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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comics Creator Championship: Race heats up for young creators as five-member jury to select finalists

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship: Race heats up for young creators as five-member jury to select finalists

    Selected 10 semi-finalists to compete at grand finale at WAVES

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:36PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, February 20, 2025

    A five-member jury panel has been announced to select the semi-final winners of the ongoing Comics Creator Championship being organized as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will be held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, 2025. The WAVES Comics Creator Championship, a joint initiative of the Indian Comics Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, is part of the “Create in India Challenge,” a program of government of India to promote Indian creativity and innovation globally.

    The semi-finalists for the championship have already been announced. The jury panel, which includes industry legends who have shaped the Indian comics landscape, will now select the winners by evaluating the semi-finalists’ entries. The selected 10 finalists will then compete at WAVES in Mumbai.

    Speaking about the jury panel, Ajitesh Sharma, President, ICA, said that the members’ expertise and passion for comics would ensure that the championship sets a new standard for excellence in Indian comics. “We are honored to have such an esteemed jury panel on board,” he said.

    The Jury Members

    1. Dilip Kadam, a renowned comic artist and illustrator, brings his vast experience and expertise to the table. With a career spanning multiple decades, Dilip Kadam has worked with various leading publishers and has been instrumental in creating some of India’s most beloved comic characters, including Bhokal.
    2. Nikhil Pran, son of legendary cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma and a renowned comic creator himself, adds a unique perspective to the panel. Pran’s work has been influenced by his father’s iconic creations, such as Chacha Chaudhary and Sabu, and he has carried forward the legacy with his own innovative storytelling.
    3. Jazyl Homavazir, an award-winning animation professional and the creator of The Beast Legion, India’s first and longest-running web manga, which recently won the Ann award, brings a fresh and innovative approach to the contest.
    4. Sanjay Gupta, founder of Raj Comics and creator of India’s most popular superheroes, Nagraj, Doga, Bhokal, Bheriya, and many others, provides valuable insights into the industry’s trends and demands.
    5. Preeti Vyas, President and CEO of Amar Chitra Katha, rounds out the panel with her extensive knowledge and experience in the content ecosystem. Vyas’s work has spanned multiple genres, from mythology to picture books to early chapter books.

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    The WAVES Comics Creator Championship was launched by the ICA in collaboration with the MIB in August 2024 with a motto of discovering and encouraging the next generation of Indian comic creators. The championship is an initiative aimed at creating a new era in the Indian comics by nurturing innovation, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.

    About WAVES 2025

    WAVES 2025 is a global summit scheduled to be held at Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from 1st May to 4th May 2025, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The summit will bring together creators, industry leaders, and investors to explore new opportunities in animation, gaming, visual effects, and XR (Extended Reality). With a vision to position India as a global powerhouse in the AVGC-XR sector, WAVES 2025 promotes skill development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaborations.

     

    PIB Mumbai | WAVES 2025/Riyas/Priti

     

     

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2105094) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Distributes Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Cards under the NAMASTE Scheme to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Distributes Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Cards under the NAMASTE Scheme to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in Mumbai

    Waste pickers are also beneficiaries of NAMASTE Scheme, along with Sewer and Septic Tank Workers: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar

    NAMASTE Scheme aims to take Death Rate of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers to Zero by providing them Proper Training and safety Measures

    Profiling of more than 2400 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers done in Mumbai

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 6:16PM by PIB Mumbai

    : Mumbai, February 20, 2025

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar distributed Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Health Cards to Safai Karamcharis under the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, in Mumbai today. In addition, Sanction Letters for subsidized low rate loan for purchase of mechanized cleaning vehicles under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) were also distributed to some of the beneficiaries. The event witnessed the reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged. This dedication to prioritizing the marginalized reflects the Government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from India’s development journey.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar informed that the NAMASTE Scheme, which is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has an objective of ensuring dignity and safety of sanitation workers and empowering them socially and economically. This scheme aims to formalize and institutionalize the persons engaged in hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and also promote safe and mechanized cleaning through trained sanitation workers. On the occasion the Union Minister also informed that waste pickers are also included as beneficiaries in the NAMASTE Scheme, along with sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) and their profiling has also started.     

    Dr. Kumar said that NAMASTE scheme aims to take down the death rate to zero by providing training to the sanitation workers or ‘swachhata senani’ of the country. In these training programmes, the engineers and related municipality workers will also take part so that the whole system becomes well-prepared. For this purpose, profiling of sanitation workers has started in all municipalities around the country, to ensure safe working conditions and providing them with PPE kits and other safety devices.

    Applauding the spirit of the swachhata workers, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that their hard work round the year keeps the citizenry free from diseases. Calling them the most important section of society, he said that it is our duty to ensure that the sanitation workers have a safe working environment. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is holding meetings with the Social Welfare Departments of all the states for this purpose. The Union Minister also urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation sanitation workers present on the occasion to inform their fellow colleagues in other regions of the country about the benefits to be yielded from the NAMASTE scheme.

    Dr. Ashwani Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC informed that 2485 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled in Mumbai city and the benefits of NAMASTE scheme will be extended to them. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 is followed in letter and spirit in Mumbai where cent percent sewer connectivity will be achieved by 2027, she further informed.   

    Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, informed that 65,060 SSWs have been profiled under the scheme and 32,734 of them have been provided with PPE kits, while 15,153 workers have been provided with Ayushman health cards till date.

    The National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the implementing agency of ‘NAMASTE’.

    Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Shri Kiran Dighavkar, Dy. Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai, Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation and Shri Lahuraj Mali, Managing Director, Mahatma Phule Backward Classes Development Corporation Limited, Mumbai were also present amongst the dignitaries.

     

    PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka/Priti

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2105065) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Industry Stakeholders and Associations at Auric, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Industry Stakeholders and Associations at Auric, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra

    Union Government is committed towards creating a conducive environment for business growth and innovation: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Maharashtra actively actively promoting investments across sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors: Shri Goyal

    Shri Piyush Goyal endorses setting up of skill & job centre in AURIC Hall in collaboration with industry stakeholders

    Union Minister undertakes aerial survey of upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) Shendra developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)  on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti on February 19, 2025. He also visited various operational industries at AURIC Shendra viz. Coatall Films Pvt Ltd, Inox Air Products, and Umasons Auto Compo Pvt. and appreciated the efforts being made by these units to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

    Highlighting AURIC’s global competitiveness, the Minister emphasized that Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area stands as India’s premier large-scale greenfield industrial smart city, in terms of world-class infrastructure with plug-n-play infrastructure and futuristic urban planning with walk-to-work facilities. The Minister highlighted that 20 such Industrial Smart Cities are being developed by Govt of India under the NICDP which reaffirms the Modi government’s commitment to creating an advanced industrial ecosystem that caters to global investors and businesses.

    Recognizing the critical need for a dedicated skill development center in AURIC, the Minister endorsed the establishment of a Skill & Job Centre in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been urged to take the lead in setting up this center, which will be strategically housed within 20,000 sq. ft. of office space at AURIC Hall.

    Shri Goyal appreciated Maharashtra for actively promoting investments across various sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors. Investors looking at Maharashtra can benefit from its proactive Government policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and a strong Industrial base.

    Shri Goyal further emphasized the Government’s commitment towards fostering a robust Industrial ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the pivotal role of Industry stakeholders in achieving the nation’s ambitious Vision of a Developed Nation @ 2047.

    On the sidelines, the Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 20th Feb 2025 also undertook an aerial survey of the upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA) under NICDP approved by GoI in Aug 2024 and nearby critical multimodal connectivity. The Minister was briefed on the advanced trunk infrastructure, integrated master planning, demand assessment, target sectors, and implementation timelines at DPIA by the officials. It was also highlighted that the project holds immense potential due to its strategic location on Mumbai-Goa Highway and proximity to Dighi Port. The Minister directed to create best-in-class infrastructure facilities for DPIA to create a benchmark for others to follow.

    The interaction witnessed the participation of more than 100 stakeholders, including representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CMIA, MASSIA, MAGIC, Marathwada Auto Cluster, Deogiri Electronic Cluster, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and other distinguished industry associations. Their continuous support and collaboration play a vital role in shaping Maharashtra into a premier global business destination. The event also provided a platform for industrialists focused on Maharashtra to share their views, innovative suggestions and success stories.

    Officials from National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL) were also present during the event who were given necessary directions from the Hon’ble Minister for further facilitating Ease of Doing Business.

    About AURIC:

    Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas are being developed in two phases, covering 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) to establish a modern industrial hub. Auric Smart City follows a balanced development model, with 60% of the land dedicated to industries and the remaining 40% allocated for commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare facilities. Essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and high-speed internet, has been developed in Shendra (2,000 acres) and Bidkin Phase-1 (2,500 acres), with underground distribution reaching individual industrial plots. Notably, 42% of the water demand will be met through treated wastewater. The city is equipped with advanced SCADA systems, CCTV surveillance, air quality monitoring sensors, and traffic control mechanisms for effective governance. Additionally, the implementation of the e-Land Management system ensures a transparent process for industrial land allotment. With its electricity distribution license, Auric Smart City provides power at lower tariffs, enhancing its appeal to investors.

    About Dighi Port Industrial Area:

    The Dighi Port Industrial Area, spanning 6,056 acres across the Roha and Mangaon tehsils in Raigad district, is positioned as a key driver of industrial growth, leveraging its proximity to Mumbai and Pune. The project ensures seamless connectivity through major highways, including NH66 (Mumbai–Goa Highway), NH753F (Mangaon–Pune Highway), and Major State Highway 05, reinforcing its appeal for global and domestic investors.DPIA is strategically designed to accommodate key industries, including Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Textiles, and Food & Beverages.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2105093) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attends ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ festival organized by Assam Rifles in New Delhi as the chief guest

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attends ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ festival organized by Assam Rifles in New Delhi as the chief guest

    Modi government has opened numerous avenues for North East in every field, from tourism to technology, sports to space, agriculture to entrepreneurship and banking to business

    Reduction of 70% in violent incidents and 85% in civilian causalities in the North East under the Modi government indicates that along with the establishment of peace in the region, cultural development is also taking place

    All the 8 states of North East will be connected to Delhi through rail and air connectivity by 2027

    Whole of India takes pride in the heritage of North East, India without North East and North East without India is incomplete

    Through 5-day Unity Utsav, the unity of the North East has been showcased in Delhi

    Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India, it is identified as a ‘Friend of the North East’, played a crucial role in rescuing the North East from numerous crises

    In 2036 Olympics, India will be in top 10 in medal tally, North Eastern states will play a vital role in it

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attended the ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ event organized by Assam Rifles in New Delhi today as the chief guest. Many dignitaries including the Director General of Assam Rifles were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the word unity is very important for the North-East. For many years after independence, a vast area of ​​North-East was physically and emotionally distant from Delhi. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has eliminated the physical and emotional distance between North-East and Delhi through connectivity. Today North-East belongs to the whole of India and the whole of India belongs to the North-East. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has increased hundreds of budgetary provisions for the North-East and has given 3-4 times more budget to the North-East. He said that by 2027, all the eight states of North-East will be connected to Delhi through rail and air connectivity.

    Home Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has popularized North-East across the country as Ashtalakshmi and all 8 states of the region are capable of enriching the country in every aspect. He said that there are immense opportunities for the youth of North-East in the fields of economic, cultural, security, sports and research and development. He added that the Modi government has opened numerous avenues for North-East in every field, from tourism to technology, sports to space, agriculture to entrepreneurship and banking to business.

    Shri Amit Shah said that more than 220 ethnic groups and more than 160 tribes reside in our North-East, more than 200 dialects and languages ​​are spoken, more than 50 unique festivals are celebrated and more than 30 traditional dances and more than 100 cuisines exist in the region. He said that all this is a treasure of a rich heritage for the whole of India, which is proud of its heritage. Shri Shah said that India without the North-East and the North-East without India is incomplete.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the theme of the North-East Unity Festival is ‘one voice, one nation’. He said that our country is a wonderful blend of many languages, cultures, cuisines and costumes and this unity in diversity is the specialty and biggest strength of our country. Through the 5-day Unity Utsav, the unity of the North-East has been showcased in Delhi. Shri Shah said that Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India and this force is identified as a ‘Friend of the North-East’. He said that the Assam Rifles has played a crucial role in rescuing the North-East from numerous crises. He said that through this event, today Assam Rifles has succeeded in showcasing the unity and cultural strength of the North-East to the entire country and the world.

    Shri Amit Shah said that 212 teams and 1500 students took part in the sports competitions in this event and more than 150 students also participated in the cultural programs. He said that today most of the prizes have been bagged by Manipur, which shows the importance of sports in Manipur. Shri Shah said that keeping in mind the popularity of sports in the North-East, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi decided to establish the country’s first sports university in Manipur. He said that Sports for All, Sports for Excellence have become the formula for the development of sports in India. Home Minister expressed confidence that in 2036, India will host the Olympic Games, and the country will be in the top 10, with the North-Eastern states playing a key role in this achievement.

    Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the last 10 years, especially in the last 5 years, there has been a significant change in the law-and-order situation in the North-East. He said violent incidents and deaths of security personnel have been reduced by 70 per cent and causalities of civilians by 85 per cent in the North-East. Shri Shah said that this reduction in the figures of violence shows that there is now a gradual peace in the North-East and a new era of development and cultural development is beginning.

    Shri Amit Shah said that since 2014, more than 10,500 militants have laid down their arms in the North-East and 12 peace accords have been signed in the region between 2019 and 2024. He said that many disputes had been going on here for decades, but the Modi government took two steps forward and made the youth believe that a lot of opportunities are available for them. Union Home Minister appealed to the youth indulging in violence to join the mainstream by laying down arms.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today, there is no part of India that does not consider the North-East as its own, and where there is no love for the people of this region. He stated that the people of every state in the country have a special place for the people of the North-East in their hearts, and every state in the North-East should also step forward and contribute to the development of the entire country. Shri Shah said that the North-East now desires peace and development and wants to function as an integral part of India.

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    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2105090) Visitor Counter : 56

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to inaugurate 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan on 21st February in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    PM to inaugurate 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan on 21st February in Delhi

    Marathi literary gathering, being held in the national capital after 71 years, will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and explore its role in contemporary discourse

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Marathi was recently granted classical language status by the government. Taking this further and celebrating the rich culture and heritage of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, on 21st February, at around 4:30 PM, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

    The Sammelan will be held from 21st to 23rd February and will host a diverse array of panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with eminent literary figures. The Sammelan will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and explore its role in contemporary discourse, including themes of language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitalization on literary works.

    The Marathi literary gathering being held in the national capital after 71 years also includes a symbolic literary train journey from Pune to Delhi, carrying 1,200 participants, showcasing the unifying spirit of literature. It will feature over 2,600 poetry submissions, 50 book launches, and 100 bookstalls among others. Distinguished scholars, authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts from across the country will participate.

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    MJPS/VJ

    (Release ID: 2105089) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways taking Strict action against miscreants indulging in the acts of vandalism & destruction to railway property in all such cases

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways taking Strict action against miscreants indulging in the acts of vandalism & destruction to railway property in all such cases

    RPF arrests a juvenile; Also invokes various sections including 153 of Railways act against others with a provision for jail up to 5 years for endangering the safety of railway passengers in the case involving damage to AC coach of Swatantra Senani Express on Madhubani railway station

    Railway appeals all passengers and public to refrain from acts of vandalism against railway property; Asserts Railways is a national asset, Damaging it is illegal

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:27PM by PIB Delhi

    On 10th February 2025, some unruly passengers damaged 73 glass windows of AC Coaches of Train Number 12561 Swatantrata Senani Express (Ex. Jaynagar- New Delhi) at Madhubani Railway Station. This created a panic and chaos amongst the railway passengers. Miscreants took advantage of the fact that there was no RPF or GRP post at Madhubani. After committing the act of causing damage to Railways property, the miscreants fled.

    In response to this act of vandalism, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), East Central Railway took swift action by registering a case under Sections 145(b), 146, 153 & 174(a) of the Railways Act vide Crime No. 168/2025 at RPF Post/Darbhanga. A special team of RPF was constituted to identify the culprits and to bring them to justice.

    During enquiry by the special team, information was gathered from sources and through technical evidence resulting in identification and arrest of a juvenile, who was found to be involved in the incident. He has confessed his involvement in the incident and expressed remorse. The enquiry into the case is actively under progress to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in other similar incidents of vandalism. RPF is committed to take strict action against the miscreants indulging in acts of destruction/ damage to railway property.

    Railway property is a national asset, and any act of damaging railway property is illegal. RPF has made necessary security in coordination with the State Government and GRP authorities to ensure the safety and security of passengers and protect railway infrastructure.

    While ensuring security to the Passengers with utmost commitment, the RPF is also committed to taking strict action against those involved in such unlawful activities. We urge the public to refrain from engaging in unlawful activities and acts which jeopardize public safety.

    Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 states that anyone who endangers the safety of a person traveling on a railway can be punished with up to five years in prison. This includes obstructing or attempting to obstruct railway rolling stock. Section 174(a) of the Railways Act, 1989 covers the offense of obstructing a train or other rolling stock. The penalty for an offense under Section 174(a) is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to two thousand rupees, or both.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2105088) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse Inaugurates 26th Maharashtra State Inter-University Sports Meet

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse Inaugurates 26th Maharashtra State Inter-University Sports Meet

    Maharashtra’s Biggest University Sports Meet Begins with Grandeur in Chandrapur

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse along with Sh. Sudhir Mungantiwar, MLA & former minister in Government of Maharashtra today inaugurated 26th Maharashtra State Inter-University Sports Meet at Chandrapur, Maharashtra.

    The competition hosted under aegis of Chancellor of State Universities hosted by Gondwana University, Gadchiroli marks the first time in the university’s history that it has received the honor of organizing a state-level sports festival.

    Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Smt. Raksha Khadse said that sports is a sunrise industry and can offer enormous opportunities for youth in career and congratulated Gondwana University on this remarkable achievement and highlighted the importance of sports in shaping young minds and fostering discipline, teamwork and excellence. She emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports and nurturing budding talent across the country. The MoS expressed her appreciation for the meticulous planning and execution of the event, ensuring the participation of thousands of young athletes from across Maharashtra.

    The sports meet will features 8 sports disciplines – Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Athletics and Chess for boys and girls with an expected participation of more than 3500 athletes. Matches are going being held at multiple venues in Chandrapur and Ballarpur forest area, with competitions taking place in morning and evening sessions.

    Union MoS remarked that this prestigious sports meet is a testament to the government’s vision of encouraging sports at the grassroots level and nurturing young talent. Smt. Raksha Khadse reaffirmed the Union Govt.’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, which play a crucial role in identifying and developing future champions.

    Mrs. Khadse remarked that Chandrapur will lead the sports excellence drive in Maharashtra and showed her resolve in supporting infrastructure upgrade in Chandrapur.

    The event was graced by Hon’ble MLA (Maharashtra) Sh. Sudhir Mungantiwar, District Collector Chandrapur Sh. Vinay Gowda G. C., District Sports Officer Chandrapur Sh. Avinash Pund and Former Deputy Mayor Chandrapur Sh. Rahul Pawde together with athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts.

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2105084) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Okfuskee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Armed Felony Assault

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

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gregory Dwayne Guinn, a/k/a Gregory Dewayne Guinn, age 23, of Okemah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence.

    The Indictment alleged that on January 15, 2024, Guinn assaulted an individual with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm.  The Indictment also alleged that on that day, Guinn knowingly used, carried, brandished, and discharged a firearm during and in relation to that crime of violence.

    The crimes occurred in Okfuskee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Guinn will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Patrick M. Flanigan represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve Life in Federal Prison for Murder After Woman’s Body is Found in Wildlife Refuge

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

    Co-Defendant Previously Sentenced to Serve 96 Months for Accessory After the Fact to Murder

    OKLAHOMA CITY – TEVIN TERRELL SEMIEN, 30, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve life in federal prison for second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, on May 17, 2023, Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith, 68, was found dead in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Investigators searched Smith’s home, which was within Indian Country, and observed blood consistent with a violent struggle. Smith’s vehicle was missing as well. On May 21, 2023, Texas law enforcement observed Smith’s vehicle driving south of Dallas, Texas. Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle fled at a high speed and eventually crashed into a lake. The two occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Semien and Nicole Leigh Logsdon, attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended.

    On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Semien and co-defendant Nicole Leigh Logsdon, 25, also of Lawton. The Indictment charged Semien with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one alternative count of second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Logsdon was separately charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

    On April 22, 2024, Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea, Semien admitted to deliberately and intentionally killing Smith.

    On January 10, 2024, Logsdon pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and admitted to helping Semien in his attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution. On July 15, 2024, Logsdon was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    At the sentencing hearing on February 3, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Semien to serve life in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, pointing out that Semien’s choices and conduct amounted to an “unfathomably cruel and depraved murder.” Judge Friot also noted Semien’s criminal history.  Public record further reflects that Semien has previous felony convictions which include burglary in Jefferson County, Texas, and conspiracy to commit second degree burglary in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2022-292.

    This case is in federal court because Smith and Logsdon are enrolled members of the Comanche Nation and the murder occurred within Indian Country.

    This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City, Dallas, and New Orleans field offices; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Comanche Nation Police Department; the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Rice, Texas Police Department; and the Navarro County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman with DOJ’s Criminal Division (former AUSA with the Western District of Oklahoma) prosecuted the case.

    The case furthers the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons efforts to address violence against Native American individuals. More information about this initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip.

    Reference is made to public filings for more information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sipekne’katik — RCMP charge two people for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP has charged two people following the execution of a search warrant in Sipekne’katik (Indian Brook).

    Yesterday, in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, the Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) of East Hants District RCMP assisted by Sipekne’katik RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence on Church St.

    At the scene, officers safely arrested a man and a woman then located and seized a variety of prescription pills, drug paraphernalia and cash.

    Kevin Dewolfe, 67, of Truro and Kaylyn Brooks, 36, of Sipekne’katik, have both been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. They were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Shubenacadie Provincial Court on April 28 at 9:30 a.m.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: International Maritime Exercise 2025 concludes

    Source: United States Navy

    IMX 2025 brought together 5,000 personnel from over 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.

    The 12-day exercise took participants through several exercise serials across multiple locations at sea in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, as well as ashore and in the air. Some of the serials included diving, harbor security, mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, and global health management events.

    “It’s inspiring to see so many nations working together. The incredible level of international representation is pivotal to our success of safeguarding regional waterways and enabling the free flow of commerce,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, in his remarks at the closing ceremony. “IMX 2025 was truly about partnering to strengthen and expand our capabilities.”

    “[The] exercise brought forward many viewpoints [about how] to handle a single situation in various different ways. I am confident that the takeaways of this exercise will serve all the participants in planning and executing various exercises in their respective countries,” said Pakistan Navy Commodore Rashid Mahmood Sheikh, who led the CPX exercise for IMX 2025, in his remarks.

    IMX 2025 ran in conjunction with a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa exercise, Cutlass Express 25, with each exercise’s respective maritime operations centers exercising their information sharing capabilities to improve theater-to-theater coordination, reduce regional seams, and strengthen interoperability.

    The ninth iteration of the series, IMX began in 2012 as the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise, before changing its name to reflect a more expansive mission set.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

    For imagery, photos and information on IMX, visit the feature page at: https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/IMX/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon celebrates recipients of the 2024 sport awards

    Government of Yukon celebrates recipients of the 2024 sport awards
    jlutz

    This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle, Sport Yukon and Special Olympics Yukon.

    The Government of Yukon, Sport Yukon, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and Special Olympics Yukon celebrated the territory’s top athletes, coaches and volunteers with an award ceremony on February 17, 2025.

    The Government of Yukon recognizes recipients with two awards: the Premier’s Award of Sport Excellence and the Minister’s Award of Sport Recognition.

    The Premier’s Award, which recognizes the achievements of outstanding Yukon athletes who competed internationally or nationally, was presented to 32 athletes.

    The Minister’s Award, which is presented to athletes or teams who excelled at the Arctic Winter Games, Canada 55+ Games, provincials, Western Canadians or national competitions, was earned by 125 athletes and 8 teams.

    Annually, the Sport Yukon Major Awards are presented to Yukoners for their significant contributions and achievement in sport across various categories. A total of seven awards are presented for administrator, coach and athletes of the year.

    Special Olympics Yukon enriches the lives of over 120 Yukoners with an intellectual disability through sport. Each year, Special Olympics presents the following awards: Athletes of the Year, Most Improved Athletes of the Year, Athlete and Sport Volunteer Rising Stars and the Heather Miller Sport Volunteer of the Year.

    The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle awards were given to seven recipients including two Indigenous athletes of the year, an Indigenous coach of the year, an Indigenous sport and recreation community steward of the year and an exemplary person in arctic sports, dene games and archery.

    Backgrounder

    Premier’s Award of Sport Excellence

    Name Sport Competition(s) Event(s) Placing/Achievement
    Mya Wilson Archery Archery Canada Indoor Championships U18 barebow Gold
    Mikayla Therriault Archery Archery Canada Indoor Championships U15 barebow Gold 
    Dawson Widney Archery Archery Canada Indoor Championships U18 barebow Bronze
    Shiori Monzo Archery

    Archery Canada Indoor Championships 

    2024 Youth and Masters Pan Am Championships

    		 U15 Recurve

    Gold 

    Member of Team Canada
    Delia Therriault Archery 2024 Youth and Masters Pan Am Championships   Member of Team Canada
    Emmett Kapaniuk Archery  2024 Youth and Masters Pan Am Championships   Member of Team Canada
    Emily King Arctic Sports World Eskimo-Indian Olympics One-Foot High Kick World record set, four gold, one silver, and three bronze
    Nadia Moser Biathlon Biathlon Canada Nationals

    Women Sprint 

    Women Pursuit 

    Women 10 km

    Gold

    Silver 

    Silver
    Cole Germain Biathlon Biathlon Canada Nationals

    Youth Men/Women Relay 

    Youth Men Pursuit

    Gold

    Silver
    Cheyenne Tirschmann Biathlon Biathlon Canada Nationals

    Youth Men/Women Relay 

    Youth Women Pursuit 

    Youth Women Sprint

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Gold
    Mallory Pigage Bowling 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 5-pin Bowling Singles F05 Gold
    Duncan McRae Bowling 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 5-pin Bowling Singles M02 Silver
    Gracie Ryckman Bowling 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 5-pin Bowling Singles F07 Silver
    Bobbi-Rae Patchett Bowling 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 5-pin Bowling Singles F04 Gold 
    Darby McIntyre Cross Country Skiing 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

    7.5 km Classic M1

    5 km Classic M1

    10 km Classic M1

    Silver

    Gold 

    Gold
    Owen Munroe Cross Country Skiing 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

    7.5 km Classic M3

    5 km Classic M3 

    10 km Classic M2

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Silver
    Ernest Chua Cross Country Skiing 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

    1 km Classic M2 

    2.5 km Classic M4

    Silver 

    Bronze
    Minty Bradford Cross Country Skiing

    U16 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals 

    Youth Olympic Games

    7.5 km free

    5 km free

    Gold

    Gold

    Member of Team Canada
    Derek Deuling Cross Country Skiing U23 Nordic World Ski Championship Mixed Relay  Gold while representing Team Canada
    Sonjaa Schmidt Cross Country Skiing U23 Nordic World Ski Championship Women’s Sprint Gold while representing Team Canada
    Sasha Masson Cross Country Skiing U23 Nordic World Ski Championship   Member of Team Canada
    Mara Roldan Cycling U23 Canadian Road National Championships

    Road Race 

    Time Trial 

    Gold 

    Gold 
    Callum Weir Futsal 2024 CONCACAF Futsal Championship   Member of Team Canada
    Emery Twardochleb Hockey U18 Women’s National Championship   Bronze
    Gavin McKenna Hockey

    U18 World Championship 

    U20 World Junior Championship

    		  

    Gold 

    Member of Team Canada
    Kaylee Fortier Judo Judo Canada   Open Nationals +63kg Newaza Open 

    Silver
    Lia Hinchey Judo Judo Canada Open Nationals -63kg Newaza Open Silver
    Jaymi Hinchey Judo

    Judo Canada Open Nationals

    Sask. Open 

    Manitoba Open

    U18 -52kg   

    U18 -52kg
    Senior-52kg 

    U21 -52kg Senior 

    Gold 

    Gold
    Gold

    Bronze
    Bronze
    Huxley Briggs Judo Manitoba Open U18 -50kg Gold
    Stian Langbakk Snowboarding

    Snowboarding Junior National Championships

    BC Provincial Series 1

    BC Provincial Series 2

    Slopestyle

    Slopestyle

    Slopestyle

    Bronze

    Gold

    Gold
    Tuja Dreyer Swimming 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships   Member of Team Canada
    Emma Boyd Volleyball 2024 NORCEA Pan Am Games   Member of Team Canada

    Minister’s Award of Sport Recognition 

    Name Sport Competition(s) Event(s) Placing/Achievement
    Helen Dewell Bowling 2024 Canada 55+ Games 65+ Singles Bowling  Gold
    John Hadvick Darts 2024 Canada 55+ Games 65+ Doubles Dart  Gold
    Tim McLachlan Darts 2024 Canada 55+ Games

    65+ Singles Darts

    65+ Doubles Darts

    Gold

    Gold
    Janet Brault Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games 55+ Predicted Swim Gold 
    Christine Cash Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games 60-64 100m Breaststroke Gold
    Nesta Leduc Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games 85+ 100m Freestyle Gold
    Therese Lindsay Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games

    60-64 years: 

    50m Freestyle 

    50m Backstroke

    100M Backstroke 

    100m Medley

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Gold 
    Barb Phillips Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games

    80-84 years: 

    100m Backstroke 

    50m Breaststroke 

    100m Breaststroke 

    100m Medley

    Gold 

    Gold                          

    Gold             

    Gold
    Maureen Wallingham Swimming 2024 Canada 55+ Games 65-69 years: 50m Butterfly Gold
    Marcella Abrams Track and Field 2024 Canada 55+ Games 75+ 1500m run  Gold
    Rachel Grantham Track and Field 2024 Canada 55+ Games 65-69 Javelin Gold
    Sheila Senger Track and Field 2024 Canada 55+ Games 75-79 200m sprint Gold
    Marg White Track and Field 2024 Canada 55+ Games 55+ 400m Predicted Walk Gold
    Team Yukon  Alpine Skiing Arctic Winter Games Overall Team Gold 
    Ellyann Dinn Alpine Skiing Arctic Winter Games

    Overall Team

    Slalom 08-09 F

    Parallel Slalom 08-09 F 

    Giant Slalom 08-09 F

    Gold

    Gold                          

    Gold 

    Gold
    Josephine de Jager Alpine Skiing Arctic Winter Games

    Overall Team 

    Parallel Slalom 10-11 F

    Gold 

    Gold
    Tom Vollmer Alpine Skiing Arctic Winter Games

    Overall Team 

    Parallel Slalom 08-09 M

    Gold

    Gold
    Zach Ball Alpine Skiing Arctic Winter Games

    Overall Team 

    Parallel Slalom 10-11 M

    Gold 

    Gold
    Kael Epp Archery Arctic Winter Games Individual Compound 2006 or later M Gold
    Dominick Watt Archery Arctic Winter Games Team Compound Mix Gold
    Augustin Greetham Arctic Sports

    Arctic Winter Games

    2024 Indigenous Summer Games

    Kneel Jump 2007 or later M

    Overall Junior Male

    Gold

    Four Gold, four silver, four bronze 
    Amelie Guilbeault Arctic Sports Arctic Winter Games Sledge Jump 2007 or later F Gold
    Bree Labelle

    Arctic Sports

    Gymnastics 

    Arctic Winter Games

    Xcel GymBC Championships

    Triple Jump 2007 or later F

    Category Xcel Platinum – Bars

     

    Gold

    Bronze 
    Isabelle Paquette Arctic Sports Arctic Winter Games

    Kneel Jump Open F 

    Triple Jump Open F

    Gold

    Gold
    Team Yukon Basketball Basketball Arctic Winter Games   Gold
    Lydia Brown Biathlon Arctic Winter Games

    2006-08 F: 

    7.5 km Individual 

    7.5 km Mass Start 

    4×4.5 km Mixed Relay

    Gold                       

    Gold

    Gold

                                     
    Niamh Hupe Biathlon Arctic Winter Games

    2009 or Later F: 

    5 km Individual

    5 km Mass Start 

    Gold

    Gold
    Alexander LeBarge Biathlon  Arctic Winter Games

    2006-08 M: 

    7.5 km Mass Start 

    4×4.5 km Mixed Relay

    Gold

    Gold
    Matthew London Biathlon Arctic Winter Games

    2006-08 M: 

    6 km Sprint 

    4×4.5 km Mixed Relay

    Gold

    Gold
    Stella Mueller Biathlon Arctic Winter Games 2006-08 4×4.5 km Mixed Relay Gold
    Logan Tirschmann Biathlon Arctic Winter Games 2009 or Later M 5 km Mass Start Gold 
    Mason Parry Biathlon – snowshoe Arctic Winter Games

    2006-08 M: 

    5 km Individual 

    3 km Sprint 

    4 km Mass Start

    Gold 

    Gold

    Gold
    Jasper Charlie Dene Games

    Arctic Winter Games

    2024 Indigenous Summer Games

    		 Stick Pull 2006 or Later M

    Gold

    Three silver, two bronze
    Team Yukon Dene Games Arctic Winter Games Hand Games Open F Gold 
    Myra Kendi Dene Games

    Arctic Winter Games

    2024 Indigenous Summer Games

    		 Snow Snake Open F

    Gold

    Three gold  
    Team Yukon 2006 or Later M Futsal Arctic Winter Games   Gold 
    Lucy Miller Gymnastics

    Arctic Winter Games

    Xcel GymBC Championships

    Floor 2006 or Later F

    Beam

    Gold

    Silver
    Eva Benkert Snowboarding Arctic Winter Games

    2010 or Later F: 

    Banked Slalom

    Overall

    Gold

    Gold
    Seamus MacDonald Snowboarding Arctic Winter Games

    2010 or Later M: 

    Slopestyle 

    Banked Slalom 

    Overall

    Gold

    Gold 

    Gold
    Danee Marsh Snowboarding Arctic Winter Games Slopestyle 2010 or Later F Gold
    Leo Spiers Leung Snowboarding Arctic Winter Games Rail Jam 2010 or Later M Gold 
    Aven Sutton Snowboarding Arctic Winter Games

    2008 or Later F: 

    Slopestyle 

    Rail Jam 

    Banked Slalom

    Overall

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Gold 

    Gold
    Taiga Buurman Snowshoeing Arctic Winter Games Short Distance Combined 2005 or Later M  Gold
    Micah McConnell Snowshoeing Arctic Winter Games

    2009 or Later M: 

    2.5 km Cross Country 

    5 km Cross Country 

    Short Distance Combined 

    Gold

    Gold

    Gold
    Liam Gishler Wrestling Arctic Winter Games Inuit Wrestling up to 60kg M Gold
    Aqilah Salim  Wrestling Arctic Winter Games Individual up to 50kg F Gold
    Leah McLean

    Wrestling

    Judo

    Arctic Winter Games

    Sask Open

    Individual up to 65kg F

    Inuit Wrestling up to 65kg F

    U18 -63kg

    Gold

    Gold

    Silver
    Harlynn Germaine  Arctic Sports & Archery Indigenous Summer Games

    Overall Junior Female

    Swing Kick

    One Hand Reach

    Airplane

    One Foot High Kick

    Knuckle Hop

    Bow and Arrow

    Gold

    Gold

    Gold

    Bronze

    Bronze

    Bronze
    NuNu Sageaktook Arctic Sports Indigenous Summer Games

    Junior Female:

    Swing Kick

    One Hand Reach

    Knuckle Hop

    Airplane 

    Kneel Jump

    Silver

    Silver

    Silver

    Silver

    Silver
    Isabelle Prochazka Dene Games Indigenous Summer Games

    Junior Female:

    Finger Pull

    Axe Throwing

    Fish Cutting

    Gold

    Silver

    Bronze
    Harmony Kendi Dene Games Indigenous Summer Games

    Junior Female:

    Fish Cutting

    Gold
    Eric Porter Dene Games Indigenous Summer Games

    Open Male:

    Leg Wrestling

    Stick Pull

    Silver 

    Bronze 
    Jason Sealy Arctic Sports Indigenous Summer Games

    Open Male:

    Triple Jump

    Silver
    Ross King Archery  Indigenous Summer Games Open Male: Bow and Arrow Gold 
    Laneah Colwell & Sabine Keesey Beach Volleyball Volleyball Canada Beach Nationals 16U Girls Tier 3 Silver
    Kassia Kelly & Mischa Ng-Schmidt Beach Volleyball Volleyball Canada Beach Nationals 14U Girls Tier 4 Silver
    Asher Johnson Climbing Climb Canada Western Canadian Regionals Overall Youth B Boys (Bouldering) Silver
    Jenna Henderson Gymnastics BC Provincial Artistic Gymnastics Championships CCP8 – Bars Bronze
    Julianna Kennedy Gymnastics BC Provincial Artistic Gymnastics Championships CCP6 – Bars Bronze
    Layla Hombert Gymnastics BC Provincial Artistic Gymnastics Championships CCP8 – Vault Bronze
    Lily Witten Gymnastics BC Provincial Artistic Gymnastics Championships CCP8 – Bars Bronze 
    Taylor Kennedy Gymnastics

    BC Provincial Artistic Gymnastics Championships 

    Western Canadian Artistic Gymnastics Championships

    CCP8 – Bars 

                          

    CCP8 – Bars

    Gold 

    Gold 
    Amelie Blackie Gymnastics Xcel GymBC Championships 

    Xcel Gold:

    All Around

    Silver
    Leoni Crete-Bergeron  Gymnastics Xcel GymBC Championships

    Xcel Gold: 

    All Around 

    Beam 

    Vault 

    Silver 

    Bronze 

    Bronze 
    Linnea Roberts Soccer BC Youth Provincial Championship  U16 Girls Soccer B-Cup Gold 
    Subzero 16U Girls Volleyball Volleyball Canada Nationals 16U Girls Tier 29 Silver 
    Subzero Surge 15U Girls Volleyball 

    Volleyball Canada Nationals

    BC Provincials

    15U Girls Tier 21

    15U Girls Tier 4

    Gold

    Silver                                 

    Sport Yukon Major Awards

    Award Winner Sport
    Administrator of the Year Lianne Fordham Basketball
    Coach of the Year Penny Prysnuk Judo
    National/Territorial Female Athlete of the Year 

    Cheyenne Tirschmann

    Minty Bradford

    Biathlon

    Cross Country Skiing
    National/Territorial Male Athlete of the Year Stian Langbakk Snowboarding
    International Female Athlete of the Year Sonjaa Schmidt Cross Country Skiing
    International Male Athlete of the Year Derek Deuling Cross Country Skiing
    Team of the Year  Team Yukon Arctic Winter Games

    Special Olympics Yukon 

    Award Winner(s)
    Athlete(s) of the Year Bobbi-Rae Patchett & Darby McIntyre
    Most Improved Athlete(s) of the Year Martina O’Brien & Owen Munroe
    Rising Star Athlete of the Year Sage Bowlby 
    Rising Star Sport Volunteer of the Year Jennifer Spencer
    Heather Miller Sport Volunteer of the Year Leeland Hawkings

    Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle 

    Award Winner
    Indigenous Male Athlete of the Year Hudson Sias 
    Indigenous Female Athlete of the Year Emily King
    Indigenous Coach of the Year Penny Prysnuk
    Indigenous Sport and Recreation Community Steward of the Year George Skookum 
    Archery Coach of the Year Warren Kapaniuk 
    Arctic Sports Coach of the Year Sarah Walz
    Dene Games Coach of the Year Mats’äsäna Ma Primozic

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham, Colleagues Urge ATF To Strengthen Second Amendment Protections And Rescind Unconstitutional Biden Rules

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and 28 of their Senate Republican colleagues today to send a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson urging him to align the agency with President Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order.

    Graham and his colleagues called on Director Richardson to identify and rescind former President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.

    The Senators wrote, “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights.  We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

    “Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”

    Along with Graham and Cornyn, the letter was signed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) and U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jim Justice (R-W Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CWA to FCC: Stop AT&T’s Plans to Abandon Rural America

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission opposing AT&T’s application to discontinue landline telephone service in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. CWA is calling on the FCC to counterbalance the company’s focus on maximizing profits over the public interest.

    AT&T’s proposal would enable the telecommunications provider to exit 250,000 square miles of rural communities across 18 states, or fifty percent of AT&T’s historic footprint. While AT&T would continue to provide service to more populated, profitable areas, the “mobile first” proposal would put rural communities last, with lower quality and less reliable connectivity options.

    “While AT&T’s corporate executives and investors are insulated from the impact of these cuts on the communities they serve, frontline workers bear the brunt of customers’ frustration with poor service quality, long wait times, and other harms from understaffing and outsourcing of critical functions,” wrote CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. in his comments filed with the FCC.

    Ending service over AT&T’s copper network without upgrading to fiber will leave communities with limited and inferior options. Fiber is sustainable, scalable, and renewable. It offers greater capacity, predictable performance, lower maintenance costs, and a longer technological lifetime than coaxial cable, satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. An engineering analysis of fixed wireless technologies by consulting firm CTC Technology and Energy concludes that “fiber represents the most fiscally prudent expenditure of public funds in most circumstances because of its longevity and technical advantages.”

    AT&T’s abandonment of rural America leaves the government to shoulder the burden of providing affordable service to all residents. The industry-driven deregulation of communications services has allowed telecommunications companies to select their own service areas. In recent years, AT&T has allowed its rural network to deteriorate, focusing on deploying fiber in densely populated areas that can yield a high profit margin.

    AT&T has prioritized shareholder returns over investment in its network and workforce. On the same day the company announced plans to retire the “large majority” of its copper-based network by 2029, it also said that it expects to return over $40 billion to shareholders over the next three years through stock buybacks and dividends. To fulfill its universal service mandate, CWA urged the FCC to push AT&T to invest in fiber deployment beyond what the company might otherwise choose to pursue.

    CWA represents workers in telecommunications, media, technology, public service, manufacturing, airlines, video games, and other fields, including tens of thousands of workers at AT&T.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery

    N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery
    jejohnson6

    The North Carolina Arts Council has awarded $915,000 to nonprofit arts organizations in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The grants utilize funds from the North Carolina Arts Foundation’s North Carolina Arts Relief Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and South Art’s Southern Arts Relief and Recovery Fund.

    The relief funds will be provided to 69 arts organizations throughout the impacted 26-county region. A list of awardees is available on the NCAC’s website (https://www.ncarts.org/hurricane-helene-relief-grant-award-recipients-2025/open).

    “This much-needed grant funding for Western North Carolina arts organizations signals another important step in the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ commitment to recovery in areas affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Arts Council Director Jeff Bell. “The cultural and arts offerings in Western North Carolina are vital to the heritage and economic strength of our entire state.”

    The grants support artistic and administrative functions of Western N.C. arts organizations. Recipients may use them to fund salaries, artists’ fees, production, travel, promotion, programming expenses, supplies and equipment, office expenses, and facility operations.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 20, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Schatz Lead Colleagues in Demanding Trump’s DHS Immediately End Wrongful ICE Searches & Harassment of Tribal Members, Uphold U.S. Trust and Treaty Responsibility with Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, led 13 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uphold the United States’ trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens by ending wrongful searches and interrogations of Tribal members.
    In the letter, the lawmakers raise concern over reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stopping and harassing United States-born citizens on suspicion of being undocumented migrants since President Trump issued an Executive Order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship. These incidents have stoked fear and panic for many Tribal citizens living on and off reservation lands.
    “Whether it is simple ignorance or worse — outright disrespect for and harassment of Tribal citizens — ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand,” the senators wrote in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
    The senators requested that DHS consult with Tribes and issue guidance on what forms of identification are acceptable as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal government-issued identification. They also urged DHS to issue internal guidance for ICE agents on how to lawfully engage with federally recognized Tribes and their citizens, including on Tribal lands.
    “Accordingly, we ask that the Department issue guidance and training to ICE agents on forms of Tribal identification that are acceptable as proof of United States citizenship (alone or in tandem with other documents). We also ask that your Department communicate and consult with Tribal governments to ensure they are given timely and accurate information to inform and protect their Tribal citizens from unnecessary searches, interrogation, and detention related to immigration enforcement efforts,” the senators continued. 
    The senators also pressed Secretary Noem to answer the following questions:
    Does ICE policy accept of Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs), Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification documents as valid proof of United States citizenship?
    If yes, please provide a full description of these policies and how they are communicated within your Department, and with Tribal governments.
    If no, please clarify what information needs to be present on Tribally-issued identification documents for those to be accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship.

    What training are ICE agents given about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, including CIBs, Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification?
    What training are ICE agents, and other law enforcement personnel in your Department, given about interactions with citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What specific corrective actions are you taking to ensure that the rights of United States-born Tribal citizens, as American citizens, are being upheld and respected by your Department?
    How does ICE justify the use of taxpayer dollars and its limited resources to conduct enforcement actions involving United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What has been the estimated cost of ICE enforcement actions within reservation boundaries thus far?  Will ICE enforcement actions occur within community locations such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and religious institutions that are on Tribal lands, including trust land, restricted fee, and fee simple lands, or located off of Tribal lands? 
    What implications do ICE enforcement actions have for Tribal nations whose historic lands transcend the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, including Tribes with members living in Mexico or Canada and/or having transborder migratory privileges using special identification documents, such as the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas?  What will ICE do to ensure that tribal members residing in Mexico or Canada are not inappropriately detained as a result of these enforcement actions?  And how is ICE educating its agents about the access guaranteed in the Jay Treaty to the United States for Canadian First Nations members for cultural, trade, and other purposes?
    The letter was led by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Angus King (I-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
    The text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem:
    We write to express our growing concern over reports that, since President Trump issued the Executive Order on birthright citizenship, United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented migrants.  These incidents have stoked fear and panic for many Tribal citizens living on and off reservation, resulting in at least one Tribal government issuing its own guidance and standing up a citizen hotline to report incidents and receive assistance. Whether it is simple ignorance or worse — outright disrespect for and harassment of Tribal citizens – ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand. 
    Accordingly, we ask that the Department issue guidance and training to ICE agents on forms of Tribal identification that are acceptable as proof of United States citizenship (alone or in tandem with other documents).  We also ask that your Department communicate and consult with Tribal governments to ensure they are given timely and accurate information to inform and protect their Tribal citizens from unnecessary searches, interrogation, and detention related to immigration enforcement efforts.
    Both Congress, exercising its plenary authority over Indian Affairs, and the United States Supreme Court have established that Indians born in the United States are United States citizens. Indians may also be citizens of federally-recognized Tribes, making them dual citizens of both the United States and their Tribal nations.  As such, Tribal citizens may possess multiple forms of identification, including Tribal government-issued identification, such as enrollment cards and Certificates of Indian Blood (CIB), and state-issued or federally-issued identification.  However, it is not uncommon for Tribal citizens to only carry their Tribal government-issued identification, which is often accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship for purposes of federal benefits.
    In addition to consulting with, and issuing guidance for, Tribes on what forms of identification ICE will accept as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal identification, we also request that your Department issue internal guidance for ICE agents on how to lawfully engage with federally recognized Tribes and their citizens, including on Tribal lands. Lastly, we request that you reply, in detail, to the following questions:
    Does ICE policy accept of Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs), Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification documents as valid proof of United States citizenship?
    If yes, please provide a full description of these policies and how they are communicated within your Department, and with Tribal governments.
    If no, please clarify what information needs to be present on Tribally-issued identification documents for those to be accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship.

    What training are ICE agents given about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, including CIBs, Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification?
    What training are ICE agents, and other law enforcement personnel in your Department, given about interactions with citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What specific corrective actions are you taking to ensure that the rights of United States-born Tribal citizens, as American citizens, are being upheld and respected by your Department?
    How does ICE justify the use of taxpayer dollars and its limited resources to conduct enforcement actions involving United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What has been the estimated cost of ICE enforcement actions within reservation boundaries thus far?  Will ICE enforcement actions occur within community locations such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and religious institutions that are on Tribal lands, including trust land, restricted fee, and fee simple lands, or located off of Tribal lands?
    What implications do ICE enforcement actions have for Tribal nations whose historic lands transcend the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, including Tribes with members living in Mexico or Canada and/or having transborder migratory privileges using special identification documents, such as the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas?  What will ICE do to ensure that tribal members residing in Mexico or Canada are not inappropriately detained as a result of these enforcement actions?  And how is ICE educating its agents about the access guaranteed in the Jay Treaty to the United States for Canadian First Nations members for cultural, trade, and other purposes?
    We ask that your response include documentation of all Department policies and practices related to the questions above by March 4, 2025, along with evidence of any actions your Department is taking to communicate and consult with Tribes on ICE enforcement efforts, both on and off of Tribal lands.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump took office just one month ago, but has already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term as he makes good on his promise to usher in the New Golden Age of America.
    Here is a non-comprehensive list of President Trump’s wins after just one month:
    SECURING OUR HOMELAND:
    President Trump declared a national emergency at the border and deployed the military, including the 10th Mountain Division, to secure our nation.
    Illegal border crossings have hit lows not seen in decades as U.S. Border Patrol is re-empowered to once again enforce the law.
    ABC News: “From Jan. 21 through Jan. 31, the number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border dropped 85% from the same period in 2024, according to data obtained by ABC News. In the 11 days after Jan. 20, migrants apprehended at ports of entry declined by 93%.”

    Illegal aliens have started turning around in droves amid the crackdown.
    The Department of Homeland Security announced that arrests of criminal illegal immigrants have doubled under President Trump.
    President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, which requires illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft or violence to be detained — honoring the legacy of Laken Riley, a Georgia college student brutally murdered by an illegal alien released into the country.
    President Trump ended “catch-and-release,” reversing the dangerous Biden-era policy that released dangerous illegal aliens back into our communities.
    President Trump shut down the “CBP One” app, which “paroled” more than one million illegal immigrants into the country.
    A migrant shelter in San Diego announced it will shut down after it has received no new arrivals since President Trump took office.

    President Trump terminated all taxpayer-funded public benefits for illegal aliens.
    President Trump ramped up deportation flights of criminal illegal aliens.
    After President Trump announced “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures” against Colombia over its refusal to accept deportation flights from the U.S., the country’s president quickly backtracked — even offering the use of his personal plane for the deportations.
    El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele offered to accept deportees of any nationality, including violent American criminals currently imprisoned in the U.S.

    President Trump began transferring criminal illegal aliens to Guantanamo Bay ahead of their repatriation back to their own countries.
    President Trump re-established the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy.
    President Trump restarted construction of the border wall.
    The Trump Administration officially declared Tren de Aragua, MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the United Cartels, the Gulf Cartel, the Northeast Cartel, and the Michoacán Family as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
    New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) agreed to allow federal immigration officials to operate on Rikers Island and deport illegal alien criminals following his meeting with Border Czar Tom Homan.
    Mexico announced a deployment of 10,000 troops to the border to combat illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, while Canada announced a flurry of measures to combat fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking following President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on the two countries.
    President Trump implemented an additional 10% tariff on imports from China in order to stem the flow of illegal aliens and fentanyl.
    President Trump ordered an end to birthright citizenship.
    President Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
    The Department of Justice filed suit against the State of New York and some of its elected officials over their willful failure to follow federal immigration law and announced that it will take action against so-called “sanctuary cities” for their obstruction of U.S. law.
    The Department of Homeland Security “clawed back” tens of millions of dollars in funds paid by rogue FEMA officials to house illegal aliens in luxury New York City hotels.
    President Trump reinstated the death penalty for federal capital crimes.
    PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS AND FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH:
    President Trump restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated the tariff to 25% on aluminum imports to protect these critical American industries from unfair foreign competition — a move praised by the Steel Manufacturers Association, the Aluminum Association, and businesses across the country.
    Robert Simon, CEO of JSW Steel USA, praised President Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, celebrating them “as a project that will flood the U.S. with jobs as trading partners move their industries to U.S. soil to avoid tariffs.”

    Makoto Uchida, the CEO of global automaker Nissan, said President Trump’s tariffs could push the car manufacturer to move its production from Mexico to the U.S.
    President Trump unveiled a plan for fair and reciprocal trade, making clear to the world that the United States will no longer tolerate being ripped off.
    President Trump secured hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments.
    President Trump announced the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project in history, securing $500 billion in planned private sector investment — with major CEOs agreeing it would not have been possible without President Trump’s leadership.
    Saudi Arabia declared its intention to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years.
    President Trump secured a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties to build new U.S.-based data centers.
    Taiwan pledged to boost its investment in the United States.
    Electronics giants Samsung and LG “are considering moving their plants in Mexico to the U.S.” now that President Trump is back in office.

    In February, forecasters from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revised their economic growth projections for the first quarter of 2025 up from 1.9% to 2.5%, and their unemployment rate projections for the quarter down from 4.2% to 4.1%.
    After a meeting with President Trump, Stellantis announced it will reopen its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois — putting 1,500 employees back to work — and build its next-generation Dodge Durango in Detroit, Michigan. The company also announced new investments in their Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana, facilities.
    President Trump laid out a visionary plan to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund to maximize the stewardship of the $5+ trillion in assets held by the United States.
    Following President Trump’s victory, the S&P 500 set a new record as the stock market surged to record highs — while major Wall Street firms like JP Morgan Chase posted their highest ever annual profits.
    LOWERING THE COST OF LIVING:
    President Trump directed the heads of all executive departments and agencies to “deliver emergency price relief … to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker.”
    President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to maximize use of the U.S.’ extensive energy resources, thereby enabling lower energy prices.
    Crude oil prices have fallen over 5% since President Trump took office.
    The Department of Energy postponed burdensome Biden-era efficiency standard rules for the following appliances, saving American consumers large sums:
    Central air conditioners: Biden rules were slated to make air conditioners $1,100 more expensive, according to Alliance for Consumers.
    Gas water heaters: Biden rules were slated to make water heaters $2,800 more expensive.
    Clothes washers and dryers: Biden rules were slated to make washers $200 more expensive.
    Light bulbs: Biden rules were slated to make light bulbs $140 more expensive.
    Walk-in coolers and freezers, commercial refrigeration equipment, and air compressors.

    The total cost of federal regulations in 2023 was a record-breaking $2.1 trillion, or $15,788 per U.S. household, according to the Competitive Enterprise Institute. By requiring agencies to identify at least ten existing rules, regulations, or guidance documents to be repealed for every one rule they promulgate, President Trump has put the U.S. on track to severely reduce regulatory costs for everyday Americans.
    The National Associations of Manufacturers found the cost of federal regulations was even greater — at $3.079 trillion in 2022.

    Secretary Sean Duffy’s very first action at the Department of Transportation was to initiate rulemaking resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards — effectively eliminating the Biden-era electric vehicle mandate.
    NBER economist Mark R. Jacobsen “estimates that a one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers of all income levels approximately 0.5% of their income in the first year of the increase. By the 10th year following the increase, however, this cost becomes regressive, as the increase drives up the price of used cars. A one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers earning less than $25,000 per year 1.12% of their income, but only costs consumers earning more than $75,000 per year 0.41% of their income.”

    RE-ESTABLISHING AMERICAN STRENGTH:
    President Trump secured the release of six American hostages in Venezuela, two Americans in Afghanistan, an American-Israeli citizen in Hamas captivity, a Pennsylvania teacher in Russian captivity, and an American citizen in Belarus — bringing the total number of American hostages released under President Trump to 11.
    President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in pursuit of finally securing peace as negotiations get underway.
    President Trump restored maximum pressure on Iran, “sanctioning an international network for facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the People’s Republic of China.”
    President Trump redesignated the Iran-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
    President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit where he proposed a bold vision for securing lasting peace in Gaza.
    Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman described the proposal as “brilliant, historic and the only idea I have heard in 50 years that has a chance of bringing security, peace and prosperity to this troubled region.”

    President Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced his intention to “elevate Japan’s investment in the United States to an unprecedented amount of $1 trillion,” import “historic” quantities of LNG from Alaska, and open new auto plants in the U.S.
    President Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who announced that the Kingdom will accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza “as quickly as possible.”
    President Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit where they announced new deals between the two countries on immigration, trade, energy, and artificial intelligence.
    President Trump banned funding to UNRWA — a United Nations agency that employed hundreds of Hamas and jihad operatives.
    President Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which has illegitimately asserted jurisdiction over internal U.S. matters and baselessly targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
    President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy to ensure no taxpayer dollars support foreign organizations that perform, or actively promote, abortion in other nations.
    The Department of State ordered embassies worldwide to only fly the American flag — not activist flags.
    President Trump declared all foreign policy must be conducted under the President’s direction, ensuring career diplomats reflect the foreign policy of the United States at all times.
    The Department of State declared that U.S. foreign policy will be America First going forward.
    Following a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino agreed to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a debt-trap diplomacy scheme the Chinese Communist Party uses to gain influence over developing nations.
    The U.S. rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which promotes and strengthens opportunities for women and girls around the world, and protects the family as the fundamental unit of society.
    President Trump cracked down on anti-Semitism by canceling visas for foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers.
    President Trump ordered the immediate dismissal of the Board of Visitors for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard following years of woke ideologies infiltrating U.S. service academies.
    The U.S. Army barred transgender people from enlisting and stopped using taxpayer funds for sex change surgeries.
    President Trump reinstated, with backpay, U.S. service members who were discharged under the military’s nonsensical COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth restored Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to “Fort Bragg,” in honor of a World War II hero.
    President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
    President Trump paused enforcement of the overregulation of American businesses abroad, which negatively impacted national security.
    President Trump proclaimed “Gulf of America Day” after the Department of the Interior officially established it on its mapping databases.
    President Trump initiated a process to build a next-generation missile defense shield over the United States.
    UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY:
    President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to unlock America’s full energy potential and bring down costs for American families.
    President Trump rescinded every one of the Biden Administration’s job-killing, pro-China, anti-American energy regulations.
    President Trump empowered Americans with choice in vehicles, showerheads, toilets, washing machines, light bulbs, and dishwashers, and killed Biden-era regulations that restricted water flow and mandated inadequate light bulb standards.
    President Trump terminated the job-killing Green New Scam.
    President Trump withdrew from the disastrous Paris Climate Agreement, which unfairly ripped off our country.
    President Trump paused federal permitting for massive wind farms, which degrade our natural landscapes and fail to serve American consumers.
    President Trump reversed bureaucratic regulations that impeded Alaska’s ability to develop its vast natural resources.
    President Trump re-opened 625 million acres for offshore drilling, which Biden banned in his waning days, in order to “drill, baby, drill.”
    President Trump scrapped an Obama-era rule on greenhouse gases.
    President Trump ended the Liquefied Natural Gas pause and approved the first LNG project since the Biden Administration banned them last year.
    BRINGING BACK COMMON SENSE:
    Health systems across the nation stopped or downsized their sex change programs for minors following President Trump’s “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” executive order.
    In Illinois, Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital paused sex-change surgeries for patients under 19 as it “work[s] to understand the rapidly evolving environment.”
    In Colorado, Denver Health announced it would stop performing sex change surgeries on minor children, while UCHealth said it was ending so-called “gender-affirming care” for all minors.
    In Washington, D.C., Children’s National Hospital “paused” prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors, while Northwest Washington Hospital did the same.
    In Virginia, VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond “suspended” providing transgender-related medication and surgeries for minors, while UVA Health also “suspended” transgender-related services for minors.

    President Trump ended the unfair, demeaning practice of forcing women to compete against men in sports — which resulted in the NCAA changing its rules.
    The Department of Education launched investigations into the California Interscholastic Federation and the Minnesota State High School League over their failures to comply.

    President Trump made it the official policy of the U.S. government that there are only two sexes.
    President Trump banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates at schools that receive federal funding.
    President Trump rolled back the Biden-era push to mandate paper straws.
    President Trump instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to stop production of the penny, which cost 3.69 cents each to make.
    President Trump directed full enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, which bars taxpayer dollars from being used to fund or promote elective abortion.
    The Department of Transportation terminated the approval for New York City’s burdensome “congestion pricing” scheme.
    RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT
    President Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to maximize government productivity and ensure the best use of taxpayer funds — which has already achieved billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.
    President Trump commenced his plan to downsize the federal bureaucracy and eliminate waste, bloat, and insularity.
    President Trump ordered federal workers to return to the office five days a week.
    President Trump ordered federal agencies hire no more than one employee for every four employees who leave.
    President Trump ended the wasteful Federal Executive Institute, which had become a training ground for bureaucrats.
    President Trump ordered the termination of all federal Fake News media contracts.

    President Trump ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — the brainchild of Elizabeth Warren, which funneled cash to left-wing advocacy groups — to halt operations.
    President Trump ordered an end to anti-Christian bias in the Federal Government.
    President Trump ordered an examination of all regulations to assess any infringements on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
    The Environmental Protection Agency canceled tens of millions of dollars in contracts to left-wing advocacy groups, announced an investigation into a scheme by Biden EPA staffers to shield billions of dollars from oversight and accountability, and put 168 “environmental justice” employees on leave.
    President Trump stopped the waste, fraud, and abuse within USAID — ensuring taxpayers are no longer on the hook for funding the pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats, such as sex changes in Guatemala.
    President Trump ordered an end to the weaponization of the Federal Government against American citizens.
    The Department of Justice immediately began rooting out politically motivated lawfare that occurred in the Biden Administration.

    President Trump reversed the massive over-expansion of the IRS that took place during the Biden Administration.
    President Trump eliminated discriminatory DEI offices, employees, and practices across the bureaucracy alongside a return to merit-based hiring — including at the Federal Aviation Administration, where the Biden Administration specifically recruited individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric issues.
    As a result, taxpayer-funded PBS closed its DEI office, Disney dropped two of its DEI programs, Goldman Sachs ended its DEI policy, and Institutional Shareholder Services announced it would no longer consider diversity of company boards when making its voting recommendations.
    The Federal Communications Commission opened an investigation into discriminatory DEI policies at Comcast, an entity it regulates.

    President Trump ordered an end to all censorship of Americans by the federal government.
    President Trump ordered a review of funding for all non-governmental organizations, so taxpayers are no longer funding those that undermine America’s interests.
    The Department of State issued a “pause” on existing foreign aid grants to ensure accountability and efficiency.

    President Trump lifted last-minute collective bargaining agreements issued by the Biden Administration, which sought to impede reform.
    President Trump overrode bureaucratic red tape that limited water availability in California following the failure of the state’s water system during the devastating wildfires.
    President Trump terminated the Biden-era electric vehicle mandate.
    President Trump suspended the Biden-era EV charging program, which had resulted in just eight charging stations despite $7.5 billion earmarked for the program.

    President Trump shut down the wasteful Biden-era “Climate Corps” program.
    The Federal Communications Commission took action against a Soros-backed radio station that leaked sensitive information about ICE operations.
    President Trump ordered the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    President Trump opened the White House Press Briefing Room to non-legacy media outlets as the White House sets a new standard for transparency in the digital age.
    President Trump reinstated press privileges for roughly 440 journalists who the Biden Administration sought to silence.
    President Trump fired members of The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees amid their obsession with perpetuating radical, left-wing ideology at taxpayer expense.
    President Trump revoked the security clearances of the 51 “spies who lied.”
    EMPOWERING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
    President Trump established the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which redirects the national focus to promoting health rather than simply managing disease.
    President Trump took executive action to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
    President Trump established the White House Faith Office to protect Americans’ religious liberty.
    President Trump ordered an end to the radical indoctrination of children in K-12 schools that receive federal funding.
    President Trump took executive action to support parents in choosing the best education for their children.
    President Trump established the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to strengthen U.S. leadership in digital finance.
    President Trump granted full and unconditional pardons to 23 pro-life Americans who were unjustly persecuted by the Biden Administration.
    President Trump pardoned two Washington, D.C., police officers who were imprisoned simply for doing their jobs of apprehending criminals.
    President Trump has had his cabinet confirmed by the Senate at a far faster pace than his predecessors, with a majority of his cabinet earning confirmation in his first month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Indicted 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 February 6, 2025, ASHISH KAPOOR, a/k/a “Romy Kapoor,” (“KAPOOR”) age 28, a national of India, was indicted for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).

    If convicted, KAPOOR faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    According to the indictment, on or about December 20, 2024, KAPOOR possessed digital videos and computer images containing visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    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 case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate Given Life Sentence for Brutal Murder of Cellmate at Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TERRE HAUTE— Lawrence Taylor, 44, formerly of Akron, Ohio, and current inmate of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

    According to court documents, Taylor and Jan Stevens (“Stevens”) were inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and housed within the Special Housing Unit (“SHU”). Taylor and Stevens were cellmates in the SHU for just three days prior to January 12, 2019.

    On January 12, 2019, at approximately 1:25 a.m., a SHU staff member walked by Taylor’s and Stevens’s cell and observed Stevens lying on the lower bunk, partially covered with a sheet, with his head at the foot of the bed. Taylor was also inside the cell, standing in front of the door window. Upon a second glance, the staff member saw a laceration to Stevens’s neck, along with blood spattered against the wall and pooling on the floor. The next day, a forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy of Stevens and found his cause of death to be 43 stab wounds to his body, most significantly to the neck area, leading him to bleed out. During an interview with FBI agents, Taylor admitted to killing Stevens with a weapon he had possessed for the previous three months.

    At the time of the murder, Taylor was serving a 284-month sentence for a series of bank robberies in 2009.  Prior to the murder of Stevens, Taylor was projected to be released from the Bureau of Prisons in September 2031.

    “This murder extends beyond the taking of a life – it shatters the lives of those closest to the victim.  Taylor’s act was heinous; well justifying the imposition of a life sentence,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the FBI, Corrections Officers and our federal prosecutors who handled this case with such a determination for justice.”

    “This life sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to justice for all victims including those who are incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. The brutality of this violent murder deserves the maximum penalty allowed under the law,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work closely with the Bureau of Prisons and all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and apprehend those who commit violent acts and hold them accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message – those who threaten or harm others will be held accountable,” said a Federal Bureau of Prisons Spokesperson. “The safety and security of our facilities will always be the FBOP’s top priority in our mission to ensure public safety.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: International Maritime Exercise 2025 Concludes

    Source: United States Naval Central Command

    MANAMA, Bahrain —

    The Middle East region’s largest maritime exercise, International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, concluded during a closing ceremony here, Feb 20.

    IMX 2025 brought together 5,000 personnel from over 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.

    The 12-day exercise took participants through several exercise serials across multiple locations at sea in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, as well as ashore and in the air. Some of the serials included diving, harbor security, mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, and global health management events.

    “It’s inspiring to see so many nations working together. The incredible level of international representation is pivotal to our success of safeguarding regional waterways and enabling the free flow of commerce,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, in his remarks at the closing ceremony. “IMX 2025 was truly about partnering to strengthen and expand our capabilities.”

    “[The] exercise brought forward many viewpoints [about how] to handle a single situation in various different ways. I am confident that the takeaways of this exercise will serve all the participants in planning and executing various exercises in their respective countries,” said Pakistan Navy Commodore Rashid Mahmood Sheikh, who led the CPX exercise for IMX 2025, in his remarks.

    IMX 2025 ran in conjunction with a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa exercise, Cutlass Express 25, with each exercise’s respective maritime operations centers exercising their information sharing capabilities to improve theater-to-theater coordination, reduce regional seams, and strengthen interoperability.

    The ninth iteration of the series, IMX began in 2012 as the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise, before changing its name to reflect a more expansive mission set.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

    For imagery, photos and information on IMX, visit the feature page at: https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/IMX/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – BJP woman as Delhi Chief Minister: raising expectations among Catholics

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – Rekha Gupta (50) is the new Prime Minister of the Capital Territory of Delhi. The Indian People’s Party (Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP), which also leads the federal government with Narendra Modi, appointed her as head of government of the “National Capital Territory” (NCT) after the recent electoral victory.Gupta, who was sworn in and took office today, February 20, is the fourth woman to hold this office. She was student spokesperson, general secretary and president of the Delhi University Students’ Union before joining the BJP, devoting herself to active politics and becoming general secretary of the Delhi section of the party. In the last elections for the renewal of the Delhi Parliament, she won a seat in the North-West constituency with 68,200 votes.With her appointment in Delhi, the BJP also wants to show itself as a party that gives space to women. “In the parliamentary elections, the people of Delhi expressed their desire for change and gave the BJP a majority. The people of the city now expect an improvement in life on various levels,” says Father George Manimala, who is responsible for the Holy Spirit Church in the south of the city and coordinator of the diocesan commission for the family, in an interview with Fides. “In a city that is struggling with serious problems such as pollution, traffic congestion, unemployment and extreme poverty, people have put their trust in the BJP and want to see how it intends to govern the city. The election of Gupta seems interesting and should be welcomed without prejudice: one can say that she appears to be a sincere person who has the common good at heart,” says the Catholic priest.The fact that she belongs to the Nationalist Party, he stresses, “does not alter the sympathy of the Catholic faithful, who also look to her with hope, at least in a city like Delhi and at least in the more educated sections of the population, because there are also Catholic and Christian believers in the BJP”. “More extremist nationalist fringe groups”, he notes, “sometimes adopt a hostile or violent attitude when they gain a foothold among uneducated people or in areas of the country that have yet to see full development”. “This is why the key factor for engagement in politics and for citizens’ participation in political life is education: and this is precisely one of the areas in which we, as the Indian Catholic community, are most committed at various levels”, concludes Fr. Manimala. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival returns on Sunday 16 March

    Source: Mayor of London

    • London’s St Patrick’s Day parade and Trafalgar Square celebrations to take place on Sunday 16 March
    • Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free, family-friendly afternoon of entertainment in the heart of the capital
    • Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy and Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington will be Grand Marshals of this year’s parade

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that London’s famous St Patrick’s Day Festival and parade will return on Sunday 16 March. The celebrations bring together Londoners and visitors in the heart of the capital to honour the immense contributions of London’s Irish community.

    Irish Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy and Olympic gold medal winning boxer Kellie Harrington are this year’s Grand Marshals. Following their incredible success in Paris last year, Katie-George and Kellie will lead the spectacular parade of more than 50,000 people through central London. There will be great floats, marching bands, and dance troupes as the procession weaves its way from Hyde Park Corner, past Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, and on to Whitehall.

    Trafalgar Square will be the centre of the celebrations with a free afternoon of entertainment hosted by Irish-Indian-Malaysian DJ and broadcaster Tara Kumar. The main stage will feature a wide range of family-friendly performances, including world-class acts Kíla, Irish Women in Harmony, Ragz-CV, and many more.

    Celebrity chef Anna Haugh is returning to demonstrate how to cook Irish culinary delights, and there will be food stalls to suit all tastes.

    This year’s programme includes the Peace Heroines exhibition, an art project which celebrates Ireland’s unsung women heroes. Visitors can also enjoy the Irish Creative Collective Sessions showcasing the best of Ireland’s comedy, music, and film and TV shorts.

    There will be an opportunity to learn traditional Irish dancing steps in the Irish Dance Zone, while in the Children’s Zone Artburst will run free creative workshops using recycled materials to promote sustainability – a key theme for this year’s event.

    On the big screen there will be clips of The Song Cycle, a film that documents Nick Kelly and his band Dogs as they cycled from Dublin to Glastonbury to perform at last year’s festival. They’ll be cycling all the way from Dublin to London to join the parade before performing on the main stage.

    London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth, creativity and culture of the capital’s Irish community while celebrating the enduring ties between London and Ireland.

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are a key part of our capital’s cultural calendar and I’m delighted that each year the festival gets bigger and better. I’m proud that we host this major event to honour and celebrate Irish culture and the immense contributions of our capital’s Irish community. From business and public service to the arts and culture, Irish Londoners have played – and continue to play – a vital role in shaping the very fabric of our city, making London a better, brighter and more prosperous place for everyone. Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!”

    Ireland’s Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, said: ““The Embassy of Ireland is delighted to support and be part of this event once again. It is a joyful and diverse celebration of Irish arts and culture, with a fantastic programme devised by our friends at the London Irish Centre.

    “St Patrick’s Day in London is truly special, bringing together not only our Irish community but all friends of Ireland here in Britain, and people from around the world who feel a connection to Ireland. It is also a wonderful way to recognise the contribution of the Irish diaspora to London over so many years.

    “The parade and Trafalgar Square show is consistently a highlight in London’s cultural calendar and one which we are so proud to be part of – made all the more special this year by the presence of our Olympic medallists Grand Marshals: para-cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy and boxer Kellie Harrington. It is an honour to have the opportunity to walk alongside these exceptional Irish athletes. We are also happy to highlight the inclusion this year of the “Peace Heroines” exhibition, a series of portraits by the artist FRIZ celebrating the role of women in the Good Friday Agreement. 

    “I know that this year’s events will be a great success, with thanks to the hard work and creativity of all involved, and with the support of Mayor Sadiq Khan.

    “Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir!”

    Grand Marshal, Irish Olympic gold medal winning boxer Kellie Harrington, said: ” I am honoured to be attending as Grand Marshal alongside my good friend Katie George Dunlevy in the London St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16th. I have always gone to the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland on Dublin’s O’Connell St, this be my first Parade away from home and I am very excited to celebrate it with everyone in London. I look forward to celebrating with you all. “

    Grand Marshal, Irish Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy, said: “”I’m really honoured and excited to be part of the St Patrick’s Parade and Festival on March 16th in London. I take such pride in representing our wonderful country on the world stage, at the Paralympics. After such an incredible year, where I came home with three medals and retained my time trial title, this is truly the cherry on top!”

    Séamus MacCormaic, CEO of the London Irish Centre, said: “The London Irish Centre are honoured to be Programme Partner for the London St Patrick’s Festival 2025 and to curate the iconic concert in Trafalgar Square each year. This special event acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of Irish communities to London, and we are proud to be part of this story for the past 70 years. Our Culture Team will bring a diverse programme of Irish arts and culture to the iconic Trafalgar Square and celebrate the creativity and huge contribution of the Irish community in London. We want to thank the Mayor Sadiq Khan and London Authority for working with us. and to everyone who works so hard to make this festival such a huge success.”

    Ger Hayes, Managing Director of the event’s title sponsor Sisk, said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the London St Patrick’s Day parade yet again this year. 

    “St Patrick’s Day is an excellent opportunity for our diverse workforce, many of whom who are Irish diaspora to come together with their friends and family to celebrate with us. 

    “As an Irish business, it is crucial for us to remain active in the London Irish community. We do a lot of voluntary work in the communities in which we operate and have built an excellent relationship supporting the Kilburn Irish Pensioners group in Brent.  

    “As an Irish business, we have been operating in London since the 1980’s and we have completed many major projects including the redevelopment of the Royal Academy of Arts and we are currently building the new Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Children’s Cancer Centre.

    “We would like to wish everyone a Happy St Patrick’s Day!”

    Tourism Ireland’s Acting Deputy Head of Great Britain, David Wood, said: “St Patrick’s Day Festival in London’s Trafalgar Square returns for a fantastic day showcasing the vibrancy of Irish culture, arts, food and community. Join Tourism Ireland in celebrating on the 16th March for the festival’s 22nd year. Visit us on the stand for a warm welcome and to find out the latest news and reasons to visit the island of Ireland in 2025.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Orion180 Makes Key Executive Moves to Drive Product Growth and Further Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion180, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, today announced it has hired former The Hartford executive Chris DiMartino as Chief Underwriting Officer. In this role, DiMartino will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of underwriting, product development and management across its surplus and personal lines of business.

    DiMartino brings 27 years of experience in underwriting, actuarial science, and product management in commercial and personal lines P&C insurance. Prior to joining Orion180, he served as senior vice president of insurance services at AAA Northeast and held prominent leadership roles in his 20+ years at The Hartford, most recently serving as Head of Product for its $3 billion personal lines business. DiMartino is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and a licensed attorney.

    “Bringing Chris on board marks a pivotal step in our company’s evolution,” said Ken Gregg, CEO and Founder of Orion180. “His deep expertise in underwriting and product management will be critical in enhancing our portfolio as we continue to aggressively grow product lines and expand to other States.”

    Additionally, Orion180 Chief Operations Officer (COO) Ryan Jesenik has been promoted to President, Insurance. In his expanded role, Jesenik will retain his responsibilities as COO while also leading growth strategy, ensuring daily operations align seamlessly with the company’s long-term goals.

    During Jesenik’s tenure as COO, Orion180 has been named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies list for two consecutive years, and he helped grow the company to $263M in in-force premium. He also supported the company’s homeowners, FLEX, and private residential flood insurance product launches, and the release of the innovative MY180 app allowing agents to seamlessly create new quotes and manage their book of business.

    “Ryan has been instrumental in helping Orion180 become one of the fastest growing home insurance companies in the U.S.,” said Gregg. “I look forward to our continued work together, advancing our vision of offering consumers and agents greater choice and unmatched flexibility to meet their everchanging needs.”

    About Orion180
    Orion180 is a customer-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that combines proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices to provide a seamless and premier insurance experience. Orion180 operates through Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines insurance company serving Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado (Flood only), Tennessee (Flood only), Illinois (Flood only) and Arizona, and Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company offering coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Ohio. With its proprietary MY180 platform and third-party integrations, Orion180 offers unmatched efficiency and innovation, fulfilling its vision of becoming the global leader in insurance solutions while maintaining its mission to deliver superior customer experiences and a comprehensive suite of products. Connect with Orion180 on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.Orion180.com.

    Media Contact
    Ross Blume
    Fusion Public Relations
    Orion180@fusionpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 45-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under LAF on February 21, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on February 21, 2025, Friday, as under:

    2. Standalone Primary Dealers will be allowed to participate in this auction, along with other eligible participants.

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor (day) Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 75,000 45 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM April 07, 2025
    (Monday)

    3. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2209

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRIFED enters into MOUs with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia for entrepreneurship development of tribals

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    TRIFED has been taking various visionary steps towards tribal empowerment and to bring the tribal population towards mainstream empowerment. One such initiative in this direction is partnerships of TRIFED with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia to facilitate tribal businesses for elevating lakhs of tribals from the rural India to a mainstream National level.

    Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 19th February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav,’ held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in ensuring the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.

    These MoUs were exchanged by General Managers of TRIFED with Mr. Pradeep Ramachandran, Senior Vice President of Reliance Retail, Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Global CSR Head of HCL Foundation and Ms Aparna Saxena Bhatnagar, CEO of Torajamelo, Indonesia respectively in the presence of Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Managing Director, TRIFED on various aspects leading to the socio-economic development of tribal communities across the country.

    The principal objective of the MoU with Reliance Retail is to supply tribal products in bulk to Reliance Retail; this collaboration will also help to provide sustainable sourcing initiatives, branding, and promotions of tribal products.

     

    The HCL Foundation will assist in establishing long-term collaborations with tribal artisans to provide capacity building and new training to enhance the product portfolio and promotion of existing products through their various platforms.

    The collaboration with Torajamelo will assist in expanding international marketing and sales channels for Indian tribal products in Indonesia. This will not only open up new markets for Indian tribal artisans but also foster a unique cultural exchange between artisans.

    TRIFED has been organizing “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival” to provide direct market access to the tribal master craftsmen and women in large metros and State capitals. The theme of the festival is “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” which represents the basic ethos of tribal life.

    Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, has inaugurated the festival in the August presence of Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, New Delhi and other dignitaries on 16th February 2025.

    With this and several other ventures, TRIFED continues further with its efforts to enable the economic welfare of these communities and bring them closer to mainstream development.

    About TRIFED:

    * TRIFED is an organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, dedicated to the socio-economic development of tribal communities through the marketing development of tribal products.

    About Reliance Retail:

    *Reliance Retail is an Indian retail company and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. Founded in 2006, it is the largest retailer in India regarding revenue. Its retail outlets offer foods, groceries, apparel, footwear, toys, home improvement products, electronic goods, and farm implements and inputs. As of 2023, it has over 245,000 employees at 18,000 store locations in 7,000 towns

    About HCL Foundation:

    *HCL Foundation (HCLF) was established in 2011 as the corporate social responsibility arm of HCL Tech in India. It is a value-driven, not-for-profit organization that thrives in contributing toward national and international development goals, impacting the lives of people and communities through long-term sustainable programs.

    About Torajamelo:

    *TORAJAMELO aims to alleviate poverty by creating a sustainable eco-system focused on women in indigenous rural communities. TORAJAMELO is an ethical fashion lifestyle brand that showcases Indonesia’s stories to the world while catering to both B2B and B2C customers. AHANA by TORAJAMELO was established in 2023 as a movement dedicated to driving the widespread adoption of responsible consumption, enabled by locally curated sustainable brands and products.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister greets the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day. Shri Modi also said that Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich traditions and deep connection to nature. Shri Modi also wished that Arunachal Pradesh may continue to flourish, and may its journey of progress and harmony continue to soar in the years to come.

    The Prime Minister posted on X;

    “Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day! This state is known for its rich traditions and deep connection to nature. The hardworking and dynamic people of Arunachal Pradesh continue to contribute immensely to India’s growth, while their vibrant tribal heritage and breathtaking biodiversity make the state truly special. May Arunachal Pradesh continue to flourish, and may its journey of progress and harmony continue to soar in the years to come.”

     

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Common biomarker for range of Cancers offers potential non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have identified some common metabolites across cancer types like pancreatic and glioma cancer that develops in the glial cells of the brain and spinal cord, suggesting their potential as universal cancer biomarkers. This offers a potential non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis as well as therapeutic strategies for cancer.  

    Aggressive cancers like pancreatic and glioma cancers often diagnosed late and having poor prognoses. Hence there is an urgent need for non-invasive, reliable cancer biomarkers to address significant gaps in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly for aggressive cancers like pancreatic and glioma, which lack early detection methods. Nano messengers (Exosomes), as carriers of tumour-derived metabolites, provide a unique opportunity to explore the tumour microenvironment (TME).

    A team of scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), including Ms. Nandini Bajaj and Dr. Deepika Sharma, have identified metabolites in exosomes derived from pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and glioma cancer cell line, offering potential universal biomarkers resulting in enhanced clinical applicability. Additionally, insights into metabolic interactions within the tumour microenvironment (TME) provide a foundation for targeted therapies.

    The researchers utilized a multi-technique approach combining Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Electron Microscopy (EM), Western Blot (WB), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), untargeted Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), providing a comprehensive characterization of exosomes, surpassing conventional single-method studies. The study advances cancer diagnostics, personalized medicine, and our understanding of cancer progression mechanisms.

    These metabolites identified highlight dysregulated pathways in the tumour microenvironment (TME), also gives insights on how the cancer progresses and enables non-invasive and precise cancer detection and therapeutic targeting.

    The research published in the journal Nanoscale can lead to targeted therapies that disrupt dysregulated metabolic pathways in tumours, enhancing treatment efficacy and potentially reducing side effects. This advancement could significantly improve patient outcomes, especially through personalized, precision medicine approaches.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government to Establish ‘Ambedkar Chair’ and Student Facilities at Mumbai University: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar at ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’

    Source: Government of India

    Government to Establish ‘Ambedkar Chair’ and Student Facilities at Mumbai University: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar at ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’

    Rights Must Be Balanced with Duties: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar

    Mumbai University Has Shaped India’s Legal and Social Landscape: Secretary, Ministery for Social Justice & Empowerment, Amit Yadav

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:13PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 20th February 2025

    Marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed a gathering at the ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’ in the University of Mumbai, today. In his keynote address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to furthering the ideals of social justice, equality, and empowerment inspired by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.

    Dr. Kumar highlighted several initiatives designed to uplift the underprivileged and further Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of inclusive growth and equality. “The government will establish an ‘Ambedkar Chair’ at the University of Mumbai, similar to those in other universities, to promote research on Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions and his vision for the nation,” he stated. He further announced plans to set up two new hostels at the university to support students. Additionally, as part of the government’s initiative to assist students from marginalised communities preparing for competitive exams, a dedicated coaching center will be established at Mumbai University, following the successful implementation of similar centers in other institutions.

    In his address, Dr. Kumar also appealed to the youth of India as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, urging them to lead the way in combating substance abuse and to protect not only themselves but also their communities.

    Reflecting on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s profound connection to the University of Mumbai, where he completed his education, Dr. Kumar said, “Dr. Ambedkar’s journey from a student in this very institution to becoming the architect of our Constitution is a testament to his determination and vision for India. His work did not just provide a legal framework but envisioned a social and economic democracy that is still the guiding force behind the government’s policies.”

    The Minister noted how the Constitution not only guarantees fundamental rights but also emphasizes responsibilities. “We must recognise that while we focus on our rights, we must equally embrace our duties towards the society. This balance is essential for the true realisation of the democracy Dr. Ambedkar dreamed of,” he stated. The Union Minister concluded by reiterating Dr. Ambedkar’s belief that “political democracy is incomplete without social and economic democracy,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling these ideals.

    Secretary, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Amit Yadav, in his remarks, stated, “This event is a reminder of the powerful role Mumbai University has played in India’s legal and social evolution. One of the finest leaders this university produced was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who not only earned his degree here but also taught, leaving behind a legacy of change.”

    Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Chandrakant Patil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, Director, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Anil Kumar Patil were also present during the event. The event was attended by students and faculty of the University of Mumbai.

     

    DL/PM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister extends greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended warm greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. Shri Modi said that the Mizo culture reflects a beautiful mix of heritage and harmony. He has also wished that Mizoram may continue to prosper, and may its journey of peace, development and progress reach even greater heights in the years to come.

    In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

    “Warm greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day! This vibrant state is known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions and the remarkable warmth of its people. The Mizo culture reflects a beautiful mix of heritage and harmony. May Mizoram continue to prosper, and may its journey of peace, development and progress reach even greater heights in the years to come.”

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI Avatar Creator

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Imagination into Reality

     

    AI Avatars are transforming the digital landscape, offering personalized, interactive, AI-powered digital personas that engage like human influencers across virtual spaces. As this technology evolves, AI avatars are becoming powerful tools in marketing, content creation and entertainment. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Avtr Meta Labs, invites innovators to explore the endless possibilities of AI avatars. A total of 1,251 participants have registered so far, including 102 international entrants.

     This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1 and falls under WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) Pillar 2, which is dedicated to AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse). This event will be held from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre and Jio World Gardens in Mumbai.

    WAVES is a pioneering platform aimed at advancing India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry to new levels of success. WAVES focuses on four key pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation and Films. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge aligns with the AVGC-XR pillar embracing cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and the Metaverse.

    Guidelines

     Before diving into the AI Avatar Creator Challenge take a look at these key details:

    • Participants to be minimum 18 years old and provide a valid ID for age verification.
    • The competition is open to creators worldwide, and you can submit multiple AI avatars as long as each entry is fully AI-generated with unique names and profiles.
    • By participating, you confirm that your AI avatar is an original creation and does not infringe on the rights of other real-life or AI models. Any submissions that copy the work or identity of others without consent will result in disqualification.

    Registration Process

    Participants must register for the contest exclusively through the Avtr Meta Labs website. Click the “Register Interest” button on the site and fill in your details, including your name, contact information, the concept and purpose of your AI Avatar and your location. Be sure to review all the important terms and conditions before applying. The submission deadline for the challenge is 28th February, 2025.

    Evaluation Criteria

    An expert panel will evaluate the AI Avatar Creator Challenge, assessing each entry based on key criteria. Judging will focus on the three core areas: Finesse, Technology, and Purpose.

    A points-based system will score each creator across the three categories, with each entrant given an overall score.

    Prize

    The submissions will be narrowed down to the final Top 10. The top 3 contestants will be invited to present their work at the WAVES 2025 summit, where they can showcase their projects to industry experts. The winner will receive a cash prize of INR 100,000, and all Top 10 entries will receive a certificate of participation from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

    By being named a winner or runner-up, the participant agrees to grant permission to use their AI Avatar’s imagery and associated social media channels in marketing materials, including Press/PR, paid advertising, social media, and online platforms, indefinitely.

    References:

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –