NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Cyberstalking Victim He Met Online

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for cyberstalking a victim he met on an online dating platform.

    KEVIN CRUZ met the victim in 2021 on the dating application Grindr.  While the pair communicated about a potential intimate relationship, the victim sent Cruz nude photographs of himself.  Cruz and the victim met in person on several occasions, but while Cruz expressed an interest in pursuing a romantic relationship, the victim did not.

    From December 2021 to mid-2023, Cruz engaged in a course of harassing and intimidating conduct toward the victim.  Cruz created numerous profiles on Grindr and other dating applications in which he impersonated the victim.  Cruz, pretending to be the victim, arranged for men to travel to the victim’s home for sexual encounters.  In some instances, Cruz, pretending to be the victim, instructed the men to enter the victim’s residence and attempt to have sex with the victim even if he resisted, as Cruz said the resistance would be part of a role-playing scenario. Numerous men arrived at the victim’s residence seeking sex as a result of their communications with Cruz.

    Cruz also sent the victim’s nude photographs to the victim’s family members, including his mother, brother, and cousins.  In a text message sent by Cruz to the victim’s mother from a spoofed phone number, Cruz falsely suggested that the victim had committed suicide.

    Cruz, 34, of Oak Park, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal cyberstalking charge.  In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Wednesday ordered Cruz to pay $17,313.18 in restitution to the victim.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.

    “Defendant’s conduct shocks the conscience,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He created significant risks that the victim would be hurt, injured, and raped.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Turkish Citizen Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After Prior Removal for Aggravated Felony Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Turkey pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to 60 days of imprisonment and removal from the United States on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Izzet Kurt, 60.

    According to information presented to the Court, Kurt was previously convicted of conspiracy to smuggle aliens, an aggravated felony, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and was subsequently removed from the United States on March 15, 2018, pursuant to an immigration judge’s order. In 2022, Kurt paid $12,000 to be smuggled back into the United States across the Mexican border. Approximately three years later, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip that Kurt had returned to the United States and was living in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. A records check revealed that Kurt did not have permission or consent to reenter the United States. Through its investigation, HSI developed information corroborating the tip and, on February 25, 2025, while conducting surveillance, an HSI agent positively identified Kurt as a passenger in a vehicle within the Western District of Pennsylvania. Kurt has been in custody since his arrest and will be returned to immigration custody for his removal from the U.S., to which Kurt agreed as part of his plea and sentence.

    Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kurt.

    This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveils statue and naming of Road and Rotary in New Delhi as a Tribute to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveils statue and naming of Road and Rotary in New Delhi as a Tribute to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma

    The statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma is a tribute not only to Bodoland but to all the people of the country who struggled for the development of their language and religion

    The Bodofa statue in New Delhi is a symbol of self-respect of the tribal society across the country

    Bodofa known for his peaceful fight for respect, identity and equal rights not only for Bodoland and Bodo tribe but for the entire tribal community

    We have solved 96 per cent of the issues of the Bodo Accord and will soon resolve 100 per cent of the issues

    Modi government has made more than 20 agreements in North East, more than 10 thousand people from there have surrendered their weapons and come into the mainstream and 78 per cent of the issues have been fulfilled by Modi government in the last 3-4 years

    Now the Bodo youth should carry forward the basic concept of Batho religion with the principle of live and let live and contribute to the development of Assam

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today unveiled the statue and naming of Road and Rotary as a tribute to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma in New Delhi. Many dignitaries including Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today is the 35th death anniversary of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, who fought for the respect and rights of his community and region all his life. To pay tribute to him, today his life-size statue and an important road in the capital Delhi have been named as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg. Shri Shah said, the statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma is a tribute not only to Bodoland but to all the people of the country who struggled for the development of their language and religion. The Bodofa statue in New Delhi is a symbol of self-respect of the tribal society across the country.

    Shri Shah said that the statue installed in Delhi is not only a matter of respect for Bodoland but also for the struggle made by small tribes across the country for the upliftment and development of their language, religion, caste and the people.

    While paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, the Home Minister told the families of those who lost their lives in the attack that this is not just their loss but the loss of the entire nation. Shri Shah said that the pain of the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack is as much in the hearts of their families as it is in the heart of every citizen of the country. He said that, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has a zero tolerance policy against those involved in terrorism in Kashmir and we are fighting our battle strongly. The Home Minister said that the terrorists should not think that today they have won this battle by taking the lives of our citizens. Shri Shah said that this is not the end of the battle and every person responsible for terrorism will be answered and will also be asked to answer.

    Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whether it’s insurgency in North East, Left Wing Extremism or terrorism in Kashmir, all these have been given befitted reply. He said that if anyone thinks that they have won by carrying out cowardly attacks, then they should know that this is the Modi Government which will not spare anyone. The Home Minister said that the resolve of the Modi Government to root out terrorism from the soil of India will be fulfilled. He said that not only 140 crore Indians but the entire world is standing with India in this fight. All the countries of the world are unitedly standing with the people of India in the fight against terrorism. He said that our fight will continue till terrorism is not eliminated and those who have committed this misdeed will definitely be punished.

    Union Home Minister said that today a 9 feet high statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma has been unveiled. Bodofa is known for fighting for respect, identity and equal rights not only for Bodoland and Bodo community but also for the entire tribal community. Shri Shah said that a tribal child born in a remote area of ​​the country united the entire tribal society and taught them to fight for their rights in a peaceful manner. Bodofa brought together people of all tribes living in abject poverty. Shri Shah said that today Bodofa is no more but his formula of live and let live has been accepted by the entire Bodoland and tribal society. He said that after the sacrifice of thousands of youth, today our Bodoland has moved ahead on the path of peace and development. Today the whole of Assam accepts the people of Bodoland and Bodoland accepts Assam. He said that the Bodo people have as much right on this country as all of us. The Home Minister said that since 2014, the government running in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi believes that everyone has a right on India and India has a right on everyone and under this principle, today Bodoland has moved ahead on the path of development.

    Shri Amit Shah said that after 9 months of extensive discussion, the Bodo Accord was signed in 2020 and all the people have joined the mainstream by laying down their arms. He said that the Modi government also abides by whatever agreements it makes. Our government is also abiding by the agreements made during the tenure of the previous government. He said that we have cleared 96 per cent of the issues of the Bodo Accord and will soon resolve 100 per cent of the issues. Shri Shah said that this is a huge gift of the Modi government to the people of Assam and the North East. He said that the Modi government has signed more than 20 agreements in the North East and more than 10 thousand people have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream. In more than 20 agreements, 78 per cent of the issues have been fulfilled by the Modi government in the last 3-4 years. He said that this shows that we do what we say and today the whole of Assam has moved forward on the path of peace.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that now the Bodo youth should carry forward the basic idea of ​​Bathou religion with the motto of live and let live and contribute to the development of Assam. He said that today Assam has become a center of attraction for industrial investment in the entire country and many industries are developing in Assam. He said that our North East has more than 220 ethnic groups, over 160 tribes, more than 200 languages ​​and dialects, more than 50 unique festivals, over 30 traditional dance styles and more than 100 delicious dishes. Home Minister said that the culture of North East and Assam is a priceless jewel of the culture of India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has done a lot of work for the development of Assam and North East. Shri Narendra Modi is the only Prime Minister who has visited North East more than 50 times after becoming the Prime Minister. Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has visited even the remote areas like Bodoland many times, which shows that our North East is a very big and important part of the country. He said that the culture and strength of the North East are priceless and the Modi government is working with this objective of using the strength of the entire nation in the development of the North East.

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    RK/VV/PS

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Assamese Filmmakers and Actors join the Discussion on “Challenges and Prospects of Cinema in Northeast India” at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Assamese Filmmakers and Actors join the Discussion on “Challenges and Prospects of Cinema in Northeast India” at WAVES 2025

    Northeast is a reservoir of talent: Jahnu Barua

    “Assam needs OTT platforms to better market its films”, says Jatin Bora

    Our languages carry centuries of oral history: Aimee Barua

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:36PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 1 May 2025

    In a landmark moment for Northeast Indian cinema, a panel discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Cinema in Northeast India” was held at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. The session brought together some of the most prominent voices from the region’s film industry to explore its vibrant cinematic landscape.


    The panel featured acclaimed filmmakers and actors including Jahnu Barua, Jatin Bora, Ravi Sarma, Aimee Baruah, HaobamPaban Kumar, and Dominic Sangma, all of whom have played instrumental roles in shaping the film culture of the Northeast.

     

    The discussion addressed a range of challenges faced by filmmakers in the region, including inadequate production infrastructure, language barriers, limited market access and a lack of institutional support. Despite these hurdles, the panelists unanimously agreed that the Northeast remains a fertile ground for cinematic innovation and cultural storytelling.

    Veteran filmmaker Jahnu Barua remarked thatthe Northeast is a reservoir of talent. Filmmakers from this region are producing remarkable work. He emphasized the region’s rich socio-cultural fabric and its abundance of untold stories. The future of Northeast cinema is very bright, with many young talents emerging, he added.

    Jatin Bora, a celebrated actor from Assam, highlighted the limited reach of Northeastern films beyond regional boundaries. Speaking on the need for digital distribution, he said, Assam needs OTT platforms to better market its films. He urged the government to support the creation of such platforms to help regional films reach broader audiences. He also called on both central and state governments to develop long-term policies to support the regional film ecosystem, stressing that without a robust distribution network, even the best films struggle to cross state lines.

    Ravi Sarma spoke about the urgent need for systemic investment in the region’s creative infrastructure. Financial backing and marketing infrastructure are crucial for the growth of the regional industry. The Northeast holds millions of beautiful and unique stories, he said.

    Actor-director Aimee Baruah focused on the role of cinema in preserving linguistic diversity. “Our languages carry centuries of oral history. Film is a powerful medium to protect and promote them,” she noted.

    Filmmakers HaobamPaban Kumar and Dominic Sangma shared insights into grassroots-level filmmaking in the region, pointing out how many storytellers continue to work without formal support systems.

    The session concluded on a hopeful note, with panellists calling for policy reforms, regional collaborations, and strategic use of OTT platforms to break traditional barriers. They urged all stakeholders, government bodies, private investors and national studios to come together in recognizing and elevating the cinematic voices of the Northeast.

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 |Rajith/LekshmiPriya/Barnali/CShekhar |134

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Day One of NAM Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration

    Source: Government of India

    Day One of NAM Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration

    Our Goal is Illness to Wellness leading to Happiness: Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav

    11.56 crore benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) in 2024: Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:16PM by PIB Mumbai

    Reaffirming its commitment and highlighting the strides taken by various States and Union Territories in the Ayush sector, the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 commenced today at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). The event sets the stage for a future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the two-day conclave, along with Ayush/Health Ministers and senior officials from various State and UT governments including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ayush, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, Government of Himachal Pradesh;  Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Culture, Government of Sikkim; and Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram.

    Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the conclave has brought together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators. It aims to strengthen the integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based for the common citizen.

    Setting the tone of the conclave, the Union Ayush Minister said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had organised a NAM Conclave in 2023, where Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs shared valuable insights for the effective implementation of the NAM scheme. That dialogue resulted in the formulation of an action plan to improve the execution and outcomes of the National Ayush Mission. The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions.”

    Encouraged by the previous success, the Union Minister added, “I am confident that this second edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave will serve as a robust platform for both States/UTs and the Central Government to jointly review the Mission’s progress, strengthen governance systems, promote innovation, streamline financial processes, and ensure rapid and effective implementation of programmes at the grassroots level. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the success of the Conclave to the teams working tirelessly at both the State/UT and Central levels. I also express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and committed team of Kaivalyadhama for their tireless efforts.”

    Delivering the welcome address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the growing significance of the Ayush sector through NAM, and stated, “Since its inception in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, the National Ayush Mission has witnessed a remarkable increase in allocation, reaching ₹1275 crore in 2025–26—reflecting the immense success of the scheme and the unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards strengthening Ayush healthcare across the country. Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. According to NSSO (2022–23), nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, the Secretary further added.

    Dr. Dayashankar Mishra, Minister of Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, lauded the efforts of the Union Government to boost the integrative healthcare infrastructure of the state through progressive schemes such as the National Ayush Mission. The Minister also mentioned, “Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the world, has made remarkable progress in the Ayush sector. Currently, the state has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals, offering facilities with capacities of 4 beds, 15 beds, 25 beds, and 30 beds.”

    Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh mentioned, “Integrated Medicine offers a meaningful solution by combining Ayush and modern medical systems, providing dual benefits to patients.”

    Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, mentioned, “Through the joint efforts of Hon’ble Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and the State Government, Ayurveda is being brought to the grassroots level. The two-day Conclave is expected to be a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. The State Government is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy aimed at the integrated growth of all Ayush systems.

    Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Himachal Pradesh highlighted how with the support through National Ayush Mission the healthcare infrastructure continues to grow. He also stated, “Himachal Pradesh has developed an integrated model in the Ayush sector, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring outreach to rural areas, focusing on women’s health, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions. This progress is a meaningful step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.

    Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, stated  “I am pleased to note that since the establishment of our Ayush Wellness Centers, various Ayush systems have gained considerable popularity in just a few years. This progress is largely due to the unwavering support we receive from the Ministry and the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at state and central level.”

    Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Sikkim, appreciated the assistance of the Union Government through the National Ayush Mission and said, “The Government of Sikkim has been constantly working to ensure delivery of healthcare in all areas of the state and the NAM scheme has helped developing the integrative healthcare infrastructure in the state to greatly complement these efforts.”

    Speaking on the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared key milestones: “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility. ”

    A key highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine by the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.

    The inaugural session was followed by a roundtable discussion among the participating Ayush/Health ministers from various states/UTs focused on the way forward for strengthening Ayush services in the country through NAM activities in their respective states. The session was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush wherein the ministers and concerned officials from states and UTs exchanged their experiential wisdom while pointing out respective future strategies to address the challenges and negotiate the opportunities.

    During the program a special Y-Break session was also organised with enthusiastic participation from all led by Honourable Ministers and senior officials.

     

    About the National Ayush Mission (NAM):

    The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

    In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.

     

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    MV/AKS/CY

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Advocates Global Action on Chemicals and Waste at BRS COPs 2025

    Source: Government of India

    India Advocates Global Action on Chemicals and Waste at BRS COPs 2025

    Union Minister for Environment Forest & Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav leads Indian Delegation at high-level Segment in Geneva

    Shri Yadav emphasizes India’s Regulatory Framework and Global Leadership on Plastic Pollution

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi

    An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India, led by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, is participating in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, taking place in Geneva from 30th April to 1st May, 2025. The theme of this year’s high-level segment is “Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes.”

    During his address in opening ceremony, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized that the theme reflects the global imperative of addressing the often-unseen threats of chemical and waste mismanagement. He reiterated India’s commitment to environmentally sound policies, underpinned by a robust legal and institutional framework.

    Key Interventions and Bilateral Engagements

    At the ministerial roundtable on ‘Means of Implementation’, Shri Yadav highlighted that the effective execution of the BRS Conventions relies significantly on access to finance, technology transfer, capacity-building, technical assistance, and strengthened international cooperation. He outlined India’s integrated approach to implementing the conventions through national legislation such as the Environment (Protection) Act, the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, and the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, which are supported by sustained investments in institutional and technical infrastructure.

    On the sidelines of the COPs, the Union Minister Shri Yadav participated in a consultation meeting organized by Norway on the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution. He apprised participants of India’s domestic initiatives such as the ban on identified single-use plastic items and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging.

    Shri Yadav further underlined India’s pioneering role in international environmental governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlighting that India introduced a resolution on single use plastics at UNEA-4, bringing the issue to the center of global discourse.

    During the bilateral meeting with Ms. Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland, Shri Yadav discussed matters related to the development of a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, and India’s support for the establishment of a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste, as mandated by UNEA resolutions.

    Forward-Looking Engagement

    The High-Level Segment of the BRS COPs features ministerial roundtables and interactive dialogues focused on collaborative global action.

    India remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateral environmental cooperation and will continue to advocate for the interests of developing countries while ensuring equitable, science-based, and sustainable solutions for the planet.

    *****

    GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Day One of National Ayush Mission Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration

    Source: Government of India

    Day One of National Ayush Mission Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration

    Our Goal is ‘Illness to Wellness’ leading to Happiness: Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav

    11.56 crore benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) in 2024: Union Ayush Minister

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Reaffirming its commitment and highlighting the strides taken by various States and Union Territories in the Ayush sector, the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 commenced today at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). The event sets the stage for a future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the two-day conclave, along with Ayush/Health Ministers and senior officials from various State and UT governments including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ayush, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, Government of Himachal Pradesh;  Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Culture, Government of Sikkim; and Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram.

    Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the conclave has brought together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators. It aims to strengthen the integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based for the common citizen.

    Setting the tone of the conclave, the Union Ayush Minister said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had organised a NAM Conclave in 2023, where the Ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs shared valuable insights for the effective implementation of the NAM scheme. That dialogue resulted in the formulation of an action plan to improve the execution and outcomes of the National Ayush Mission. The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions.”

    Encouraged by the previous success, the Union Minister added, “I am confident that this second edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave will serve as a robust platform for both States/UTs and the Central Government to jointly review the Mission’s progress, strengthen governance systems, promote innovation, streamline financial processes, and ensure rapid and effective implementation of programmes at the grassroots level. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the success of the Conclave to the teams working tirelessly at both the State/UT and Central levels. I also express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and committed team of Kaivalyadhama for their tireless efforts.”

    Delivering the welcome address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the growing significance of the Ayush sector through NAM, and stated, “Since its inception in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, the National Ayush Mission has witnessed a remarkable increase in allocation, reaching ₹1275 crore in 2025–26—reflecting the immense success of the scheme and the unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards strengthening Ayush healthcare across the country. Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. According to NSSO (2022–23), nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, the Secretary further added.

    Dr. Dayashankar Mishra, Minister of Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, lauded the efforts of the Union Government to boost the integrative healthcare infrastructure of the state through progressive schemes such as the National Ayush Mission. The Minister also mentioned, “Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the world, has made remarkable progress in the Ayush sector. Currently, the state has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals, offering facilities with capacities of 4 beds, 15 beds, 25 beds, and 30 beds.”

    Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh mentioned, “Integrated Medicine offers a meaningful solution by combining Ayush and modern medical systems, providing dual benefits to patients.”

    Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, mentioned, “Through the joint efforts of Hon’ble Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and the State Government, Ayurveda is being brought to the grassroots level. The two-day Conclave is expected to be a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. The State Government is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy aimed at the integrated growth of all Ayush systems.

    Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Himachal Pradesh highlighted how with the support through National Ayush Mission the healthcare infrastructure continues to grow. He also stated, “Himachal Pradesh has developed an integrated model in the Ayush sector, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring outreach to rural areas, focusing on women’s health, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions. This progress is a meaningful step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.

    Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, stated  “I am pleased to note that since the establishment of our Ayush Wellness Centers, various Ayush systems have gained considerable popularity in just a few years. This progress is largely due to the unwavering support we receive from the Ministry and the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at state and central level.”

    Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Sikkim, appreciated the assistance of the Union Government through the National Ayush Mission and said, “The Government of Sikkim has been constantly working to ensure delivery of healthcare in all areas of the state and the NAM scheme has helped developing the integrative healthcare infrastructure in the state to greatly complement these efforts.”

    Speaking on the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared key milestones: “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility. ”

    A key highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine by the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.

    The inaugural session was followed by a roundtable discussion among the participating Ayush/Health ministers from various states/UTs focused on the way forward for strengthening Ayush services in the country through NAM activities in their respective states. The session was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush wherein the ministers and concerned officials from states and UTs exchanged their experiential wisdom while pointing out respective future strategies to address the challenges and negotiate the opportunities.

    During the program a special Y-Break session was also organised with enthusiastic participation from all led by Honourable Ministers and senior officials.

     

    About the National Ayush Mission (NAM):

    The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

    In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Brainstorming Session on Pumped Storage Projects to Power India’s Renewable Future organized at Scope Complex

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    A high-level Brainstorming Session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” was successfully organized today at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi, by THDC India Ltd. and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC, with the support of CBIP & INCOLD.

    The session witnessed the participation of over 300 distinguished delegates including top government officials, policymakers, developers, environmental experts, regulators, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors from near about 95 organisations and institutions from all around the country. The day-long event focused on the growing role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in supporting India’s renewable energy transition and achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2070.

    The event was graced by Sh. Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Chief Guest, along with Sh. Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Guest of Honour. Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL; Shri Mohmmad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), MoP; Shri Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP along with other senior officers of Power Sector in India were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.

    The event featured four focused panel discussions that covered critical themes, including the “Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Framework for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)”, “Geological, Civil, and Material Considerations in PSP Development”, “Environmental and Forest Clearance Framework- Challenges & Streamlining”, and “Implementation Challenges & Way Forward for PSPs in India”. These discussions provided valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities within each area, fostering a productive dialogue among policymakers, developers, technical experts, and environmental professionals.

    Shri Pankaj Agarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India during his address, emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort. He further underlined the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-sufficient from a grid management perspective, with a strong focus on flexible generation and load shifting. He added that there is a need of brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action.

    Shri Akash Tripathi, (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI in his address, highlighted that the genesis of this workshop lies in the need to bring together relevant stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the workshop aims to foster brainstorming and exchange of key policy perspectives on how to fast-track PSP implementation

    Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA highlighted the vast potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the country’s Net Zero targets through reliable energy storage. He noted that, around 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, including the commissioning of the 1000 MW Tehri PSP in the coming months.

    Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC stressed the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renewables, he emphasized the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.

    Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL welcomed the imminent dignitaries and emphasized that the workshop is aimed at deliberating on the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the focus will be on identifying roadblocks and exploring ways to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects on the ground. Sh. Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations, and enhance efficiency.

    Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the eminent panellist for their participation and contributions. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects as a key player in building a resilient and sustainable future.

    The first panel discussion was focused on the topic “Policy, Planning & Regulatory Framework for PSPs,” moderated by Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power. The panel included Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), who deliberated on the developer’s perspective on PSP development under the current policy regime.

    Expert speakers from organizations such as Ministry of Power, GoI; MoEF &CC, GoI; CEA, NTPC, THDC, NHPC, REC/PFC, SJVN, NEEPCO, CWC, UPJVNL, Greenko Group, GSI, CSMRS, MAHAGENCO, JSW Energy, APGENCO, Adani Group, OHPC, TATA Power, Karnataka Power Corporation, and premier academic institutions like IIT Roorkee shared case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies to overcome challenges in PSP planning and execution.

    Deliberations highlighted the urgent need for streamlined policy support, faster clearance mechanisms, robust financing options, and strengthened collaboration between central and state agencies to scale up PSP deployment across India. The session concluded with a comprehensive summary by CEA and a vote of thanks by THDC.

    Notably, THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC, is also in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand, having successfully completed critical tests—marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: The uni student’s guide to Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This story contains information for students about living in Canberra.

    Canberra is a brilliant city for university students.

    With so much to do and see, it can be difficult to know where to start.

    Here’s a quick guide to Canberra for students:

    Get your life admin sorted

    First things first, make sure that your details are up to date and in order.

    You know, those things like:

    • getting an ACT driver licence
    • updating your details with Medicare
    • updating your details on the electoral roll.

    You’ll also need to get familiar with Access Canberra. It’s where you can access ACT Government services and transactions.

    We’ve put together a list that tells you how to go about tackling all these tasks and more.

    Find a place to live

    If you’re not living on campus, there are a few ways to find somewhere to rent or share.

    You can also search for rental listings on:

    Housing ACT offers interest-free loans to pay rental bonds for eligible Canberrans.

    Once you’ve moved into a rental property, you can get a free home energy assessment. The Renters’ Home Energy Program can help you save on energy bills.

    Getting your home set up

    There are lots of places to get good-quality second-hand goods.

    • homewares and furniture
    • entertainment
    • electronics
    • outdoor goods
    • sports gear

    You could also try Facebook Marketplace, or join the “Buy Nothing” Facebook group for your suburb.

    Find your way with MyWay+

    Canberra’s public transport system includes bus and light rail services.

    MyWay+ is the ticketing system that provides personalised and convenient travel management. It offers a range of payment options for bus and light rail services, including smartphones, smartwatches, Mastercard or Visa cards, a physical MyWay+ travel card, digital QR code within the MyWay+ app or printed tickets.

    The MyWay+ app allows you to plan and manage your travel. You can download the MyWay+ app for free from:

    Tertiary students attending a public or private Australian university or CIT full time can access tertiary concession fares. Simply register your concession in your MyWay+ account to access discounted travel.

    And don’t forget, if you plan your journey on a Friday, you can travel for free with Fare free Fridays.

    Find out more.

    Know where to go for your health care

    The ACT Government has developed an online tool to help Canberrans find out more about local health services.

    It includes information about GP services, community-based health care services, and non-government health related services.

    Staying safe

    In the event of an emergency, call triple zero (000). This will connect you to ambulance, police and fire aid.

    Get the most out of your student card

    Many of our cultural institutions are free to enter. Some also offer student discounts for ticketed exhibitions.

    Some of Canberra’s cultural institutions include:

    Here are some stories that might help you to save money while enjoying your new city:

    If you’re a foodie, you might enjoy these stories:

    These stories will help you find some fun ways to see more of the city:

    More great resources

    The canberra.com.au website offers a handy student guide created by local experts.

    Find out more about the city and how to enjoy your time studying and living in Canberra, with articles including:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: US Secretary of Defense dials Raksha Mantri; Extends condolences for the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam terror attack

    Source: Government of India

    US Secretary of Defense dials Raksha Mantri; Extends condolences for the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam terror attack

    Pakistan exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism & destabilising the region; Global community must explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts: Shri Rajnath Singh

    US stands in solidarity with India & supports India’s right to defend itself: Mr Pete Hegseth

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

    US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth, on May 01, 2025, called Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to express his sympathies and condolences for the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives in the recent dastardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. During the conversation, Raksha Mantri told the US Secretary of Defense that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. 

    “Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism,” Raksha Mantri said. He added that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts of terrorism. 

    The US Secretary of Defense reiterated full support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism. US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself, he said.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Envisioned by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, WAVES is an important platform for the Entertainment Industry: Shah Rukh Khan

    Source: Government of India

    Envisioned by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, WAVES is an important platform for the Entertainment Industry: Shah Rukh Khan

    Time to Create Affordable Cinema Experience for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: Shah Rukh Khan

    WAVES is a timely initiative converging all media platforms together: Deepika Padukone

    India’s soft power is poised to take the next leap with WAVES in the years to come: Karan Johar

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:50PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 1 May 2025

     

    Actor and filmmaker Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his gratitude on behalf of the film industry to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for conceptualizing and bringing together the WAVE Summit that has the potential to further strengthen the entertainment industry. He mentioned how relevant this platform is for the industry and that it will provide much-needed synergy and support from the government on various fronts.

    Speaking about the immense possibility India holds as a film-shooting destination, Khan shared how India could be the next destination for international filmmakers to ‘Shoot in India.’ Further, he emphasized on how various forms of agreements with international film bodies and industries could go a long way in shaping and strengthening India’s entertainment industry.

    Khan also stressed upon making the Indian cinema more affordable for the viewers of tier-2 and tier-3 cities. He ideated on bringing single-screen cinema experience to these cities which would help films to reach a larger audience.

    Actor Deepika Padukone also shared the view in terms of importance of WAVES and called it a timely intervention bringing together various mediums of media and entertainment industry. She said the various verticals of the sector were so far working in silos with less convergence while WAVES has a wider scope and has possibilities of weaving together films, OTT, Animation, AI, and other immersive technologies.

    While speaking on the sidelines of the Day-1 of WAVE Summit, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone had an immersive interaction with filmmaker Karan Johar in a jampacked session named ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler.’ They contemplated on their journey in the film industry and on how they carved out a niche for themselves. Shah Rukh Khan shared his views on the ‘outsider-insider’ tags and called the youth to treat the film industry as any other profession where hard work and perseverance has no substitute.

    Talking of the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry in the time of social media and image management, Khan suggested the newcomers to focus on their skills rather than merely focusing on their image. Padukone added that the time is to distinguish oneself through their unique strengths and abilities.

    In his concluding remarks, filmmaker Karan Johar called India a soft power which is poised to take the next leap with WAVES in the years to come.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Olympians Satwik-Chirag receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    Olympians Satwik-Chirag receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

    Union Minister Lauds Indian Pair’s Achievement; Says Standing on the Podium with the Tricolour is a Proud Moment for the Nation

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Olympians Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award from Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi today. The ace badminton pair, who reached the No. 1 rank in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings in 2023 and clinched the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou, were shortlisted for the Khel Ratna award in 2023. However, they were unable to receive it due to tournament commitments at the time.

    Praising the current World No. 11 duo, the Dr. Mandaviya said: “Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour of the country. Satwik and Chirag, both of you, have brought honour to the country by winning medals in international competitions through extraordinary skills and sheer hard work. When you stand on the podium along with the Tricolour to receive the prestigious medals, it not only an honour for you but for the entire nation. For raising the pride of the country and for enhancing the honour of the Tricolour, both of you have been honoured by the Khel Ratna.”

    Expressing his joy on receiving the Khel Ratna, Chirag Shetty said that the honour was long due. “Finally, we received it today. It was long due. It was announced in 2023. So, we are very happy to get the Khel Ratna from our honourable Sports Minister. The support from the Government of India has been tremendous since the time me and Satwik were paired together. All our big wins – whether becoming the World No. 1, winning Asian Games gold or clinching the Thomas Cup title – a lot of credit goes to the Indian government for their continuous support.”

    Echoing the sentiments, Satwik said: “We couldn’t go to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the Khel Ratna award last year. Finally, to get it now is a huge boost for our confidence as we are going off-track and not playing for the next few months. It motivates us to get back and do well in the upcoming tournaments. The government is playing a huge role as the youngsters today are being supported through a lot many schemes and initiatives – Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) etc. Intially, when I and Chirag started playing we struggled financially. Later, government came to our support and there was no looking back.”

    The Indian pair finished on the podium twice – at the Malaysia Open and India Open in New Delhi – this January to begin their season on a decent note. However, niggles and minor injuries have pegged them back. Their next assignment is the Singapore Open (May 27 – June 1) and Indonesia Open (June 3-8).

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DoSJE-UNDP Agreement signed to enable Improved Access to Finance and Relevant Technologies, along with Safe and Sustainable Work Environment

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of Labour Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has taken a landmark step by signing a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with UNDP, for recognizing and strengthening the wastepickers’ contribution in waste collection, recovery and recycling. The initiative would be providing them improved access to finance and relevant technologies along with safe and sustainable work environment.

    The LoA was exchanged between Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India and Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE). Smt. Yogita Swaroop, Sr. Economic Advisor, DoSJE, and Shri P.K. Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), were also present at the LoA signing ceremony.

    The UNDP has stepped forward to provide crucial financial support for the establishment of State Project Management Units (PMUs) across various States under the NAMASTE Scheme. This strategic intervention by UNDP will significantly streamline coordination between Central authorities and State governments, ensuring more effective and timely implementation of the scheme’s objectives thereby improving  outcomes for all stakeholders involved in the scheme.

    Wastepickers have been added as a component under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme from the financial year 2024. NAMASTE is being implemented by MoSJE for broadening the formal inclusion of waste pickers across India, with an aim to enumerate 2,50,000 waste pickers nationwide.

    The NAMASTE Scheme’s wastepicker component aims to enumerate and recognize them through a nationwide digital profiling and registration drive. The focus is to provide occupational photo ID cards to ensure formal identity and access to government benefits. It aims to offer health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, skill upgradation training, provision of PPE kits, and capital subsidies for waste collection vehicles. It will also facilitate the formation and strengthening of wastepicker collectives, enabling them to manage Decentralized Waste Collection Centers (DWCCs) and improve their livelihoods.

    Since the scheme’s rollout, over 5,000 wastepickers have been profiled across multiple States, marking a significant milestone in the formal recognition and integration of this workforce. The profiling is being carried out using a dedicated NAMASTE mobile application, ensuring a robust and accessible database for extending scheme benefits.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: I don’t have the habit of taking anything for free… I like challenges; Fulfilling constitutional obligations is a primary responsibility – Vice President

    Source: Government of India

    I don’t have the habit of taking anything for free… I like challenges; Fulfilling constitutional obligations is a primary responsibility – Vice President

    If a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up; Crime must be resolved according to the law – Vice President

    Comments on dignified constitutional positions like the President and Governor are matters that deserve serious reflection – Vice President

    The Constitution expects dialogue, deliberation, and healthy debate, not confrontation – Vice President

    The real definition of democracy is expression and debate – Vice President

    I have the utmost respect for the judiciary; all institutions should work in coordination – Vice President

    The most dangerous challenge is the one that comes from within, which we cannot discuss – Vice President

    Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “I like challenges, and fulfilling constitutional obligations is our primary responsibility. No negligence in this regard can be accepted.”

    “A little while ago, I was told, ‘You won’t get [the book] for free either.’ Your Excellency Governor Anandiben Patel, I don’t have the habit of taking anything for free… The most dangerous challenge is the one that comes from within, which we cannot discuss… the challenge that comes from our own people, which has no logical basis, which has no connection with national development, which is related to governance. Not just you, I too am a victim of these challenges, Your Excellency Governor. I myself am a victim, a sufferer of these challenges. But we have a great strength before us, and our strength is our philosophy, which tells us that whenever a crisis arises, look towards the Vedas, look towards the Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata – ‘You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ Whenever challenges come, they will come. Challenges will come such that you feel helpless and think that even walls have ears. So you don’t discuss that challenge even with yourself, but you must never deviate from the path of duty,” he further said.

    Speaking as the chief guest at the book launch event of ‘I Like Challenges’ by Honourable Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel in Lucknow today, he said, “People often say that public memory is short and think that over time, everything will be forgotten. But that’s not the case. Have we forgotten the Emergency? Much time has passed, but the dark shadow of the Emergency is still visible to us today. It was the darkest period in Indian history when people were imprisoned without reason, access to the judiciary was obstructed. Fundamental rights disappeared, millions of people were thrown into jails. We haven’t forgotten this. Similarly, regarding the painful incident that happened recently, I believe — and it is my firm conviction — that we must accept that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In a democracy, innocence has a special significance. But whatever the crime may be, it must be resolved according to the law. And if a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up. I have stated this with complete clarity. Some people asked me why I am so outspoken on this issue. I got a lot of inspiration from Her Excellency the Governor’s book. And I have made it clear that I like challenges, and fulfilling constitutional obligations is our primary responsibility. No negligence in this regard can be accepted.”

    Expressing deep concern over comments made about constitutional positions, Shri Dhankhar said, “In our Constitution, two positions are considered supreme — one is the President of India, and the other is the Governor. And honourable Chief Minister, they are supreme because the oath you have taken, the oath I have taken, the oath that MPs, ministers, legislators, or any judge has taken — that oath is: I will uphold the Constitution. But Draupadi Murmu ji’s (President) and Anandiben Patel ji’s (Governor) oath is different from this. Their oath is: ‘I will protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution.’ And the second oath is: ‘I will serve the people’ — for the President, it’s the people of India, and for the Governor, it’s the people of the respective state. If comments are made on such dignified and constitutional positions, then according to me, it is a matter that deserves serious reflection.”

    Highlighting the importance of coordination and dialogue between all institutions created by the Constitution, the Vice-President emphasized, “In the last few days, an event has occurred, on which I have also issued a statement, and it is also connected to your state. I want to remind you that the biggest confrontation between the Legislature and the Judiciary happened in this very state. You are all well familiar with this subject. It is our paramount duty to ensure that our constitutional institutions respect each other, and this respect increases when each institution works within its own boundaries. When Institutions respect each other… our Constitution does not expect confrontation, but rather coordination, cooperation, dialogue, deliberation, and healthy debate. The Constitution does not envision conflict between institutions; it promotes a spirit of participation and balance.”

    In the same context, he further said, “All Institutions have their own roles. One should not play the role of another. We should respect the Constitution — literally, in spirit, and in essence, and I have said before, 140 crore people express their sentiments through elections, through their representatives, and those representatives reflect the public mind, and the public holds them accountable in elections. And that’s why I have said in common man’s language that just as the legislature cannot script a judgment, that is the court’s job — similarly, the court cannot make laws.”

    “I have the utmost respect for the judiciary; I have been a soldier of the judiciary. I spent more than four decades as a lawyer. Only in 2019, when I was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, did I leave the practice of law. I know that there are extremely talented people in the judiciary. The judiciary is of great importance. How strong our democratic system is — is defined by the status of the judiciary. By global standards, our judges are among the best. But I appeal that we should show a spirit of cooperation, coordination, and participation. The executive, judiciary, and legislature — these institutions should work together and in harmony.”, he added.

    Emphasizing the importance of expression and debate in democracy, Shri Dhankhar said, “A very important point has been made, which is extremely necessary for all of us. Why do we call ourselves a democracy? Economic progress, development of institutional framework, expansion of technology — all these are important. But the real definition of democracy is — expression and debate. Expression and dialogue are the foundations of democracy. If there are restrictions on expression, it will be difficult for any nation to call itself democratic. But expression has no meaning if there is no debate with it. If expression reaches such an extent that the speaker thinks ‘I am the only one who is right’ and in all other circumstances, others are wrong, and there is no attempt to listen to them — then this is not the right to expression, but rather its distortion. Democracy is defined only when expression and dialogue flourish together in a comprehensive ecosystem. These two complement each other. And if expression reaches an extreme but there is no dialogue, then the philosophy of our Vedas — pluralism, will end. And in its place will be born ‘ego and arrogance.’ This ‘ego and arrogance’ are fatal for both individuals and institutions.”

    On this occasion, the Vice-President’s spouse Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath, Cabinet Minister Shri Suresh Khanna, and other dignitaries were also present.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site

    Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site
    jejohnson6

    Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host “Devil to Pay and No Pitch Hot,” an engaging, day-long symposium highlighting maritime, regional, and Edenton history on Saturday, June 7. This unique event will feature expert presentations, followed by a special guided tour of the iconic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse.

    Beginning at 10 a.m., the symposium will feature presentations from archaeologists, curators, and historians, who will discuss various topics related to maritime history and the local heritage of Edenton and the surrounding region. A full schedule will be posted on Historic Edenton’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Tickets for the event are $10 each and can be purchased in advance. Day-of tickets are not guaranteed, as seats are limited. To secure your spot, contact the Historic Edenton Visitor Center at (252) 632-5020. Tickets are non-refundable and payment is accepted by cash or check only.

    A highlight of the day will be a tour of the Roanoke River Lighthouse, the last surviving intact 19th-century screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina. Constructed in 1886, this unique historic structure has been restored to reflect the life and work of a lighthouse keeper in the late 1800s. This is an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the region.

    About Historic Edenton
    Historic Edenton State Historic Site offers a glimpse into life in one of North Carolina’s earliest colonial capitals. Located along the picturesque Edenton Bay, the site interprets the area’s rich maritime and political history through guided tours, special programs, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore several preserved and restored structures, including the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the James Iredell House, and the Roanoke River Lighthouse, set amidst the charm of Edenton’s renowned historic district. The visitor center is located at 108 N. Broad Street and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The site is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    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.
    Apr 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC Commences Creation of New KREW Continuous Online Learning System

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC Commences Creation of New KREW Continuous Online Learning System

    HOUSTON (1 May 2025) – The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) has officially begun to create an entirely new version of its continuous learning system, Knowledge Retention & Education for our Workforce (KREW). IADC is partnering with 3t Drilling Systems on the development of this ground-up rebuild.

    The intention behind this project is to develop completely IADC-owned content that raises the bar on retention of well control training knowledge while creating a greater level of standardized content across the industry.

    Key system enhancements of this all-new platform will include:

    • an IADC-branded custom app and web portal with 268 eLearning modules and 11 3D models across Driller and Supervisor levels of the WellSharp® accreditation program curriculum;
    • direct user engagement and unique learning pathway intentions;
    • the ability to link simulation exercises; and
    • WellSharp sample assessments automatically delivered to users every four months throughout the two-year recertification cycle.

    Originally launched to the industry in April 2021, KREW is being completely reimagined as a new-generation online learning tool designed to provide continuous learning opportunities for well control concepts to improve knowledge retention and, ultimately, to enhance critical on-the-job skills. The development of this new KREW system represents a total replacement of the previous platform with advanced functionality, expanded capabilities, and novel content that will be centrally owned by IADC for the first time. The new system is projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

    Brooke Polk, IADC Vice President – Accreditation Operations, stated, “IADC remains focused on industry-driven continual improvement that raises the bar on learning and retention in well control. KREW’s new innovative design and approach reshape workforce education with the aim to enhance competence. This initiative sparks change on a global scale and will shape the future of well control.”

    ABOUT IADC

    The International Association Drilling Contractors (IADC) is a non-profit trade association that is the global leader in advancing and promoting innovative technology and safe practices that bring oil and gas to the world’s consumers. More information.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez,Warren, Blumenthal, Correa, 40+ Lawmakers Open Investigation into “Troubling” Customs and Border Protection Tactics

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Reports allege due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged detention, and politicized denials of entry at air and land ports

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representatives Lou Correa (D-Calif.) led a letter to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) demanding an explanation about the troubling reports alleging due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged detention, and politicized denials of entry at air and land ports since President Trump took office. 

    “Trump and Secretary Noem have abused the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, including Customs and Border Patrol, to terrorize our communities, profile Latinos, and arrest U.S. citizens. While Republicans have proven unwilling or incapable of conducting oversight, the Administration continues to violate our rights and undermine due process,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “We deserve answers, and we will use every tool at our disposal to get them.”

    Several recent incidents have sparked serious concerns. For example, on March 7, a green card holder returning to the United States reportedly was “violently interrogated” at an airport — including being strip-searched, forced into a cold shower, and denied access to his medications. His mother reported that “he hardly got anything to drink,” collapsed, and was later transported by ambulance to the hospital.

    U.S. citizens have also reportedly been detained and mistreated by CBP in recent weeks. For example, on February 18, a U.S. citizen reportedly was handcuffed, chained to a bench, and “subjected to a humiliating body search” after asking CBP officials why her partner, a German national with whom she was traveling, was being detained. 

    CBP also appears to be more frequently searching travelers’ phones and sometimes denying entry after finding evidence of their political opinions on their devices. The CBP says it searches mobile phones and other electronic devices only “on rare occasions,” but early indications from the Trump administration suggest the practice is on the rise.

    “These incidents are a sharp departure from CBP’s normal practices,” wrote the lawmakers.

    To better understand the recent changes in the CBP’s practices, the lawmakers are pressing for answers to questions including: what steps CBP is taking to ensure that it promptly complies with time-sensitive court orders staying deportations; how CBP will comply with civil rights requirements like due process; among other questions. 

    The lawmakers are also requesting information, including the number of complaints regarding officer misconduct received by CBP; a copy of any policy documents related to questioning and vetting of travelers with valid travel documents; the number of travelers whose electronic devices CBP has searched; and the number of U.S. citizens CBP has detained.

    After members sent their letter to the Administration, a federal court ruled that law enforcement can’t conduct warrantless immigration stops. The rules reaffirmed that law enforcement can’t pursue immigration enforcement based on racial profiling. 

    The following Senators joined in signing the letter: Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

    The following Representatives joined in signing the letter: Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry Johnson (D-Ga.), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

    To read the full letter, CLICK HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Tillis, Smucker, Sewell Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Americans Save for Retirement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Bipartisan, bicameral Retirement Savings for Americans Act would make saving for retirement attainable for American workers

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis and Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Terri Sewell reintroduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA) to help working Americans build wealth and save for retirement.

    “Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream.’’

    “Roughly 50 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this real problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.”

    “Too many hard-working Americans are not able to prepare financially for retirement. Over half of working employees lack access to the tax-advantaged retirement benefits that many higher-income earners take advantage of to save. Additionally, as the workforce continues to innovate and more Americans become categorized as “gig workers,” the reliance on traditional employer-sponsored plans causes too many workers to slip through the cracks. Hard-working Americans deserve a modern pathway to find financial security in their retirement. I am proud to join in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, to help millions of Americans save for their retirements. I will continue to advocate for policies which help hard workers live their American Dream, including a well-earned and financially stable retirement,” said Smucker.

    “Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Sewell. “Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the urgent need for Congress to address the gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I am proud to once again work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”

    The bill would establish a new program that gives eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. It would also allow the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income.

    “Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP.

    “Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we don’t help more people begin to build that security today. And in true American spirit, it isn’t a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families,” Charles R. Schwab, Founder and Chairman, Charles Schwab Corporation.

    “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would create a healthier retirement system, a more financially secure workforce, and a stronger economy for all Americans,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO, Economic Innovation Group. “By ensuring that all workers — regardless of their employer or income — have the opportunity and incentives to build long-term financial security, the RSAA would boost the wealth of the working class and significantly reduce the strain on the social safety net over time. EIG is proud to have worked closely with Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Smucker and Sewell on this important legislation, and we applaud them for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of American workers.”

    Specifically, the Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions:

    • Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account, and they would be automatically enrolled, contributing 3% of their income. They could choose to increase or decrease their withholding, or opt out entirely at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible.
    • Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This would begin to phase out at median income.
    • Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will.
    • Private Assets: The accounts would be the property of the worker and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security.
    • Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, participants would be given a menu of simple, low-fee investment options to choose from, including lifecycle funds tied to a worker’s estimated retirement date, or index funds made of stocks and bonds.

    View a one-page explainer of the bill HERE.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Delivers Statement from Coach Bruce Pearl to Commemorate Israel’s Independence Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) delivered a statement from Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl during a Special Committee on Aging hearing on Israel’s Independence Day. The hearing was focused on combatting antisemitism.

    The hearing featured several witnesses, including former Congressman Ted Deutch and Rabbi Mark Rosenberg.

    See excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thanks to all of you for being here and your heartfelt statements. Very, very much needed. Before I start my questions, I wanna read a statement here from a good friend of mine. His name is Coach Bruce Pearl, who is currently in Jerusalem, and he’ll be there for a couple of weeks. He would have loved to have been here.

    ‘Shalom from Jerusalem. I’m an American Jewish college basketball coach visiting my ancestral homeland. Yesterday was Israel’s Remembrance Day. Today is Israel’s Independence Day. This is a very emotional time for everyone here because this country has been at war since birth.

    Hours ago, I left Knesset where I was in attendance, along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, and about a thousand citizens honoring the fallen. I’m angry. I’m very angry. What I would ask of this committee is the courage to speak to our educators. We must teach our children. I’m very proud that in the state of Alabama, we have mandatory Holocaust education for middle school students. If we choose not to teach them, somebody else will. None of us can explain […] it or understand why the Jewish people have been targeted.

    We have to do two things. We have to protect ourselves from those who want to kill us, and we have to try to live exemplary lives so that maybe the uncertain won’t hate us. Our educational institutions want to stay neutral, leaving our young people to find out the truth on their own. I am proud to be an American. This country saved my family’s life, rescuing my grandfather from Ternopil in 1929. I will be forever grateful.’

    God bless Coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn University. The issue we’re seeing today on college campuses, and this is from me, is being reinforced by the culture and values being taught on all the campuses. Good people in this country are being taught that Palestinians are the freedom fighters and the people who are being oppressed. They are being taught that the facts on the ground of the Middle East are not true. Why is this happening on university campuses?

    It’s the same reason why our players would kneel for our flag and the national anthem. Because they’re not being taught to love this country. They’ve been taught that they’re oppressed. They have not been taught to love and appreciate the opportunities this country gives them. They have not been taught what’s really going on in the Middle East.

    Young people wanna have a cause, and they have now chosen to stand against freedom because of lies and propaganda. So, congressman, we have unfortunately seen antisemitic attacks spike since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack. Many of the victims of these attacks have been elderly Jewish Americans. How can the United States government better protect its citizens, particularly the elderly from such attacks?”

    DEUTCH: “Senator Tuberville, thank you. First of all, I appreciate your reading that statement from Coach Pearl who stopped at the AJC Global Forum in New York on his way to Israel. We are, as I’m sure you are, quite proud of his leadership on these issues. There is an enormous amount that Congress can do. I want—it’s important though to emphasize that facts really matter here, and what you said is so important. Some of the protests that we saw, the ones that happened on October 8th and 9th, were not protests about anything that Israel was doing, the IDF, Israeli Defense Forces, hadn’t even gone into Gaza to defend the people of Israel and the Jewish people. The people who took to the streets immediately [took] to the streets with signs that had a terrorist and a hang glider as their call to action were there to do one thing, which is to support the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered 1,200 Jews and whose goal is the destruction of Israel and the massacre of Jews.

    Congress can play a vital role both in helping to keep seniors, Jewish seniors, and all Jews safe by focusing on security and nonprofit security grants. Congress can play an important role in helping everyone understand and identify what antisemitism actually is for those who don’t spend time thinking about this the way that we believe the country should in passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act. And we think that Congress can play a really vital role in making sure that on those campuses when the civil rights of Jewish students are violated, when anyone’s Title VI rights are violated that the Office of Civil Rights, the Department of Education, has the funding necessary to actually conduct the investigations and hold those who committed these acts accountable. Accountability matters on campuses across America. Jewish students have the right to speak out and feel safe like every other group on campus.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Rabbi, I am proud that we now have the most pro-Israel and pro-Jewish President of my life back in the White House. President Trump has made it clear: if universities continue allowing antisemitic propaganda on their campuses, they will lose their federal funding. Outside of this, what steps do universities and school administrators need to take to put an end to all this?”

    ROSENBERG: “Well, firstly, they need to follow the law, and I hope that if the law is on their side, why don’t we see college campuses go rob 14 stores every day? Why don’t we see iPhones, Android phones go missing every day? Why? Why don’t the 7/11s around the colleges don’t have a problem with people coming into the store? Because there is law and order. And I strongly believe that if what my friend over here said that if we do that, we’re not gonna have an issue. If people are taught to love like young children, they need to know what’s right and what’s wrong. And right now, it’s right, it’s a movement, it’s a cause, and I’ve been to college campuses myself. And, you know, for 40 plus years, I grew up in upstate New York. I never experienced anything whatsoever, we all got along.
    Now at this time of my life, I have to walk on a college campus and feel weird that I’m wearing a yamaka. I don’t feel that I’m gonna be robbed. I feel that I’m gonna be identified because I’m a Jew.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. My time is up, but I appreciate y’all coming and speaking the truth. And as my buddy and fellow coach Bruce Pearl would say, I think one of the biggest answers to this question is education. We need to educate people the right way. Thank you and God bless you.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Committee Unanimously Passes Sullivan-Whitehouse FISH Act to Combat Illegal Foreign Seafood Harvest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    05.01.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) thanked their colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee for unanimously passing their Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act yesterday. The FISH Act would combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities and partnerships, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

    [embedded content]

    “The geopolitics of the North Pacific and the Arctic are changing dramatically, with Russia and China increasing their aggression and ruinous activities near Alaska’s waters,” said Sen. Sullivan. “One particularly insidious threat is Chinese and Russian fishing fleets that ignore basic seafood harvest rules and best practices, and ravage fish stocks without regard for any other users or future generations. These grey fleets, which literally utilize slave labor in many cases, are a cancer on fisheries throughout the world and undercut our fishermen, who fish sustainably. I want to thank my Commerce Committee colleagues for unanimously passing our FISH Act and fighting back against IUU fishing on behalf of our fishermen and coastal communities.”

    “I thank Senator Sullivan, my longtime partner on oceans issues, for his leadership in shepherding the bipartisan FISH Act through the Commerce Committee. Our bill cracks down on illegal pirate fishing operations to level the playing field for Rhode Island fishermen and processors who play by the rules, and will help nurture the fisheries that keep our oceans and coastal communities so healthy and vibrant,” said Sen. Whitehouse, co-founder of the Senate Oceans Caucus.

    The FISH Act builds on prior landmark legislation against IUU fishing, including the Maritime SAFE Act, authored by Senators Wicker and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and signed into law in December 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

    Key provisions of the FISH Act: 

    • Direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a blacklist of foreign vessels and owners that have engaged in IUU fishing.
    • Direct the administration to address IUU fishing in any relevant international agreement.
    • Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to increase its work with partner countries and increase at-sea inspection of foreign vessels suspected of IUU fishing.
    • Direct the administration to report to Congress on how new technologies can aid in the fight against IUU fishing, the complexities of the seafood trade relationship between Russia and China, and the economic costs of IUU fishing to the U.S.

    On April 17, President Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” directing the Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and Interagency Seafood Trade Task Force to assess seafood competitiveness issues and collectively develop a comprehensive seafood trade strategy. Among these strategies, the USTR will examine the relevant trade practices of major seafood-producing nations, including IUU fishing and the use of forced labor in the seafood supply chain.

    Senators Sullivan and Whitehouse have worked together extensively on ocean sustainability issues, most notably on the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the most comprehensive legislation ever to address the global marine debris crisis, which became law in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen’s Pro-Water, Pro-Ag Legislation Advances

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . This legislation was introduced at the request of the Governor. 

    “Water is our lifeblood. As a farming and ranching state that is growing, this is the right time for Nebraska to create a modern model of stewardship and double-down on our work to protect and enhance our water resources. The newly structured Department of Water, Energy and Environment allows us to prioritize the management of both water quantity and water quality under the same leadership – while also streamlining duplicative government and cutting red tape. This legislation is a win-win for our state.” 

    Gov. Pillen said he appreciated Senator Tom Brandt’s hard work to successfully advance this important legislation. Once signed into law, LB 317 will merge two existing code agencies: the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE).

    In February, Gov. Pillen appointed Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director to both DEE and DNR. He will lead the restructured agency. 

    The legislation will be signed into law by Governor Pillen next week.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Multistate Coalition in Urging Trump Administration to Restore Title X Funding

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Today marks one month since HHS suddenly decided to withhold vast amounts of Title X funding

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that he is leading, alongside Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne E. Lopez, a coalition of 21 attorneys general in sending a letter to the Trump Administration to express serious concern with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to withhold tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, Title X is the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning for low-income and uninsured individuals. On March 31, HHS issued letters to a wide range of grant recipients that fund nearly 25% of all Title X clinics, indicating that these grantees’ Title X grants were being withheld. In today’s letter, the attorneys general write that the withholding of funds will lead to more unintended pregnancies, more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increased rates of undiagnosed HIV, increased rates of cervical cancer, and a higher burden on over-stretched state budgets. The attorneys general urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately reverse this decision and fully fund these critical programs.   

    “Exactly one month ago, the Trump Administration decided to withhold tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding. Today, my fellow attorneys general and I are urging the Trump Administration to do the right thing. HHS Secretary Kennedy claims to want to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ — restoring Title X funding would do just that,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our letter underscores the many important services that Title X funding helps to make possible for low-income households across the United States. We are committed to protecting those services and will continue to monitor the Trump Administration’s future actions.” 

    In certain States — including California, Hawai‘i, and Maine — all Title X funds were withheld, meaning that Title X funding has now completely ceased in those States. If funding is not restored, in California, nearly half of Title X providers report that there will be immediate or likely layoffs and more than 60% report that they will have immediate reductions in family planning services. One service site anticipates closing. Everywhere, States must scramble to fill the gaps as healthcare providers who have long been a cornerstone of the Title X program have been suddenly shut out. If State and local governments are not able to make up for the federal shortfall, patients will see a reduction in services as clinics close and providers are terminated. This will fall particularly hard on poor and rural communities that are the primary beneficiaries of the Title X program. In many areas, a Title X clinic is the only source of pre-natal services and screening for STIs.  

    In the letter, the attorneys general write that:

    • Recent history demonstrates that cutting Title X grantees will worsen care. In 2019, the Trump Administration changed the rules governing Title X, leading to a mass loss of healthcare providers. As a result, the number of patients receiving Title X services fell drastically. Nationwide, the number of Title X patients fell more than 60%, from 3.9 million to 1.5 million. This recent history demonstrates what happens — and how quickly — when the federal government slashes access to Title X. Unfortunately, there is every reason to think that the Trump Administration’s recent withholding will have at least as bad an impact on patient care. In total, the Guttmacher Institute estimates that as a direct result of HHS’s action in withholding funds, at least 834,000 patients, representing 30% of the total population served, will lose care in the first year alone.
    • The States will be harmed by HHS’s decision. While the 2019 rule was in effect, many States were forced to make emergency appropriations to cover for the loss of providers. The States made these expenditures because Title X programs are a critical component of vital public health infrastructure. An important example is the role of Title X programs in detecting and preventing STIs. Between 2006 and 2010, 18% of all women who were tested, treated, or received counseling for an STI did so at a Title X clinic, as did 14% of women tested for HIV. Now, the States are once again faced with an impossible choice: dip once again into depleted public coffers to make up the difference, or deal with a surge in new STIs and unintended pregnancies.  
    • There is no justification for the terminations. Although HHS suggested Title X grantees violated federal civil rights laws, HHS has provided absolutely no evidence supporting this suggestion.  

    Joining Attorneys General Bonta and Lopez in sending today’s letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Freedom in an age of climate crisis and trade wars: Lessons from philosopher Immanuel Kant

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rafael Ziegler, Professor, Department of Managment, HEC Montréal

    A decade ago, the majority of nations committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, pledging to “leave no one behind” by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions globally by 2050.

    Ten years on, the sentiment regarding such aspirations is skeptical and the mood gloomy. With the rise of autocracies and the influence of libertarian tech-billionaires on politics, goals such as development for all and climate neutrality seem to be relics of the past.

    The United States, the most powerful country in the world, is at the heart of this shift. In 1776, the U.S. declared independence and was founded on the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Today, however, it is increasingly known for its disregard of life, legislative attacks on civil liberties and creating global insecurity through tariffs.

    In the midst of all this, it’s important to remember ours is not the first generation to face dark times. As my recent research argues, Immanuel Kant’s philosophy can offer us valuable tools for navigating today’s challenges.

    Kant’s vision of possible progress

    A painted portrait of German philosopher and Enlightenment thinker Immanuel Kant circa 1790.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    In 1776, the same year the U.S. was founded, Kant was preparing his breakthrough critical philosophy and lecturing on freedom and pragmatic anthropology, all while living in the absolutist monarchy of Prussia.

    At the time, Prussia was using its military to expand its territory and enforce internal colonization over land and peoples.

    Amid this, Kant observed the contradictions of human nature — people who acted both good and bad, cruel and respectful of others — and described humanity as “crooked timber.” Yet Kant insisted on viewing this “crooked timber” through the lens of freedom.

    At the centre of Kant’s universalist, freedom-focused vision for the future was the idea of a world where all people lived in dignity. It is focused on autonomy as the capacity to self-legislate. Freedom served as his North Star for what is today called “backcasting,” or thinking backward from a desired future to identify possible paths toward achieving it.



    Read more:
    Explainer: the ideas of Kant

    In this spirit, Kant observed the rise of competitive markets that rewarded selfishness and greed, and argued that law and international co-operation — what he called a federation of republics — could turn antagonism into springs of progress. In other words, he analyzed the discord and conflict of his present for signs of possible progress.

    Crucial for the identification of such possibilities was the freedom of public reason: people thinking for themselves and contributing to public debate.

    Thinking long-term about freedom

    What can we learn from Kant about navigating today’s multiple crises?

    First, focus on freedom from a long-term perspective. The current trade war will likely reduce economic growth, but they may also advance the re-regionalization of economies — an idea long supported by post-growth economists seeking sustainable prosperity.

    However, regional production is not inherently good. Rather, we need a public discussion about which essential goods — food, for example — are best mostly supplied regionally, by whom and where international co-operation is called for.

    The climate crisis requires plans not fixes

    Second, Kant’s insights remind us that freedom must be pursued within the reality of a shared, finite planet. Climate change is not a problem that can be solved overnight. Emissions don’t care about the threats and angry fits of autocrats. It’s a global, complex challenge that requires long-term planning processes.

    There are signs of progress in this regard: in 2024, the United Kingdom reported greenhouse gas emissions to be at their lowest levels since 1872 thanks to long-term planning. Canada, after opting out of the Kyoto Protocol in 2011, finally saw emissions start to fall in 2025 following a renewed commitment to international climate goals and planning.

    But this progress is fragile. The chaos of Trump’s tariff wars must not lead our politicians and policymakers to prioritize short-term economic and political gains over long-term climate strategies.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s support for pipelines, for instance, is at odds with evidence that fossil fuel expansion will lock in emissions.

    It also diverts public money away from cheaper sources of renewable energy and supporting citizens through a just energy transition. With trade wars and economic insecurity, inflation will likely increase costs of living. This will hit poorer households harder, making this a matter of both environmental and social justice.

    Rebuilding the public sphere

    Third, for Kant, current lifestyle expectations are no guide for the core of future freedom. So if the American treasury secretary asserts that “cheap goods are not part of the American dream,” can we, paradoxically, detect an unexpected sign of possible progress?

    The answer is yes — if we take that example as evidence that worthwhile aspirations cannot be captured by consumerism but call for a more sustained effort.

    While modern consumers are willing to make big efforts — such as for daily gym and running routines — can similar energy be released to collective dreams of progress and saving the planet? For Kant, future freedom requires seeing beyond individual to collective aspirations. This relies on shared goals that can be articulated through foresight and supported by a vibrant, critical public sphere.

    In Kant’s time, the public sphere mainly consisted of the Republic of Letters, a network made of intellectuals and writers in the late 17th and 18th centuries engaging in open debate.

    Today, by contrast, much of our communication takes place on social media platforms that prioritize short-form formats, reward anger over analysis and are owned by a few global corporations structured to maximize profits rather than the quality of public deliberation. To counter this trend, regionally diverse, independent news providers are needed along with decentralized, open source social media.

    But above all, in an era of climate crisis, political polarization and economic instability, Kant reminds us of what he called a “Denkungsart:” an “art of thinking” or mindset based on freedom and possibility in a long-term perspective.

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

    – ref. Freedom in an age of climate crisis and trade wars: Lessons from philosopher Immanuel Kant – https://theconversation.com/freedom-in-an-age-of-climate-crisis-and-trade-wars-lessons-from-philosopher-immanuel-kant-254442

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Voting Rights Under Attack by Trump and Republicans, Welch Warns

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, yesterday joined his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Floor to speak out against President Trump’s and Republicans’ ongoing attacks on the right to vote and pledge his commitment to protecting access to the ballot box. Senator Welch condemned President Trump’s new antidemocratic executive order that would effectively disenfranchise millions of eligible citizens. The Senator also warned about the dangers of Congressional Republicans’ SAVE Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives and contains many of the problematic provisions in President Trump’s Executive Order.  
    “This Executive Order makes an assumption that noncitizen voting is a problem. The assertion that noncitizens are voting is alarming. Fortunately, it’s not true,” said Senator Welch. “Also, federal law already bars noncitizens from voting in congressional and presidential elections. This is not a question of whether there’s some back door effort on the part of one party to allow noncitizens to vote. It can’t be done. Illegal now—this executive order would not change that.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 

    Senator Welch was joined on the Senate Floor by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).  
    Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:   

    Senate Committee on Finance   
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry  

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit   

    Senate Committee on the Judiciary 

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution   

    Senate Committee on Rules & Administration  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Three National Health Insurance Companies and Three Brokers Alleging Unlawful Kickbacks and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The United States filed a complaint today under the False Claims Act (FCA) against three of the nation’s largest health insurance companies — Aetna Inc. and affiliates, Elevance Health Inc. (formerly known as Anthem), and Humana Inc. — and three large insurance broker organizations — eHealth, Inc. and an affiliate, GoHealth, Inc., and SelectQuote Inc. The United States alleges that from 2016 through at least 2021, the defendant insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to the defendant brokers in exchange for enrollments into the insurers’ Medicare Advantage plans.

    Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may choose to enroll in health care plans (MA plans) offered by private insurance companies, such as defendants Aetna, Anthem, and Humana. Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on insurance brokers to help them choose an MA plan that best meets their individual needs. Rather than acting as unbiased stewards, the defendant brokers allegedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid brokers the most in kickbacks, regardless of the suitability of the MA plans for the beneficiaries. According to the complaint, the broker organizations incentivized their employees and agents to sell plans based on the insurers’ kickbacks, set up teams of insurance agents who could sell only those plans, and at times refused to sell MA plans of insurers who did not pay sufficient kickbacks.

    The United States further alleges that Aetna and Humana each conspired with the broker defendants to discriminate against Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities whom they perceived to be less profitable. Aetna and Humana allegedly did so by threatening to withhold kickbacks to pressure brokers to enroll fewer disabled Medicare beneficiaries in their plans. The United States alleges that, in response to these financial incentives from Aetna and Humana, the defendant brokers or their agents rejected referrals of disabled beneficiaries and strategically directed disabled beneficiaries away from Aetna and Humana plans.

    “Health care companies that attempt to profit from kickbacks will be held accountable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to rooting out illegal practices by Medicare Advantage insurers and insurance brokers that undermine the interests of federal health care programs and the patients they serve.”

    “It is concerning, to say the least, that Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly steered towards plans that were not necessarily in their best interest – but rather in the best interest of the health insurance companies,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The alleged efforts to drive beneficiaries away specifically because their disabilities might make them less profitable to health insurance companies are even more unconscionable. Profit and greed over beneficiary interest is something we will continue to investigate and prosecute aggressively. This office will continue to take decisive action to protect the rights of Medicare beneficiaries and vulnerable Americans.”

    The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under the FCA, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The FCA permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the FCA, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter, with valuable assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shea v. eHealth, et al., No. 21-cv-11777.

    Trial Attorneys David G. Miller, Anna H. Jugo, Diana E. Curtis, and Sara B. Hanson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Weinograd and Julien Mundele for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter.

    The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. 

    Note: Read the complaint here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Three National Health Insurance Companies and Three Brokers Alleging Unlawful Kickbacks and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    The United States filed a complaint today under the False Claims Act (FCA) against three of the nation’s largest health insurance companies — Aetna Inc. and affiliates, Elevance Health Inc. (formerly known as Anthem), and Humana Inc. — and three large insurance broker organizations — eHealth, Inc. and an affiliate, GoHealth, Inc., and SelectQuote Inc. The United States alleges that from 2016 through at least 2021, the defendant insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to the defendant brokers in exchange for enrollments into the insurers’ Medicare Advantage plans.

    Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may choose to enroll in health care plans (MA plans) offered by private insurance companies, such as defendants Aetna, Anthem, and Humana. Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on insurance brokers to help them choose an MA plan that best meets their individual needs. Rather than acting as unbiased stewards, the defendant brokers allegedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid brokers the most in kickbacks, regardless of the suitability of the MA plans for the beneficiaries. According to the complaint, the broker organizations incentivized their employees and agents to sell plans based on the insurers’ kickbacks, set up teams of insurance agents who could sell only those plans, and at times refused to sell MA plans of insurers who did not pay sufficient kickbacks.

    The United States further alleges that Aetna and Humana each conspired with the broker defendants to discriminate against Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities whom they perceived to be less profitable. Aetna and Humana allegedly did so by threatening to withhold kickbacks to pressure brokers to enroll fewer disabled Medicare beneficiaries in their plans. The United States alleges that, in response to these financial incentives from Aetna and Humana, the defendant brokers or their agents rejected referrals of disabled beneficiaries and strategically directed disabled beneficiaries away from Aetna and Humana plans.

    “Health care companies that attempt to profit from kickbacks will be held accountable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to rooting out illegal practices by Medicare Advantage insurers and insurance brokers that undermine the interests of federal health care programs and the patients they serve.”

    “It is concerning, to say the least, that Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly steered towards plans that were not necessarily in their best interest – but rather in the best interest of the health insurance companies,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The alleged efforts to drive beneficiaries away specifically because their disabilities might make them less profitable to health insurance companies are even more unconscionable. Profit and greed over beneficiary interest is something we will continue to investigate and prosecute aggressively. This office will continue to take decisive action to protect the rights of Medicare beneficiaries and vulnerable Americans.”

    The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under the FCA, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The FCA permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the FCA, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter, with valuable assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shea v. eHealth, et al., No. 21-cv-11777.

    Trial Attorneys David G. Miller, Anna H. Jugo, Diana E. Curtis, and Sara B. Hanson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Weinograd and Julien Mundele for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter.

    The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. 

    Note: Read the complaint here

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after House Republicans erroneously voted to strike down three California Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks programs. The Senate Parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have already determined that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the simple majority threshold in the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and therefore would require 60 votes to secure Senate passage.

    “House Republicans’ misguided and cynical attempts to gut the Clean Air Act and undercut California’s climate leadership ignores the reality of California’s strength as the fourth largest economy in the world. I will continue to defend our state’s authority to protect our residents, clean our air, lower costs, and transition to a clean energy economy.

    “Let me also be clear about process. The Senate parliamentarian has already upheld decades of precedent and determined these CRAs are not allowed by Senate rules. If Senate Republicans take up these measures under the Congressional Review Act, they will be going nuclear by overruling the Parliamentarian, all to baselessly attack California.”

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in pushing back against Republican attacks on California’s Clean Air Act waivers and welcomed the Senate parliamentarian’s decision that waivers are not subject to the CRA. He also joined Senators Schiff and Whitehouse in blasting Trump and Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA when the GAO had already found that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the CRA. Padilla and Schiff also slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New legislation will deliver key infrastructure faster, strengthen economy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Candy Ashdown, board chair, Langley School District –

    “Langley has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and we are working hard to build the schools that families need. Legislation that offers new tools to accelerate the construction of classrooms and schools is a positive step for our community. We look forward to working closely with government on continuing to ensure students have the high-quality learning environments they need to thrive.”

    Everett Baker, mayor, City of Grand Forks –

    “After the City of Grand Forks experienced catastrophic flooding in 2018, our main focus was on taking care of our community. In the years following, we completed over 40 different permitting processes to build back stronger. I hope this legislation could be used to help more communities rebuild what they’ve lost in a faster, more streamlined way, so municipalities can stay focused on supporting people and not lengthy or overlapping approval processes.”

    Vivian Eliopoulos, president and chief executive officer, Vancouver Coastal Health –

    “This new legislation is an important step forward in helping hospitals and health-care sites get built more efficiently and effectively. It will provide the tools to improve services, modernize infrastructure and better support the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”

    Neil Fassina, president, Okanagan College –

    “Post-secondary institutions across B.C. and throughout Canada are facing increased cost pressures as we work to meet the needs of our students, employees and communities. This legislation will support colleges, like Okanagan College, to move more quickly to build required facilities for students to get the training and education they require to be job ready.”

    Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, vice-president, Innergex –

    “This new legislation shows us that advancing critical infrastructure and upholding strong environmental standards are not mutually exclusive. It provides a clear path to get vital projects built and deliver the clean energy, modern grid systems and resilient communities the B.C. needs to anchor our prosperity without compromising our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    Patrick Johnstone, mayor, City of New Westminster –

    “The infrastructure projects act is a good step toward accelerating the infrastructure our communities need to support growth. It will allow for greater collaboration between the Province and municipalities so we can work together delivering the schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure our residents demand. This legislation provides a framework for prioritizing the needs of people in our growing communities and streamlining to deliver projects more efficiently.”

    Geoffrey W. Payne, president and vice-chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia –

    “Colleges and universities in B.C need the facilities to equip students for the future and the changing needs of the workforce, but we’re facing growing financial pressures as we try to do that. This legislation will allow us to work closer with government on projects that our students need so we can deliver faster and help strengthen our communities.”   

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Shares Powerful Story of Family from Republican District at Risk from Proposed Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Mary from Michigan: “I’m a hospice nurse who works four days a week. My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old… These politicians don’t care about people like my son. They would rather that people like my son would just die. They don’t think that he contributes to society or is worth anything. But as his mom, I know that is so, so, so, wrong.”

    Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Strengthen CFPB, Expose Harmful Impact of DOGE

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – In the House Financial Services Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and shared the story of Mary Marinelli, a 70-year-old hospice nurse from a Republican district in Michigan whose family depends on Medicaid to care for their autistic son. Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to strengthen the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and expose the harmful impact of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

    • Ensure the CFPB remains fully funded so that it may continue returning billions of dollars to consumers by charging risk-based assessments to the largest banks and non-bank financial companies, including big tech payment providers and payday lenders
    • Ensure the CFPB remains fully funded by changing its funding structure so that any company found to have violated a consumer financial protection law since 2010 would pay annually to fund the CFPB through an annual assessment.
    • Conduct a study on the types and amounts of sensitive data that DOGE has been provided access to, and to assess whether such information sharing has undermined data privacy, competition, cybersecurity or other financial stability considerations.
    • Conduct a study to evaluate the damage and risk posed to our financial systems by DOGE cuts, as well as the concerning impacts on consumer and investor protection

    Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

    A transcript of the Congresswoman’s testimony on behalf of Ms. Marinelli is below and the video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Condemns Reconciliation Bill, Shares Heartbreaking Story of Family from GOP District at Risk from Medicaid Cuts

    House Financial Services Committee

    April 30, 2025

    Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the hurt and harm this Republican bill will unleash. 

    In my district, the Massachusetts 7th, I’ve been holding town halls, listening to my constituents who oppose this bill for many reasons, but especially the Medicaid cuts.

    Republicans were told to not host town halls, and they definitely haven’t been listening to the people in their district. It’s gotten so bad that people living in Republican districts are now reaching out to my office to have their voices heard.

    Here is a letter from a constituent of Rep. McClain’s, who sits on this very committee. These are the words of Mary Marinelli:

    “I’m a hospice nurse who works four days a week. My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. He’s non-verbal. He cannot be left alone and needs to be supervised 24/7. Through Medicaid, my youngest son, Sean, gets paid to be a caretaker for Michael, which really helps us out. 

    “When Michael became 18, he got on Medicaid and Medicare. It pays for his medication, treatment, hospital stays, and allows us to do some different therapies with him. He’s also on Social Security, which he started receiving at the age of 18. It gives us extra money, about $900 a month, to take care of him. 

    “I am 70 years old. I am still working as a hospice nurse four days a week. If they take Medicaid away, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’d have to get a second job. I received a letter on Friday. They want me to come into the Social Security office to talk about Michael’s benefits. They’ve never done that before, and I was in despair all weekend, worried about them taking away his benefits. 

    “I don’t know how we would function without Medicaid. It’s already stressful enough, even with these services. I can’t imagine how much worse things will get. It would be a death sentence. 

    “As a nurse, I can talk about a lot of different angles to this, the physical ramification of patients falling more between the cracks. These politicians don’t care about people like my son. They would rather that people like my son would just die. They don’t think that he contributes to society or is worth anything. But as his mom, I know that is so, so, so, wrong. 

    “Michael is a wonderful person who brings so much. I don’t know what I would have done without Medicaid.”

    I don’t know if Rep. McClain is here and has anything to say to Mary, her constituent, communicating to you through me. 

    Silence.

    The American people do not support this bill, and that includes those living in Republican districts.

    Mr. Chair, I’m grateful for the reconciliation survival kit that you gifted to members. I only wish I had one for the American people.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: T-Max Lending LLC Relocates Headquarters to Sacramento to Support Growth, Innovation, and Enhanced Client Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — T-Max Lending LLC, a leading provider of innovative lending solutions, is proud to announce the strategic relocation of its corporate headquarters from 4727 Executive Dr, San Diego, CA 92121 to a new, state-of-the-art facility at 801 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814. This move represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth and its commitment to improving client service, operational efficiency, and technological advancement in the lending industry.

    The relocation to Sacramento places T-Max Lending at the heart of California’s government and financial regulatory activity, providing improved access to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and a growing pool of financial technology talent. This strategic positioning enhances T-Max Lending’s ability to collaborate with policymakers, stay ahead of industry trends, and serve its diverse clientele more effectively.

    “This move is more than geography, it is a key step in scaling our operations and improving the accessibility and responsiveness of our service” said Kenneth Richard, CEO of T-Max Lending LLC. “This move enables us to be closer to decision-making centers and provides a fertile ground for technological and operational expansion. More importantly, it reflects our dedication to providing better, faster, and more secure services to our clients across the state and beyond.”

    Operational Enhancements to Better Serve Clients

    In tandem with the headquarters relocation, T-Max Lending has implemented significant upgrades to its office operations, loan origination processes, and customer service frameworks. Central to these changes is the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies, which are set to revolutionize the lending process by making it faster, more accurate, and secure.

    AI-Driven Loan Origination and Processing: The integration of advanced artificial intelligence technology is streamlining the loan application and approval process. By automating routine tasks and leveraging predictive analytics, the company can now offer faster pre-approvals, enhanced fraud detection, and personalized loan recommendations.

    Enhanced Client Service Model: The company has redesigned its internal operations to prioritize rapid response, transparency, and customer empowerment. A newly implemented digital portal offers clients real-time updates, streamlined document uploads, and secure communication with loan officers.

    Cybersecurity and Data Integrity Upgrades: As part of its technology overhaul, T-Max Lending has adopted state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity frameworks to ensure that all client data remains secure and confidential throughout the lending lifecycle.

    Workplace Modernization: The new Sacramento office has been designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and wellness. Equipped with smart technologies and eco-friendly design, the space supports hybrid work models and positions the company to attract top talent in fintech and client services.

    Sacramento’s status as California’s capital gives T-Max closer access to lawmakers, housing authorities, and regulatory agencies, supporting quicker compliance adaptation and fostering new policy collaboration opportunities.

    “Our clients are at the center of everything we do,” added Kenneth. “Our new headquarters and AI-driven innovations reflect our unwavering commitment to serving our clients better, faster, and more securely. We are confident that these changes will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional lending solutions while setting a new standard for the industry. Our goal is to make borrowing simpler, smarter, and more secure.”

    T-Max Lending looks forward to welcoming clients, partners, and team members to its new Sacramento location and continuing to lead the charge in responsible, technology-driven lending.

    New Headquarters Address:

    T-Max Lending LLC

    801 K St. Sacramento, CA 95814

    For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:

    Press Contact:

    Mason Simmons
    Director of Communications
    info@tmaxlending.com
    www.tmaxlending.com
    (619) 259-0177

    About T-Max Lending LLC

    T-Max Lending LLC is a forward-thinking lending institution offering a wide range of residential and commercial loan products. Committed to innovation, integrity, and customer-first service, T-Max is redefining how people access capital with smarter technology and streamlined processes.

    The MIL Network –