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  • MIL-OSI: CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, Wis., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “CIB Marine”) (OTCQX: CIBH), the holding company of CIBM Bank (the “Bank”), announced its unaudited results of operations and financial condition for the quarter and three months ended March 31, 2025. Net income of $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, or $0.24 basic and $0.23 diluted net income per share, compares to $0.2 million during the same quarter of 2024, or $0.13 basic and $0.10 diluted net income per share.

    Financial highlights for the quarter include:

    • Net interest margin increased to 2.62% compared to 2.44% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2.29% for the first quarter of 2024. The rising trend continues as the cost of funds reprices lower relative to the changes in yields on earning assets. Net interest income rose $0.3 million compared to the same quarter of 2024, primarily due to declining cost of funds and improved net interest margin.
    • Although quarter-end loan balances declined $12 million compared to December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses to loans rose from 1.26% to 1.29%, primarily due to a deterioration in forecasted short-term economic outcomes. Non-performing assets to total assets of 0.67% and non-accrual loans to loans of 0.84% on March 31, 2025, compares to 0.68% and 0.81%, respectively, on December 31, 2024. In 2024, the Bank maintained lower loan balances to support the preferred stock redemption and ensure appropriate capital ratios. Looking ahead, an increase in the loan portfolio is expected over the remainder of the year, primarily driven by growth in the commercial segments.
    • The Banking Division’s $0.8 million of net income for the quarter was unchanged from the same period the prior year. Due to seasonal factors and high interest rates, the Mortgage Division experienced a slow first quarter, resulting in a net loss of $0.2 million, which is an improvement of $0.2 million compared to the same period in 2024 due to cost-saving actions implemented earlier. The net remaining Other Division, comprised primarily of parent company operations, had a net loss of $0.3 million with roughly one-third of that amount attributed to subordinated debt interest expense. Although the parent company has a $2 million line of credit, no draws have been made on that potential funding source to date.

    Mr. J. Brian Chaffin, CIB Marine’s President and CEO, commented, “Our banking operations have gained momentum, with our strong corporate banking group rebuilding the commercial loan pipeline and our net interest margin trending higher due to management’s diligent efforts to lower our cost of funds. Despite an improvement of $0.2 million from the first quarter of the previous year, the Mortgage Division reported a loss due to the challenging business environment for residential mortgages. We anticipate a decline in overall mortgage production for the remainder of the year compared to the previous year, primarily due to lender staff reductions, but remain confident in the capabilities of our current lending team to deliver solid mortgage production.”

    He added, “In February, we announced the launch of our 2025 common stock repurchase program, which is expected to buy back up to $1 million worth of shares through the end of the year. During the first quarter of 2025, we spent $235,000 in open market transactions to buy 7,429 shares at an average price of $31.65 per share. This price was significantly lower than the tangible book value of $57.37 per share as of December 31, 2024, and the repurchases contributed to an increase in the tangible book value to $58.46 per share by March 31, 2025.”

    As the Company prepares for its upcoming annual meeting, he concluded, “We look forward to discussing key topics related to our operating results and capital plans at the Annual Shareholder Meeting on Thursday, April 24th, 2025. Shareholders are encouraged to visit our website for more information about the virtual meeting and to review the meeting materials.”

    CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for CIBM Bank, which operates nine banking offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and has mortgage loan officers and/or offices in six states. More information on the Company is available at www.cibmarine.com, including recent shareholder letters, links to regulatory financial reports, and audited financial statements.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    CIB Marine has made statements in this release that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CIB Marine intends these forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor created thereby and is including this statement to avail itself of the safe harbor. Forward-looking statements are identified generally by statements containing words and phrases such as “may,” “project,” “are confident,” “should be,” “intend,” “predict,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect CIB Marine’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance that are subject to many uncertainties and factors relating to CIB Marine’s operations and the business environment, which could change at any time.

    There are inherent difficulties in predicting factors that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements.

    Stockholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this Earnings Release and in the documents that are incorporated by reference, could affect the future financial results of CIB Marine and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document. These factors, many of which are beyond CIB Marine’s control, include but are not limited to:

    • operating, legal, execution, credit, market, security (including cyber), and regulatory risks;
    • economic, political, and competitive forces affecting CIB Marine’s banking business;
    • the impact on net interest income and securities values from changes in monetary policy and general economic and political conditions; and
    • the risk that CIB Marine’s analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. CIB Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and CIB Marine’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements.

    FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
    J. Brian Chaffin, President & CEO
    (217) 355-0900
    brian.chaffin@cibmbank.com

     
    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.
    Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Data
                     
      At or for the
      Quarters Ended   3 Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,   March 31, March 31,
      2025 2024 2024 2024 2024   2025 2024
      (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
    Selected Statement of Operations Data:                
    Interest and dividend income $ 10,941   $ 11,408   $ 12,283   $ 12,052   $ 11,801     $ 10,941   $ 11,801  
    Interest expense   5,652     6,259     6,707     6,897     6,840       5,652     6,840  
    Net interest income   5,289     5,149     5,576     5,155     4,961       5,289     4,961  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   42     (332 )   (113 )   10     (28 )     42     (28 )
    Net interest income after provision for                
    (reversal of) credit losses   5,247     5,481     5,689     5,145     4,989       5,247     4,989  
    Noninterest income (1)   1,552     1,724     2,897     6,904     1,627       1,552     1,627  
    Noninterest expense   6,373     6,678     7,163     6,904     6,421       6,373     6,421  
    Income before income taxes   426     527     1,423     5,145     195       426     195  
    Income tax expense   105     123     347     1,361     17       105     17  
    Net income (loss) $ 321   $ 404   $ 1,076   $ 3,784   $ 178       $ 321   $ 178  
                     
    Common Share Data:                
    Basic net income (loss) per share (2) $ 0.24   $ 0.60   $ 0.79   $ 2.79   $ 0.13     $ 0.24   $ 0.13  
    Diluted net income (loss) per share (2)   0.23     0.54     0.59     2.06     0.10       0.23     0.10  
    Dividend   0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00       0.00     0.00  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   58.46     57.37     57.80     55.36     52.59       58.46     52.59  
    Book value per share (3)   58.51     57.42     56.06     53.61     50.84       58.51     50.84  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   1,348,995     1,357,737     1,357,259     1,356,255     1,341,181       1,348,995     1,341,181  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   1,396,274     1,507,344     1,833,586     1,833,881     1,820,498       1,396,274     1,820,498  
    Financial Condition Data:                
    Total assets $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634   $ 897,595     $ 852,018   $ 897,595  
    Loans   684,787     697,093     707,310     719,129     736,019       684,787     736,019  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (8,818 )   (8,790 )   (8,973 )   (9,083 )   (9,087 )     (8,818 )   (9,087 )
    Investment securities   124,109     120,339     120,349     123,814     119,300       124,109     119,300  
    Deposits   692,028     692,378     747,168     768,984     772,377       692,028     772,377  
    Borrowings   67,214     81,735     33,583     28,222     32,120       67,214     32,120  
    Stockholders’ equity   79,309     77,961     92,358     89,008     85,091       79,309     85,091  
    Financial Ratios and Other Data:                
    Performance Ratios:                
    Net interest margin (4)   2.62 %   2.44 %   2.55 %   2.38 %   2.29 %     2.62 %   2.29 %
    Net interest spread (5)   1.99 %   1.74 %   1.80 %   1.71 %   1.63 %     1.99 %   1.63 %
    Noninterest income to average assets (6)   0.73 %   0.82 %   1.25 %   3.09 %   0.73 %     0.73 %   0.73 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets   3.05 %   3.06 %   3.17 %   3.09 %   2.87 %     3.05 %   2.87 %
    Efficiency ratio (7)   93.65 %   96.17 %   85.32 %   57.19 %   97.20 %     93.65 %   97.20 %
    Earnings (loss) on average assets (8)   0.15 %   0.19 %   0.48 %   1.69 %   0.08 %     0.15 %   0.08 %
    Earnings (loss) on average equity (9)   1.65 %   1.94 %   4.71 %   17.92 %   0.84 %     1.65 %   0.84 %
    Asset Quality Ratios:                
    Nonaccrual loans to loans (10)   0.84 %   0.81 %   0.44 %   0.47 %   0.48 %     0.84 %   0.48 %
    Nonperformance assets to total assets (11)   0.67 %   0.68 %   0.38 %   0.41 %   0.43 %     0.67 %   0.43 %
    Nonaccrual loans, modified loans to borrowers experiencing                
    financial difficulty, loans 90 days or more past due and still                
    accruing to total loans   1.21 %   1.19 %   1.62 %   1.38 %   1.04 %     1.21 %   1.04 %
    Nonaccrual loans, OREO, modified loans to borrowers                
    experiencing financial difficulty, loans 90 days or more past                
    due and still accruing to total assets   0.97 %   0.98 %   1.32 %   1.14 %   0.89 %     0.97 %   0.89 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans (10)   1.29 %   1.26 %   1.27 %   1.26 %   1.23 %     1.29 %   1.23 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans,                
    modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty loans                
    and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (10)   106.25 %   105.95 %   82.53 %   91.24 %   118.77 %     106.25 %   118.77 %
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) annualized                
    to average loans (10)   -0.01 %   -0.01 %   -0.01 %   0.03 %   0.03 %     -0.01 %   0.03 %
    Capital Ratios:                
    Total equity to total assets   9.31 %   9.00 %   10.40 %   9.87 %   9.48 %     9.31 %   9.48 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio   13.34 %   13.02 %   14.54 %   13.90 %   13.07 %     13.34 %   13.07 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   10.62 %   10.33 %   11.89 %   11.27 %   10.48 %     10.62 %   10.48 %
    Leverage capital ratio   8.40 %   8.14 %   9.30 %   8.93 %   8.50 %     8.40 %   8.50 %
    Other Data:                
    Number of employees (full-time equivalent)   152     165     170     172     177       152     177  
    Number of banking facilities   9     9     9     9     9       9     9  
                     
    (1) Noninterest income includes gains and losses on securities.
    (2) Net income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share includes the difference between the carrying amount less the consideration paid for redeemed preferred stock of $0.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
    (3) Tangible book value per share is the stockholder equity less the carry value of the preferred stock and less the goodwill and intangible assets, divided by the total shares of common outstanding. Book value per share is the stockholder equity less the liquidation preference of the preferred stock, divided by the total shares of common outstanding. Book value measures are reported inclusive of the net deferred tax assets. As presented here, shares of common outstanding excludes unvested restricted stock awards.
    (4) Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets.
    (5) Net interest spread is the yield on average interest-earning assets less the rate on average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (6) Noninterest income to average assets excludes gains and losses on securities.
    (7) The efficiency ratio is noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding gains and losses on securities.
    (8) Earnings on average assets are net income divided by average total assets.
    (9) Earnings on average equity are net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.
    (10) Excludes loans held for sale.
    (11)Nonperforming assets includes nonaccrual loans and securities and other real estate owned.
     
    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
               
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
      2025 2024 2024 2024 2024
      (Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 7,717   $ 6,748   $ 13,814   $ 10,690   $ 7,727  
    Reverse repurchase agreements   –     –     –     –     –  
    Securities available for sale   121,939     118,206     118,145     121,687     117,160  
    Equity securities at fair value   2,170     2,133     2,204     2,127     2,140  
    Loans held for sale   7,685     13,291     19,472     17,897     8,048  
               
    Loans   684,787     697,093     707,310     719,129     736,019  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (8,818 )   (8,790 )   (8,973 )   (9,083 )   (9,087 )
    Net loans   675,969     688,303     698,337     710,046     726,932  
               
    Federal Home Loan Bank Stock   2,607     2,607     2,238     2,238     2,328  
    Premises and equipment, net   1,486     1,570     1,526     1,569     3,550  
    Accrued interest receivable   2,680     2,651     2,926     3,230     3,271  
    Deferred tax assets, net   12,529     12,955     12,796     14,840     14,849  
    Other real estate owned, net   –     200     211     283     375  
    Bank owned life insurance   6,486     6,437     6,388     6,340     6,291  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets   64     64     64     64     64  
    Other assets   10,686     11,309     10,162     10,623     4,860  
    Total assets $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634   $ 897,595  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 98,403   $ 86,886   $ 95,471   $ 95,457   $ 87,621  
    Interest-bearing demand   77,620     84,833     90,095     86,728     92,092  
    Savings   232,046     224,960     234,969     244,595     261,998  
    Time   283,959     295,699     326,633     342,204     330,666  
    Total deposits   692,028     692,378     747,168     768,984     772,377  
    Short-term borrowings   57,444     71,973     23,829     18,477     22,383  
    Long-term borrowings   9,770     9,762     9,754     9,745     9,737  
    Accrued interest payable   1,614     1,911     2,101     2,145     1,982  
    Other liabilities   11,853     12,489     13,073     13,275     6,025  
    Total liabilities   772,709     788,513     795,925     812,626     812,504  
               
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Preferred stock, $1 par value; 5,000,000 authorized shares at periods prior to December 31, 2024; 7% fixed rate noncumulative perpetual issued; 14,633 shares of series A and 1,610 shares of series B; convertible; $16.2 million aggregate liquidation preference   –     –     13,806     13,806     13,806  
    Common stock, $1 par value; 75,000,000 authorized shares; 1,382,609 and 1,372,642 issued shares; 1,356,247 and 1,358,473 outstanding shares at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. (1)   1,383     1,372     1,372     1,372     1,369  
    Capital surplus   181,801     181,708     181,603     181,486     181,380  
    Accumulated deficit   (99,167 )   (99,487 )   (100,297 )   (101,373 )   (105,157 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net   (3,939 )   (5,098 )   (3,592 )   (5,749 )   (5,773 )
    Treasury stock, 27,084 shares on March 31, 2025 and 14,791 shares December 31, 2024 (2)   (769 )   (534 )   (534 )   (534 )   (534 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   79,309     77,961     92,358     89,008     85,091  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634   $ 897,595  
               
    (1) Both issued and outstanding shares as stated here exclude 51,684 shares and 42,259 shares of unvested restricted stock awards at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Treasury stock includes 722 shares held by subsidiary bank CIBM Bank.
               
    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
                     
      At or for the
      Quarters Ended   3 Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,   March 31, March 31,
      2025 2024 2024 2024 2024   2025 2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                     
    Interest Income                
    Loans $ 9,623   $ 9,999   $ 10,573   $ 10,582   $ 10,394     $ 9,623   $ 10,394  
    Loans held for sale   137     215     300     213     142       137     142  
    Securities   1,150     1,151     1,183     1,217     1,231       1,150     1,231  
    Other investments   31     43     227     40     34       31     34  
    Total interest income   10,941     11,408     12,283     12,052     11,801       10,941     11,801  
                     
    Interest Expense                
    Deposits   5,029     5,638     6,354     6,466     6,227       5,029     6,227  
    Short-term borrowings   504     500     232     310     493       504     493  
    Long-term borrowings   119     121     121     121     120       119     120  
    Total interest expense   5,652     6,259     6,707     6,897     6,840       5,652     6,840  
    Net interest income   5,289     5,149     5,576     5,155     4,961       5,289     4,961  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   42     (332 )   (113 )   10     (28 )     42     (28 )
    Net interest income after provision for                
    (reversal of) credit losses   5,247     5,481     5,689     5,145     4,989       5,247     4,989  
                     
    Noninterest Income                
    Deposit service charges   59     55     63     67     66       59     66  
    Other service fees   (9 )   (5 )   (5 )   1     (5 )     (9 )   (5 )
    Mortgage banking revenue, net   1,140     1,564     2,264     2,166     1,209       1,140     1,209  
    Other income   177     192     150     273     163       177     163  
    Net gains on sale of securities available for sale   0     0     0     0     0       0     0  
    Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities   36     (71 )   78     (14 )   (18 )     36     (18 )
    Net gains (loss) on sale of SBA loans   161     0     420     0     202       161     202  
    Net gains on sale of assets and (writedowns)   (12 )   (11 )   (73 )   4,411     10       (12 )   10  
    Total noninterest income   1,552     1,724     2,897     6,904     1,627       1,552     1,627  
                     
    Noninterest Expense                
    Compensation and employee benefits   4,066     4,344     4,852     4,700     4,289       4,066     4,289  
    Equipment   559     467     504     457     462       559     462  
    Occupancy and premises   549     500     495     391     436       549     436  
    Data Processing   221     220     243     208     212       221     212  
    Federal deposit insurance   129     144     182     219     199       129     199  
    Professional services   278     240     254     219     199       278     199  
    Telephone and data communication   52     74     51     51     56       52     56  
    Insurance   64     71     78     80     81       64     81  
    Other expense   455     618     504     579     487       455     487  
    Total noninterest expense   6,373     6,678     7,163     6,904     6,421       6,373     6,421  
    Income from operations                
    before income taxes   426     527     1,423     5,145     195       426     195  
    Income tax expense   105     123     347     1,361     17       105     17  
    Net income (loss)   321     404     1,076     3,784     178       321     178  
    Preferred stock dividend   0     0     0     0     0       0     0  
    Discount from repurchase of preferred stock   0     406     0     0     0       0     0  
    Net income (loss) allocated to                
    common stockholders $ 321   $ 810   $ 1,076   $ 3,784   $ 178     $ 321   $ 178  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank and National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Sign MoU to accelerate Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Projects in India

    Source: New Development Bank

    On April 8, 2025, the New Development Bank (NDB) and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), one of India’s premier development financial institutions (DFI), signed in Mumbai a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)   to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

    This collaboration will facilitate joint infrastructure investments in India and create a framework for the exchange of technical knowledge.

    NaBFID aims to work with NDB on clean energy and transportation projects, including renewable energy initiatives and sustainable water and sewage management, among others. The MoU also lays the foundation for both organisations to participate in infrastructure projects through thematic-level collaborations within their respective mandates.

    Additionally, NDB and NaBFID will partner in research and capacity-building initiatives, including seminars and workshops, to promote knowledge sharing and enhance institutional capabilities.

    NDB has approved nearly USD 10 billion in loans for 28 major infrastructure projects in India, including the Chennai, Indore, and Mumbai metro systems, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System, and the Namo Bharat high-speed trains. Additionally, this funding supports the development of urban and rural roads, bridges and highways; water and sanitation; clean energy and USD 2 billion for COVID-19 emergency aid and economic recovery.

    Mr. Vladimir Kazbekov, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, NDB, said, “We are delighted to partner with NaBFID to drive India’s infrastructure and social sector development. We are proud of the activities we have undertaken in our founding member country generating a robust USD 10 billion portfolio in a short time span. This MoU reflects our shared vision of fostering economic growth while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Rajkiran Rai G., Managing Director, NaBFID, said, “This collaboration with NDB marks a significant step in our commitment to nation-building and sustainable development. This MoU will help NaBFID accelerate infrastructure financing in clean energy and social impact projects, creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

    About NDB 

    The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). In 2021, NDB welcomed its first non-founding members and continues to expand, positioning itself as a platform for wider collaboration amongst EMDCs.  Since 2015, NDB has committed USD 35.6 billion in financing for 108 projects across sectors such as clean energy, transport, water and sanitation, environmental protection, social and digital infrastructure.

    About NaBFID

    National Bank for Financing Infrastructure Development (NaBFID) is a Development Financial Institution (DFI) established in April 2021. NaBFID is dedicated to accelerating the development of India’s infrastructure ecosystem by addressing the long-term financing needs of the sector. NaBFID plays a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic growth and fostering sustainable development.

    NaBFID is committed towards its vision of becoming a strong provider of impact investment, catalysing infrastructure funding for transformative growth of India.

    NaBFID aims to be a key partner in helping India achieve its ambitious infrastructure development objectives – responsibly and sustainably. Additionally, NaBFID will work towards developing a deep and liquid market for bonds, loans, and derivatives for infrastructure financing.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Reserve Bank of India cancels the licence of Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank Ltd., Akluj

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide order dated April 09, 2025, has cancelled the licence of “Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank Ltd., Akluj”. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on April 11, 2025. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank.

    The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of the bank as:

    1. The bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. As such, it does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    2. The bank has failed to comply with the requirements of Sections 22(3)(a), 22(3)(b), 22(3)(c), 22(3)(d), and 22(3)(e) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    3. The continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.

    4. The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full; and

    5. Public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further.

    2. Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, “Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank Ltd., Akluj” is prohibited from conducting the business of ‘banking’ which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, with immediate effect.

    3. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- (Rupees five lakh only) from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961. As per the data submitted by the bank, about 99.72% of the depositors are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from the DICGC. As on March 31, 2025, DICGC has already paid ₹47.89 crore of the total insured deposits under the provisions of Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961, based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/86

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung India Empowers Women Leaders with SheLEADS: Fostering an Inclusive Future

    Source: Samsung

     
    At Samsung, empowering women in leadership is not just about representation but about driving meaningful impact. With this commitment, Samsung India has been fostering future women leaders through its flagship SheLEADS program—a dedicated leadership development initiative designed to equip women employees with the skills, confidence, and network to step into leadership roles.
     
    After the successful launch of SheLEADS last year, Samsung has now introduced SheLEADS 2.0, expanding the program to a new cohort of 16 high-potential women professionals across multiple functions. This 14-week leadership journey provides immersive learning experiences, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities to develop strategic decision-making and managerial skills.
     
    Building Women Leaders, One Step at a Time
    As a global technology leader, Samsung recognizes that workplaces that excel in crafting an inclusive environment also achieve stronger business outcomes—including enhanced employee engagement, talent retention, and overall financial success. SheLEADS 2.0 is a testament to this belief, ensuring that women at Samsung have access to leadership pathways and the support to break barriers.
     
    For participants, the program is not just about professional growth but also about building a community of women who uplift and inspire each other.
     
    “SheLEADS helped me to enhance my core leadership skills. Be it strategic thinking, assertive communication, effective decision making or negotiation but the biggest takeaway from SheLEADS has been the power of networking and shared experiences,” said RS Annapoorna, General Manager, Legal Management. “It’s empowering to be in a room full of talented women, all striving for excellence and breaking stereotypes in the corporate world.”
     
    Nurturing Talent across Diverse Functions
    This year’s cohort of SheLEADS 2.0 includes professionals from various business verticals such as legal, marketing, supply chain, product planning, and HR. Each participant brings unique expertise, contributing to a richer, more diverse leadership pipeline within Samsung.
     
    A Future of Inclusive Leadership
    Samsung is committed to fostering a work environment where employees, regardless of gender, can thrive, grow, and lead. The company continues to build a culture where women are supported at every stage of their careers, and SheLEADS is just one of the many steps toward this goal.
     
    As Rajni Chaudhry, Deputy General Manager, Supply Chain, Digital Appliances, puts it, “The whole program has been beautifully designed to equip the leadership competence to navigate through personal and professional environment. Overall, it has been an impactful, empowering and transformative experience.”
     
    With programs like SheLEADS, Samsung India is shaping the future of leadership—one that is diverse, dynamic, and truly inclusive.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Reorganisation of Districts in the State of Rajasthan – Review of Lead Bank Responsibility

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-26/25
    FIDD.CO.LBS.BC.No.05/02.08.001/2025-26

    April 11, 2025

    The Chairman / Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
    Lead Banks concerned

    Madam/ Dear Sir,

    Reorganisation of Districts in the State of Rajasthan – Review of Lead Bank Responsibility

    The Government of Rajasthan had notified reorganisation of districts in the State vide Gazette Notifications Sr.P.9(21)Raj-1/2024-(1 to 9), all dated December 29, 2024.

    2. As nine districts have been merged into 12 existing districts, the lead bank responsibility notified in respect of these nine districts vide circular FIDD.CO.LBS.BC.No.11/02.08.001/2023-24 dated November 10, 2023 as follows, stands revoked:

    Sr. No. Districts (Erstwhile) Lead Bank District Working Code
    1 Kekri Bank of Baroda 01Z
    2 Shahpura Bank of Baroda 02M
    3 Anupgarh Punjab National Bank 01W
    4 Sanchore State Bank of India 02L
    5 Neem ka Thana State Bank of India 02J
    6 Gangapur City Bank of Baroda 02E
    7 Dudu UCO Bank 02C
    8 Jaipur (Rural) State Bank of India 02D
    9 Jodhpur (Rural) ICICI Bank 02G

    3. The Lead Bank responsibilities of the following districts, which have been affected as a result of the reorganisation, have been reviewed and have been retained/modified as follows:

    Sr. No Present District Lead Bank District Working Code Remarks
    1 Ajmer Bank of Baroda 510 Retained
    2 Tonk Bank of Baroda 507 Retained
    3 Bhilwara Bank of Baroda 508 Retained
    4 Bikaner State Bank of India 520 Retained
    5 Sri Ganganagar Punjab National Bank 518 Retained
    6 Jalore State Bank of India 525 Retained
    7 Jhunjhunu Bank of Baroda 515 Retained
    8 Sikar Punjab National Bank 513 Retained
    9 Karauli Bank of Baroda 519 Retained
    10 Sawai Madhopur Bank of Baroda 506 Retained
    11 Jaipur State Bank of India 500 Modified
    12 Jodhpur ICICI Bank 530 Modified

    4. There is no change in the Lead Banks of other districts in the state of Rajasthan.

    Yours sincerely,

    (Nisha Nambiar)
    Chief General Manager-in-Charge

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on April 11, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on April 11, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (paise per ₹100)
    6.92% GS 2039 16,000 8,001 7,999 16,000 0.09
    New GS 2065 16,000 8,001 7,999 16,000 0.21
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on April 11, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad           
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/80

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Extradites Alleged Co-Conspirator of 2008 Mumbai Terrorist Attacks to Face Charges in India

    Source: US State of California

    Mumbai Attacks in 2008 Killed More than 160 People, Including Six Americans, and Wounded Hundreds More

    The United States on Wednesday extradited convicted terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, to stand trial in India on 10 criminal charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks.

    Rana, 64, is charged in India with numerous offenses, including conspiracy, murder, commission of a terrorist act, and forgery, related to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks committed by Laskhar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Between November 26 and 29, 2008, ten LeT terrorists carried out a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai. They infiltrated the city by sea and then broke into teams, dispersing to multiple locations. Attackers at a train station fired guns and threw grenades into crowds. Attackers at two restaurants shot indiscriminately at patrons. Attackers at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel gunned people down and detonated explosives. Attackers also shot and killed people at a Jewish community center. When the terror finally subsided, 166 victims, including six Americans, were dead, along with all but one of the LeT terrorists. Hundreds more were injured, and Mumbai sustained more than $1.5 billion in property damage. The attacks were among the most horrific and catastrophic in India’s history.

    India alleges that Rana facilitated a fraudulent cover so that his childhood friend David Coleman Headley (Headley), a U.S. citizen born Daood Gilani, could freely travel to Mumbai for the purpose of conducting surveillance of potential attack sites for LeT. As India alleges, Headley had received training from LeT members in Pakistan and was in direct communication with LeT about plans to attack Mumbai. Among other things, Rana allegedly agreed to open a Mumbai branch of his immigration business and appoint Headley as the manager of the office, despite Headley’s having no immigration experience. On two separate occasions, Rana allegedly helped Headley prepare and submit visa applications to Indian authorities that contained information Rana knew to be false. Rana also allegedly supplied, through his unsuspecting business partner, documentation in support of Headley’s attempt to secure formal approval from Indian authorities to open a branch office of Rana’s business. Over the course of more than two years, Headley allegedly repeatedly met with Rana in Chicago and described his surveillance activities on behalf of LeT, LeT’s responses to Headley’s activities, and LeT’s potential plans for attacking Mumbai.

    After the attacks were complete, Rana allegedly told Headley that the Indians “deserved it.” In an intercepted conversation with Headley, Rana allegedly commended the nine LeT terrorists who had been killed committing the attacks, saying that “[t]hey should be given Nishan-e-Haider”—Pakistan’s “highest award for gallantry in battle,” which is reserved for fallen soldiers.

    India’s pending proceedings against Rana are not the first proceedings in which Rana has been accused of conspiring to commit violent acts of terrorism. In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison following his trial conviction in the Northern District of Illinois for conspiring to provide material support to LeT and to a foiled LeT-sponsored terrorist plot in Copenhagen, Denmark. As part of those same criminal proceedings, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 federal terrorism charges, including aiding and abetting the murders of the six Americans in Mumbai and later planning to attack a Danish newspaper, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

    In June 2020, the United States acted on a request for Rana’s extradition submitted by the Republic of India, which Rana contested for almost five years. On May 16, 2023, a U.S. magistrate judge in the Central District of California certified Rana’s extradition to India. Rana then filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California denied on August 10, 2023. On August 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed that decision. The Supreme Court likewise denied Rana’s petition for certiorari on January 21, 2025. The Secretary of State issued a warrant ordering Rana’s surrender to Indian authorities. Both the district court and the Ninth Circuit denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition, and on April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition.

    On April 9, the U.S. Marshals Service executed the Secretary’s surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India. Rana’s extradition is now complete.

    The extradition litigation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Lulejian and David R. Friedman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bram M. Alden of the Central District of California and Deputy Director Christopher J. Smith, Associate Director Kerry A. Monaco, and former Associate Director Rebecca A. Haciski of the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The U.S. Marshals Service and attorneys and international affairs specialists in the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided support to this extradition. The FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in New Delhi also provided assistance.

    U.S. Marshals in the Central District of California on Tuesday transferred custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani national and Canadian citizen, to representatives from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 
    U.S. Marshals in the Central District of California on Tuesday transferred custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani national and Canadian citizen, to representatives from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Extradites Alleged Co-Conspirator of 2008 Mumbai Terrorist Attacks to Face Charges in India

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Mumbai Attacks in 2008 Killed More than 160 People, Including Six Americans, and Wounded Hundreds More

    The United States on Wednesday extradited convicted terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, to stand trial in India on 10 criminal charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks.

    Rana, 64, is charged in India with numerous offenses, including conspiracy, murder, commission of a terrorist act, and forgery, related to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks committed by Laskhar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Between November 26 and 29, 2008, ten LeT terrorists carried out a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai. They infiltrated the city by sea and then broke into teams, dispersing to multiple locations. Attackers at a train station fired guns and threw grenades into crowds. Attackers at two restaurants shot indiscriminately at patrons. Attackers at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel gunned people down and detonated explosives. Attackers also shot and killed people at a Jewish community center. When the terror finally subsided, 166 victims, including six Americans, were dead, along with all but one of the LeT terrorists. Hundreds more were injured, and Mumbai sustained more than $1.5 billion in property damage. The attacks were among the most horrific and catastrophic in India’s history.

    India alleges that Rana facilitated a fraudulent cover so that his childhood friend David Coleman Headley (Headley), a U.S. citizen born Daood Gilani, could freely travel to Mumbai for the purpose of conducting surveillance of potential attack sites for LeT. As India alleges, Headley had received training from LeT members in Pakistan and was in direct communication with LeT about plans to attack Mumbai. Among other things, Rana allegedly agreed to open a Mumbai branch of his immigration business and appoint Headley as the manager of the office, despite Headley’s having no immigration experience. On two separate occasions, Rana allegedly helped Headley prepare and submit visa applications to Indian authorities that contained information Rana knew to be false. Rana also allegedly supplied, through his unsuspecting business partner, documentation in support of Headley’s attempt to secure formal approval from Indian authorities to open a branch office of Rana’s business. Over the course of more than two years, Headley allegedly repeatedly met with Rana in Chicago and described his surveillance activities on behalf of LeT, LeT’s responses to Headley’s activities, and LeT’s potential plans for attacking Mumbai.

    After the attacks were complete, Rana allegedly told Headley that the Indians “deserved it.” In an intercepted conversation with Headley, Rana allegedly commended the nine LeT terrorists who had been killed committing the attacks, saying that “[t]hey should be given Nishan-e-Haider”—Pakistan’s “highest award for gallantry in battle,” which is reserved for fallen soldiers.

    India’s pending proceedings against Rana are not the first proceedings in which Rana has been accused of conspiring to commit violent acts of terrorism. In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison following his trial conviction in the Northern District of Illinois for conspiring to provide material support to LeT and to a foiled LeT-sponsored terrorist plot in Copenhagen, Denmark. As part of those same criminal proceedings, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 federal terrorism charges, including aiding and abetting the murders of the six Americans in Mumbai and later planning to attack a Danish newspaper, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

    In June 2020, the United States acted on a request for Rana’s extradition submitted by the Republic of India, which Rana contested for almost five years. On May 16, 2023, a U.S. magistrate judge in the Central District of California certified Rana’s extradition to India. Rana then filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California denied on August 10, 2023. On August 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed that decision. The Supreme Court likewise denied Rana’s petition for certiorari on January 21, 2025. The Secretary of State issued a warrant ordering Rana’s surrender to Indian authorities. Both the district court and the Ninth Circuit denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition, and on April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition.

    On April 9, the U.S. Marshals Service executed the Secretary’s surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India. Rana’s extradition is now complete.

    The extradition litigation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Lulejian and David R. Friedman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bram M. Alden of the Central District of California and Deputy Director Christopher J. Smith, Associate Director Kerry A. Monaco, and former Associate Director Rebecca A. Haciski of the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The U.S. Marshals Service and attorneys and international affairs specialists in the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided support to this extradition. The FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in New Delhi also provided assistance.

    U.S. Marshals in the Central District of California on Tuesday transferred custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani national and Canadian citizen, to representatives from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 
    U.S. Marshals in the Central District of California on Tuesday transferred custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani national and Canadian citizen, to representatives from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on April 09, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,28,278.22 5.80 1.00-6.95
         I. Call Money 14,256.06 5.91 5.00-6.10
         II. Triparty Repo 3,97,245.15 5.76 5.52-5.92
         III. Market Repo 2,15,209.76 5.86 1.00-6.95
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,567.25 6.08 6.05-6.40
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 170.00 5.78 5.40-6.02
         II. Term Money@@ 1,019.00 – 5.90-6.20
         III. Triparty Repo 16,055.00 6.00 6.00-6.05
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Wed, 09/04/2025 2 Fri, 11/04/2025 19,295.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 09/04/2025 1 Thu, 10/04/2025 45.00 6.25
      Wed, 09/04/2025 2 Fri, 11/04/2025 712.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 09/04/2025 1 Thu, 10/04/2025 1,51,173.00 5.75
      Wed, 09/04/2025 2 Fri, 11/04/2025 58,523.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,89,644.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,804.70  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,804.70  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -1,81,839.30  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on April 09, 2025 9,40,235.37  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending April 18, 2025 9,31,571.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ April 09, 2025 19,295.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on March 21, 2025 1,11,247.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/79

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: NDB issues 3-year Panda bond worth 7B yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The New Development Bank (NDB) has issued a three-year Panda bond worth 7 billion yuan (about 971 million U.S. dollars) in China’s Interbank Bond Market, the bank announced on Thursday.

    Panda bonds are yuan-denominated debts sold by overseas issuers to meet financing demand. The latest issuance reinforces NDB’s position as the largest Panda bond issuer in the China Interbank Bond Market, with a cumulative issuance scale of 68.5 billion yuan.

    The latest issuance has attracted strong interest from a diversified local and foreign investor base, including central banks, insurance companies and bank treasuries, the bank noted, adding that the net proceeds from the sale of the bond will be used to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in NDB member countries.

    “The New Development Bank is committed to maintaining a consistent and robust presence in capital markets while diversifying its funding across various instruments, currencies and tenors. In line with the general strategy, NDB is actively expanding its funding sources through local currency-denominated bond issuances, enhancing the Bank’s capability to finance sustainable development projects,” said Monale Ratsoma, NDB vice president and chief financial officer.

    Headquartered in Shanghai, the NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in 2014 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member nations, and in other emerging market economies and developing countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues demand answers from the Trump administration regarding decision to cancel funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined a letter to Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, led by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, demanding answers regarding the administration’s decision to cancel funding for 10 National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country. In addition to Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, and Cantwell, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also signed on.

    MEP Centers serve as a crucial bridge between small businesses and federal research facilities, providing businesses with key technologies and knowledge to improve manufacturing, make supply chains more efficient, and strengthen business practices. The affected centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming have boosted the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades. Delaware’s program has helped create or retain 423 jobs within the last year, and generate or maintain $34.3 million in sales and $42.5 million in new client investments.

    “Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” the senators wrote. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    Since 1988, the MEP has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing through a nationwide network of MEP Centers. The MEP National Network is comprised of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at more than 430 MEP service locations that provide any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

    The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated an economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 on the $175 million in funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Centers contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.

    The full letter can be read here and below.

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.

    According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees.[1] Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained.[2] Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.[3]

    Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers.  Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025. 

    Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Hammers Trump and Republicans on Chaotic, Painful Trade War and Steep Tariffs Raising Costs on Families and Small Businesses in WA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “Whatever Trump tweets today, he can reverse tomorrow. Whatever deal he may strike one minute, he may rip up the next… We, here in Congress—we are the off ramp, IF Republicans decide to be… I will not let Republicans off the hook for this.”
    Even with his “pause,” Trump’s new tariff rates are the largest tax increase since 1968—and will cost American families more than $4,000 per year
    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Commerce Director Nguyễn, WA Businesses and Agriculture Respond to Trump Tariffs Raising Costs on Americans, Tanking Economy
    ***WATCH HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war—which is sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he posts—is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Senator Murray hammered Republicans in Congress for their outright refusal to end President Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and their willingness to hand over Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs.
    Murray also made clear that, while Trump may be retreating from some of his most extreme tariffs for now, his trade war is far from over—Trump is still taxing goods from every country, across the board, at 10 percent at least, and he is escalating his trade war with China, with 145 percent tariffs—which will mean higher prices and serious pain for families and small business across the country. Murray has been vocal about the need to out-compete China but warned that waging an all-out trade war with China on a whim will mean serious economic pain for consumers and small businesses across the country. China is the world’s second largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods from China, the second-most in imports to Washington state from any country aside from Canada. The economic fallout from Trump’s trade war will be felt especially in Washington state, one of the most trade-dependent states in the entire country.
    Even with his “pause,” Trump’s new tariff rates are still the largest tax increase since 1968—and will cost American families more than $4,000 per year.
    “When it comes to new tax breaks for billionaires Republicans they are going to work around the clock, stay through the night. But when it comes to stopping Trump’s trade war for good, when it comes to stopping a tax increase aimed squarely at working families, when it comes to stopping the complete uncertainty that is chipping away at confidence in our economy—most Republicans can’t be bothered,” Senator Murray said on the Senate floor today. “Never mind, that Trump is now pushing us into a recession and sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he tweets.”
    “Trump may be retreating from some of his most outlandish tariffs, but make no mistake: his trade war is far from over,” Senator Murray continued. “The threat of even larger taxes—that American families simply cannot afford—is still like a time bomb, set to blow up our economy in 90 days. And if Congress does not defuse that economic bomb there is a real threat that it will blow up balance sheets for small businesses and farms, college savings accounts for our students, and your retirement savings—along with a lot more. […] Trump has no exit strategy. That much is already painfully clear. It was clear when he announced tariffs that were calculated using ridiculous math, it was clear when he repeatedly doubled down on these threats against our allies, and it was clearer than ever when he backtracked on the most absurd tax hikes. This does not have the hallmarks of a grand strategy—and it’s all the more reason Congress, us, needs to step in and put this mess to an end.”
    Earlier this week, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Trump’s price hikes on working families are coming at the very same time that Republicans are forcing massive new tax cuts for billionaires through Congress via the reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority to pass.
    40 percent of jobs in Washington state are tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will be unlikely to be able to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor, are below and video is HERE:
    “Thank you, Mr. President.
    “When it comes to new tax breaks for billionaires Republicans they are going to work around the clock, stay through the night. But when it comes to stopping Trump’s trade war for good, when it comes to stopping a tax increase aimed squarely at working families, when it comes to stopping the complete uncertainty that is chipping away at confidence in our economy—most Republicans can’t be bothered.
    “Never mind, that Trump is now pushing us into a recession and sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he tweets. Trump may be retreating from some of his most outlandish tariffs, but make no mistake, his trade war is far from over.
    “First of all, he is still taxing goods from every country—across the board—at 10 percent at least. That means higher prices, and serious pain, for families and small businesses across our country. Not to mention, he is only escalating his boneheaded trade war with China with 145 percent tariffs!
    “There is no question we are in fierce competition with China. I chaired a committee hearing focused on this. We need to be competing to win—but that is not what Trump is doing.
    “Do my Republican colleagues understand it is not setting America up for success to launch an all-out trade war with the second largest economy in the world, on a whim?
    “And while people might be temporarily relieved by a so-called pause on the even higher tariffs, the fact of the matter is that Trump is only delaying them.
    “The threat of even larger taxes—that American families simply cannot afford—is still like a time bomb, set to blow up our economy in 90 days. And if Congress does not defuse that economic bomb there is a real threat that it will blow up balance sheets for small businesses and farms, college savings accounts for our students, and your retirement savings—along with a lot more.
    “And—I have to emphasize—the uncertainty, the constant by-the-hour reversal of federal policy, that alone is already causing massive harm. How on earth are you supposed to build your business—if your costs skyrocket on a tweet? How are you supposed to plan for retirement—when the President is sending your 401k on a rollercoaster ride every time he is in a bad mood?
    “How are we ever going to rebuild trust, trust, with our trading partners across the world when the message the United States is sending right now is that our trade relationships are built on sand and there is no logic to the tariffs the United States will impose.
    “How are they supposed to feel good about negotiating with a country—where one man can totally burn down the economy and Congress will not lift a finger to stop him.
    “Instead of building stronger trade agreements—Trump is pushing our partners away and pushing them towards striking deals with China and our other adversaries. And mark my words, this chaotic chapter is not over—as much as Republicans want to pretend otherwise.
    “I have been hearing from small businesses who are in an absolute panic because of Trump’s tariff threats. Car dealerships are seeing sales plummet because Trump is sending prices higher, restaurants are trying to stock up on any goods they can because their ingredients are about to get more expensive, our growers are bracing for rising operating costs and retaliatory tariffs—and that is going to drive up prices at the grocery store.
    “10 percent across-the-board tariffs are still bad enough to ruin families’ finances.
    “And while Republicans are showing with their own actions that they couldn’t care more about shoveling trillions—yes, that is T—trillions—at billionaires, Trump has said, in his own words—that he, ‘couldn’t care less’ about the pain his tariffs are already causing for Americans. I’m not kidding—he actually said that about automobile tariffs.
    “This is what happens when you only have billionaires in charge. Because, of course, Trump doesn’t care if car prices go up by a couple thousand dollars.
    “Of course, Elon Musk doesn’t care if your groceries are getting more expensive, at the same time Republicans are cutting nutrition programs by the way.
    “Of course, the richest people in the world don’t care if your nest egg is crushed, if your small business shutters, if your house gets foreclosed on, or your kid can’t go to college. Billionaires are going to be fine—after all, they are still getting a tax cut!
    “But I wasn’t sent here to fight for the billionaires—actually none of us were. We are here to fight for families back home and they are already starting to get crushed by Trump’s tariffs.
    “And they are bracing for impact if Trump doubles down in 90 days.
    “Or who knows, maybe Trump changes his mind again tomorrow! It’s anyone’s guess at this point—which is by the way the problem here!
    “And another thing—if this is about American manufacturing, tell us why are plants and new investments being cancelled? Why has Trump been freezing and outright cancelling grants we passed to support chips manufacturing, or clean energy, and more—killing American jobs.
    “And let’s keep in mind, these tariffs affect building and construction too. Trump is actually making it more expensive to build factories in America. And don’t forget—President Trump is still promising more tariffs.
    “He said this week, this week, he wants to put tariffs on medicine. Well, I got to tell you, one thing I have never heard—not in a single meeting, not once in my entire career as a Senator—is someone saying ‘Gee I really wish my prescriptions were more expensive.’
    “Drug costs are out of control. Families are already skipping meals… or rationing doses. There are real stakes here—there is real damage already happening in this country because of Trump’s new taxes and his ongoing chaos. We here cannot ignore this harm, especially when the threat is still there.
    “When you are putting out a fire, you don’t say ‘oh great, it’s smaller—job done!’ You keep going until the fire is put out.
    “This fire, this fire is still raging. If we don’t act, folks back home are the ones who are going to get burned, and before too long—in 90 days—we could see even worse price increases come roaring back. Because let’s be real, Trump has no exit strategy. That much is already painfully clear.
    “It was clear when he announced tariffs that were calculated using ridiculous math, it was clear when he repeatedly doubled down on these threats against our allies, and it was clearer than ever when he backtracked on the most absurd tax hikes.
    “This does not have the hallmarks of a grand strategy—and it’s all the more reason Congress, us, needs to step in and put this mess to an end. Trump’s trade war is all pain and no plan.
    “We could be passing legislation right here to reject this chaos. Here’s what everyone—my colleagues, my constituents, the markets around the world—all need to understand. This chaos will not be over for good unless we, here in congress, vote to end it. Because whatever Trump tweets today, he can reverse tomorrow. Whatever deal he may strike one minute, he may rip up the next. We know this about him. He proves it at every opportunity.
    “We—here in Congress—we are the off ramp if Republicans decide to be. We are the check on Presidential power. We are the kill switch for Trump’s trade war. And by the way, we are about to be out of town for two weeks.
    “I cannot understand why any Republican would want to leave this business unfinished, want to leave this economic time bomb ticking, want to hand over our constitutionally granted power to impose tariffs.
    “But I can tell you, for the next two weeks, I am going to be going across my home state of Washington raising this alarm. I am going to be meeting with families, small businesses, people who are paying the cost of Trump’s new tax increase and who are going to see their world turned upside down if we do not take action to stop this from getting worse.
    “And when we are back here in two weeks—you can bet your bottom dollar I will lift those stories up as high as I can, I will call for action as loud as I can, and I am going tokeep a bright and burning spotlight on all of the chaos Trump has caused, and I will keep the pressure on all of our colleagues—I will not let Republicans off the hook for this. We can put an end to this.
    “The costs are just going to keep adding up. The carnage is just going to keep piling higher. How long do you want to wait?
    “My vote—not one more second.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senator Murray has worked tirelessly to fund the Northwest Straits Commission every single year since 1998
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), introduced the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025, legislation to permanently reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, and fund it at $10 million each fiscal year for the next six years, through Fiscal Year 2031. Joining Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen in introducing the legislation today was U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06).
    The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments with projects such as restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants. The Northwest Straits Commission provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) and 15 Tribes. The Commission advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work by, for example, training volunteers to identify forage fish spawning sites. Senator Murray led the authorization of the Northwest Straits Commission in 1998 and has secured federal funding for the Commission every single year in the decades since.
    “Ensuring our rich marine resources in the Northwest Straits stay healthy is critical not only for local communities and Tribes, but also for our economy in Washington state. That’s why I first established the Northwest Straits Commission in a bipartisan way back in 1998, and fight to secure funding for it every single year,” said Senator Murray. “The Commission remains a model for how successful investments in community-led restoration projects can be, and how vital they are for restoration work that help our marine habitats recover and thrive. I am excited to continue leading the charge to permanently authorize the Northwest Straits Commission with this legislation, which would also provide a strong and consistent funding stream for the Commission over the next decade—making sure partners on the ground can expand their efforts to protect our marine species and habitats and support our outdoor recreation economy. I’ll continue fighting every way I can to secure the federal funding necessary to protect our natural resources for generations to come.”
    “The Northwest Straits Commission has an impressive track record of community-led, well-executed projects that protect Washington state’s environment,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “I am proud to support the Commission as it brings together a diverse group of local, state, tribal and federal stakeholders to restore marine habitats and create good jobs in Northwest Washington. I look forward to working with Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Rep. Randall to pass this bill to reauthorize the Commission so it can continue its important work for decades to come.”
    “The Northwest Straits bill is critical to supporting our robust coastal economy and fishing jobs, while preserving Washington’s coastal environment for generations to come,” Senator Cantwell said. “This legislation ensures we continue to support the health and sustainability of our diverse marine resources.”
    “From abalone beds and oysters, to the rugged coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles, folks from Washington’s 6th District know there’s no place quite like home. The Northwest Straits Commission has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical resources like the Marine Resources Committees in Jefferson and Clallam counties, and working alongside Tribes all across the state,” said Rep. Randall. “Their collaborative efforts to restore and protect our marine habitats are a testament to what makes this place so special. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to reauthorize and continue the Commission’s important work so we can continue working together to safeguard the precious marine resources that make our community and our state one-of-a-kind.”
    The Northwest Straits Commission is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, elected leaders, and Tribal partners throughout the Puget Sound Region.
    “I am continually amazed by how well the Northwest Straits Initiative builds successful partnerships and brings people together to protect and restore the marine resources of Washington’s Northwest Straits region. Using a bottom-up approach, the Initiative encourages people and communities to take positive action, often as volunteers, to conserve our marine waters and shorelines,” said Lucas Hart, Director of Northwest Straits Commission. “Last year, we worked with over 70 partners and generated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to implement a range of local and regional marine resource stewardship projects. Sen. Murray’s legislation to reauthorize the Initiative will help continue these critical partnerships and ongoing volunteer engagement.”
    “The NWS Initiative connects across a wide range of partners to restore and recover Puget Sound ecosystems that support species like salmon and Dungeness crab. Achieving true restoration will require a collective effort, and the Initiative plays a key role by cultivating community-driven collaboration,” said Cecilia Gobin, Tribal Delegate to Northwest Straits Commission, and conservation policy analyst with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. “This work is crucial to our region, which has a long history of relying on and enjoying marine resources. We are very happy to see Senator Murray moving forward with this reauthorization bill.”
    “The Northwest Straits Initiative is a unique bottom-up approach to marine resource stewardship in north Puget Sound. The work benefits commercial fishing, aquaculture, rural businesses, and recreational boating that all rely on healthy marine waters,” said Jamie Stevens, Governor’s appointee to Northwest Straits Commission.
    “Senator Murray has been a tireless advocate for Washington’s environment,” said Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson. “The Initiative brings together people representing different economic, recreational, and environmental interests to prevent derelict boats, restore native oysters, and control invasive green crab. The reauthorization bill will continue to help preserve Washington’s marine waters and shorelines for future generations.”
    “I have had the privilege of working for and with Senator Murray to develop and support the Northwest Straits Initiative. It is exciting to see this vital preservation work continue for nearly three decades,” said Casey Sixkiller, Director of Washington State Department of Ecology. “The Initiative has stood the test of time by empowering and helping local people steward the marine resources in their backyards. It has been invaluable in helping restore forage fish for salmon and better understanding the value of vibrant kelp forests in Puget Sound. I am incredibly thankful to Senator Murray for championing this important legislation.”
    “Since 1998, the Northwest Straits Initiative has been integral in working with communities across Puget Sound to restore marine resources,” said Alan Clark, Clallam County Marine Resources Committee. “By partnering with volunteers, Tribes, agencies, ports, and a variety of other partners, the Initiative has built a large network—from fishermen and Tribal biologists to educators and shellfish growers—working together to restore species like the Pinto abalone and promote stewardship through efforts like ‘Be Whale Wise.’ This growing community is the heart of lasting, effective marine conservation in our region.”
    “In Jefferson County we look to our MRC as local experts on marine issues. Through MRCs, the NW Straits Initiative serves a vital role in shaping local and regional policies, including our Comprehensive Plans and Shoreline Master Programs, and have proven themselves to be creative and thoughtful leaders on behalf of our marine environment,” said Heidi Eisenhour, Jefferson County Commissioner.
    “Eelgrass in the San Juans is struggling more than elsewhere in Puget Sound. We need to identify actions that preserve these critical habitats, but that also support a positive boating experience and provide for unhindered access to usual and accustomed treaty tribal fishing areas,” said Frances Robertson, San Juan Marine Resources Committee boater impact project lead. “Being recognized as a federal program highlights the important role of the Northwest Straits Initiative in uniting local communities, regional, (and transboundary) partners for marine conservation and restoration efforts that fosters a healthy and vibrant marine environment for all.”
    “We have deeply benefited from our partnership with the Northwest Straits Initiative over the years,” said Jodie Toft, Executive Director of Puget Sound Restoration Fund. “While the focus of our shared work has been on shellfish and kelp restoration, the Initiative’s support of local engagement in marine resource stewardship is broader. Their efforts have been invaluable as we all work towards preserving recreational and economic opportunities in Puget Sound. We are excited to see Senator Murray’s leadership to reauthorize this important program and ensure long-term community engagement for the marine waters and people of this region.”
    The Northwest Straits Commission was established following the bipartisan partnership of Senator Murray and former Congressman Jack Metcalf. Murray and Metcalf released a report in 1998 that laid the groundwork for the Northwest Straits Commission and its work protecting marine habitats, and later that year, Senator Murray successfully authorized the Northwest Straits Commission for a six-year period. Over the years, Senator Murray has helped secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for the Northwest Straits Commission’s restoration work and research—part of Senator Murray’s longtime, steadfast commitment to salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest.
    Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray secured $1 million for the Northwest Straits Initiative through programmatic funding in the appropriations bills she wrote and passed into law in March 2024—this was the first time Northwest Straits received programmatic funding since the original authorization expired in 2004, and is significant in helping to ensure the Commission is funded long into the future. In the appropriations bills for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, Senator Murray secured a total of $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding for the Northwest Straits Commission; that funding was essential to the removal of the “Windjammer” sailboat that had been partially submerged near the Kukutali Preserve since 2009 on Swinomish Tribal tideland. Prior to the return of Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022, Murray ensured the Northwest Straits Commission received annual funding through the EPA’s Puget Sound Geographic Program. Prior to that, Murray secured CDS funding for the Northwest Straits Commission after the original authorization for the Commission expired in 2004.
    The text of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 10th, 2025 N.M. Delegation Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Protect Chaco Canyon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    New Mexico Delegation Moves to Protect Sacred Site for Years and Generations to Come

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation will prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone around the park. This proposed Chaco Protection Zone will preserve the sacred sites and cultural patrimony within Chaco Canyon and the surrounding landscape for generations to come.

    Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

    In 2023, the Biden Administration announced it would commence a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands in the 10-mile buffer zone. That welcome step has been successful and is still in place but is under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. By contrast, this legislation would provide permanent protections for the Greater Chaco Region by withdrawing non-Indian federal lands from new mineral development in perpetuity.

    “Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet. It holds deep meaning for many communities and Pueblos across New Mexico,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Our Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act will prevent new oil and gas development in the vicinity of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and permanently protect the Chaco Canyon landscape. I am proud to stand alongside the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of this irreplaceable and sacred landscape.”

    “Chaco Culture National Historical Park – and the Greater Chaco Region – is one of the world’s greatest treasures that must be protected for our future generations. Chaco holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Tribes and Pueblos and is one of only a handful of World Heritage Sites in the United States,” said Luján. “With the New Mexico Delegation, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to permanently protect the Greater Chaco Region. This legislation is a longstanding priority for Pueblo and Tribal communities, environmental advocates, and the New Mexico Delegation to ensure we protect our sacred sites. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region for generations to come.”

    “When we visit Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region, we better understand America’s ancient history and wisdom about astronomy. It is a sacred area that educates, inspires, and compels us to reflect on our shared history and the communities we love today,”said Leger Fernández. “I am reintroducing the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, along with my colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, so that we may preserve this irreplaceable, living landscape that so many Indian Tribes and Pueblos still use for traditional purposes. I will continue to work with surrounding communities and Tribal nations to preserve this jewel of New Mexico so future generations may be humbled by its beauty.”

    “Pueblo and Tribal leaders have fought to protect the sacred and ancestral lands of Chaco Canyon for generations, and the United States government must step up to ensure these lands remain protected,” said Stansbury, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “This legislation will protect sacred lands and sites for future generations, but we must not stop here. Protecting places like Chaco Canyon from the Trump Administration takes all of us. I am proud to join Pueblo and Tribal leaders, and the New Mexico delegation to re-introduce this critical piece of legislation.”

    “Chaco Canyon is sacred to Tribal communities and vital to our understanding of the Southwest’s cultural and environmental heritage. I’m proud to stand with leaders across New Mexico to permanently protect this irreplaceable site from future drilling and destruction. We have a responsibility to honor the voices of Indigenous leaders, safeguard our public lands, and preserve Chaco’s legacy for generations to come,” said Vasquez.

    “This legislation reflects the APCG’s long-standing commitment to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region. Through countless meetings, cultural resource studies, and tireless advocacy, we have guided this effort forward. We extend our profound appreciation to Senator Luján, Representative Leger Fernández, our New Mexico Congressional Delegation, and all who stand with our Pueblos in ensuring these sacred landscapes remain a source of inspiration and cultural continuity for generations to come,” said James R. Mountain, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.

    “As a Diné allottee and community organizer, I welcome the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act as a critical step to defend our land, air, water, and sacred sites. For too long, extractive industries have threatened our health, culture, and future generations. This Act moves us closer to honoring the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Chaco while protecting the integrity of our homelands,” said Joseph Franklin Hernandez, Indigenous Energy Organizer, Naeva, Navajo Nation.

    “We are thankful and grateful for the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act. This would enhance our connections to the land and tell the generations ahead of the history of ancestral knowledge in astronomy, architecture, and independence. All of this in the time of pillage and extraction, the tourism economy will be enhanced.  To Our Congressional Leaders, you have our vote of endorsement,” said Former Navajo Councilman Daniel Tso.

    To ensure Indian lands and non-federal lands retain rights to develop their lands as the surrounding area is protected, this legislation strengthens protections for infrastructure and development on private, state, and Tribal lands, including Navajo allotments. According to a 2022 federal assessment of the proposed 10-mile buffer zone, only 10 Navajo allotments will be highly impacted by a withdrawal.

    The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), Archaeology Southwest, Native Lands Institute, New Mexico Wild, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Voices for Children, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Environment New Mexico, Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation.

    Additional supporting quotes are here.

    A summary of the bill is here.

    Full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Stilwell Resident Of Voluntary Manslaughter

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Mose Adam Smith, age 43, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.00.

    The jury trial began with testimony on April 7, 2025, and concluded on April 10, 2025, with the guilty verdict.

    During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on or about July 17, 2023, Smith unlawfully killed an individual during an altercation at the victim’s Sallisaw, Oklahoma residence.  The Government presented evidence that during the altercation, Smith inflicted blunt-force trauma on the victim, and that Smith caused extensive injuries resulting in the death of the victim.  Smith attempted to conceal the victim’s death and fled the state.  The crime occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    On March 19, 2025, Co-defendant Kimberly Dawn Ball-Gilbert, age 42, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to an Information of one count of Voluntary Manslaughter.  At the plea hearing, Ball-Gilbert admitted to aiding and abetting Smith’s actions in causing the victim’s death.

    The guilty verdict was the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The sentencings for Smith and Ball-Gilbert will be scheduled following completion of the presentence reports. The Court will sentence the defendants after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Smith and Ball-Gilbert will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals until sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Flanigan and Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Congressman Honors Youth-Led Democratic Movement in Bangladesh and Meets with Activist Zahid F. Sarder Saddi to Discuss U.S. Support for Democratic Transition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, DC, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ❝ Congressman Honors Youth-Led Democratic Movement in Bangladesh and Meets with Zahid F. Sarder Saddi to Discuss U.S. Support for Democratic Transition❞

    In a significant move recognizing the ongoing democratic movements in Bangladesh, U.S. Congressman Darren Soto met with Bangladeshi activist and community leader Zahid F Sarder Saddi shortly after taking his oath of office for his fifth term in the House of Representatives. Saddi commended Congressman Soto for his steadfast leadership and consistent support of the Bangladeshi-American community in Florida’s 9th District.

    Rep. Soto reciprocated the appreciation, commending Saddi for his dedicated advocacy and instrumental role in conveying the interests and needs of the Bangladeshi people both overseas and within the United States. The Congressman acknowledged the critical influence of Bangladesh’s ‘Gen Z revolution’ in challenging Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime and underscored the vital role democracy plays in shaping the future of the nation.

    During a detailed discussion in his Congressional office with Saddi, Rep. Soto extended an invitation to the student leaders of the July-August movement in Bangladesh. These student leaders played a crucial role in the political upheaval that led to the fall of the Hasina government and her subsequent flight to India. As a gesture of global solidarity and recognition, Rep. Soto is extending an invitation to these young leaders to visit the U.S. Congress, where they will receive a Congressional Proclamation acknowledging their contributions to democracy.

    Bangladeshi Americans have expressed profound gratitude to Congressman Soto for his steadfast commitment to empowering a peaceful and democratic future for Bangladesh. Over the past decade, Rep. Soto has built a strong reputation for advocating on behalf of Bangladesh, and his support during this transitional period is seen as vital in reinstating democratic governance in the country.

    In a tweet following the meeting, Congressman Soto conveyed his appreciation to Zahid F Sarder Saddi for the visit and for providing crucial updates on the democratic transition in Bangladesh. He reiterated America’s support for the restoration of democracy in the South Asian nation, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and governance principles.

    For nearly three decades, Zahid F Sarder Saddi has been a dedicated advocate for the Bangladeshi community, both in the United States and abroad. As a respected foreign affairs advisor, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Bangladeshi-Americans and those living in Bangladesh are heard in the halls of U.S. Congress. Having previously served as the Foreign Advisor to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Saddi continues to provide critical geopolitical insights on the Indo-Pacific region. His collaboration with U.S. policymakers remains instrumental in promoting global democracy and human rights.

    The invitation extended by Congressman Darren Soto marks a historic moment in recognizing the struggles of the Bangladeshi people and their fight for democratic restoration. As the world watches, the efforts of student leaders and advocates like Saddi underscore the ongoing movement toward greater political freedom and justice in Bangladesh.

    About —Zahid F Sarder Saddi

    Zahid F Sarder Saddi is a prominent Bangladeshi politician, humanitarian, and advocate for Bangladesh and its people. He served as a Foreign Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Hon’ Begum Khaleda Zia. He was also appointed as a Special Envoy to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP. Zahid F Sarder Saddi works with several organizations and holds a special passion for helping the Bangladeshi community in the United States and around the world. He has been involved in the Bangladeshi American Society for over 25 years and works to carry the voice of Bangladeshi Americans to lawmakers. Zahid F Sarder Saddi has received numerous accolades, including a humanitarian award for his impactful work.

    To learn more about Zahid F Sarder Saddi, please visit www.ZahidFSarderSaddi.com or reach out to Zahid F Sarder Saddi at info@zahidfsardersaddi.com. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: April Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the April Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Jesus Sebastian Herrera Chavez. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Chavez, 21, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was an alien illegally in the United States. Further, Chavez intentionally assaulted someone with a firearm. The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-125

    Jimmie Leroy Cox, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cox, 63, of Fairland, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. Cox is also charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. Additionally, Cox knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-110

    Victor Hubert Dominguez-Castro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Dominguez-Castro, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-116

    Leonard Ray Ellis. Robbery in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary. Ellis, 40, of Inola and a member of the Osage Nation, is charged with taking property of value by force and violence. He is further charged with breaking into an occupied home intending to commit a crime. The FBI and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-111

    Ryan Leon French; Lexie Renee French. Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Ryan French, 46, and Lexie French, 42, of Tulsa, are charged with coercing a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of child sexual abuse material. Ryan French is further charged with possessing videos depicting child sexual abuse material. The FBI, the Tulsa Police Department, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-117

    Maria Gabriela Labrada Rico. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rico, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-118

    Robert Nicholas Long. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor;Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; Commission of Felony Sex Offense Involving a Minor by a Registered Sex Offender. Long, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to coerce and entice a minor child to engage in sexual activity and knowingly receiving and distributing visual images and videos that depict the sexual abuse of children. He is further charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. As a registered sex offender, Long committed a felony involving a minor child. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-132

    Pablo Lopez-Ramirez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez-Ramirez, 44, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2013. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-119

    Joshua Clay Murphy. Threatening to Assault and Murder a Former Federal Law Enforcement Officer with Intent to Retaliate; Threatening to Assault and Murder Immediate Family Members of a Former Federal Law Enforcement Officer with Intent to Retaliate; Threatening to Assault and Murder Federal Law Enforcement Officers with Intent to Impede, Intimidate, Interfere, and Retaliate; Threatening to Assault and Murder Immediate Family Members of Federal Law Enforcement Officers with Intent to Impede, Intimidate, Interfere, and Retaliate. Murphy, 47, of Milfay, is charged with retaliating against a former federal law enforcement officer by threatening to assault and murder the former officer and their family. Further, Murphy knowingly threatened to assault and murder federal law enforcement officers and their families with intent to impede or interfere with the officers’ duties. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-131

    Oscar Najera-De La Cruz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Najera-De La Cruz, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2014. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-120

    Jose Ramon Portillo-Chavez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Portillo-Chavez, 47, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2010. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-121

    Nick Lee Ramirez; Destiny Rayleen Steward. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Ramirez, 39, and Steward, 25, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. They knowingly possessed methamphetamine and more than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute and maintained a residence for the purpose of drug distribution. Additionally, they both possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Steward possessed a firearm, knowing she was previously convicted of felonies. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-122

    Raciel Ramirez-Vasquez Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramirez-Vasquez, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-124

    Dominic Rocky Torres. Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; Aiding and Abetting Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Torres, 22, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with conspiring with others and aiding and abetting others to obstruct commerce by robbery. Further, he knowingly aided and abetted in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-112

    Jose Pedro Zelaya-Figueroa. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Zelaya-Figueroa, 53, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2011. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-123

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: FINWARD BANCORP ANNOUNCES DIVIDEND

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Munster, Ind., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp” or “Finward”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that on April 9, 2025 the Board of Directors of Finward declared a dividend of $0.12 per share on Finward’s common stock payable on May 12, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2025.

    About Finward Bancorp

    Finward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, whose activities are primarily limited to holding the stock of Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, electronic and wealth management financial services from its 26 locations in Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Finward Bancorp’s common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol FNWD. The website ibankpeoples.com provides information on Peoples Bank’s products and services, and Finward Bancorp’s investor relations.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This Current Report on Form 8-K may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth, and operating strategies of Finward. For these statements, Finward claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this communication should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Finward, including the information in the filings Finward makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

    Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the Bank’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the previously disclosed consent order and memorandum of understanding entered into between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), or to demonstrate compliance to the satisfaction of the FDIC and/or DFI within prescribed time frames; the Bank’s agreement under the memorandum of understanding to refrain from paying cash dividends without prior regulatory approval; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of Finward’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success, and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent, and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Finward’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Finward or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Finward does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

    In addition to the above factors, we also caution that the actual amounts and timing of any future common stock dividends or share repurchases will be subject to various factors, including our capital position, financial performance, capital impacts of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and regulatory and accounting considerations, as well as any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares or pay any dividends to the holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such repurchases or dividends.

    ###

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
    CONTACT INVESTOR RELATIONS 
    (219) 853-7575

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Result of Voting for Directors at Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) (TSX: FIH.U) is pleased to announce the results of the vote on Directors at its April 9, 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

    Each of the nominee directors listed in the Company’s management proxy circular dated March 7, 2025 was elected as a director. The voting results for the eleven directors nominated for election are set forth in the table below:

    Name of Nominee Vote For (Aggregate) % Vote Against
    (Aggregate)    		 %
    Christopher D. Hodgson 1,531,315,342 98.36 25,488,933 1.64
    Sharmila Karve 1,550,826,983 99.62 5,977,302 0.38
    Hon. Jason Kenney 1,551,502,364 99.66 5,301,912 0.34
    Sumit Maheshwari 1,555,610,237 99.92 1,194,039 0.08
    R. William McFarland 1,550,423,622 99.59 6,380,653 0.41
    Satish Rai 1,556,642,999 99.99 161,277 0.01
    Chandran Ratnaswami 1,555,382,313 99.91 1,421,963 0.09
    Gopalakrishnan Soundarajan 1,555,637,229 99.93 1,167,047 0.07
    Lauren C. Templeton 1,553,109,258 99.76 3,695,018 0.24
    Benjamin P. Watsa 1,556,623,312 99.99 180,964 0.01
    V. Prem Watsa 1,555,344,955 99.91 1,459,321 0.09


    About Fairfax India

    Fairfax India is an investment holding company whose objective is to achieve long term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, India.

    For further information, contact: John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Affairs
      (416) 367-4755
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Pushes Toward Recession, Heinrich & Luján Demand Answers on Cuts to New Mexico Manufacturing Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are demanding answers on the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country, including in New Mexico. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports that tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession. 

    New Mexico MEP is part of a national network of 51 MEPs that have helped boost the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades. The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. Last year, New Mexico MEP worked directly with 134 small manufacturers in advanced manufacturing, lean manufacturing, product development, and market expansion. This helped create or retain 700 jobs and generate $40 million in new sales. The administration’s action to cut this program and other MEP centers across the nation will raise costs on consumers, harm small businesses, and weaken businesses’ ability to recruit and retain employees.

    “Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” the senators wrote. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEPprogram generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.

    The letter was led by Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member of the Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness Subcommittee Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter is signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

    The letter can be found here and below: 

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.

    According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees. Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained. Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.

    Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers.  Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025. 

    Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Cruise Line Employee Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on April 1, 2025, PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 35, a foreign national of the Republic of India, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).

    According to court documents, BOHRA was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found BOHRA in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

    United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced BOHRA to eighteen (18) months imprisonment, five years (5) of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Grassley Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S.Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on intricate retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft. 
    “Large criminal organizations are constantly evolving their tactics to steal goods from retailers and the supply chain in communities across the Silver State,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The rise in organized retail crime has left businesses scrambling, and it is time for Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement agencies keep our communities safe.”
    “Retail crime has cost Iowa billions, and it’s even worse across the nation. Organized theft rings deploy innovative tactics to pilfer goods, and it’s causing financial harm to businesses, putting employees and consumers at risk and funding transnational criminal organizations throughout the world. It’s time for the law to catch up and prevent criminals from exploiting the internet and online marketplaces. Our bill improves the federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover stolen goods and illicit proceeds, and deter future attacks on American retailers,” said Senator Grassley.
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as retail industry representatives. The bill would also create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime and help recapture lost goods and proceeds. 
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF), United Postal Service (UPS), Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), American Trucking Associations, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) and the Home Depot.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here and summary is available here.
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canadian retailers are seeing a surge in domestic sales amid the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

    In recent months, the “Buy Canadian” movement has gained significant momentum, driven by a collective push to support domestic products and services, strengthen local businesses and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

    Escalating trade tensions and tariff disputes with the United States and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada have played a pivotal role in fuelling this shift toward economic nationalism.

    Though still in its early stages, the movement has already gained strong support from Canadians, with both consumers and businesses prioritizing homegrown products to strengthen the local economy.

    Early results are promising

    The “Buy Canadian” movement is already delivering promising results across the retail sector. Major retailers such as Loblaws Companies have reported a 10 per cent increase in sales of Canadian-made products. Sobey’s parent company Empire also noted a decline in sales of U.S.-sourced goods.

    Importantly, the shift isn’t limited to big retailers or headline product categories. Smaller retailers and established brands are also seeing tangible benefits.

    Ice cream producer Chapman’s, long known for its strong Canadian brand identity, has seen a 10 per cent increase in sales. E-commerce platform giant Shopify has reported a spike in sales for Canadian merchants across a long list of categories including mattresses, row boats, ribbons, armchairs and more.

    Some provinces have pulled U.S. alcohol from store shelves to prioritize selling homegrown options, putting Canadian wineries, breweries and distillers in a position to grow substantially.

    Though more data will emerge in the months ahead, early indications show that Canadians are backing the “Buy Canadian” movement not just in spirit, but with their wallets.

    Helping Canadians choose Canadian

    One of the most noticeable effects of the “Buy Canadian” campaign has been a nationwide effort to make it easier for consumers to identify Canadian-made products.

    Demand for clear labelling has surged, prompting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to issue a notice to industry urging producers to improve transparency.

    Consumers are becoming increasingly proactive in educating themselves, with searches for “Buy Canadian” related terms skyrocketing in the past few months. Websites such as Madeinca.ca have seen a large uptick in traffic, peaking at 100,000 visits in a single day.

    Retailers have been offering more in-store and online signage highlighting Canadian products. Loblaws has introduced a “Swap & Shop” tool in its Optimum app that helps users find Canadian-made alternatives for items on their shopping list. It has seen a 75 per cent week-over-week growth.

    Home improvement retailer RONA has launched the “Well Made Here” campaign that provides staff training and partners with non-profits to educate consumers about Canadian-made alternatives.

    Celebrity endorsements have also amplified the movement. Actor and comedian Mike Myers showcased the colloquial expression “elbows up” on Saturday Night Live, while Michael Bublé used his platform at the Juno Awards to deliver the message that “Canada is not for sale.”

    #TheMoment ‘Elbows Up’ became a rally cry against Trump (CBC News).

    Pushing the movement forward

    Consumers have been turning to social media to further propel the Buy Canadian movement. Hashtags like #ShopLocalCanada and #MadeInCanada have gained significant traction, with nearly three million posts across major social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

    A newly launched web browser plug-in called Support Canadian is also gaining attention. It works by bringing Canadian products to the top of search results on retailers such as Amazon. In its first week, it attracted 500 users. Although these numbers may appear small, early analytics suggest it could keep over a million dollars inside the Canadian economy.

    Mobile apps designed to help consumers determine the origin of their purchases are gaining popularity. The BuyBeaver app, which crowd-sources product origins, reached 100,000 downloads in just five weeks.

    Meanwhile, OScanAda, which uses AI and barcode scanning to provide detailed insights into Canadian ownership and sourcing, has been downloaded 160,000 times. MapleScan, which currently is ranked second in the shopping category on the Apple App Store, uses AI to scan products and suggest Canadian alternatives.

    Brands are leveraging their Canadian roots

    In response to growing national sentiment, a number of Canadian brands are using marketing strategies to underscore their national identity for consumers.

    Kicking Horse Coffee, for example, has humorously rebranded the Americano as the “Canadiano” in a nod to Canadian pride. Black Diamond recently launched a campaign with the cheeky tagline “Made with 0% American Cheese.”

    Meanwhile, Moosehead Brewery has launched a limited-edition “Presidential Pack” containing 1,961 beers — one for each day of the U.S. presidential term.

    Other companies have modified existing campaigns to better align with the movement. Sobeys recently debuted a new “So Canadian” campaign, a new iteration of its long-running “So.be.it.” campaign.

    Healthy Planet has expanded its #Healthyplanetswap campaign to include #HealthyCanadianSwap, which focuses on providing domestically sourced options.

    Whether through packaging that clearly marks country of origin or marketing campaigns that play on national pride, Canadian brands are leveraging their national identity to resonate with consumers.

    A smart choice in uncertain times

    The early momentum behind the Buy Canadian movement is promising. While Canada was largely spared from Trump’s most recent tariffs under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy and broader global tensions make it more important than ever to build long-term economic resilience at home.

    The early days of the movement show a strong desire among Canadians to support local industries, protect jobs and reinforce national self-sufficiency. Even as higher costs and global disruptions remain real challenges, buying Canadian serves as both a practical and symbolic choice, one that reduces dependency on volatile foreign markets and strengthens the domestic economy.

    This is a pivotal moment. The foundations of the movement are in place, and its early success is encouraging. For the “Buy Canadian” effort to have lasting impact, it needs sustained commitment from consumers, businesses and policymakers alike.

    By continuing to prioritize homegrown goods and services, Canadians can help shield their economy from future shocks and chart a more independent, stable path forward.

    Melise Panetta 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. Canadian retailers are seeing a surge in domestic sales amid the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement – https://theconversation.com/canadian-retailers-are-seeing-a-surge-in-domestic-sales-amid-the-buy-canadian-movement-253502

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Details of Operation:

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

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

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

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

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

                     

    (Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)

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

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

    *****

    VV / RR / PR / PS

    (Release ID: 2120774) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ayushman cards of AB PM-JAY distributed to beneficiaries of NCT of Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Ayushman cards of AB PM-JAY distributed to beneficiaries of NCT of Delhi

    Government of NCT of Delhi signs MoU for implementation of PM -ABHIM with Union Health Ministry

    It is a moment of pride that 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the AB PM-JAY scheme: Shri JP Nadda

    “8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same”

    For the NCT of Delhi, an amount of Rs. 1749 Crore has been approved for the establishment of 1139 Urban AAM, the strengthening of 11 Integrated Public Health Laboratories, and 9 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM during the scheme period: Smt. Rekha Gupta

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi achieved another significant milestone in healthcare by launching the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM- ABHIM), after the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of NCT, Delhi, here today.

    The signing ceremony was presided by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers in presence of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, Government of NCT Delhi; Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister, Health and Family Welfare & Transport and Information Technology, Delhi; Shri Pravesh Sahib Singh, Minister, PWD, Legislative Affairs, Irrigation and Flood Control and Water, Delhi; Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister, Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Delhi; Shri Ashish Sood, Minister, Home, Power, Urban Development, Education, Training and Technical Education, Delhi and Shri Ravinder Singh, Minister, Social Welfare, Welfare of SC & ST, Cooperative, Delhi. The event was also attended by the Hon’ble Members of Parliament (Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Shri Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Shri Yogender Chandolia and Smt. Bansuri Swaraj) and Hon’ble Members of Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi. Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary and Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, NCT Delhi were also present during the event.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda said that AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage program under which 62 crore people are currently being benefitted. He said, “it is a moment of pride that 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the AB PM-JAY scheme.”

    Shri Nadda also informed that with the implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered under Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.

    The Union Health Minister highlighted that “8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same.” He stated that out of these people, 19 lakh are downtrodden people who could not have afforded these treatment without the Ayushman Bharat health coverage. “As a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today”, he further stated.

    Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Rekha Gupta stated, “Health has always been a priority for the Union Government. Besides improving health infrastructure and making quality and affordable medicines accessible to the masses, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always emphasized on nutrition, yoga, meditation etc. which shows the emphasis being given to the health sector.”

    She informed that “for the NCT of Delhi, an amount of Rs. 1749 Crore has been approved for the establishment of 1139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), the strengthening of 11 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs), and 9 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) under PM-ABHIM during the scheme period.”

    Union Health Minister and other dignitaries distributed Ayushman cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to 30 beneficiaries of AB PM-JAY in Delhi. These beneficiaries represented different socio-economic profile of the population of the UT. Beneficiaries of the scheme in Delhi may now create their Ayushman cards.

    Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava stated that this is an important day for Delhi as joining PM-ABHIM will provide Delhi with resilient, inclusive and future ready health infrastructure, while under AB PM-JAY, beneficiary families in Delhi will be benefited with Rs. 10 lakh health cover every year in any of the empaneled hospitals under the scheme.

    Background:

    PM-ABHIM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), was launched for strengthening of public health infrastructure on 25th October, 2021.  The objective of the scheme is to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance and health research – spanning both the urban and rural areas so that the communities are atmanirbhar in managing any health crisis.

    Earlier, on April 5, 2025, Government of NCT of Delhi signed an MoU for implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi. Beneficiary families of AB PM-JAY in Delhi would be benefitted with Rs. 5 lakh health cover per year in any of the empaneled hospitals of the scheme. The Government of NCT of Delhi has also supplemented the health cover by another additional Rs.5 lakh for each beneficiary family of Delhi. As the scheme of AB PM-JAY is nationally portable, the benefits of the scheme can be taken by the residents of Delhi in any of the 30,000+ empaneled hospitals of the scheme across the country.

    Both AB PM-JAY and PM-ABHIM fall under the umbrella of Ayushman Bharat and were launched in mission mode to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability and availability. While Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23rd September 2018, has been a game-changer in healthcare, mainly for the millions of poor and vulnerable families across the country, the PM-ABHIM has made robust outcomes in strengthening healthcare infrastructure leapfrogging India to one of the most advanced countries in terms of management of public health during peak healthcare demand.

    *****

    HFW/PM-ABHIM MoU Event/10April2025/1

    (Release ID: 2120720) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

    Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism

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

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

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

    State

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    3

    1

    Bihar

    11

    4

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    246

    305

    267

    Jharkhand

    96

    129

    69

    Kerala

    0

    4

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    7

    11

    Maharashtra

    16

    19

    10

    Odisha

    16

    12

    6

    Telangana

    9

    3

    8

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL

    413

    485

    374

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Success Stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conclusion

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

    References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120771) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Miners are the Real Energy Warriors of the Nation: Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy

    Source: Government of India

    Coal Miners are the Real Energy Warriors of the Nation: Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy

    Coal Minister Takes Stock of Mining Operations at Gevra – The World’s Second Largest Coal Mine

    Minister Felicitates Coal Miners and Women Workers, joins them for Lunch, Clicks Selfie with them

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, visited the Gevra mine of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh today. Recognized as the world’s second-largest coal mine, Gevra stands as a symbol of India’s growing energy strength. The Minister’s visit underscored the Government’s commitment to frontline workers and its focus on enhancing both productivity and welfare in the coal sector.

    The Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by the CISF contingent upon arrival at Gevra House. At the mine view point, SECL officials gave a detailed presentation highlighting key achievements and ongoing developments. Shri Reddy felicitated coal miners, including women workers, for their unwavering dedication to ensuring round-the-clock coal production—an indispensable pillar of India’s energy security.

    Descending into the heart of the mine, the Minister witnessed large-scale mining operations, including the deployment of mega equipment such as the 42-cubic-meter shovel and 240-ton dumper—among the largest Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMMs) used globally. He also reviewed the blast-free surface miner technology in action and visited modern Silos developed under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative, aimed at sustainable and eco-friendly coal evacuation.

    As a mark of appreciation, Shri Reddy interacted with machine operators inside their cabins, boosting their morale and acknowledging their vital contribution to coal production. A memorable moment unfolded as the Minister joined workers at the canteen for lunch and clicked a selfie with them—an act that deeply resonated with the workforce.

    During the visit, the Minister also explored SECL’s green initiatives. He visited the Miyawaki plantation pilot site, where saplings have been planted using the innovative Japanese afforestation technique. Additionally, he inaugurated the newly built Kalyan Mandap—a multi-purpose facility dedicated to employee events and community functions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Reddy emphasized coal’s central role in national development, stating that over 70% of India’s electricity generation depends on coal. He underscored the need to balance development with sustainability, accelerate responsible mine closure practices, and continuously improve environmental benchmarks. Describing Gevra as the pride of the country, the Minister remarked, “One can afford to wait for food, but electricity cannot be delayed. It is our coal miners who ensure that the nation remains illuminated and energized.”

    The visit was attended by Chairman, Coal India Limited, Shri P.M. Prasad; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri B.P. Pati; and SECL CMD, Shri Harish Duhan, along with senior officials of the Ministry and SECL. Their participation reflected the Ministry’s collaborative approach to strengthening operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being across coal PSUs. Shri Reddy’s interactions and on-ground engagement resonated deeply with the workforce, reaffirming the Centre’s resolve to empower the true energy warriors of the nation—India’s coal miners.

    ****

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2120765) Visitor Counter : 80

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU action to mitigate the impact of fish aggregating devices in the Indian Ocean – P-001394/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001394/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emma Fourreau (The Left)

    Evidence presented at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) compliance committee meetings shows that, in 2022 and 2023, EU-flagged vessels did not follow IOTC recommendations on the design of fish aggregating devices (FADs), which have an adverse impact on biodiversity and the marine environment. Some FADs get tangled, are not biodegradable or are not marked.

    What is more, at an April 2024 IOTC meeting, the European Union said that there was not sufficient scientific evidence to support a 72-day closure period or to cut the number of FADs in use.

    The European Union is obligated to act in line with the ‘precautionary principle’, as established in the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and the common fisheries policy.

    • 1.Has the Commission checked if these vessels are in line with IOTC recommendations on FADs? If so, are the results public?
    • 2.Why is the Commission breaching the precautionary principle when it comes to closure periods and cutting the number of FADs?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Leger Fernández Lead New Mexico Delegation in Reintroduction of Legislation to Permanently Protect Chaco Canyon

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    New Mexico Delegation Moves to Protect Sacred Site for Years and Generations to Come
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation will prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone around the park. This proposed Chaco Protection Zone will preserve the sacred sites and cultural patrimony within Chaco Canyon and the surrounding landscape for generations to come.
    Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.
    In 2023, the Biden administration announced it would commence a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands in the 10-mile buffer zone. That welcome step has been successful and is still in place but is under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. By contrast, this legislation would provide permanent protections for the Greater Chaco Region by withdrawing non-Indian federal lands from new mineral development in perpetuity.
    “Chaco Culture National Historical Park – and the Greater Chaco Region – is one of the world’s greatest treasures that must be protected for our future generations. Chaco holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Tribes and Pueblos and is one of only a handful of World Heritage Sites in the United States,” said Luján. “With the New Mexico Delegation, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to permanently protect the Greater Chaco Region. This legislation is a longstanding priority for Pueblo and Tribal communities, environmental advocates, and the New Mexico Delegation to ensure we protect our sacred sites. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region for generations to come.”
    “Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet. It holds deep meaning for many communities and Pueblos across New Mexico,” said Heinrich. “Our Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act will prevent new oil and gas development in the vicinity of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and permanently protect the Chaco Canyon landscape. I am proud to stand alongside the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of this irreplaceable and sacred landscape.”
    “When we visit Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region, we better understand America’s ancient history and wisdom about astronomy. It is a sacred area that educates, inspires, and compels us to reflect on our shared history and the communities we love today,” said Leger Fernández. “I am reintroducing the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, along with my colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, so that we may preserve this irreplaceable, living landscape that so many Indian Tribes and Pueblos still use for traditional purposes. I will continue to work with surrounding communities and Tribal nations to preserve this jewel of New Mexico so future generations may be humbled by its beauty.”
    “Pueblo and Tribal leaders have fought to protect the sacred and ancestral lands of Chaco Canyon for generations, and the United States government must step up to ensure these lands remain protected,” said Stansbury, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “This legislation will protect sacred lands and sites for future generations, but we must not stop here. Protecting places like Chaco Canyon from the Trump Administration takes all of us. I am proud to join Pueblo and Tribal leaders, and the New Mexico delegation to re-introduce this critical piece of legislation.”
    “Chaco Canyon is sacred to Tribal communities and vital to our understanding of the Southwest’s cultural and environmental heritage. I’m proud to stand with leaders across New Mexico to permanently protect this irreplaceable site from future drilling and destruction. We have a responsibility to honor the voices of Indigenous leaders, safeguard our public lands, and preserve Chaco’s legacy for generations to come,” said Vasquez.
    “This legislation reflects the APCG’s long-standing commitment to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region. Through countless meetings, cultural resource studies, and tireless advocacy, we have guided this effort forward. We extend our profound appreciation to Senator Luján, Representative Leger Fernández, our New Mexico Congressional Delegation, and all who stand with our Pueblos in ensuring these sacred landscapes remain a source of inspiration and cultural continuity for generations to come,” said James R. Mountain, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.
    “As a Diné allottee and community organizer, I welcome the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act as a critical step to defend our land, air, water, and sacred sites. For too long, extractive industries have threatened our health, culture, and future generations. This Act moves us closer to honoring the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Chaco while protecting the integrity of our homelands,” said Joseph Franklin Hernandez, Indigenous Energy Organizer, Naeva, Navajo Nation.
    “We are thankful and grateful for the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act. This would enhance our connections to the land and tell the generations ahead of the history of ancestral knowledge in astronomy, architecture, and independence. All of this in the time of pillage and extraction, the tourism economy will be enhanced.  To Our Congressional Leaders, you have our vote of endorsement,” said Former Navajo Councilman Daniel Tso.
    To ensure Indian lands and non-federal lands retain rights to develop their lands as the surrounding area is protected, this legislation strengthens protections for infrastructure and development on private, state, and Tribal lands, including Navajo allotments. According to a 2022 federal assessment of the proposed 10-mile buffer zone, only 10 Navajo allotments will be highly impacted by a withdrawal.
    The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), Archaeology Southwest, Native Lands Institute, New Mexico Wild, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Voices for Children, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Environment New Mexico, Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation.
    Other supporting quotes can be found here. 
    A summary of the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump Admin on Closure of Head Start Office that Serves Grantees in Wisconsin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is demanding answers from U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the closure of five regional Head Start offices across the country, including the Region 5 office in Chicago which serves Head Start grantees in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. In the letter, Senator Baldwin and her colleagues made clear that Secretary Kennedy’s decision will harm children’s access to early education and cut jobs for hardworking Midwesterners dedicated to early childhood development.

    “This announcement—which contained no guidance for grantees in impacted regions—has created confusion and chaos for Head Start centers, employees, and families across various states, including those in Region 5,” Baldwin and the lawmakers wrote.

    The Head Start program is critical for children as it offers services for low-income children under the age of five in receiving wrap-around support in early learning and development.  In Region 5, more than 2,600 Head Start centers provide child care for nearly 125,000 children and employ more than 40,000 child care professionals. 

    Despite the number of working-class families that rely on Head Start services for child care, educational support for their children, or as a place of employment, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided no warning about cuts to Region 5’s operations.

    “Region 5 federal employees and grantees received no warning about the Chicago office closure, and since the announcement, grantees have received no guidance about how they will access training and technical assistance.  Head Start centers run on tight budgets, and without a regional office, grantees will not be able to receive approval to draw down funds, forcing many to consider laying off staff—or even shuttering their doors,” Baldwin and the lawmakers continued. “This will have devastating effects for children, families, child care workers, and the economy if children fail to receive care, childcare staff lose their jobs, and parents cannot go to work.”

    The lawmakers reiterated that the recent Region 5 closure builds on the Trump Administration’s continued attacks on federal agencies and federally funded programs, particularly through the January 27 memo from the Office of Budget and Management that paused all federal funding.  This resulted in chaos and confusion for Head Start grantees, including in Wisconsin where half of Wisconsin Head Start programs were locked out of systems they use to pay staff and keep operations running.

    The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding answers about how the closure of the Region 5 office in Chicago will impact Head Start grantees in the Midwest and the families that rely on this program. In Wisconsin, 39 grant-funded programs serve about 16,000 children and their families.

    This letter was led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and also co-signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Kennedy:

    We are writing to express concern with your April 1, 2025, announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start (OHS) plans to close five regional offices across the United States, including the Region 5 office in Chicago.  This announcement—which contained no guidance for grantees in impacted regions—has created confusion and chaos for Head Start centers, employees, and families across various states, including those in Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin).  It also has impacted the jobs of 21 federal workers and 12 contractors.

    The Head Start program serves children and families who are most in need in both rural and urban communities across our states.  In Region 5, more than 2,600 Head Start centers provide high-quality child care for nearly 125,000 children, including children from nearly 2,400 active duty or military veteran families.  These centers also employ more than 40,000 child care professionals.  The staff in the Region 5 office helped these centers serve children and families efficiently and effectively, including monitoring budgets, enrollment, and audits.

    Region 5 federal employees and grantees received no warning about the Chicago office closure, and since the announcement, grantees have received no guidance about how they will access training and technical assistance.  Head Start centers run on tight budgets, and without a regional office, grantees will not be able to receive approval to draw down funds, forcing many to consider laying off staff—or even shuttering their doors.  This will have devastating effects for children, families, child care workers, and the economy if children fail to receive care, child care staff lose their jobs, and parents cannot go to work.

    HHS’ closure of the Chicago regional office for Head Start compounds the challenges Head Start grantees already faced after the Trump Administration’s reckless January 27, 2025, Office of Budget and Management memo that paused federal funding.  After this memo was released, Head Start grantees were locked out of the system used to access grant funding, causing some centers to furlough staff and temporarily close their doors.  Days later, after the Trump Administration clarified that the funding freeze was not meant to impact Head Start, child care centers still struggled to access their funding.

    To better understand how the closure of the Region 5 office may impact our constituents, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions by April 22, 2025:

    1. There was no guidance or additional information offered in the April 1, 2025, announcement to close five regional Head Start offices.  Who can grantees in impacted regions contact for more information? 
    1. When does HHS plan to notify Region 5 grantees about relocation?
    1. Which region will Region 5 grantees be relocated to? 
    1. When does HHS plan to begin the relocation of Region 5 grantees to a new regional office?
    1. What is HHS’ plan to ensure that grantees have timely access to drawn down funds before the relocation and during the relocation process?
    1. Five of the 12 Head Start regional offices were shuttered.  This means that the remaining seven regional offices will have to pick up grantees from other regions. How will HHS ensure that fewer staff are able to adequately serve more grantees?
    1. Prior to the announcement on April 1, 2025, did HHS undertake any examination to ensure that services to help Head Start child care centers throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin will not be impacted by a relocation?
      1. If yes, please outline how HHS plans to guarantee that support for Head Start grantees will not be impacted.
    1. Will federal employees formerly employed in the Chicago office be given the option to relocate?

    We appreciate your timely attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –