees terminated by the Trump administration collect their belongings at USAID headquarters in February 2025.
    Chip Somodevilla/Gety Images

    1. When a president fired half of the civil service

    Before Trump was elected to a second term in November 2024, he promised he would fire as many as 50,000 civil servants and replace them with people loyal to him.

    Nearly 200 years before that, President Andrew Jackson took office in 1828 and promptly fired about half of the government’s civil service. He replaced these employees with political loyalists. This shift became known as the spoils system.

    “The result was not only an utterly incompetent administration, but widespread corruption,” write Sidney Shapiro, a professor of law at Wake Forest University, and Joseph P. Tomain, a professor of law at the University of Cincinnati.

    Samuel Swartwout, for example, was a Jackson former Army friend whom he selected to serve as collector of customs in New York. The job was well paid and prestigious, and “involved collecting taxes and fees on imported goods that arrived in the nation’s busiest port.”

    “But a congressional investigation showed that Swartwout had stolen a little more than US$1.2 million during his tenure, or about $40 million in today’s dollars,” Shapiro and Tomain write.

    Jackson also found that he could not legally influence hiring at all federal agencies, including the U.S. Post Office, and easily place his own high-level appointees there.

    Today, some federal workers, including U.S. Border Patrol agents, would be exempt from Trump’s reclassification plans.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump wants to reinstate a spoils system in federal government by hiring political loyalists regardless of competence

    An 1830 political cartoon by Thomas Nast about civil service reform shows five people bowing down at a statue of Andrew Jackson.
    Fotosearch/Getty Images

    2. Federal workers have protections against partisan attacks

    Federal workers have had federal legal protections for their hiring and firing in place since the 1880s. This has helped federal employees thwart moves by presidents like Jackson aiming to “control a lot of workers who would serve the president,” and not the American people, according to James L. Perry, a scholar of public affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington.

    The 1883 Pendleton Act ensures that “government workers are hired based on their skills and abilities, not their political views,” Perry says. Congress updated this law in 1978 with the Civil Service Reform Act, which provides additional “protections for workers against being fired for political reasons.”

    “Those rules cover about 99% of staff in the federal civil service. Currently, there are just about 4,000 political appointees,” Perry told Jeff Inglis, an editor at The Conversation U.S., in February 2025.

    Perry points out that the Trump administration’s proposed restructuring would also likely be unpopular among Americans. As many as 87% of Americans have said they want a merit-based, politically neutral civil services, according to Perry



    Read more:
    Trump’s moves to strip employment protections from federal workers threaten to make government function worse – not better

    .

    3. A precarious moral and ethical tightrope

    Leading into Trump’s second term, federal government workers were advised by colleagues to “stay calm and keep their heads down,” and draw minimal attention to their work. This includes not directly using terms like climate change and human rights, which they correctly thought the administration would target, according to Jaime L. Kucinskas, a sociologist at Hamilton College.

    There were some unknowns about how Trump’s second administration would act. But many civil servants also likely understood that “this pressure is real” under the new administration and could affect their day-to-day work, Kucinskas writes.

    Kucinskas interviewed 66 career civil servants from 2017 through 2020. A number of these workers told Kucinskas that working under the first Trump administration caused their mental health and morale to decline. The experience also worsened their productivity and innovation at work.

    “Among a sizable proportion of the people I spoke with, the pressures at work became too much; about a quarter of those I spoke with quit during the first Trump administration,” Kucinskas wrote in January 2025.

    Some civil servants chose to not speak openly about their work experiences with the first Trump administration, including mid-level civil service workers who watched as political appointees “fought over policy agendas levels above them,” according to Kucinskas. Other employees tried to simply keep their work moving, regardless of the politics at play.

    “Yet, even among those who felt most alone, I found they had many experiences in common with others who also felt isolated in trying to walk a precarious moral and ethical tightrope between their desire to faithfully serve the elected president – under chaotic leadership and insufficient and sometimes questionably legal guidance,” Kucinskas wrote, “and do quality work upholding the law and benefiting the nation and the American public



    Read more:
    Civil servants brace for a second Trump presidency

    .”

    This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

    – ref. Trump is making it easier to fire federal workers, but they have some legal protections – 3 essential reads – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-making-it-easier-to-fire-federal-workers-but-they-have-some-legal-protections-3-essential-reads-256313

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Toppenish Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Firearm Charges for Shooting at Law Enforcement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Leland James Vijarro, age 26, of Toppenish, Washington, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington to assault and firearm charges for shooting at federal officers.

    Based on court documents and information presented at the change-of-plea hearing, at around 9 p.m. on February 10, 2024, law enforcement in Toppenish, Washington, responded to reports that two vehicles were chasing one another.  According to these reports, the vehicles’ occupants were firing gunshots at one another

    When officers responded to the scene and stopped one of the vehicles involved, Vijarro, who was a passenger in the vehicle, got out and ran from the scene, armed with a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition. Vijarro then fled into a nearby home in attempt to hide from law enforcement. At this point, law enforcement set up a permitter around the home where Vijarro was apparently hiding.

    Just before 11p.m., Vijarro walked into the backyard of the home and fired three shots at law enforcement. Vijarro then stood on top a pallet in the backyard, took up a shooting stance while aiming at law enforcement, and fired two more shots. Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were hit by bullets fired by Vijarro.

    Vijarro eventually surrendered to law enforcement after breaking into a home next door and barricading himself inside. These events, including the shots fired at law enforcement, occurred on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Mr. Vijarro is not an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation.

    At the change-of-plea hearing, Vijarro admitted that he intentionally fired at law enforcement officers, who had set up a perimeter around the home he had barricaded himself in.

    “Firing at law enforcement officers is an intolerable act of violence that puts lives at risk and undermines public safety,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker. Mr. Vijarro’s reckless and dangerous actions could have resulted in tragedy. I commend the officers involved for their professionalism and restraint.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to hold violent offenders accountable and protect our communities.”

    “During Police Week, we are especially reminded of how law enforcement place themselves daily in harm’s way to protect us. FBI Seattle and our partners are committed to combatting violent crime to keep our communities safe, including on tribal lands,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “From the vehicle chase to the hiding in houses, so many parts of this scenario were dangerous and could have resulted in far worse results than the damaged sheriff’s office vehicles. We are thankful no one was injured by Mr. Vijarro’s actions.”

    United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Vijarro’s plea and set sentencing for August 11, 2025. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.

    1:24-cr-02055-MKD

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolf Point man pleads guilty to multiple assault charges on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of assaulting two individuals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Philip Ray Azure, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon related to two separate incidents. Azure faces a term of imprisonment of ten years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for September 24, 2025. Azure was detained pending further proceedings.

    The first incident occurred on March 16, 2023, when Azure went to John Doe’s residence in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Azure and John Doe were friends and were drinking alcohol together. Azure became intoxicated and was asked to leave for being too loud. A family member of Doe’s, who also lives in the home, started to walk Azure out. As he was leaving, he struck the family member. John Doe confronted Azure about hitting his family member. Azure pulled out a knife and stabbed Doe in the chest and then turned and walked away without saying anything.

    Doe was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. The stab wound pierced his lung, causing a partial collapse that caused blood, gas, and air to build in the space between his lungs and rib cage. Doe was airlifted to Billings for surgery. After surgery to repair his lung, Doe spent a week in the hospital before being discharged.

    The second incident happened on January 27, 2024. Azure and several friends, including two co-defendants, and the victim, John Doe 2, were in a yard in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and eventually the group separated. Azure and his co-defendants returned home, and John Doe 2 arrived a short time later asking for his phone. Azure and his co-defendants exited the home and confronted Doe 2 in the driveway.

    Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Azure and his co-defendants hitting John Doe 2 and saw someone using a bat and someone else using a hammer. A second witness saw Azure and his two co-defendants approach Doe 2 while he backed away and said all three “jumped” Doe 2. That witness saw Azure use a bat during the assault.

    Doe 2 died at the scene before law enforcement arrived. According to an autopsy, he died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest, including a stab wound to the chest that perforated Doe 2’s sternum, heart, and esophagus.

    Azure was arrested the day after the second assault. He initially claimed he wasn’t there when Doe 2 was assaulted. He later admitted he was involved but didn’t remember the details because he was intoxicated. He claimed Doe 2 had a big knife and he ultimately hit Doe 2 with a bat to stop him from using the knife. None of the other witnesses reported seeing Doe 2 with a knife.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Wolf Point Police Department conducted the investigation.

    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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Cabinet approves sixth semiconductor unit in Uttar Pradesh, boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat vision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major boost to India’s semiconductor ambitions, the Union Cabinet, on Wednesday approved the setting up of a new semiconductor manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh. This will be the sixth facility under the India Semiconductor Mission, underscoring the nation’s drive towards self-reliance in this critical technology sector.

    The approved unit is a joint venture between HCL, a pioneer in hardware manufacturing, and global electronics giant Foxconn. The new plant will be located near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. Designed to manufacture display driver chips, the facility will cater to a wide range of devices including mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and other electronics.

    With a production capacity of 20,000 wafers per month and an output target of chips 36 million (3.6 crore) monthly, the plant is expected to significantly enhance India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The project will attract an investment of ₹3,700 crore.

    The announcement comes as India’s semiconductor landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Five semiconductor units are already in advanced stages of construction, and world-class design facilities have emerged across multiple states. Currently, 270 academic institutions and 70 startups are actively engaged in semiconductor design innovation, with 20 student-developed products having been taped out by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali.

  • Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to retain grade A+ contracts post retirement: BCCI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will continue to receive Grade A+ central contracts, despite retiring from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, star Indian batters, confirmed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Wednesday. Both players remain key figures in Indian cricket and will enjoy all the benefits associated with the top-tier contract.

    In the 2024–25 player retainership list, Kohli and Rohit were placed in the elite A+ category alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.

    Virat Kohli played 123 Test matches and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. In T20Is, he featured in 125 matches, scoring 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, with one century to his name. He is also the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with 1,292 runs.

    Rohit Sharma played 67 Test matches, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries. In T20Is, he played 151 matches and scored 4,231 runs at an average of 32.05. He holds the record for most centuries (5) in T20Is and retires as the format’s leading run-scorer.

    Their retirement from Tests and T20Is marks the end of an era, but their continued presence in the Grade A+ bracket signals their ongoing importance to Indian cricket, especially in ODIs and mentoring roles.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan and India expel each other’s diplomats

    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

    ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI, May 14 (Xinhua) — Pakistan and India on Tuesday announced the mutual expulsion of one diplomat each from the country, accusing the officials concerned of spying.

    Pakistan has declared an employee of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad persona non grata. The Foreign Ministry said the diplomat had been ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.

    The Indian Charge d’Affaires was summoned to the Pakistani Foreign Office, where he was handed an official note informing him of the decision, the ministry said. The Pakistani side also called on the Indian mission to ensure that its staff refrain from actions that are inconsistent with their diplomatic status.

    According to Indian media, the Indian government earlier said it had expelled an employee of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and also asked him to leave the country within 24 hours.

    The Pakistani diplomat, who was declared persona non grata by Indian authorities, was “engaged in activities inconsistent with his official status in India,” according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Pakistan repatriates BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw detained since April 23

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Border Security Force (BSF) constable who had been in Pakistani custody since April 23 was returned to India on Wednesday. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed the International Border while on duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector and was subsequently detained by Pakistan Rangers.

    According to a BSF statement, Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 am. “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently entered Pakistani territory around 11:50 am on April 23 while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector. He was detained by the Pakistan Rangers. Due to continuous efforts by BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication through established channels, his repatriation was made possible,” the statement said.

    The development follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, days after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    Earlier, on May 5, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed concern over the incident. “This is an extremely unfortunate situation. His name is Shaw. Our party’s Kalyan Banerjee is in touch with the family. We want him to be brought back at the earliest. We have clearly stated that our party stands with the government on matters of internal and external security. This is not an issue for political division,” she had said.

    Following Shaw’s detention, the BSF issued a strict advisory to its personnel, calling for heightened vigilance during patrols along the sensitive border.

    The BSF is tasked with guarding the 3,323-kilometre-long India-Pakistan border, which spans Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the Line of Control), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • India’s defence exports surge 34-fold over a decade: Rajnath Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high, witnessing a remarkable 34-fold increase over the past decade, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    “India exported defence goods worth Rs. 23,622 crore in 2024–25, compared to just Rs. 686 crore in 2013–14,” his office stated in a post on X. The Minister emphasized that the dramatic rise underscores the growing strength of India’s defence sector, fuelled by the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

    Driven by the Make in India initiative and strategic policy interventions such as Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the government has sought to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, boost exports, attract foreign investments, and reduce dependency on imports.

    The results are now evident: Defence production has soared, delivering substantial returns for investors in public sector undertakings (PSUs) engaged in defence manufacturing.

    India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem is also expanding rapidly, with the establishment of multiple defence hubs and increased collaboration with global players, many of whom have already shared or expressed willingness to share critical technologies with Indian counterparts.

    In FY 2024–25, India exported a wide array of defence items—including ammunition, weapons, systems/subsystems, and components—to nearly 80 countries, according to data from the Ministry of Defence.

    The government has now set an ambitious target of achieving annual defence exports of Rs.50,000 crore by 2029, aiming to bolster India’s footprint in the global defence market.

    Market sentiment around the defence sector has also been buoyant. The Nifty India Defence Index has surged by over 30% in the past three months, reflecting rising investor confidence. The recent escalation in tensions with Pakistan, coupled with the effective performance of indigenously developed defence systems, has further reinforced the strategic and commercial value of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • President Murmu briefed on Operation Sindoor, lauds armed forces for counter-terror success

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, along with the three service chiefs — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi — called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday to brief her on ‘Operation Sindoor’.

    As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President was apprised of the details and outcomes of the operation, which was launched in response to the brutal killing of 26 people by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

    “General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, along with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, called on President Droupadi Murmu and briefed her about Operation Sindoor. The President commended the valour and the dedication of the Armed Forces that made India’s response to terrorism a sterling success,” Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X.

    President Murmu lauded the courage and efforts of the armed forces and described the operation as a “matter of national pride.”

    The President was given a comprehensive account of these developments during the briefing.

    The strikes were conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack; however, in a quick response, the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty signed in the year 1960 between both countries following the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) meeting a day after the attack.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing brave air warriors and soldiers at the Adampur Air Base on Tuesday, praised the Indian Armed Forces for their valour and precision during Operation Sindoor.

    PM Modi said India paused military action only after Pakistan’s request and warned of strong retaliation if terrorism recurs. He praised the Armed Forces for their precision strikes, restraint, and coordination, calling it a reflection of India’s growing military and technological strength.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • NHRC launches two-week online internship programme on human rights

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has commenced its much-anticipated two-week Online Short-Term Internship (OSTI) Programme aimed at equipping young minds with a deeper understanding of human rights promotion and protection in the country.

    Out of a competitive pool of 1,795 applicants, 80 university-level students from varied academic backgrounds across 21 States and Union Territories have been selected to participate in the internship, the Commission announced in an official statement on Wednesday.

    Inaugurating the programme, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal addressed the interns, emphasizing the importance of youth as torchbearers of India’s 5,000-year-old civilisational values of empathy, compassion, and justice. He encouraged the students to serve as ambassadors of justice, equality, and dignity, and to utilise this learning opportunity to explore India’s constitutional framework and the essence of human dignity.

    Highlighting the rationale behind the online format, Bharat Lal explained that the initiative aims to widen the Commission’s outreach by enabling students from remote and far-flung regions to access quality education on human rights without the logistical challenges of travel and accommodation in Delhi.

    He also provided an overview of the evolution of human rights in India, including constitutional provisions, the pivotal role of the Supreme Court, and NHRC’s own functioning and commitment to humanitarian values deeply embedded in India’s cultural heritage.

    NHRC Joint Secretary Samir Kumar presented a detailed outline of the internship curriculum, which comprises expert lectures, group and individual competitions such as book reviews, declamations, and research presentations. The programme also includes virtual tours of institutions like Tihar Jail to provide practical exposure to real-life human rights scenarios.

  • BEL’s Akashteer air defence system proves its mettle amid conflict

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s AI-driven, fully automated ‘Akashteer’ air defence system, developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has demonstrated exceptional performance during recent drone attacks from Pakistan, effectively neutralising aerial threats the moment they breached Indian airspace, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
     
    According to BEL, the advanced platform successfully intercepted multiple threats, including drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions, establishing itself as a globally competitive and operationally ready defence asset.
     
    In an official statement on Wednesday, BEL lauded the system’s performance, noting that it had exceeded operational expectations and significantly bolstered India’s air defence capabilities during the ongoing conflict.
     
    “BEL is proud to announce that our in-house designed and manufactured air defence system, Akashteer, has proved its mettle on the battlefield. Ground-based defence systems integrated with Akashteer made it hell for Pakistan’s air adventures,” the Navratna Defence PSU said in a post on X.
     
    “The system performed beyond users’ expectations, providing robust air defence to India during the current conflict. Akashteer ensures a seamless and unified air situational picture accessible to even the lowest operational units of Army Air Defence, thereby enhancing situational awareness across the force,” it added.
     
    The Akashteer system was developed under a ₹1,982 crore contract signed in March 2023. It integrates surveillance assets, radar systems, and command units into a unified network, providing real-time situational awareness to the Indian Army’s air defence units.
     
    The system enables effective monitoring of low-level airspace over battle zones and ensures precise control over ground-based air defence weapon systems.
     
    Akashteer played a critical role during the recent conflict that followed India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The system successfully neutralised multiple drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan.
     
    “Akashteer empowers frontline units by enabling dynamic engagement decisions and preventing friendly-fire incidents,” BEL added.
     
    The system also exemplifies India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
     
    – ANI

  • India’s WPI inflation falls to 13-month low

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s wholesale inflation fell to a 13-month low of 0.85% in April, down from 2.05% in March and 2.38% in February, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday. This sharp deceleration reflects easing price pressures across key sectors.

    On a month-over-month basis, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) declined by 0.19% in April, continuing the downward trend seen in recent months. The drop was largely driven by falling food prices and a double-digit decline in fuel prices, which pulled overall inflation into negative territory on a monthly basis.

    In parallel, retail inflation also eased. As per data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Tuesday, Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation dropped to 3.16% in April, down from 3.34% in March, marking its lowest level since July 2019.

    A significant factor in this decline was the moderation in food inflation, which slowed to 1.78% in April from 2.69% in March. Given that food prices account for nearly half of the CPI basket, this has brought much-needed relief to household budgets.

    This marks the third consecutive month that retail inflation has stayed below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% medium-term target, providing the central bank with greater flexibility to maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance aimed at supporting economic growth.

    In its recent monetary policy review, the RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra noted that the inflation outlook has improved considerably. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has revised its inflation forecast for 2025–26 down to 4%, from an earlier estimate of 4.2%, citing a more favourable outlook for food prices.

    The easing of uncertainties around Rabi crop production, along with the second advance estimates pointing to record wheat output and improved pulse production, are expected to further help contain food inflation. Coupled with strong Kharif arrivals, this sets the stage for a more durable softening of inflationary pressures.

    Additionally, the latest RBI survey shows a sharp decline in inflation expectations over the next three months and one year, which is likely to help anchor inflationary sentiment going forward.

    (With IANS inputs)