Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: In NYTimes Op-Ed, Pressley, Markey, McGovern: We Visited Rümeysa Öztürk in Detention. What We Saw Was a Warning to Us All.

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

“When a government begins to imprison writers for their words, when it abandons legal norms for political convenience, when it cloaks oppression in the language of national security, alarm bells must ring. Loudly.”

Full NYT Op-Ed

BOSTON – Today, in a powerful New York Times op-ed, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), discussed their meeting with Rümeysa Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process. The op-ed follows their recent visit to Louisiana to meet with Ms. Öztürk at the ICE facility where she is being unlawfully detained.

In the piece, the lawmakers emphasize that her experience – being abducted off the street and detained with no due process, simply for co-authoring an op-ed – is not one in isolation, and has implications for American democracy and everyone who calls this country home. Additionally, the lawmakers renewed their call for the immediate release of Ms. Öztürk, and called for an investigation into the inhumane conditions at the for-profit, privately operated detention center in Basile, Louisiana where she is being held.

Full text of the op-ed is available here and a short excerpt is below.

New York Times Op-Ed: We Visited Rümeysa Öztürk in Detention. What We Saw Was a Warning to Us All.
By Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Ed Markey, and Congressman Jim McGovern
April 25, 2025

We visited Ms. Ozturk earlier this week…

What we found was not just a young woman locked up without charge but also a democracy being put to the test.

…

When a government begins to imprison writers for their words, when it abandons legal norms for political convenience, when it cloaks oppression in the language of national security, alarm bells must ring. Loudly.

…

The Constitution is only as strong as our willingness to defend it.

Read the full op-ed on the New York Times website here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Corrects Past Administration’s Manipulation of Legal System that Sought to Force States to Provide Surgery to Transgender Inmates

Source: US State of California

In a pair of filings today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Justice Department undid the past administration’s abuse of the legal system that pushed an agenda driven by politics, not law. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division withdrew an incorrect statement of interest in one case and submitted a new statement of interest in a separate case brought by inmates seeking to force the state to provide — and taxpayers to fund — dangerous, elective surgery as treatment for inmates’ gender dysphoria claims. The Justice Department’s new filings lay bare the past administration’s manipulation of supposed medical guidelines to try to create an inmate’s right to optional surgeries where no such entitlement exists.

“The prior administration’s arguments in transgender inmate cases were based on junk science. There has never been an Eighth Amendment right for inmates to demand elective and experimental surgeries. States’ limited resources need not be wasted to provide these dubious surgeries to inmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The prior administration’s nonsensical reading of the Americans with Disabilities Act was an affront to the very people the statute intended to protect”

In both Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections and Doe v. Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections, the plaintiffs sought sexual reassignment surgeries at state expense. The prior administration portrayed such claims as necessary medical care for gender dysphoria under the ADA. That portrayal was based on guidelines that were political motivated and based on junk science. The administration has now corrected the record by removing the statement that was filed in Doe and filing a new statement in Fuller that correctly explains the extent of the ADA and the Eighth Amendment.

For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Corrects Past Administration’s Manipulation of Legal System that Sought to Force States to Provide Surgery to Transgender Inmates

Source: United States Attorneys General 13

In a pair of filings today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Justice Department undid the past administration’s abuse of the legal system that pushed an agenda driven by politics, not law. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division withdrew an incorrect statement of interest in one case and submitted a new statement of interest in a separate case brought by inmates seeking to force the state to provide — and taxpayers to fund — dangerous, elective surgery as treatment for inmates’ gender dysphoria claims. The Justice Department’s new filings lay bare the past administration’s manipulation of supposed medical guidelines to try to create an inmate’s right to optional surgeries where no such entitlement exists.

“The prior administration’s arguments in transgender inmate cases were based on junk science. There has never been an Eighth Amendment right for inmates to demand elective and experimental surgeries. States’ limited resources need not be wasted to provide these dubious surgeries to inmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The prior administration’s nonsensical reading of the Americans with Disabilities Act was an affront to the very people the statute intended to protect”

In both Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections and Doe v. Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections, the plaintiffs sought sexual reassignment surgeries at state expense. The prior administration portrayed such claims as necessary medical care for gender dysphoria under the ADA. That portrayal was based on guidelines that were political motivated and based on junk science. The administration has now corrected the record by removing the statement that was filed in Doe and filing a new statement in Fuller that correctly explains the extent of the ADA and the Eighth Amendment.

For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Partnering with unions to grow apprenticeships
[. Journeypersons play a pivotal role in upholding and advancing industry standards, and becoming an apprentice is the first step to a skilled trades career. That is why Alberta’s government is investing $15 million over the next three years to create a new grant program that will empower unions to offer apprenticeship training in high demand programs.

This unprecedented, new grant program will be the first partnership of its kind between Alberta’s government and union partners, reflecting the province’s commitment to supporting working Albertans and meeting the labour market needs of today and the future.

“Trades unions play an integral role in skilled trades education in Alberta, offering excellent facilities and instruction for union members and the general public alike. By forging new partnerships with unions, we are working together to address rising demand for the skilled tradespeople who build and maintain our province. I look forward to continuing our work with unions to address labour market needs while supporting working Albertans.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

The new funding for union training providers to deliver apprenticeship training is expected to open 650 new apprenticeship seats per year. All apprenticeship seats funded by Advanced Education will be open to the general public who meet the eligibility requirements.

“Trade unions are essential partners in building a job-ready workforce that drives Alberta’s economy forward. This investment will help more Albertans get the skills they need to succeed in high-demand jobs across the province.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Alberta’s government recognizes the value of apprenticeship education programs and their impact on the province’s economic growth and is addressing workforce needs by making strategic investments that increase apprenticeship seats and programs in high-demand sectors.

Union training providers offer high-quality training opportunities, often at a lower cost than other providers, including post-secondary institutions. This grant program will ensure taxpayer dollars are used in a way that maximizes value to create as many new apprenticeship seats in high-demand trades as possible.

“The UA Local 488 extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Alberta and its leadership for its commitment to strengthening the province’s apprenticeship system. This funding represents a significant step in supporting union training centres as essential partners in developing a skilled and resilient workforce. With this investment, the Alberta Pipe Trades College is well-positioned to expand training capacity and deliver high-quality, industry-driven education to future Alberta tradespeople.”

Chris Waples, director of education, UA Local 488

Invitations to provide a proposal for grant funding will be provided to Alberta union training centres that are recognized to deliver apprenticeship training, and/or labour unions directly involved in supporting Alberta’s skilled trades sector.

Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

Quick facts
- Funding will go towards apprenticeship seats generated from union training providers.
- Funding is capped at up to $5 million per year, for three years.
- In April 2024, Alberta’s government announced a pilot funding investment of $350,000 to support the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 955 Trust Fund to deliver training for the Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane Operator apprenticeship program.
- IUOE Local 955 was the first union in Alberta’s history to receive funding in this manner.
Related information
- A career to be proud of
- Become an apprentice in Alberta
- Tradesecrets – Home
Multimedia
- Watch the news conference
MIL OSI Canada News –
April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor on Illegal Deportations in Tampa Bay

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor on Illegal Deportations in Tampa Bay

Washington, April 25, 2025

“I am working with the family of my constituent, Frengel Reyes Mota, to help in any way I can. Tearing apart this family is cruel, plain and simple. Courts have ruled that Trump is violating the law, and people are entitled to due process under the Constitution. It is wasteful and costly for Trump to generate such chaos and fail to target criminals.

“Immigration enforcement must be lawful and humane, not weaponized for political stunts. That means investing in smarter border security, expanding legal pathways, and protecting the rights of asylum seekers and immigrant families who contribute so much to our communities. The American people want a system that reflects our values, not one that rips families apart, violates the U.S. Constitution, and runs counter to human rights.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on NewsChannel 9

Source: US State of New York

arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul appeared as a guest on NewsChannel 9’s “Newsmakers with Andrew Donovan.” The Governor spoke on ongoing Budget negotiations — including her proposals for bell-to-bell distraction-free schools and changes in discovery reform — her efforts to recover and rebuild the correctional system, and Chobani’s $1 billion factory opening in Oneida County. The interview was pre-recorded.

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Governor, thanks for doing this again. You must not mind it if we’re at two in a matter of weeks so thank you for doing that.

Governor Hochul: There’s always important things going on I want to share with your viewers.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: You took a break to get out of Albany when you’ve got a lot of work still there, the State Budget. What’s the status of the State Budget?

Governor Hochul: I think we’re close to the end. Some of the most important challenging issues were my desire to change the system of discovery, which is evidence that is shared between the prosecutors and the defense. And it’s a little bit complicated, but basically what has been happening under laws that were enacted in 2019 — and I stand behind the original intent behind those laws, but now we have so many cases that are being dismissed, really on technicalities.

When you think about a victim of a crime, a woman, a victim of domestic violence, finally gets her day in court, she thinks, only to find out the case has been thrown out because of some minor technicality; something that might be related to the case but not relevant to the case. And so we are changing that in a way that still protects the rights of defendants, of course, always, but we have to have fairness for the victims. And so that was a big fight.

It slowed us down and I knew it would, but I was not going to sign off on a Budget that had that. As well as making sure that people that have mental health problems that are literally living on our streets, who cannot take care of themselves, can get the help they need and so they can be taken to a hospital. They call it involuntary confinement, but it’s just saying, “You don’t have the mental capacity to make that decision for yourself. And we are as a society compassionate, and we’re going to take care of you and make sure you get the help you need.” So those were two big hurdles.

I also said I wanted to make sure I get a cell phone ban. Basically, I don’t think that kids should be in schools distracted all day when they’re supposed to be learning — playing on their cell phones or watching TikTok video dances. So we are going to be successful on that as well.

So we’re in the final days of wrapping up the numbers, but I feel confident it’ll be done by the end of this month, if not earlier.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: For whatever reason, every time there’s a news story about crime, I feel like at least one person says it’s the Democrats’ fault — it’s Kathy Hochul’s fault because of bail reform and “Raise the Age.”

And yes, you were not the Governor when some of those things were enacted. Is this change in discovery your biggest correction yet of some of the perhaps overcorrections made over the past decade?

Governor Hochul: No, I think the last two budgets where we changed the bail laws where judges now have the discretion to hold people who are really accused of more serious crimes or even hate crimes were not covered under our bail laws. I had to fight hard. I mean, this was one of my more brutal fights, I would have to say, to get the Legislature to really realize that sometimes you go too far in your reforms and it’s hard to say, “What we did needs changes,” but I had to get them to that decision, and we got it done the last year.

So we have significantly modified the bail laws and you’re seeing changes in our Upstate outcomes. And now discovery was another challenge for our prosecutors, and I’m now fixing that. So it’s a continuum, but also I’ve invested a billion dollars in law enforcement. That is record-breaking, $230 million right here in Syracuse to help our local law enforcement.

And this whole era of “defund the police,” “disrespect our police,” no. We respect these individuals who put their lives on the line every day. But we also — what does respect mean? It gives them the money and the resources they need.

So I’m a strong partner of theirs, and so anyone who wants to politicize crimes can look at how Upstate crimes are down about 31 percent since I’ve been Governor. That’s extraordinary. But I’m not done. I’m not going to stop until we make sure that everyone feels safe in their streets, in their homes and their businesses.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: You’re a proud Democrat and the Onondaga County District Attorney is a proud Republican, yet I saw you mention his name, I saw you shake hands after your remarks a few minutes ago upstairs. This discovery issue seems bipartisan, but I wonder is it politically risky to work against the desires of perhaps more liberal people in New York City?

Governor Hochul: I don’t care about people’s political viewpoints when I’m thinking about the safety of New Yorkers; my number one job is to keep people safe. So politics be damned in this space. And I will always stand up and fight for my residents. And I take this very seriously.

So working with Republican District Attorneys is natural to make me. Of course, he’s elected, I’m elected, we work together. And I wanted to thank him for the work he did on bringing the prosecutions and not one, but two prison deaths, which were just horrendous. And it took a lot for him to do that and I wanted to commend his courage in finding out the real truth behind what happened.

Of course I’m aligned with them. I want to make sure our District Attorneys have resources. I’ve been funding them at high levels. But also, yes, I support our defenders as well; the defenders of the people deal with the indigent who need legal services, we provide that as well.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Will a cell phone ban — as you intended, as the legislation has already been written — will that make it through the Budget process?

Governor Hochul: I believe it will, yes, I feel very confident of that. And that’ll go into effect next fall. It is “bell-to-bell.” We’ll be one of the very few states in the nation that says, “When you get to school, you lock it up; the end of the day you get it back out.”

And the teachers are ecstatic over this development because, finally, they don’t have to compete when they’re teaching algebra to kids that are more interested in watching or texting their friends or watching videos online. And I think it’s going to have a profound influence on not just the mental health of our kids — because they’re drawn into these dark spaces from the internet and these algorithms, social media algorithms that are pulling into negative images, it has an effect on their psyche, and we’re seeing it now.

And I want to have the next generation of kids coming through never even knowing you are allowed to have cell phones ever. We’re going to banish that. After school, evening, that’s your free time. But during school, you’re there to learn.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: When I was in high school, cell phones were not allowed out. They were in your pocket but if you were seen, you got in pretty good trouble.

When you and I were in the studio a few months ago, it didn’t sound like there was much wiggle room on your end for Upstate Hospital to get the $450 million it wants for the emergency room renovations, and you toured the emergency room that day. But the Legislature, both houses of the Legislature, got to the 450 million in their draft Budget. Is there wiggle room now for them to get all of it?

Governor Hochul: No. The point is when a capital project means you’re going to fund a project that is not done in one year. So we are committed to helping them. $200 million this year and I know if you asked them, they’re very happy to get that commitment. That’s what they need to get it off the ground. The rest can come over time because we don’t need to put it all in our Budget for one year.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: So you’re going to tell the Legislature, “No, not 250 more?”

Governor Hochul: We don’t need to do that. I have to deal in the realities. I’m trying to put together a Budget that is based on common sense practices. Do we need all that money this year? No, we don’t. So the commitment is there, but I have to manage our finances. And it was $200 million, which is what they’re very happy with.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: You mentioned talking with the Onondaga County District Attorney this morning thanking him for his work prosecuting the prison cases. As you know indictments came this week — now 20 officers across two prisons within walking distance of one another have been indicted. I heard from the DOCCS Commissioner this week about the reviews happening and the look backs at the culture and training. Do you believe it’s a cultural problem within the prison system that so many officers resort to violence?

Governor Hochul: Yes. There’s something going on that we have to get to the bottom of it. I don’t think it’s just these two prisons, especially in the murder of Mr. Brooks back in December. It seemed like they were very comfortable. The guards taking him into a particular room and making the staff at the infirmary leave and covering up the cameras. It felt like they had done that before, and that is deeply, deeply disturbing to me. I think it’s abhorrent, and we have to stop this.

Now, there are thousands and thousands of good correction guards who are going in. These corrections officers are going in every day, and these conditions are dangerous; they’re uncertain; the hours are long; they’re struggling; and I admire them with every fiber of my being, and I want to make sure that they know I have such respect for them, especially those who stayed on the job during the prison strike. My gosh, they had tough conditions, and I will always be grateful that they did what was right and did not break the law.

But with respect to these murders, we have to get to the bottom of this where people feel too comfortable in this environment to cause pain to another individual, one of the people they’re responsible for safeguarding and not to be able to think — you go to a diner and concoct a coverup? And you may have done it before.

So this is a real challenge. I’m not saying it’s widespread, but I’m saying this may not be the only case where people feel you can cover this up. So I’m getting $400 million to spend and I have cameras in every corner of the prisons. So yes, you are required by law to wear your body cam. If you turn it off, that is an offense as well.

But also, I want to make sure I have cameras that can never be tampered with so we always have a clear eye of what’s happening. It protects the corrections officers, it protects the incarcerated population as well as those who work in there. So we have a lot of work to do. Yes we do.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: I know the strike is over, but it still seems like a crisis. You have what you mentioned, maybe cultural issues within the use of, before the use of violence. But you have so many officers just unhappy, feeling unsafe to be in those prisons, yet their job is so necessary. We saw that during the strike.

Governor Hochul: We rely on them so much. We rely on them so, so much.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: How do you solve that problem?

Governor Hochul: We’re doing a massive recruitment campaign. There’s a lot of people who are burned out, who are retiring; they’re moving on. Those who we had removed because they broke the law and were given four chances to keep their jobs, but they refused to come back in leaving the communities unsafe, leaving the population inside unsafe. And that is a dereliction of duty like I’ve never seen, and it broke the law. So I have to replace them. We are recruiting, we’re trying to get the age changed that you can start being a corrections officer. That’ll help us with recruitment.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Is recruitment enough?

Governor Hochul: We need new people in there. And the process to become a corrections officer is not a lengthy one. So I want to get a whole new energetic group of people — diverse backgrounds. I want people from all over to be working in these prisons. It is hard sometimes to find people, especially to go into the North Country because —

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Who would want to do it?

Governor Hochul: You know what, there’s a lot of people that are civic minded, that care about their communities. And some for some, it’s generational. Their father, their grandfather may have been, or their mother might have worked in a prison. And in some communities, especially in the rural areas that I know so well from when I represented them in Congress, the prison is often the largest employer.

This is an employment opportunity. And otherwise, sometimes small communities don’t have other options, but I value them. I want them to have a positive experience when they go to work every day. And I would say they don’t have that now. And that is part of the culture change that I’m driving.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Do you worry — you talked about what the strike cost taxpayers — do you worry what these prison beatings might cost taxpayers if these families sue?

Governor Hochul: Yes. I am worried about that. It is a cost that is unnecessary if the people are just doing what’s right and manage the situation without causing harm to an individual. So yes, there’ll be a cost for the State. I have no doubt about it.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: You’ve been a huge advocate for the Micron project. You’ve been involved with it from the beginning. I’ve heard you talk about the dinner discussions early on. The Onondaga County Executive, also a big proponent, has said he’s seen no change on the ground in the work to bring Micron here in the era of President Trump. As we hear the CHIPS Act get trashed in some cases. Have you seen any change from the federal administration in response to the work Micron is trying to do?

Governor Hochul: No, not at all. We were actually on schedule, we’ll start construction in the fall. This is exciting to me. I can’t wait to be there for the groundbreaking and they’ve been moving on this right along. I just spoke to the CEO of Micron just a couple weeks ago to touch base. Obviously, there’s other worries surrounding not just Micron, but every business, the tariffs, which are having a ripple effect around our economy. But I think this bodes well for building semiconductors in our country.

So what we’re talking about is making sure that we’re no longer dependent on foreign countries and our geopolitical challenges with other countries, that we could be self-reliant on something as critical as semiconductor chips. So I think there’s even more reason to make sure that this moves ahead, stays on schedule. The environmentals are going to be starting soon, so they are underway and that’s what I spoke to the CEO about. So I feel really good about it. I’m excited. I’ve seen no sign, no sign at all, that anything is off track. I understand people are anxious, but I feel very confident this is going to happen.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Speaking of groundbreakings, it sounds like my home county of Oneida County will have another one soon with the Chobani project that you’ll announce next week. Tell me about how that came to fruition.

Governor Hochul: Oh, this is another one. I’m a very aggressive recruiter for our state. We’re able to land Fairlife — which is the largest dairy processing facility, and I’m told it was North America, now maybe the world — that is underway just down the road outside of Batavia and Rochester. It’s also so exciting to know that Rome, a city that has a great past on the Erie Canal, is a real economic engine and all of Upstate areas declined. Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, just like we know from living here.

But this is a great opportunity. A thousand jobs. Chobani’s investing a thousand jobs, and it’s a billion dollar investment. It’ll be the largest natural food processing facility in America. And I had a lot of meetings. I went down to Chobani headquarters to talk to the CEO. Just thank them for all the investments they’ve made thus far.

But obviously they’re being recruited by other states. They make very attractive offers to try and take them out of our state. So I had to fight back. We’re assisting with financial resources. Part of our program that I started a couple years ago, has been wildly successful, our FAST NY program, but makes sites shovel ready.

So we’re putting $23 million toward getting the site ready for them. Which helps me when I’m saying, “If you come here, we’ll help you with this. But bring your investments, bring the jobs more than anything.” There’s a lot of uncertainty about jobs overall in this environment of tariffs, but to be able to announce a thousand new jobs coming in this environment is extraordinary. I’m really proud of it.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Governor, thank you for visiting Syracuse again. Thank you for your time.

Governor Hochul: Always glad to be back. Take care.

Andrew Donovan, NewsChannel 9: Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: First Commerce Bancorp, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAKEWOOD, N.J., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Commerce Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), (OTC: CMRB), the holding company for First Commerce Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $1.7 million and basic earnings per common share of $0.08 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to net income of $1.2 million and basic earnings per common share of $0.05 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

President & CEO Donald Mindiak commented, “Measured balance sheet growth during the first quarter was highlighted by calculated increases in both loans and investment securities, redeploying excess liquidity into higher yielding assets, with a risk profile consistent with our underwriting standards. While our average yield on interest earning assets and average cost on interest bearing liabilities remained relatively stable as compared to the first quarter of 2024, on a linked quarter basis the average yield on interest earning assets increased by nine basis points and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased by nine basis points resulting in a thirteen basis point increase in our net interest margin and a thirteen basis point increase in our return on average assets in the comparative quarters ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The continued success of our stock repurchase plan, coupled with improving profitability, is reflected in the increase in book value by $0.08/share since year end 2024 and $0.34/share since March 31, 2024.”

Continuing, Mr. Mindiak remarked that, “From an asset quality perspective, one large loan of $21.0 million migrated into non-accrual status during the first quarter, however, a contract is in place to remediate this facility which is anticipated to close during the second quarter of 2025. While a degree of uncertainty has permeated the marketplace as a result of certain prospective economic, regulatory and geopolitical headwinds which remain an on-going challenge to navigate, we will endeavor to continue to execute our strategies with prudence and forethought in an effort to increase franchise and shareholder value.”

Financial Highlights

Total interest income increased by $1.4 million or 7.4% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024 as a result of the growth in average interest-earning assets year over year.
Total interest expense increased by $1.0 million or 9.5% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024 as a result of the growth in interest-bearing liabilities.
Total deposits increased by $96.9 million or 8.8% to $1.20 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.11 billion at March 31, 2024.
The annualized return on average total assets increased by twelve basis points to 0.44% at March 31, 2025, compared to 0.32% at March 31, 2024.
The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity was 3.93% at March 31, 2025, compared to 2.54% at March 31, 2024.
The book value per common share was $8.47 at March 31, 2025, compared to $8.13 at March 31, 2024.
Net interest margin increased thirteen basis points on a linked quarter basis to 2.33% as of March 31, 2025, from 2.20% as of December 31, 2024.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased by $30.9 million or 2.0% to $1.58 billion at March 31, 2025, from $1.55 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in total assets was primarily related to increases in total investment securities and total loans receivable, partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $48.1 million or 36.3% to $84.3 million at March 31, 2025, from $132.5 million at December 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to funding of loan closings and the purchases of investment securities during the first quarter of 2025.

Total investment securities increased by $65.6 million or 58.5% to $177.8 million at March 31, 2025, from $112.2 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in investment securities resulted primarily from $69.3 million in purchases of investment securities, partially offset by $1.3 million in redemptions and $2.4 million in mortgage-backed security amortization.

Total loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses increased by $17.1 million or 1.4% to $1.24 billion at March 31, 2025, from $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024. Commercial mortgage loans, and construction loans increased $8.2 million and $13.5 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in commercial loans, residential loans and home equity loans of $1.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The allowance for credit losses increased by $78,000 to $14.8 million or 1.18% of gross loans at March 31, 2025, as compared to $14.7 million or 1.19% of gross loans at December 31, 2024.

Total deposits increased $27.1 million or 2.3% to $1.20 billion at March 31, 2025, from $1.17 billion at December 31, 2024. Within the components of total deposits, time deposits increased $33.6 million, savings deposits increased $9.9 million, and non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $7.0 million, partially offset by decreases of $10.8 million in NOW deposits, $7.9 million in money market account deposits and $4.6 million in brokered deposits.

Stockholders’ equity decreased by $1.8 million or 1.1% to $170.4 million at March 31, 2025, from $172.3 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to $4.1 million in repurchases of common stock, offset by increases of $1.7 million in retained earnings and $713,000 in additional paid-in-capital. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 653,000 shares for approximately $4.1 million, or a weighted average price of approximately $6.23 per share.

Three Months of Operations

Net interest income increased by $382,000 or 4.6% to $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in total interest income of $1.4 million as a result of an increase in average interest earning assets, partially offset by an increase in total interest expense of $1.0 million as a result of an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.

Total interest income increased by $1.4 million or 7.4% to $20.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $19.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Interest income on loans, including fees, decreased $289,000 or 1.6% to $17.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $17.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in interest income on loans, including fees, resulted primarily from a decline in the average balance of loans receivable of $9.9 million or 0.8% to $1.24 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $1.25 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Average yield on loans receivable was 5.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, unchanged year over year. Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with other banks increased by $338,000 or 51.6% to $993,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $655,000 for the same period in the prior year. This increase resulted from a higher average balance of interest-bearing deposits with banks of $43.7 million or 80.7% to $97.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $54.1 million for the same period in the prior year. Interest income on investment securities increased by $1.3 million or 231.0% to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $561,000 for the same period in the prior year, as a result of purchasing and replacing paydowns of investment securities with higher yielding investment securities. The average balance of investment securities portfolio increased by $81.8 million or 117.2% to $151.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $69.8 million for the same period in the prior year. The average yield on investment securities increased by 168 basis points to 4.90% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 3.22% for the same period in the prior year. Dividend income on FHLB stock increased by $63,000 or 40.1% to $220,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $157,000 for the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of an increase in average yield of 128 basis points to 9.34% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 8.06% for the same period in the prior year.

Total interest expense increased by $1.0 million or 9.5% to $11.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $118.6 million or 11.0%, to $1.20 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $1.08 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Despite the increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 3.99% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 4.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities included a $85.3 million increase in average interest-bearing deposit liabilities and a $33.3 million increase in average wholesale borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was primarily used to maintain an increased level of liquidity consistent with regulatory guidance.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company recorded an $83,000 provision for credit losses as compared to a $7,000 provision for credit losses for the same period in the prior year. Based on the results of the CECL model and management’s evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative factors for the first quarter of 2025, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $51,000 on corporate securities held-to-maturity, a $19,000 provision for credit losses for unfunded commitments and a $13,000 provision for credit losses on loans. Based upon the aforementioned analyses, management believes that the allowance for credit losses on loans and investment securities at March 31, 2025, and 2024 were appropriate.

Net interest margin decreased by six basis points to 2.33% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 2.39% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in the net interest margin is primarily due to an increase in the average balance of interest bearing liabilities of $118.6 million to $1.20 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $1.08 billion three months ended March 31, 2024, despite a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.99% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from 4.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. This increase was partially offset by an increase in average balance of interest earning assets of $117.3 million to $1.50 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.39 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Non-interest income increased by $872,000 or 167.0% to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $522,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in total non-interest income resulted primarily from an increase in other income of $764,000 as a result of a non-recurring gain of $778,000 on the sale of a Company owned property recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Excluding this non-recurring gain, other income would have decreased $14,000 when compared to the same period in the prior year. Service charges and fees increased by $102,000 or 53.4% to $293,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $191,000 for the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in loan fees of $47,000 and an increase in deposit accounts fees of $51,000.

Non-interest expense increased by $638,000 or 8.8% to $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $238,000 or 5.3% to $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in salaries and employee benefits resulted primarily due to new positions appointed to assist in the growth of the Bank and annual merit increases partially offset by a decrease in health insurance costs year over year. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $245,000 or 26.9% to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $912,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to additional lease expense related to the Company leasing additional office space to relocate its corporate offices. Advertising and marketing expense decreased by $23,000 or 29.5% to $55,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as a result of reduction in marketing consultant services. Data processing expense increased by $57,000 or 20.0% to $342,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $285,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily as a result of adding new services and annual cost increases. FDIC insurance assessment increased $26,000 or 13.3% to $221,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $195,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as a result of an increase in the assessment rate. Other operating expenses increased by $79,000 or 10.5% to $828,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $749,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to minor increases in various components of other operating expenses. Other operating expenses are primarily comprised of loan related expenses, dues and subscriptions, digital banking expenses, sponsorships, training and education, software maintenance and depreciation, and miscellaneous expenses. Management’s focus continues to remain on prudently managing its operating expenses.

The income tax provision increased by $22,000 or 5.8% to $403,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $381,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. This increase in the income tax provision resulted primarily from an increase in the pre-tax income year over year. In addition, the effective tax yield declined year over year as a result of a reduction in New York state tax apportionment. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was 19.4% compared to 24.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Asset Quality

The allowance for credit losses increased by $78,000 to $14.8 million or 1.18% of gross loans at March 31, 2025, as compared to $14.7 million or 1.19% of gross loans at December 31, 2024, and $14.6 million or 1.18% at March 31, 2024. During the first quarter of 2025, the Company added a $13,000 provision to the allowance for credit losses and had net recoveries of $65,000. Based on the results of the CECL model and management’s evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative factors during the quarter, changes in the allowance for credit losses are adjusted accordingly.

The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $37.9 million or 3.02% of gross loans at March 31, 2025, as compared to $16.6 million or 1.34% of gross loans at December 31, 2024. Non-accrual loans increased by $21.3 million or 128.0% from December 31, 2024, as a result of one commercial real estate loan in the amount of approximately $21.0 million which was placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter of 2025. A contract is in place to remediate this facility which is anticipated to close during the second quarter of 2025. The allowance for credit losses was 39.1% of non-accrual loans at March 31, 2025, compared to 88.7%, at December 31, 2024.

About First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc, is a financial services organization headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey. The Bank, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products and retail and commercial banking services through its branch network located in Allentown, Bordentown, Closter, Englewood, Fairfield, Freehold, Jackson, Lakewood, Robbinsville and Teaneck, New Jersey. For more information, please visit our website https://www.firstcommercebk.com/ or contact our offices at 732-364-0032.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, like many written and oral communications presented by First Commerce Bancorp Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

In addition to the factors previously disclosed in prior Bank communications and those identified elsewhere, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the impact of changes in interest rates and in the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of First Commerce Bank’s investment securities portfolio; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; difficult market conditions and unfavorable economic trends in the United States generally, and particularly in the market areas in which First Commerce Bank operates and in which its loans are concentrated, including the effects of declines in housing market values; inflation; customer acceptance of the Bank’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with certain corporate initiatives; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.


First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Unaudited)

							March 31, 2025 vs.
							December 31, 2024
*(dollars in thousands, except percentages and share data)*	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			Amount			%
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash on hand	$	2,052		$	1,790		$	262			14.6	%
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		82,285			130,690			(48,405	)		-37.0	%
Total cash and cash equivalents		84,337			132,480			(48,143	)		-36.3	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale, at fair value		26,789			300			26,489			8829.7	%
Held-to-maturity (“HTM”), at amortized cost		151,258			112,107			39,151			34.9	%
Less: Allowance for credit losses – HTM securities		(249	)		(198	)		(51	)		25.8	%
Held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses		151,009			111,909			39,100			34.9	%
Total investment securities		177,798			112,209			65,589			58.5	%
Restricted stock		9,483			9,348			135			1.4	%
Loans receivable		1,256,247			1,239,031			17,216			1.4	%
Less: Allowance for credit losses		(14,834	)		(14,756	)		(78	)		0.5	%
Net loans receivable		1,241,413			1,224,275			17,138			1.4	%
Premises and equipment, net		10,338			17,059			(6,721	)		-39.4	%
Right-of-use asset		18,201			16,085			2,116			13.2	%
Accrued interest receivable		6,541			5,829			712			12.2	%
Bank owned life insurance		26,951			26,711			240			0.9	%
Deferred tax asset, net		3,031			3,076			(45	)		-1.5	%
Other assets		3,890			4,053			(163	)		-4.0	%
Total assets	$	1,581,983		$	1,551,125		$	30,858			2.0	%
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	164,686		$	157,684		$	7,002			4.4	%
Interest-bearing		1,037,393			1,017,254			20,139			2.0	%
Total Deposits		1,202,079			1,174,938			27,141			2.3	%
Borrowings		178,000			175,000			3,000			1.7	%
Accrued interest payable		1,970			1,913			57			3.0	%
Lease liability		18,968			16,773			2,195			13.1	%
Other liabilities		10,544			10,232			312			3.1	%
Total liabilities		1,411,561			1,378,856			32,705			2.4	%
Commitments and contingencies		–			–			–			–
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued		–			–			–			N/A
Common stock, par value of $0; 30,000,000 authorized		–			–			–			N/A
Additional paid-in capital		90,270			89,557			713			0.8	%
Retained earnings		106,641			104,965			1,676			1.6	%
Treasury stock		(26,360	)		(22,253	)		(4,107	)		18.5	%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(129	)		–			(129	)		-100.0	%
Total stockholders’ equity		170,422			172,269			(1,847	)		-1.1	%
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,581,983		$	1,551,125		$	30,858			2.0	%

Shares issued		24,243,030			23,995,390
Shares outstanding		20,130,474			20,536,214
Treasury shares		4,112,556			3,459,176


First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended					Variance
*(dollars in thousands, except percentages and share data)*	March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024			Amount			%
Interest and Dividend Income
Loans, including fees	$	17,388	$	17,677		$	(289	)		-1.6	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale		182		68			114			167.6	%
Held-to-maturity		1,675		493			1,182			239.8	%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks		993		655			338			51.6	%
Restricted stock dividends		220		157			63			40.1	%
Total interest and dividend income		20,458		19,050			1,408			7.4	%
Interest expense:
Deposits		9,731		9,052			679			7.5	%
Borrowings		2,106		1,759			347			19.7	%
Total interest expense		11,837		10,811			1,026			9.5	%
Net interest income		8,621		8,239			382			4.6	%
Provision for credit losses		13		124			(111	)		-89.5	%
Provision for (reversal of) unfunded commitments for credit losses		19		(119	)		138			-116.0	%
Provision for credit losses – HTM securities		51		2			49			2450.0	%
Total provision for credit losses		83		7			76			1085.7	%
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		8,538		8,232			306			3.7	%
Non-interest Income:
Service charges and fees		293		191			102			53.4	%
Bank owned life insurance income		240		234			6			2.6	%
Other income		861		97			764			787.6	%
Total non-interest income		1,394		522			872			167.0	%
Non-Interest Expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits		4,740		4,502			238			5.3	%
Occupancy and equipment expense		1,157		912			245			26.9	%
Advertising and marketing		55		78			(23	)		-29.5	%
Professional fees		512		496			16			3.2	%
Data processing expense		342		285			57			20.0	%
FDIC insurance assessment		221		195			26			13.3	%
Other operating expenses		828		749			79			10.5	%
Total non-interest expenses		7,855		7,217			638			8.8	%
Income before income taxes		2,077		1,537			540			35.1	%
Income tax provision		403		381			22			5.8	%
Net income	$	1,674	$	1,156		$	518			44.8	%

Earnings per common share – Basic	$	0.08	$	0.05		$	0.03			60.0	%
Earnings per common share – Diluted		0.08		0.05			0.03			60.0	%
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic		20,392		22,600			(2,208	)		-9.8	%
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted		20,435		22,930			(2,495	)		-10.9	%


First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Net Interest Margin Analysis
(Unaudited)

	Three months ended March 31, 2025								Three months ended March 31, 2024
	Average					Average			Average					Average
(dollars in thousands)	Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks	$	97,808		$	993		4.12	%	$	54,138		$	655		4.86	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale		11,672			182		6.25	%		9,054			68		2.99	%
Held-to-maturity		139,935			1,675		4.79	%		60,731			493		3.25	%
Total investment securities		151,607			1,857		4.90	%		69,785			561		3.22	%
Restricted stock		9,433			220		9.34	%		7,779			157		8.06	%
Loans receivable:
Consumer loans		881			7		3.16	%		372			2		2.42	%
Home equity loans		2,384			50		8.52	%		2,948			59		8.11	%
Construction loans		104,991			2,057		7.84	%		115,401			2,529		8.67	%
Commercial loans		42,935			845		7.87	%		36,192			736		8.04	%
Commercial mortgage loans		1,060,105			13,936		5.26	%		1,056,058			13,664		5.12	%
Residential mortgage loans		11,598			136		4.76	%		14,873			174		4.71	%
SBA loans		21,131			357		6.75	%		28,037			513		7.24	%
Total loans receivable		1,244,025			17,388		5.67	%		1,253,881			17,677		5.67	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,502,873			20,458		5.52	%		1,385,583			19,050		5.53	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses		(14,800	)							(14,485	)
Cash on hand		1,927								1,906
Other assets		67,951								59,935
Total non-interest-earning assets		55,078								47,356
Total assets	$	1,557,951							$	1,432,939
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	77,377		$	404		2.12	%	$	53,428		$	225		1.69	%
NOW accounts		8,629			62		2.91	%		38,092			322		3.40	%
Money market accounts		258,121			2,107		3.31	%		210,400			1,748		3.34	%
Savings accounts		39,467			195		2.00	%		29,145			29		0.40	%
Certificates of deposit		486,298			5,125		4.27	%		506,261			5,465		4.34	%
Brokered CDs		154,957			1,838		4.81	%		102,213			1,263		4.97	%
Borrowings		176,878			2,106		4.83	%		143,553			1,759		4.93	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,201,727		$	11,837		3.99	%		1,083,092		$	10,811		4.01	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		154,448								143,325
Other liabilities		29,196								23,291
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities		183,644								166,616
Stockholders’ equity		172,580								183,231
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,557,951							$	1,432,939
Net interest spread							1.53	%							1.52	%
Net interest margin				$	8,621		2.33	%				$	8,239		2.39	%


First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Selected Financial Data
(Unaudited)

	As of and for the quarters ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	3/31/2025			12/31/2024			9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024
Summary earnings:
Interest income	$	20,458		$	19,672		$	20,149		$	19,793		$	19,050
Interest expense		11,837			11,706			11,785			11,451			10,811
Net interest income		8,621			7,966			8,364			8,342			8,239
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		83			(55	)		54			300			7
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		8,538			8,021			8,310			8,042			8,232
Non-interest income		1,394			412			582			562			522
Non-interest expense		7,855			7,117			7,524			7,230			7,217
Income before income tax expense		2,077			1,316			1,368			1,374			1,537
Income tax expense		403			167			240			287			381
Net income	$	1,674		$	1,149		$	1,128		$	1,087		$	1,156
Per share data:
Earnings per share – basic	$	0.08		$	0.06		$	0.05		$	0.05		$	0.05
Earnings per share – diluted		0.08			0.06			0.05			0.05			0.05
Cash dividends declared		–			–			–			–			0.04
Book value at period end		8.47			8.39			8.31			8.19			8.13
Shares outstanding at period end		20,130			20,536			20,780			21,489			22,146
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		20,392			20,552			21,164			21,641			22,600
Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding		20,435			20,612			21,387			21,898			22,930
Balance sheet data (at period end):
Total assets	$	1,581,983		$	1,551,125		$	1,476,252		$	1,467,517		$	1,452,419
Investment securities, available-for-sale		26,789			300			7,748			8,337			8,758
Investment securities, held-to-maturity		151,009			111,909			73,977			74,109			61,483
Total loans		1,256,247			1,239,031			1,262,481			1,260,236			1,244,357
Allowance for credit losses		(14,834	)		(14,756	)		(14,869	)		(14,922	)		(14,628	)
Total deposits		1,202,079			1,174,938			1,097,165			1,107,159			1,105,161
Stockholders’ equity		170,422			172,269			172,642			175,933			179,963
Common cash dividends		–			–			–			–			904
Selected performance ratios:
Return on average total assets		0.44	%		0.31	%		0.31	%		0.30	%		0.32	%
Return on average stockholders’ equity		3.93	%		2.65	%		2.56	%		2.47	%		2.54	%
Dividend payout ratio		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			78.21	%
Average yield on earning assets		5.52	%		5.43	%		5.66	%		5.64	%		5.53	%
Average cost of funding liabilities		3.99	%		4.08	%		4.18	%		4.12	%		4.01	%
Net interest margin		2.33	%		2.20	%		2.35	%		2.38	%		2.39	%
Efficiency ratio		78.43	%		84.95	%		84.10	%		81.19	%		82.37	%
Non-interest income to average assets		0.36	%		0.11	%		0.16	%		0.16	%		0.15	%
Non-interest expenses to average assets		2.04	%		1.90	%		2.04	%		1.99	%		2.03	%
Asset quality ratios:
Non-performing loans to total loans		3.02	%		1.34	%		1.15	%		1.21	%		1.53	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		2.40	%		1.07	%		0.98	%		1.04	%		1.31	%
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans		39.12	%		88.71	%		102.67	%		97.76	%		76.77	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.18	%		1.19	%		1.18	%		1.18	%		1.18	%
Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans		0.02	%		-0.01	%		-0.03	%		0.01	%		0.01	%
Liquidity and capital ratios:
Net loans to deposits		103.27	%		104.20	%		113.71	%		112.48	%		111.27	%
Average loans to average deposits		105.49	%		111.83	%		114.54	%		113.30	%		115.79	%
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets		10.77	%		11.11	%		11.69	%		11.99	%		12.39	%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		13.29	%		14.45	%		14.30	%		14.67	%		15.33	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		12.16	%		13.26	%		13.13	%		13.48	%		15.15	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets		12.16	%		13.26	%		13.13	%		13.48	%		15.15	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		10.74	%		11.56	%		11.80	%		12.08	%		12.58	%

The MIL Network –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Keynote Speech – Canning House Mexico-UK Summit
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Keynote Speech – Canning House Mexico-UK Summit

During the Canning House’s Mexico-UK Summit, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico, Susannah Goshko, highlight the bilateral opportunity between our countries.
The UK-Mexico Partnership in 2025

Good morning everyone. It’s great to be here at Canning House’s inaugural Mexico-UK Summit. Canning House plays a hugely important role in bringing the UK and Mexico closer together.

I would therefore like to begin by thanking Jeremy Browne and his team for organising this Summit and fostering the valuable exchange of ideas between business, government and academia.

As many of you will know, I arrived in Mexico at the end of last year: so I am now just a few months into my posting as British Ambassador to Mexico. And what a time to arrive. A new government in Mexico and a new government in the UK. A world that is changing more rapidly than any of us could have predicted. Let me start therefore by talking about the bilateral opportunity, before coming on to how the UK and Mexico can work together on the global stage.

The relationship between the UK and Mexico dates back over 200 years. One of the first things I did in my role here was accompany the High Sheriff of Cornwall to Hidalgo where British miners – from Cornwall – first arrived in the 19th century, drawn by the opportunities that Mexico offered. They brought with them football and Cornish pasties – both of which live on to this day, although the pasties turn out to be a little more picante than we are used to them in Cornwall.

The first record of a football match being played in Mexico was between those Cornish miners and the Mexicans who lived in Hidalgo. On that occasion – for perhaps the first and last time – the Brits beat the Mexicans. And this is a nice anecdote but actually, it’s more than that. It’s evidence of the culture and history that continue to bind us today.

In fact, our rich cultural and people-to-people links are one of the most important aspects of this relationship: whether it’s the numerous Mexicans who play in the English Premier League, the more than 3000 Mexican students have been awarded Chevening scholarships since 1983, or the fact that the largest number of Beatlemaniacs in the world are not in fact in the UK but are right here in Mexico.

But the policy agenda is – perhaps – even more exciting. When the new government in the UK was elected last summer, it was on the basis of a number of very clear priorities – or missions as the PM has described them. These include:

Reducing barriers to opportunity for all

Building a health system fit for the future

Making the UK a green energy super power by 2030

And kickstarting economic growth.

I have been struck in my first few months here, how much of that agenda resonates with what the government in Mexico is trying to achieve. In the language we use and in the priorities we choose, there is much alignment between our approaches.

The growth agenda

Let me start by talking about economic growth. Growth is at the heart of the UK government’s agenda because – like Mexico – the British government has made important commitments around addressing social inequality. To meet these ambitious commitments, it will be essential for us both to have thriving economies.

So all British diplomats have been given clear marching orders: we must do all we can to build economic prosperity for the UK but also for the countries in which we are working. And what does that mean here? Well, trade between the UK and Mexico is good: Our markets are complementary, so we are not in competition with each other, and we have an more or less equally balanced trading relationship.

But we can afford to be much more ambitious: two way trade is currently worth around £6.1bn a year – as two G20 countries, both committed to open and free trade – this should and could be much higher. It is in both of our interests to ensure that it is, if we are to build the equitable and prosperous societies we are both seeking.

The first step on this journey will be Mexican ratification of the UK’s accession to CPTPP which we hope will happen shortly. This will accelerate growth by deepening British and Mexican participation in our respective supply chains. It will diversify our trade in innovative sectors such as electromobility, health-tech and advanced manufacturing and will provide greater certainty to UK investors in Mexico and Mexican investors wanting to set up and grow their business in the UK.

At the same time, a new industrial strategy in the UK and Plan Mexico here will drive growth in both our countries in sectors of mutual interest and expertise, among them healthcare and life sciences, financial services, and education. We must grasp this opportunity.

There is much success to build upon: last year we saw innovative British bank Revolut secure their banking licence in Mexico. Astrazeneca opened their second largest global research plant in Jalisco. Orbia expanded their presence in the UK with an additional £75m investment, creating 100 new jobs.

These are just a small selection of success stories from the last twelve months. I am confident that there will be many more to come driven by a determination from both our governments to put sustainable growth at the heart of our plans.

Climate

The second area where I see enormous potential is on climate and energy. I am delighted that Minister for Environment, Alicia Barcena will speak later in the day. Minister Barcena has been a great friend of the UK as well as a champion of our shared commitment to tackling the climate and nature emergency.

This is one of the most profound threats to face us and future generations. We must work together to ensure a liveable planet for all. Our future prosperity and security depends on what we do now.

For the British government, combatting climate change and biodiversity loss must be done alongside eradicating social inequality. We believe firmly that this can be achieved without compromising economic growth. In fact, done right, we believe that the energy transition can be an economic advantage. As testament to this, I offer the fact that in the UK we have reduced emissions by 54% whilst also growing our GDP by 84% on 1990 levels.

Under the leadership of President Sheinbaum and Prime Minister Starmer we have an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our cooperation in this area.

When I presented my credentials to the President some two weeks ago, I congratulated her for her leadership on Mexico’s NDC commitment and the newly announced Net Zero goal. The UK stands ready to offer any support that we can in their development and implementation.

Our vision to do this is one where there’s space for every part of society to contribute and benefit from ambitious climate action. We have, for instance, worked with local communities and civil society in Sonora to pilot solar energy projects, increasing access to electricity and diversifying sources of income for families.

And our scientific and academic links are also a fundamental asset to tackle climate change. Mexican and British research institutions are working together to deploy solutions to manage sargassum proliferation, which has greatly impacted the tourism industry in Mexico and many Caribbean nations.

And there’s, of course, the role of private sector. No climate target will ever be met without industries and financiers actively playing a part in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis. Private investment in innovative technologies such as offshore wind energy will be essential to boost renewable energy generation in Mexico whilst ensuring the protection of energy sovereignty. Many British companies are keen to be part of this journey.

While the task might feel unsurmountable at times, I am convinced that by working together, Mexico and the UK can bring us closer to building a liveable, more equitable planet for all.

The Global Context

Now let me come on and talk a bit about the global context. Of course, to ensure that prosperous democracies like ours can thrive we need geopolitical stability. Across the world we are living in uncertain times with brutal conflicts still waging in Sudan, the Middle East and Ukraine.

Mexico’s historic bridging role in multilateral fora means it is uniquely placed to bring countries together in support of our shared values of democracy, sovereignty and a commitment to human rights.

During my career, I have observed the vast experience and talent of Mexican diplomats in multilateral fora, sharing our concern to protect the institutions that ensure world peace. Their ability to bring together different points of view and chart a path forward that everyone can agree is part of Mexico’s USP: one of my formative memories is of watching a Mexican diplomat rescue a biodiversity negotiation from the brink of collapse at the eleventh hour and find an almost impossible consensus.

In this increasingly complex world, we need this more than ever. Those countries that share our commitment to the rules based international order must continue working together to ensure that multilateral institutions remain strong and relevant.

For example, in February, the UK and Mexico united with other nations in the UN to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The security threats we face have been transformed in the last decade. We are all confronting the unprecedented rate at which threats to information integrity are growing. Misinformation and disinformation are both more common than ever and increasingly difficult to distinguish from the truth.

As democratic governments, the UK and Mexico must be proactive about countering this threat. We also have a responsibility to uphold the principles of an open civil society and free media to take on this challenge. I’m proud therefore that here in Mexico we support a vibrant Civil Society Group ‘Las Linternas’ to strengthen their fact checking, identify false stories and build media literacy. Our resilience to these threats domestically depends – like so much else – on our ability to work together.

Conclusion

So there is much to do. Perhaps I’ll end where I began: Lord Canning – after whom Canning House is named – was the first British foreign secretary, some 200 years ago, to devote a large proportion of his time and energies to Latin America and to foresee the important political and economic role the region would one day play.

We are once again at a moment of enormous geopolitical change. We too should choose to strengthen and trust in this bilateral relationship. Together I am confident that the UK and Mexico can do brilliant things.

Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 25 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Colleagues Oppose Trump’s Crusade Against Free Speech and Religious Freedom

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

Members of Congress Demand Trump Administration End Campaign of Ideological Surveillance

April 25, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led their colleagues in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Jo Bondi and other agency heads expressing concerns regarding the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.

The letter raises concerns that the Task Force threatens religious freedom, suppressesfree speech, purges political opponents, and promotes discrimination under the guise of defending religious liberty – essentially using the eradication of “anti-Christian bias” as a pretext to suppress, intimidate, and purge religious minorities, nonbelievers, LGBTQ+ people, political opponents, and other marginalized communities.

“Protecting true religious freedom for Christians and everyone else is a core American value. That is why the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, in addition to guaranteeing the free exercise of religion, forbids the government from establishing any religion, favoring one faith over others, or preferring religious belief over non-belief. The premise of your Task Force – President Trump’s claim that government is somehow being “weaponized” against Christians – simply strains credulity. As you are surely aware, Christians comprise 67% of America’s population, 87% of the Congress, and nearly theentire Trump administration. The longstanding social, cultural and political predominance of Christians in this country, including in our government, is beyond serious debate. Yet you are presiding over a powerful group of Christians seemingly bent on providing special protections and favoritism for Christians,”the lawmakers wrote.

“Under the guise of defending religious liberty, your Task Force is on a collision course with church-state separation and true religious freedom, which includes the right to not be a Christian,” the lawmakers continued. “Our government is not the guardian of Christianity; it is and must always be the neutral guarantor of religious liberty for all. By its exclusive charge to address alleged bias against Christians, your Task Force disregards the problem of religious discrimination and coercion faced by religious minorities and nonreligious individuals while reinforcing a narrative that Christians have special status.”

“[The] directive for employees to anonymously report colleagues based on subjective criteria and without clear procedural safeguards raises the specter of ideological surveillance. It threatens to suppress open dialogue and fosters a workplace environment where personal beliefs are policed and punished, particularly against those who are not members of the Christian majority. It is reminiscent of the Red Scare and the Lavender Scare that previously swept through federal agencies, and it mirrors the practices of authoritarian regimes that promote fear and suppress individual freedoms. This dystopic secretarial directive flouts our secular Constitution, and it poses a serious threat to true religious liberty,” the lawmakers added.

This letter follows reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, and other agency heads have directed federal employees toanonymously report colleagues for incidents including displaying pride flags or non-Christian symbols, promoting or participating in diversity initiatives, and requestingpreferred pronouns.

In addition to Reps. Huffman and Raskin, the letter was signed by Congressional Freethought Caucus Members Sean Casten, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, Emily Randall, Andrea Salinas, and Becca Balint. The Congressional Freethought Caucus is an interfaith group of Members dedicated to advocating for religious freedom, church-state separation, and public policies based on science and reason.

Read the full letter here.

###

Previous Article

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WEEK 14 WINS: President Trump Drives Economic Growth and Strengthens National Security

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
This week, President Donald J. Trump and his administration delivered another series of bold victories for the American people, advancing economic prosperity, enhancing national security, and restoring common sense to government. From unleashing American energy dominance to cracking down on illicit foreign activities, the Trump Administration continues its relentless pursuit of policies that prioritize American workers, families, and communities.
Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 14:
President Trump’s unrelenting commitment to revitalizing American manufacturing delivered more results, driving job creation and economic growth nationwide.
Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing and R&D, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., announced a $2 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and innovation.
Chobani announced a $1.2 billion investment to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
Fiserv, Inc. announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the factory’s 2,000 workers.
Hyundai Motor Group secured an equity investment and agreement from Posco Holdings, South Korea’s top steel maker, for the automaker’s planned steel plant in Louisiana.
Hitachi Energy announced a $22.5 million investment to expand its facilities in Virginia, which is expected to add 120 new jobs.
Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
GM announced it will increase production at its Ohio transmission facility.
Coinbase announced plans to add more than 130 new jobs and open a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

President Trump continued to secure our border and rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals.
The Swanton sector of the U.S.-Canada border — previously overrun by illegal immigrants — saw illegal border crossings decline from 1,109 in March 2024 to just 54 in March 2025.
New York Post: Northern border sector previously overrun by illegal migrants sees dramatic drop in crossings: ‘We haven’t seen anyone since November’

The Washington Times: Under Trump, border catch-and-release has dropped 99.99% from worst Biden month
CBS: ICE partnerships with local law enforcement triple as Trump continues deportation crackdown
The Federal Bureau of Investigation apprehended Harpreet Singh, an alleged member of a foreign terrorist gang who was planning multiple attacks on law enforcement in the U.S. and India.
Five suspected Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested in Fresno County, California.

President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
The Trump Administration has directed attacks that have killed at least 74 terrorists seeking to attack the U.S. so far.

The Trump Administration forged ahead on its unprecedented effort to secure American energy dominance.
The Department of the Interior announced it will accelerate the onerous permitting process for energy and critical minerals, slashing approval times from years to just 28 days, at most.
Chevron announced a massive oil and natural gas project in the Gulf of America, with 75,000 gross barrels of oil expected to be produced daily.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from medications and the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026.
President Trump took a series of executive actions to enhance educational and workforce opportunities for the American people.
President Trump signed an executive order modernizing American workforce programs to prepare citizens for the high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers: “Our industry faces a persistent and growing shortage of skilled workers, and this action reflects the leadership needed to build a strong pipeline of talent for the jobs of the future. By aligning workforce programs with the realities of today’s labor market, the administration is taking a smart, strategic step to bolster U.S. manufacturing. We support the President’s continued focus on reshoring American manufacturing and ensuring our workforce is filled with the brightest and best talent in the world.”

President Trump signed an executive order creating new educational and workforce development opportunities in artificial intelligence technology for America’s youth.
President Trump signed an executive order revoking flawed Obama-Biden guidance that pressured schools to impose discipline based on “racial equity” and gives teachers the ability to ensure order in their classrooms.

President Trump took action to further reform and enhance higher education in America.
President Trump signed an executive order overhauling the nation’s higher education accreditation system to ensure colleges and universities deliver high-quality, high-value education free from unlawful discrimination and ideological bias.
President Trump signed an executive order enhancing the capacity of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities to deliver high-quality education and innovation.
President Trump signed an executive order requiring higher education institutions to promptly disclose foreign gifts and funding.

President Trump signed a landmark executive order eliminating the use of so-called “disparate-impact liability,” which undermines civil rights by mandating discrimination to achieve predetermined, race-oriented outcomes.
President Trump ordered an investigation into illegal “straw donor” and foreign contributions in American elections.
President Trump signed an executive order strengthening probationary periods in the federal service — ensuring a merit-based federal workforce that serves the American people.
President Trump signed an executive order to develop domestic capabilities for exploration, characterization, collection, and processing of critical deep seabed minerals.
President Trump announced he will personally fund the installation of two beautiful 100-foot flagpoles flying the American flag on the North Lawn of the White House.
Small business sentiment remained near its historic high in March, according to a new survey from the Job Creators Network Foundation.
The Department of State launched an unprecedented reorganization to reverse decades of bloat and bureaucracy that rendered it unable to perform its essential diplomatic mission.
The Department of Justice launched the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias as part of President Trump’s directive to end unlawful anti-Christian discrimination by the federal government.
The Department of Education announced it will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans after a five-year pause, ending the Biden-era practice of zero-interest, zero-accountability student borrowing.
The Department of the Interior officially unveiled the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, honoring the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was savagely murdered by illegal immigrants in Texas.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan rescinded the Biden-era Navy Climate Action 2030 program, which prioritized ideologically motivated regulations over the Navy’s core mission of warfighting.
The Department of Education returned oversight of higher education foreign funding disclosures to the Office of General Counsel, making clear that the Trump Administration will prioritize enforcement of federal law.
The Department of Education initiated an investigation and records request into University of California, Berkeley, after a review of the university’s foreign funding disclosures found they may be incomplete or inaccurate.
The Department of the Treasury sanctioned an Iranian liquefied petroleum gas magnate and his network as part of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign.
The Department of Agriculture announced $340.6 million in disaster assistance for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities impacted by natural disasters across the country.
The Department of the Interior disbursed $13 million to revitalize coal communities.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: American Businesses Rally Behind President Trump’s Tariffs to Save Manufacturing

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
President Donald J. Trump’s decisive trade policies are igniting a resurgence in American manufacturing — earning fervent support from family-owned businesses and others nationwide who have suffered from decades of unfair trade practices. From steel forges to moldmakers, their voices echo a powerful truth: these policies aren’t just protecting jobs — they’re reviving the heart of American industry.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Walker Forge, a third-generation family-owned business in Clintonville, Wisconsin, manufactures forgings out of steel for a variety of industries, including the defense industry.
Will Walker (President): “This is the first time in generations that we have a President who puts American manufacturing first. That’s what these tariffs do — put America first. The tariffs send a clear message that companies cannot undercut our U.S. industrial base anymore.”
Franchino Mold & Engineering, based in Lansing, Michigan, designs, engineers, builds, maintains, and repairs plastic injection molds.
Mike Hetherington (President): “I represent Franchino Mold & Engineering, and we are proud to be celebrating 70 years as a U.S. moldmaker this year. I find it extremely unfair that I can buy a complete injection mold from China for less than it costs me to purchase the raw materials to build it here in the United States. We are held to a high standard for labor, safety, quality, and environmental standards, which we proudly meet while competing against companies in China that don’t play by the same rules. They benefit from heavy government subsidies, lax labor standards, and artificially low prices that make it impossible for U.S. moldmakers to compete with China on price. Tariffs help level the playing field for U.S. moldmakers and force companies to look to U.S. moldmakers to supply them with products that meet their cost, quality and delivery needs. We are not asking for protection — we are asking for fairness!”
ELLWOOD, a 115-year-old family-owned business in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, manufactures quality metals and custom engineered components for the world’s most demanding applications ranging from our nation’s defense to aerospace.
Ben Huffman (President and CEO): “ELLWOOD supports President Trump’s efforts to reshape the global trading system to a fair system. The current unbalanced system puts U.S. manufacturing at a significant disadvantage. Unfair, country-subsidized trading practices that are occurring all over the globe continue to do significant harm to ELLWOOD and the historically damaging trade practices must be reversed.”
Dyersville Die Cast, based in Dyersville, Iowa, specializes in custom aluminum and zinc die cast manufacturing and secondary services, such as CNC machining and powder coat paint.
Robert Willits (President): “I have been in my role for over 24 years — and during that time, I have witnessed many events that have convinced me that President Trump is 100% correct on tariffs. I fully support his fight to protect American manufacturers. God bless President Trump for keeping his promises.”
TK Mold & Engineering, Inc., based in Romeo, Michigan, builds prototype and production molds for the consumer goods and automotive industries.
Tom Barr (President): “TK Mold & Engineering, Inc., is proud to be situated in the heart of America’s automotive sector. Thanks to recent tariff policies, we’re seeing a renewed interest in U.S.-based manufacturing. In just the past three days, we’ve received three requests for quotes specifically aimed at reshoring mold and molding production back to the United States. These tariffs are creating real opportunities for American businesses like ours by encouraging companies to bring work back home. We’re grateful for policies that support Main Street and help revitalize essential trades like moldmaking.”
Industrial Molds, Inc., a family-owned business in Rockford, Illinois, is a tool and die shop with 52 employees.
Andy Peterson (CEO): “The implementation of tariffs has caused our customers to completely rethink their supply chains and source more work domestically. This has completely changed our forecast for the year to the better and we are looking to add more employees quickly.”
Legacy Precision Molds, Inc., based in Grandville, Michigan, specializes in the design and manufacturing of tight-tolerance plastic injection molds.
Tyler VanRee (Vice President): “The recent tariffs have had a noticeable and positive impact on our business. We’ve seen a significant increase in quote activity, have been awarded new work, and are seeing growing interest from companies exploring reshoring opportunities. At their current levels, the tariffs are driving real momentum toward U.S.-based manufacturing. We appreciate the administration’s commitment to strengthening American industry and we encourage them to continue to explore long-term solutions to help strengthen and rebuild American manufacturing again.”
Campbell Press Repair, based in Lansing, Michigan, is a second-generation family business servicing the metal forging and stamping industries with repair, rebuilding work on heavy machinery, modernization, automation, and new equipment, with 28 highly-talented employees.
Pete Campbell (President): “Who knew about the tariff imbalances before President Trump brought them to light? As a small businessman competing in a world market, these things matter.”
Westminster Tool, Inc., based in Plainfield, Connecticut, is a plastic injection mold manufacturer that specializes in complex medical and surgical devices.
Hillary Thomas (Vice President): “The manufacturing tariffs imposed by President Trump and his administration have benefited our business, similar to the wide-scale tariff effort in 2018. Following the recent announcement, our quote requests rose 25% in one month. These tariffs, particularly against China and other international competitors, help level the global manufacturing playing field for the moldmaking industry. We strongly support and encourage maintaining international tariffs that promote manufacturing here in the country.”
Metallus, Inc., based in Canton, Ohio, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-performance specialty metals made from recycled scrap metal for the industrial, automotive, aerospace, and defense and energy markets.
Michael S. Williams (President and CEO): “We support the enforcement and expansion of 232 tariffs on steel products, as they align with our long-standing commitment to fair trade and addressing market imbalances. As a domestic steel producer, we view tariffs as a victory for both Metallus and the broader American steel industry.”
Twin Cities Die Casting, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a 106-year-old, employee-owned die casting company with three locations in the Midwest and 175 employees.
Todd Olson (CEO): “Our industry — and our company, specifically — has been greatly impacted by the increase in foreign competition, much of it with unfair support of other countries, over the last ten years. While the U.S. die casting market has grown over that time period, the U.S. industry has shrunk and production in low-cost countries has grown immensely.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration Over Moves to Cut Billions in State Education Funding

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unprecedented and unlawful requirement for states to end diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools, putting billions of dollars in education funding at risk. On April 3, the United States Department of Education (ED) alerted state education agencies that in order to continue receiving essential funding, they must sign a new certification affirming they will not engage in undefined “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. New York, like many other states, did not sign the April 3 certification, pointing to its longstanding commitment to complying with civil rights laws. Billions of dollars that support low-income students, provide special education services, and help vulnerable children in foster care are imperiled due to the administration’s new policies. Attorney General James and the coalition assert that ED’s new directive is illegal and unconstitutional. The coalition is seeking a court order declaring the April 3 certification demand unlawful and stopping it from being implemented.

“Every student has the fundamental right to learn in an environment that is welcoming and open to everyone,” said Attorney General James. “The Trump administration is illegally trying to stop efforts that prevent discrimination in our schools, support students with disabilities, and provide resources for students in need while jeopardizing billions of dollars in essential federal education funding. As a proud graduate of New York public schools, I will always step up to protect our schools and stop illegal attacks on our most vulnerable students.”

Since January 20, President Trump has issued a series of Executive Orders that seek to ban unspecified practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and punish institutions, including K-12 schools, that engage in programs it believes are illegal. On April 3, ED implemented the Trump administration’s policies by demanding that state education agencies have ten days to certify they will not engage in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. State agencies were also compelled to get certifications from all of their local education agencies or propose enforcement plans for those local school systems. ED later extended the deadline to April 24.

In New York, ED provides more than $3 billion in funding to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which oversees K-12 education programs that serve more than 2.4 million students. This funding is crucial for providing access to educational opportunities for all New York students.

For example, NYSED will distribute nearly $1.4 billion in federal Title I funds this fiscal year to school districts to help ensure low-income students have the resources needed to overcome barriers to learning and success. New York also receives nearly $1 billion in funding appropriated by Congress under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These funds help the over 450,000 students with disabilities in New York obtain the services that they are entitled to under federal law.

Loss of federal funding would be catastrophic for students throughout New York state. Two of the largest school districts in New York, the Rochester and Buffalo city school districts, receive over 17 percent of their revenue from federal funds, while the Syracuse and Binghamton city school districts receive over 14 percent.

As Attorney General James and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, the Trump administration has failed to define what constitutes an “illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion practice.” For example, the lawsuit notes that when Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was asked at her confirmation hearing how a school would discern whether it was running an illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion program, she failed to provide a definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion, let alone give any substansive answer.

In addition, ED’s directive ignores the fact that countless programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are in fact required by federal civil rights and funding laws and that federal laws prohibit the federal government from interfering with state and local education curricula or programs.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the Trump administration’s April 3 certification demand violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is contrary to numerous laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and federal laws that prohibit federal interference with state and local education policies. It also violates the Constitution by withholding funding that Congress appropriated and places unlawful conditions on federal funds.

With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order stopping ED from implementing the April 3 certification demand or imposing any other similar demand on the states.

This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Joining this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Cameroonian Man Indicted for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Armed Separatist Fighters to Murder, Kidnap, and Maim Individuals in Cameroon and For Making Threats

Source: United States Attorneys General

A federal grand jury in Baltimore returned an indictment yesterday charging a Cameroonian national residing in Maryland, Eric Tataw, also known as “the Garri Master,” 38, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, with conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist militias in Cameroon and threatening violence against Cameroonian civilians. He surrendered and will make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson today.

According to court documents, multiple armed and violent secessionist groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon are fighting to form a new country called “Ambazonia.” The armed separatist militias sought to achieve secession by not only attacking the Cameroonian military, but also intentionally attacking the civilian population in Cameroon in an attempt to force the Cameroonian government into allowing these regions to secede. These separatist fighters are frequently referred to as “Amba Boys.”

“The defendant is alleged to have ordered horrific acts of violence, including severing limbs, against Cameroonian civilians in support of a violent secessionist movement,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to hold accountable human rights violators who direct brutal political violence and fundraise for armed militias from the comfort of the United States.”

“The Justice Department will not tolerate those who help murder, maim, and kidnap,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those who aim to turn American soil into a staging ground for political violence abroad.”

“Tataw and his co-conspirators masterminded and financially supported a vicious scheme to overthrow a foreign government. They resorted to an unthinkable level of violence while instilling fear in innocent victims to advance their political agenda,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who attempts to inflict mayhem on others. Tataw and his co-conspirators demonstrated a total disregard for human life so now they must pay the price.”

As alleged in the indictment, Tataw was a citizen of Cameroon living in Maryland and was a member of the Cameroonian diaspora with a large social media following. Beginning in April 2018, Tataw and others sought to raise funds for the Amba Boys to finance violent attacks in Cameroon. Tataw also allegedly called for the murder, kidnapping, and maiming of civilians and the destruction of public, educational, and cultural property in Cameroon. Tataw and his co-conspirators allegedly directed the maiming of Cameroonian civilians by severing their limbs, a practice Tataw called “Garriing.” Tataw allegedly used the phrase “small Garri” to refer to removing fingers or other small appendages and the phrase “large Garri” to refer to removing large limbs or killing people. Additionally, Tataw allegedly referred to himself as the “Garri Master,” or master of mutilation.

Tataw and his co-conspirators allegedly targeted those believed to be working for or collaborating with the government, including municipal officials, traditional chiefs, and employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), a public company that grew, processed, and sold bananas, palm oil, and rubber. As alleged, Tataw personally wrote hundreds of social media posts on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter calling for attacks against Cameroonian civilians, seeking to raise funds to arm Amba Boys, and threatening those he viewed as cooperating with the government of Cameroon. These social media posts were regularly viewed by tens of thousands of people, including Amba Boys and their leaders, and were often further disseminated by third parties allegedly acting at Tataw’s direction or encouragement.

Tataw is charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support and four counts of interstate communication of a threat to harm. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on the material support count and five years in prison on each count of communication of a threat to harm. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland; and Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Maryland made the announcement.

HSI and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, with assistance from the FBI, are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Hoffman and Joseph Wenner for the District of Maryland, and Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Andrew Briggs of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: $1.8 Million in Community Airport Improvements to take Flight this Construction Season

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on April 25, 2025

Today, Highways Minister David Marit announced more than $1.8 million in infrastructure improvements at eight community airports, which will strengthen their aviation roles.

Through the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program, the Ministry of Highways will commit $935,910 toward the projects and the airport operators will fund the remaining estimated $939,228. The work is to occur in the 2025 construction season.

“Air ambulances, firefighting and policing services, agriculture and other industries rely on local airports across Saskatchewan to meet the needs of businesses and communities,” Marit said. “These infrastructure investments position rural and northern communities for growth, while strengthening our great province.”

CAP invests in regional, community-owned airport upgrades to runways and taxiways, lighting, security fencing, navigational systems and other eligible projects.

“Thanks to this ongoing partnership with the provincial government, communities can make strategic infrastructure investments to improve their airports so they can continue to provide the key services that support our quality of life and contribute to our economy,” Saskatchewan Aviation Council President Janet Keim said.

A project is funded on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis between the approved recipient and the provincial government to a maximum $275,000. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the funding recipient.

Airport operators and the provincial funding allocated toward their projects for 2025-26 are:

Airport Operator	Project	Estimated Total Cost	Provincial Contribution	Airport Contribution
Town of Assiniboia	Rehabilitation Taxiway / Air Ambulance Loading Area	$90,865	$45,433	$45,432
Town of Esterhazy	Runway and Apron Revitalization	$159,000	$79,500	$79,500
RM of Eye Hill No. 382	RM of Eye Hill Municipal Airport Rehabilitation Project 2025	$127,365	$63,683	$63,682
Town of La Ronge	Airport Drainage System Maintenance / Improvements (Phase 2)	$550,000	$275,000	$275,000
Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority	Crack Filling	$40,000	$20,000	$20,000
Town of Nipawin	Airport Runway and Taxi Rehab	$320,000	$160,000	$160,000
Town of Tisdale	Phase 2 Resurface Runway	$503,320	$250,000	$253,320
City of Yorkton	Crack Sealing and South Runway Joint Repair	$84,588	$42,294	$42,294
Totals		$1,875,138	$935,910	$939,228

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Cannes Film Festival Martine Frossard’s animated short Hypersensitive (NFB) in Official Competition
Source: Government of Canada News (2)

April 25, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

The National Film Board of Canada will be at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with the animated film Hypersensitive, directed by France-born, Montreal-based filmmaker Martine Frossard. The film is part of the Official Selection – Short Film Competition at this year’s edition, which runs from May 13 to 24.

The film recounts the turbulent, surrealistic journey of a young woman struggling to rebuild her self, in defiance of social norms that tell us to repress our emotions—and reminding us that to be sensitive is to be alive.

The animated short Bread Will Walk (Le pain se lève) by Alex Boya, produced by the NFB, has been selected for the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar section of the Cannes Film Festival, taking place May 14 to 24, 2025.

Quotes

“I was deeply moved to learn that Hypersensitive has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival. There are no words to describe what an honour this is. I share this overwhelming joy with the entire team at the National Film Board of Canada, including my producer, Marc Bertrand, who was on board right from the very first sketches, and the rest of the team with the French Animation Unit, whose support was invaluable. My deepest hope is that Hypersensitive will open up a dialogue on vulnerability and resilience, so that people everywhere take greater heed of our emotions, even the most painful ones.”
– Martine Frossard, filmmaker

“Seeing the talent of an emerging director acknowledged at Cannes is such a source of pride for us at the NFB. Discovering and supporting next-generation filmmakers is integral to our mandate. With Hypersensitive, Martine Frossard has made an affecting film of outstanding visual quality. It’s a stunning example of the creative vitality and distinctive signature of our animation units and our artists. Congratulations to the director and everyone at the NFB who played a part in this great success!”
– Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB

Quick Facts

About the film

Hypersensible (Hypersensitive) by Martine Frossard (6 min 44 s)
An NFB production (Marc Bertrand)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/hypersensitive
- For her first collaboration with the NFB, this self-taught filmmaker continues to explore themes that have marked her work thus far: the quest for identity, the realm of perception and memory—but also grief, trauma and resilience.
- The artist illustrates how heightened sensitivity is all too often interpreted as some kind of resistance to conformity with social and relationship norms. Since most people will encounter hypersensitivity, in others or in themselves, at some point in their lives, Martine Frossard’s film is a heartfelt plea for us all to take greater heed of our emotions, even the most painful ones.
- The film was edited by filmmaker and editor Oana Suteu Khintirian (Beyond Paper).
- After its Cannes premiere, Hypersensitive will be shown in the Canadian Competition of the Sommets du cinéma d’animation, which runs from May 26 to 31, in Montreal.
About the director

Martine Frossard is a multidisciplinary artist who works in illustration, animation and participatory installations. Born in Strasbourg, France, she moved to Montreal in 2005, where she earned a master’s degree in design project creation and management. Her first short film, Thirty Masks (2015), was named a Vimeo Staff Pick. Her works have since been shown in Canada, the United States and Europe.

– 30 –

Stay Connected

Online Screening Room: NFB.ca
NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

About the NFB

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Fifty-two affordable homes open for First Nations in Merritt
Source: Government of Canada regional news

First Nations elders, families and youth in Merritt now have access to new affordable homes with the opening of a 52-unit building.

“By investing in housing in rural areas, and helping First Nations people and families find the homes they need, we’re helping people stay connected to their culture and loved ones, and thrive in the community they call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “I’m proud that B.C. is the first province to invest in on- and off-reserve housing.”

The four-storey building at 2640 Spring Bank Ave. will provide homes for community members from Nicola Valley’s five First Nation bands: Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Band.

“Working in partnership with First Nations in the Nicola Valley supports self-determination and reconciliation in a way that these Nations’ members can see and feel,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “I applaud the leadership by the Nicola Native Lodge Society and the five Nations for coming together with the Province to provide a culturally significant space moving forward.”

The Nicola Native Lodge Society (NNLS) provided the land for the project and will operate the building, which includes a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, each with a private balcony. Five of the units are accessible and 31 are adaptable to accommodate changing accessibility needs. The building includes an amenity space for social gatherings and cultural ceremonies, with direct access to an outdoor amenity space.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including approximately 250 homes in Merritt.

Quick Facts:
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided a grant of approximately $10 million for the development through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund.
- BC Housing will also provide approximately $413,000 in annual operating funds.
- A joint contribution of approximately $1.3 million, through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, also went toward the project.
- The Nicola Native Lodge Society provided land valued at approximately $588,000 for the project.
Quotes:

Vaughn Sunday, co-ordinator, Nicola Native Lodge Society —

“This marks a proud moment, as we celebrate the opening of the Nicola Native Lodge. This historic occasion could not have been accomplished without the support of the members of the five Nicola First Nations, the elected leadership, the board members of the NNLS, BC Housing and the Province.”

Mike Goetz, mayor, Merritt —

“The City of Merritt is proud to support this important housing initiative, which provides much-needed homes for local First Nations families, elders, and youth. We are grateful to the Nicola Native Lodge Society and our local First Nations for their leadership and collaboration in building a stronger, more inclusive community.”

Learn More:

To learn more about the B.C. government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

Join BC Housing to listen and learn from people in British Columbia who are creating strong, inclusive housing communities. Subscribe to BC Housing’s podcast, Let’s Talk Housing, on:

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s Address at Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam

Source: Government of India

Thiru R.N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirapalli, Thiru R. Kirlosh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries, Vice Chancellors and Distinguished audience present in the hall.

We are having access to this discourse through LIVE coverage by Sansad TV. So, what is being transacted here is not limited to those present here, it will resonate not only to Vice-Chancellors but to all who are stakeholders in the rise of this nation, in improving the academic environment in the country.

A while ago, we observed silence. I join the nation in expressing profound grief and outrage at the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, that claimed innocent lives. It is a grim reminder that terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison.

Bharat is the world’s most peace-loving nation and our civilisational ethos, reflected in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is getting global resonance. Our visionary leadership in the shape of a Prime Minister who is in his third term is our greatest assurance that the nation’s rise cannot be handicapped by any situations- internal or external.

But we all must bear in mind that National Interest is supreme. This was echoed by no one else than Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while imparting his final address to the Constituent Assembly. We therefore have to take a resolve to always keep Nation First. National interest cannot be intertwined with partisan interest, it has to be uppermost. This cannot be subservient to any interest political, personal, or for a group. It was with this spirit that we observed silence.

Distinguished audience, I owe my present position only to education, was extremely fortunate to get a scholarship and good education. And I therefore realise the importance of good education. One that can cut into inequities. Can bring about dignity, can contribute to rise of the nation and therefore Hon’ble Governor, It is an absolute honour and privilege as also profound responsibility to share thoughts with those, the Vice-Chancellors, the academicians, the administrators in the field of education who shape those who are destined to shape our nation. That is our youth, our youth demographic dividend, is the envy of the world. It is contributing that is making a great difference.

I must commend the Hon’ble Governor Thiru R.N. Ravi for his very thoughtful initiative taken by him in 2022 to have ‘Conference of Vice-Chancellors’. The present one is one such in the series.

I have no doubt the deliberations will be very fruitful because when deliberations take place. Dialogue takes place, when there is sharing of thoughts, sharing of problems- Resolutions emerge. Issues that require to be addressed we get a way out. But I must commend Governor Ravi for another reason, he is doing this because it is his constitutional ordainment.

He has taken oath under the Indian Constitution, under Article 159. His oath as that of the Hon’ble President is very significant. The oath he has taken as Governor is to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law”. By his oath he is further enjoined, to devote to the service and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu. By organising such events which are extremely relevant to the field of education, Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath.

Distinguished audience, Education is the most impactful transformative agent of change, and you all are aware the only constant is change, and change must be soothing to society, must be meaningful to society, must give order to society, respect to every individual. The citizen must pride himself or herself in the system in which he or she lives.

We need to nurture our education ecosystem in the backdrop of our historical legacy, Gurukul ! The Gurukul concept is sublime. A facet of service to society by Guru. There was free access to those who had earned knowledge, education. The Guru in Gurukul took everyone under his fold, as part of that family. That is our legacy, that calls for revival.

No one knows better than the people here and the people listening to me all over the country and some will come to know of it through print media and social media. I assert, Accessibility and affordability of education is vital but what is more significant in a world that is changing very fast. Accessibility and affordability has to be of quality education. Fortunately, in our country it is emerging as a national priority. Only quality education system for all can be transformative. The people here and people watching it are the prime motivators.

Time for your category, Distinguished audience to fire on all cylinders to bring about much needed change in education which can gain momentum with pro-active affirmative stance of Vice Chancellors, and others who are stakeholders by virtue of being in governance, political executive and bureaucracy.

Such Conferences and Congregations are crucibles of thought, policy, and purpose. And the thoughts are nurtured here, policies evolved. There is a purposeful definition of brainstorming sessions that catalyse the change we all need. I have no hesitation in indicating to you, this is a contemporaneous imperative need and essential. We need to focus on it as our supreme priority. These are also occasions for collective reflection, self-audit, soothingly auditing each other. Trying to monetize each other’s experience, Also, occasions for introspection, and then re-imagination to lay a blueprint for future, give direction to education in Bharat that is emerging as a world power. Never have we seen the might of the Indian Prime Minister being acclaimed by world leaders in countries, political sagacity within the country and outside have given Indians, Bharatiya a new respect. We are a nation to reckon with because Bharat stands for peace and welfare of all. Growth for all. Such interactions also help us to be in sync with emerging global trends. We can’t be an island in ourselves. We have to see what is happening in other parts of the world and we also have to take notice of global trends and needs. We have to define our trajectory of growth as also of the world which we did centuries ago.

I am particularly elated that Tamil Nadu is taking a lead in this matter. Tamil Nadu is a land of vibrant learning centers, those learning centers must be our North star now. Tamil Nadu has been home to such widely accoladed learning centers like Kanchipuram and Ennayiram that attracted thousands of students from all over Bharat. I see these conferences as crucibles of ideation that will rekindle the spirit of Kanchipuram and bring back the glory of Ennayiram .

We must take pride that it was in Tamil Nadu, Madras University was established in 1857. Modern education was exemplified in this land, and University then and now has leadership in science, law, and liberal education and is reckoned as a prestigious Institution throughout the country.

Distinguished audience, Research and Development is now quintessential to progress. We can no longer depend on to gain from research elsewhere. We have to be on our own strength, our educational Institutions particularly Universities, IIMs, IITs, Institutes of excellence in science and otherwise have to be laboratories of research and innovation.

Our institutions must transform themselves from credential outfits into crucibles of innovation and character. We cannot reduce our Institutions just to hand out degrees. A degree from a university must be a potent power in the hand of a degree holder that can help him or her to fully exploit his or her potential and realize his/her talent and ambition.

I must express my one concern to this very distinguished audience, Research must correlate to much needed solutions. Research must be authentic and not just surface scratching or assimilation. You understand much better than I do, Research for the sake of research is no research.

A research paper must magnetically attract others as a solution provider. Research must be beyond self.

For leapfrogging to the education that our next generations would require; we would require a larger convergence of thought leaders and all stakeholders. This conference is a step in that direction. Those present and those not present all are gainers, a compulsive system sometimes comes in the way but as I indicated it is momentary. I cannot visualise anyone in the country whose heart does not pursue national growth. I have no doubt the benefits will be there and therefore Hon’ble Governor this conference series you started in 2022 is a well taken step in the right direction.

A sense of gratitude to Hon’ble Governor’s farsightedness, At the heart of India’s great institutions of the past, there were visionary leaders, or what we call modern day Vice Chancellors. The Vice-Chancellors of today are enormously talented, they are no less visionaries, they are giving everything which they can. They might face uphill tasks, difficult terrain or air pockets but I believe in their power to transform. They are worthy academicians who have the capacity to bring about results. They represent and epitomise the Kulapatis we had once.

I urge everyone in governance at the center and the state to believe in the institution of Vice-Chancellor and ensure they can perform undeterred by ordinary situations.

Today, we face formidable challenges: rapid technological disruption, it is far more severe than Industrial revolutions we had, A paradigm shift is taking place every moment. It is difficult to keep pace. The global order on this count is becoming increasingly complex .

Every facet of life is being affected, and it is therefore in the lap of Universities ably led on the front foot by Vice-Chancellors to act as stewards of India’s academic landscape. More the challenges, the more formidable, we must rise as impregnable not only to overcome them but also to deliver results for the nation and the world.

One challenge which the Vice-Chancellors must be facing is faculty. Faculty availability, faculty retention and sometimes faculty attrition. I would appeal to all of you to engage in sharing with one another. Use technology. Don’t be an island in yourself, it is not a time to be stand-alone because this challenge has to be fixed, we have no time.

As I indicated, I emphasize, we have well passed the era of stand-alone Institutions. It can’t be IITs, IIMs. The Stand-alone era of Institutions is already behind us. There is now need of convergence of various verticals to give

institutions cutting edge. Multi-disciplinary approach across academic pursuits is the only answer. Share your faculty talent virtually, technologically and otherwise also. That will have two fold purposes while giving it, you will be receiving also.

The winds of innovation and change must have free passage in educational institutions. Evolve a mechanism, there has to be a tolerance for varying ideas. Intolerance to a thought defines democracy the wrong way. The nectar of University is that a solo voice that has an opinion different from the majority is heard with defiance by engaging in discourse not by being judgmental.

I appeal from this very important platform, Industry, business, commerce and corporates must channelise their CSR funds to handhold Universities liberally fund Research and Innovation. There is a great need for the emergence of Greenfield Institutions because new areas have come up suddenly – Disruptive Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain. They require a new kind of mindset, Space, Oceanography- new areas are emerging. Growth in those areas can be sustained only when you get to these sectors with skilled minds, trained minds.

The more fundamental question which we all are aware of, and that is we must go back to cultural roots of education also. It is multi-dimensional. We should, and why we should not, Our Institutions should reclaim the glory of the past. On this count I would share some concerns, Universities, Institutions of excellence and higher learning must assume the role as spaces of free thought and fearless ideation.

Ideation is very vital; A concept emerges out of ideation. Execution is not difficult. Ideation requires brain-storming, exchange of various opinions and the challenges we face to day—climate change, artificial intelligence, sustainability— they require interdisciplinary thinking and also ethical reasoning.

It is only in our Universities that we can go back to our Vedic knowledge, our civilisational wealth— A gold mine when it comes to ethics, innovation.

We must foster campuses where intellectual risk is encouraged. Risk is required. A failure is not a failure you must impart to your students. A failure is a myth. A failure is a stepping stone to success. We must believe in discovery, innovation and encourage people to engage in that activity.

In this rapidly shifting global landscape, Universities must not be passive observers but active change-makers. You have to catalyse the change you need, and the change you need is the change society needs. Our curriculum must be designed to prepare students not just to respond to change, but to lead the change. To define the trajectory of the change, to see the change which we need, not the change that overtakes us.

Our administrative structures must be a guiding principle to others. That is an attention not given for too long. Education must be distanced just from giving credentials and degrees. No, it must be purposive, it must serve societal causes, and therefore there must be partnership with all stakeholders– the government, the industry, the society, the NGOs and it must be beyond transactional purposes. It must be guided by the sole spirit to serve the nation. This collaborative approach is long overdue, I am sure you will bestow attention to this.

Distinguished Vice-Chancellors, your leadership must enable faculty and students to act not merely as recipients of institutional policy—but as co-creators of the future. We must promote high-impact, high-risk research that tackles real-world problems.

We must incentivize collaborations between universities, industries, and international partners. Fortunately, the present Government has shown a lot of focus on this but above all, we must reintegrate research with teaching. Our ancient model did not separate inquiry from instruction. We must return to that integrated spirit.

Today’s Bharat is different, we never imagined we would be in this shape. Exponential economic upsurge, Infrastructural phenomenal growth, technological penetration, global reputation, system of hope and possibility. When this is the landscape we must find a way for the ambitions of our youth to be satisfied. Right now there is a mechanism, and I wish it is disseminated extensively in a revolutionary manner.

From startups to space tech, from health innovation to green energy, from blue economy to space economy, the opportunity basket is wider than ever before. It is continually getting enlarged, but our youth is in silos. They are not aware of these opportunities and that is why we have mushroom growth of coaching classes. Every newspaper is having their advertisements. Please make our youth aware of the golden opportunities they have.

Let me indicate one aspect, the International Monetary Fund, and I know the shift that has taken place. In 1990, I was a Union Minister, I knew the stance of the IMF then, I know the stance of the IMF now. IMF says, India is a global destination of investment and opportunity. We need to tell our youth this accommodation is not for govt jobs, it is for the opportunities that are in the basket for youth. We therefore need a paradigm shift, distinguished Vice-Chancellors, A paradigm shift from our youth job seeking to job creations.

Now is the time for Bharat to create innovators and job givers. That transformation requires a Saarthi. Lord Krishna was Saarthi in Mahabharata. Our Vice-Chancellors are Saarthis. They have to bring about by navigation into the mindset of our youth that avail the opportunities. Benefit from the ecosystem of hope and possibility. You can realise your talent and potential because the government has affirmative policies, and for this the Vice-Chancellors are required to be proactive and if I may say so in absolute overdrive.

It is concerning, and the government has done much to come out of it. The mindset continues to be influenced by colonial remnants. Western narratives have distorted, diluting our achievements. We must neutralise them. Our Universities must become guardians of our cultural pride. They must reflect our civilisational confidence. Imagine which country can boast of such uniqueness, civilisational wealth, and India reminds the world every moment what peace is. What is inclusivity? India is a symbol of inclusivity which globally must be emulated.

Our universities must become guardians of cultural pride and civilizational confidence. We must create dedicated centres for the rigorous study of India’s scientific, philosophical, and artistic contributions. For that decolonization drive to fructify all those who are here and listen to this need to lead.  We cannot be in captivity of calibration from outside, we do not know how they calibrate, what agenda they have in calibration? They often turn Nelson’s eye to the impeccable, sustainable, growth trajectory of this country which continuously is getting on a high gradient and to do this the government has taken a great initiative. After 3 decades, taking into consideration inputs from the widest spectrum of stakeholders, there was an evolution of the National Education Policy. This policy aligns with our civilisational ethos. It encourages multidisciplinary learning, values Indian languages, and envisions education as the development of the whole person—not just employability.

The most significant aspect of NEP is that it allows students to learn in their mother tongue. Neither Buddha nor Pythagoras were thinking in English. Yet, they both arrived at this wonderful theorem in their own mother tongue. And we still continue to cling to this?

Contrary to the Constitutional spirit, I don’t want to go much into that, you can study. I have no doubt that as Governor, West Bengal I was closely associated with the evolution of NEP. It is game changing, it is transformative, It is hand holding them, giving them latitude but my problem is that those in academic institutions are not fully aware of this policy. I beseech you all and the faculty and directors wherever they are to please do a thorough study of National Education Policy to realize its real intent and purpose so that we reap the harvest of it.

From this platform I wish to indicate, NEP is not Government policy. It is a policy for the nation, and therefore I appeal, it is time for all to adopt it, understand it, execute it and reap the fruits. I need to indicate one more aspect, Our languages, their richness and depth are our pride and legacy. This aspect amplifies the fullness and uniqueness of Bharat. Go to any country and you will not find what we have here. Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bangla and other languages are goldmine of literature and knowledge. These have national and global footprints.

Educational institutions have to nurture this treasure. Tamil has the distinction of being the first language to be accorded the prestige of being the classical language. This well-deserved recognition was imparted in 2004. Which means things started changing in regimes. Today, eleven such languages are recognized as classical languages in India, and classical languages are those which have rich culture, knowledge, literature, depth. Let me just indicate the eleven language because I had the privilege as Chairman, Rajya Sabha to declare to Rajya Sabha that Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were recently given the status of classical languages, but earlier we had as I said, Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia. Go all over the world, we are matchless, we have to realise our power, our potential. We should not be carried away by insignificant aspects. I don’t want to dilate much because for me this is a pure education aspect. Those present are as important to me as those spread all over the country and getting to know about it by LIVE broadcast of Sansad TV but we have realised that if our students study in their own language, the results are not arithmetic, they are geometrical. They blossom and therefore this focus has come from the government, and must be disseminated.

There is one more aspect where educational institutions need to focus: alumni engagement. Alumni Associations, on a number of platforms I have addressed this issue. If you look at the global scenario, Alumni associations sustain the reputation of their Alma mater. Alumni Associations create a corpus which is in billions. One such Institution has a corpus of more than 50 billion USD.

Let us make a beginning, let us generate a spirit in every student who has been associated with Institution, make fiscal contribution. Quantum thereof is not important. It generates a different kind of connection because you become stakeholders in your alma mater’s growth. Structured robust alumni engagement frameworks across institutions will be game changer and would be transformative. Just imagine if we had confederations of alumni associations from institutions like IITs, IIMs, or AIIMS. We will have such a think tank. We will have a human resource reservoir that can help evolve policies. Why should we deprive ourselves of this? Take initiatives. I am sure you will start working on corpus culture and alumni associations.

Respected Vice Chancellors, we stand at a momentous crossroads. Behind us lies a legacy of greatness and interruption. I say interruption because 1300 years ago we had Nalanda, it was blossoming, it was set on fire. Fire consumed precious books and continued for days.

Ahead of us, the path is unwritten—but rich with possibility.  Let us build institutions worthy of our civilizational past and capable of meeting the future with wisdom and strength. Let us build institutions that transform our universities into sanctuaries of timeless knowledge and laboratories of timeless innovation. The intellectual revitalization of Bharat is the highest category of renaissance, and that renaissance is awaiting Bharat. It is awaiting actions at your end. Make Bharat super academic power, that means it will be a global research resource. It is not a dream; it is a destination. Achievable like Viksit Bharat. If we could traverse our economy from fragile 5 to big five and now on way to big 3. Nothing stops us from making Bharat Vishwaguru.

Once again, I would like to impart a suggestion to Governor Ravi, certain things must not be taken emotively, those who could not make it must be having a situation. We must be understanding, we must appreciate everybody’s presence, we must appreciate everybody’s absence also. I am grateful for the patience you have shown.

Thank you so much.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

New Quantum Standards Unveiled as India Strengthens Global Quantum Leadership

TEC and C-DOT Lead the Charge in Post-Quantum Cryptography and Secure 5G Technologies

Minister Scindia Calls for Bold Steps into the Quantum Age at International Quantum Conclave

Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia: Quantum Computing Will Revolutionize Innovation and Scientific Discovery

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), hosted the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave today in New Delhi. This high-level gathering brought together national and international experts, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of quantum communication, with a strong focus on standardization, research, and secure digital transformation.

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications inaugurated the conclave. Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific advisor; Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) and Smt. Tripti Saxena, Sr. DDG & Head, TEC shared the dais.

The conclave was organised as part of India’s definite steps in taking lead in the areas of quantum communication technologies, especially in light of the National Quantum Mission launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6003.65 Crore. The mission, a key initiative under the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Council, aims to seed and scale up R&D in quantum technologies while fostering a vibrant and innovative ecosystem across academia, industry, and start-ups.

As part of the event, three significant documents were unveiled to support and promote the deployment of quantum secure technologies: the Standard on Generic Requirements for Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG), a Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and a Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC.

The Standard on QRNG provides a framework that can be used by the organizations for the evaluation of Quantum Random Number Generators. The purpose of Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is to sensitize the organizations to identify their critical digital infrastructures including data and applications and be ready for a smooth transition to quantum safe cryptography.The Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC delves into the vulnerabilities of current cryptographic protocols within the evolving 5G core from the emergence of quantum computers and identifies key areas within the 5G Core architecture where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) can be implemented to achieve quantum security.

Delivering the Inaugural Address at the Opening Plenary of the Conclave, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, spoke about the revolutionary impact of Quantum Technoloy. He pointed out that “quantum computing isn’t just another step forward, it is a giant leap that will define innovation, accelerate scientific discovery and unlock multiple solutions to human problems that were hitherto always thought of as insurmountable”. Shri Scindia added that “the future now is no longer just digital, the future now is quantum. And the ripple effects of quantum computing are already touching not only scientific discovery but also our lives”. He concluded by saying “let’s step into the quantum age with boldness, brilliance, and a clear sense of purpose.”

Minister Scindia also led the Conclave’s participants to observe one minute silence as a mark of respect to pay homage to those killed in the Terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J & K on April 22, 2025. He condemned the terror attack what he termed as the “cowardly, heinous attack by inhuman elements that claimed innocent lives”. He added, “My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones and each one of us extend our heartiest, from the bottom of our hearts, our deepest condolences to every single family member.”

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, in his Special Address said that under the transformative leadership of Honerable Prime Minister, India is committed to leading the Quantum technology transformation. He informed that “Through the national quantum mission, we are investing deeply in quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Our vibrant startup ecosystem, our world-class research institutions, and our industry pioneers are already delivering indigenous quantum solutions ready for deployment”. The Minister exhorted all researchers, engineers, and visionary entrepreneurs, to ignite their curiosity, expand horizons, and challenge conventional thought.

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India , Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, in his address highlighted that the conclave is taking place in the year 2025 which has been declared as the Year of Quantum by the United Nations General Assembly. Prof. Sood dwelt on the evolution of Quantum Technologies over the last 100 years stating that “today we are in the second revolution of Quantum Mechanics of the newest technology frontier where we now have the tools to controlling the quantum systems.”

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) expressed the hope, “this Quantum Conclave will help us redefine boundaries, foster collaboration—especially since this is an interdisciplinary field—and develop recommendations so that the government is able to take note of them and adapt our policies accordingly.”

This conclave aimed to create greater awareness about R&D, standardization and testing of quantum-safe technologies, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.

The technical sessions featured thought-provoking talks and presentations by leading experts and organizations from India and abroad, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO C-DOT; Dr. Anandaraman Sankaran – Senior Manager, QKD Technical Marketing, Japan; Dr. Ray Harishankar – IBM Quantum Safe, USA; Dr. Kaveh Delfanazari –Senior Lecturer (Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering) University of Glasgow, UK; Mr. Rowan Högman (Advanced technology Director) M/s Ericsson, Sweden; Dr. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research institute, Bengaluru; Prof. Anil Prabhakar, IIT Madras; and several others.

The conclave also featured exhibition from R&D institutions [C-DOT, CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science] and industries/start-ups [QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Qutess Labs & New Age Instruments & Materials Pvt. Ltd.] offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements in quantum communication and related technologies taking place in India.

The conclave sought to mobilize contributions in international standard organizations. Additionally, it provided a platform to identify existing standardization gaps and foster contributions to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) creation in quantum communication technologies.

About:

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), is a standards setting organisation for Telecom and related ICT products under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India. It is responsible for formulation of standards, specifications, test procedures, service specifications and technical regulations for Telecom/ICT sector. TEC is actively involved in the standardisation activities on Quantum Technology at domestic as well as international level participating and contributing to ITU, IEEE, etc. TEC has released standards on “Quantum Key Distribution System” and “Quantum-safe and Classical Cryptographic Systems”. TEC has also constituted a “National Working Group on Quantum Technology” (NWG-QT) with members from academia, industry/startups, R&D organizations, service providers, Govt. Organizations, etc. to have a focused and coordinated approach for development of standards on Quantum Technology.

****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124350) Visitor Counter : 114

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps organises National Games in Touch: Chaoshan Exchange Tour 2025 (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) organised the three-day National Games in Touch: Chaoshan Exchange Tour 2025 from April 22 to 24. As the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will cohost the 15th National Games for the first time this year, the exchange tour provided an opportune time for IDYL members to gain insights into the preparations for the Games by visiting the competition venues in Shantou in person, while learning more about Chaoshan’s history and culture.

Addressing the opening ceremony on the first day of the exchange tour, the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, expressed his hope that IDYL members would enhance their understanding of the motherland and national affairs by interacting with local youth through site visits, so that they could contribute to the country’s development in the future.

Led by the Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, and members of the IDYL Advisory Committee, participants visited Shantou Haojiang Innovation Center, Chaoshan Historical Culture Expo Center, Shantou Sports Center, Nan’ao Island and Chaozhou Ancient City, among others. They also interacted with young entrepreneurs from Chaoshan and student athletes from Shantou Sports School. In addition, the group visited Shantou Offshore Wind Power Industrial Park, where they learned about the country’s key wind power projects and its sustainable development strategies.

The IDYL will continue to actively organise exchange programmes on a variety of themes to deepen members’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, thereby fostering their sense of nationhood, national identity and affection for the nation.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
Source: Government of India

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

TRAI convened a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCOR) on 25^thApril, 2025, at its headquarters in New Delhi to deliberate issues needing cross-sectoral regulatory collaboration and formulate collaborative measures including dealing with unsolicited commercial communication (UCC)/ spam and fraudulent communications. Members of the JCoR, including representatives from RBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, SEBI, MoCA, and MeitY, participated in the meeting. Additionally, DoT, and MHA representatives attended the meeting as special invitees.

The Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR), an initiative of TRAI, was established to foster collaborative efforts among sectoral regulators from the telecommunication, IT, Consumer Affairs, and financial and insurance sectors to deliberate cross sectoral regulatory issues in the digital world and work collaboratively on adopting appropriate regulatory measures. Members of the committee have since leveraged this platform to reinforce their regulatory framework and ensure its effective implementation. The JCoR has provided a very useful collaborative forum to address the issue of UCC & regulatory challenges in the digital era and enhance regulatory frameworks to control UCC through collective effort.

In his opening address, TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the critical need for a collaborative approach to combat spam messages and calls creating inconvenience and defrauding the citizens, especially, the senior citizens, the progress made by JCOR in this regard and the challenges ahead.

The following are some important items deliberated in the meeting:
1. Modalities for implementation of 1600 series numbers, allocated specially for making transactional and service voice calls by the entities belonging to the government and financial sector, were discussed. The committee members agreed to take up the issue with entities within their jurisdiction for expediting its implementation in a time bound manner and regular monitoring. The CoAI also made a presentation before the committee regarding various solutions that can offer an entity one 1600 series number CLI to be presented to the recipients across all the TSPs and LSAs in the country.
2. Modalities for onboarding of senders of commercial communication on Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) platform were deliberated. JCOR members agreed to engage with the senders/Principal Entities (PEs) within their jurisdiction to onboard them on DCA.
3. During the deliberations, I4C discussed various measures to counter fraudulent communication and the problem of Digital Arrest scams. In this regard, measures such as deletion of unused message headers and content templates to avoid their misuse by spammers, prompt action on fraudulent SMS headers, blocking of the Mobile Numbers/IMEI utilized in sending fraudulent messages etc. were discussed. The members agreed to work further on modalities for implementation of the same.
4. The issue of spam and scam through OTT and RCS communication platforms were discussed. MeitY will engage with the stakeholders in this regard to take measures analogues to those for conventional telecommunication.
The JCOR members agreed to further strengthen the collaborative efforts to address these issues collectively so as to increase cross sectoral collaboration and also protect consumers from the harms of spam and fraud while ensuring a more secure and efficient telecom commercial communication ecosystem.

****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124347) Visitor Counter : 58

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Malaria Day – 2025

Source: Government of India

World Malaria Day – 2025

Towards a Malaria-Free India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

“Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge.”

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

Summary

World Malaria Day is observed globally every year on 25^th April.
With an 80.5% decline in Malaria cases, between 2025-2023, India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a global milestone.
Malaria deaths declined by 78.38% between 2015 and 2023.
122 districts reported zero malaria cases in 2023, showing strong localized impact.
Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP) -3 targets 159 high-burden districts to accelerate malaria elimination in vulnerable areas.
The nationwide “Test, Treat, Track” strategy ensures early detection and timely treatment.
India aims to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.

World Malaria Day is observed globally on 25th April each year, following its institution by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states during the 2007 World Health Assembly. The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for renewed global commitment to end malaria through innovation, collaboration, and sustained action.

Once among the world’s highest malaria-burdened countries, India has demonstrated remarkable progress through sustained political will, grassroots participation, and targeted interventions. A defining milestone came in 2024, when India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group—

signalling a paradigm shift in the country’s malaria trajectory. Backed by the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), India has aligned its strategy with global standards while tailoring solutions to local needs.

With an 80.5% reduction in malaria cases and 78.3% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2023, and over 122 districts reporting zero cases last year, the country is advancing with renewed momentum towards achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027 and setting a global benchmark in public health elimination efforts. India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.

Overview of Malaria

What is Malaria? How does it occur?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is common in tropical regions, but is preventable and treatable. Malaria does not spread from person to person, though it can also be transmitted through infected blood or contaminated needles. If left untreated, especially in cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection, it can lead to severe illness or even death within 24 hours.

What are its symptoms?

The most common early symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and chills, usually appearing 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may be mild, especially in people who’ve had malaria before, making early testing essential for timely treatment. Severe symptoms can include extreme fatigue, confusion, repeated seizures, breathing difficulties, dark or bloody urine, jaundice, and abnormal bleeding. Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death.

How can it be prevented?

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medicines. If you’re travelling to areas where malaria is common, consult a doctor about taking preventive drugs (chemoprophylaxis) in advance. To lower the risk of mosquito bites, use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially in areas where malaria is present. Apply mosquito repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin after dusk. You can also use coils, vaporizers, and window screens to keep mosquitoes away. Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings helps protect exposed skin.

How can it be treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to curing malaria and stopping its spread. Anyone with symptoms should get tested using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test. Malaria is a serious illness that always requires treatment with medicine. The type of medicine used depends on the type of malaria parasite, the person’s age, weight, whether they are pregnant, and if the parasite is resistant to certain drugs. The most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum is Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs). Chloroquine is used to treat Plasmodium vivax in areas where it is still effective. Primaquine is added to prevent relapses in P. vivax and P. ovale cases. Most treatments are given in pill form, but people with severe malaria may need to be treated with injectable medicines at a hospital or health centre.

Global Burden of Malaria

According to the World Malaria Report, the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 5 lakhs 97 thousand in 2023, compared to 6 lakhs in 2022.

In 2023, the 11 HBHI countries were responsible for 66% of global malaria cases and 68% of deaths.

India’s Commitment and National Goals

India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the intermediate target of zero indigenous cases by 2027. The strategic roadmap for this mission is guided by:

The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India (2016–2030) outlines the vision, goals, and targets for phased malaria elimination.
The recently launched National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) builds upon earlier frameworks and aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.

Key Interventions and Strategic Approach by the Government for Malaria Control

To translate its malaria elimination vision into actionable outcomes, India has adopted a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy. This approach integrates disease management, vector control, and community-driven interventions to ensure lasting impact and inclusive health coverage.

Strategies for elimination of Malaria:

Malaria surveillance as a core intervention for malaria elimination.
Ensuring universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment by enhancing and optimizing case management -“testing, treating and tracking”.
Ensuring universal access to malaria prevention by enhancing and optimizing vector control
Accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malaria –free status.
Promoting research and supporting the generation of strategic information for malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

Other Supportive Interventions

Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for community mobilization. This includes mass media campaigns, community engagement, and leveraging local influencers.
Inter-sectoral convergence involving various ministries and stakeholders to address the socio-economic and environmental determinants of malaria.
Capacity building: Over 850 health professionals trained in 2024 and conducting studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030 categorizes regions by malaria prevalence, with Category 3 – Intensified Control Phase targeting high-burden areas. This phase focuses on aggressive disease control, district-level planning, and specific strategies for P. vivax, supported by robust systems and resources to move towards elimination.
Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 high-burden districts across 12 states, focusing on malaria-prone and vulnerable populations to accelerate elimination efforts.
Funding supports key interventions such as LLIN distribution, entomological surveillance, and data-driven monitoring systems to ensure sustained impact.
Integration of malaria services under Ayushman Bharat and delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had lauded the community-led malaria control as a key driver in the 117^th edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme on 29^th December, 2024. These examples highlight the power of grassroots action in achieving a malaria-free India.

Conclusion

On World Malaria Day, India stands at a defining moment in its public health journey, transforming from a high-burden nation to a global exemplar in malaria control. This progress has been made possible through science-led strategies, resilient health systems, and the power of people’s participation. As the nation advances towards eliminating indigenous malaria by 2027 and achieving full eradication by 2030, the call to action is clear: we must reinvest in innovation, reimagine community partnerships, and reignite collective resolve. Under the banner of “Malaria Ends With Us” every effort counts—because a malaria-free India is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.

References

Click here to see PDF.

*****

Santosh Kumar / Ritu Kataria / Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2124334) Visitor Counter : 60

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness

Source: Government of India

Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness

Also rolls out future roadmap for accurate forecasts

For Delhi, which has 18 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in operation, the Minister directs officials to expedite the installation of 50 additional systems, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 100 AWS, this move aims to bring Delhi’s weather forecasting infrastructure on par with global standards

Minister briefed about the progress of “Mission Mausam” initiative launched by PM Modi, which aims to revolutionize India’s weather monitoring infrastructure

India to Have 126 Doppler Radars by 2026 as Govt Ramps Up Weather Monitoring

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

In a decisive move to strengthen India’s meteorological capabilities, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness, and also rolled out roadmap for accurate forecast.

The Minister called for expediting expansion of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage and modernization of meteorological systems across the country.

At present, Delhi has 18 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in operation. During the review, the Minister directed officials to expedite the installation of 50 additional systems, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 100 AWS. This move aims to bring Delhi’s weather forecasting infrastructure on par with global standards. These automated systems are designed to deliver highly specific, accurate, and timely forecasts, significantly enhancing the city’s capacity to monitor and respond to changing weather conditions.

Amidst the growing frequency of extreme weather events, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the urgent need for real-time, impact-based forecasting that can help minimize damage and save lives. “No weather hazard should go undetected or unpredicted,” the Minister asserted, underscoring the government’s resolve to build a resilient early warning system that reaches every corner of the country.

A key highlight of the review was the ambitious expansion of the Doppler Weather Radar network, which is set to rise from the current 37 operational radars to 73 by 2025-26, and further to 126 by 2026. The new installations are being planned in high-priority regions such as Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Port Blair, among others.

The Minister was briefed on the selection of radar sites and the overall progress of the “Mission Mausam” launched by PM Narendra Modi, which aims to revolutionize India’s weather monitoring infrastructure. The plan includes improved satellite meteorology systems, upgraded numerical prediction models, and a more robust radar-based forecasting mechanism.

“The ability to track extreme weather events with greater precision will not only boost disaster management efforts but also directly benefit farmers, fishermen, aviation, and various other sectors,” Dr. Jitendra Singh noted during the meeting, which included senior officials such as Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran and IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

The review also took stock of financial allocations and approvals pending for key weather-related infrastructure projects. Dr. Jitendra Singh urged ministries to fast-track decisions to ensure timely implementation.

With climate change intensifying the unpredictability of weather systems, the push for enhanced radar coverage and more efficient dissemination of forecasts is seen as critical for national preparedness. The meeting, according to ministry officials, marks a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

The Minister’s review has now set the wheels in motion for a more coordinated and technologically advanced response to India’s meteorological challenges.

*****

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2124379) Visitor Counter : 73

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum held in Ningbo (with photos/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum held in Ningbo (with photos/video)
     Following the successful Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conferences in Beijing and Shanghai respectively in September and November last year, the Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum, with the theme of “Hong Kong, joining hands with Zhejiang and meeting in Ningbo, the channel for more opportunities”, brought together a number of business leaders from various sectors including finance, supply chain, innovation and technology (I&T) and professional services to share their insights on Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities in different areas and attracted more than 600 participants. The concurrent Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum has been held alternately in Hong Kong and Ningbo every year since 2002 to facilitate bilateral exchanges and co-operation on economic, trade and investment and has been well received by the business communities of the two places.

     Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said he is pleased to attend the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference together with the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, yesterday to witness the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Mr Lee noted that Ningbo in Zhejiang Province is a manufacturing and port hub in the Yangtze River Delta, while Hong Kong is an international financial, trade and shipping centre. Both Ningbo and Hong Kong are important gateways in the opening up of the country, with complementary advantages and limitless opportunities for collaboration. Hong Kong is the largest source of external investment in Ningbo and more than 1 000 enterprises and institutions from Ningbo have been established in Hong Kong, reflecting the close economic and trade ties between the two places.

     Mr Lee said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses unique advantages of having the strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. Hong Kong acts as a two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and for attracting overseas enterprises. Despite the United States’ bullying and unjustified imposition of tariffs, and the emergence of unilateralism that disrupted the global landscape and geopolitics and posed risks of economic destruction and recession, the country’s immense economic strength and vast market provide certainty for global investors, and a new economic and trade order is taking shape. Hong Kong will continue to proactively serve Mainland enterprises in going global to explore international markets, and attract overseas enterprises to tap into the Mainland market.

     Members of the HKSAR Government delegation attending the Conference included the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming.

     The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji; Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and the Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, Mr Peng Jiaxue; Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government Mr Lu Shan; the Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Xie Shaofeng; the Chief Risk Officer and the Director General of the Department of Public Offering Supervision of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Mr Yan Bojin; and the Chairman of the HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam, also spoke at the opening ceremony.

     In his remarks on promoting Hong Kong’s advantages at a themed promotion activity, Mr Wong said that on finance, Hong Kong is the most trusted international financial safe haven for Mainland enterprises, offering diversified financing channels and financial services for companies to expand their businesses internationally. Regarding I&T, Hong Kong is in a golden age of development. The Northern Metropolis will serve as an important base for collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong on promoting I&T development. He invited Ningbo enterprises to visit the Northern Metropolis to explore opportunities for co-operation with Hong Kong.

     Furthermore, Invest Hong Kong held a signing ceremony of a number of key Zhejiang-Hong Kong and Ningbo-Hong Kong co-operation projects, covering various sectors including finance, technology, transportation, aviation, I&T and consumer goods.

     Co-founder of Casa Bauhinia in Ningbo Professor Anna Pao Sohmen was also invited to deliver a keynote speech to share the outlook of Zhejiang-Hong Kong and Ningbo-Hong Kong co-operation, encouraging Mainland enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong’s business and investment platform. A number of Hong Kong business leaders also participated in the panel discussion as guests, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai; the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Bonnie Chan; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung. They discussed the unique status and advantages of Ningbo and Hong Kong in I&T, finance and professional services, and explored ways to promote complementary strengths and shared prosperity. A key enterprise from Hangzhou also shared its successful experience in co-operating with and investing in Hong Kong.

     In the afternoon, the HKSAR Government, the HKTDC and relevant authorities of the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government jointly organised three special promotion activities on finance, multinational supply chain management centre and I&T to promote investment in Hong Kong, during which Mr Chan, Ms Lau and Dr Ge delivered speeches. A number of government officials, relevant experts and representatives of enterprises of the two places also spoke and shared their successful experiences at the events, which helped deepen local enterprises’ understanding of Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities in the respective sectors, with a view to attracting more Mainland enterprises to partner with Hong Kong to achieve mutual benefits.

     Mr Lee and the delegation departed for Hong Kong this afternoon.
Issued at HKT 19:38

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Governor Ravi Is Vindicating His Oath, Acting In Line With His Constitutional Ordainment: Vice-President At The Conference Of Vice Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu

Source: Government of India

Vice President’s Secretariat

Governor Ravi Is Vindicating His Oath, Acting In Line With His Constitutional Ordainment: Vice-President At The Conference Of Vice Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu

Urge Everyone In Governance To Believe In The Institution Of Vice-Chancellor: VP

Vice-Chancellors Must Act As Stewards Of India’s Academic Landscape, Urges VP

Bharat Is The World’s Most Peace-Loving Nation, Says Vice-President

Terrorism Is A Global Menace, Needs To Be Addressed In Unison, Says VP

National Education Policy Is Not A Government Policy; It Is A Policy For The Nation, says VP

Tamil Nadu Is A Land Of Vibrant Learning Centers, Says VP

VP Addresses the Inaugural Session of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today lauded the Governor of Tamil Nadu at Vice-Chancellors conference saying, “The Hon’ble Governor is doing this conference because it is his constitutional ordainment. He has taken oath under the Indian Constitution under Article 159. His oath, as that of the Hon’ble President, is very significant. The oath he has taken as Governor is to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law. By his oath, he is further enjoined to devote to the service and well-being of people of Tamil Nadu. By organizing such events, which are extremely relevant to the field of education, Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath. I must commend him for this very thoughtful initiative taken by him in 2022 to have conference of Vice-Chancellors. The present one is one in such series.”

I must commend Governor R.N. Ravi for doing this as his constitutional ordainment. He has taken oath under Article 159 of the Indian Constitution.

His oath, as that of the Hon’ble President, is very significant. The oath he has taken as Governor is to preserve, protect, and… pic.twitter.com/do6vnwqjPw

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 25, 2025

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam today, Shri Dhankhar said, “At the heart of India’s great institutions in the past, we had visionary leaders, what we call modern Vice-Chancellors. The Vice-Chancellors of today are enormously talented. They are no less visionaries. They are giving everything which they can. They might face a big task, difficult terrain or air pockets, but I believe in their power to transform. They are worthy academicians who have capacity to bring about result. They represent and epitomize the ‘Kulapatis’ we had once. I urge everyone in governance at the Center and at the state level to believe in the institution of Vice Chancellor and ensure they have played the joints and can perform undeterred by ordinary situations.”

He further underscored the importance of changing academic landscape saying, “Today, not only Bharat but the entire world is faced with formidable challenges, rapid technological disruption. It is far more severe than industrial revolutions we had. A paradigm shift is taking place every moment. It is difficult to keep pace. The global order, on this count, is becoming increasingly complex. Every facet of life is being affected and it is therefore, in the lap of universities ably led on the front foot by Vice-Chancellors, to act as the stewards of India’s academic landscape. More the challenges, more the formidability of challenges, we must rise as impregnable, not only to overcome them, but to deliver results for the nation and the world. One challenge which the vice-chancellors must be facing is faculty. Faculty availability, faculty retention, and sometimes faculty addition. I would appeal to all of you to engage in sharing with one another. Use technology, don’t be an island in yourselves. It is not a time to be standalone because this challenge has to be fixed. We have no time.”

Today, not only Bharat but the entire world is faced with formidable challenges, including rapid technological disruption.

A paradigm shift is taking place every moment. The global order, on this count, is becoming increasingly complex. Every facet of life is being affected.… pic.twitter.com/Ssat7JBXcp

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 25, 2025

Shri Dhankhar expressed deep sorrow over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, saying, “Today I join the Nation in expressing profound grief and outrage at the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed innocent lives. It is a grim reminder that terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison. Bharat is the world’s most peace-loving nation and our civilisational ethos reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

He further added, “Our visionary leadership in the shape of the Prime Minister who is in his third term is our greatest assurance that the nation’s rise cannot be handicapped by any situation internal or external. But we all have to bear in mind that national interest is supreme. This was echoed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while imparting his final address to the Constituent Assembly. We therefore have to take a resolve to always keep nation first, national interests cannot be intertwined with partisan interest, it has to be uppermost. This cannot be subservient to any interest political, personal or for a group.”
Touching upon the transformative National Education Policy, the Vice-President said, “After three decades, taking into consideration inputs from the widest spectrum of stakeholders, there was the evolution of the National Education Policy. This policy aligns with our civilization ethos. It encourages multidisciplinary learning. It gives priority to Indian languages. It envisions education as the development of the person, not just employability.”

He further stated, “The most significant aspect of the National Education Policy is that it allows students to learn in their mother tongue. It has got us out of the colonial regime. Even medicine and engineering in local languages, which could not be entertained at one point of time, even in dreams, It is getting shape on the ground.”

From this platform, I wish to indicate that the National Education Policy is not a government policy. It is a policy for the nation. Therefore, I appeal, it is time for us all to adopt it, understand it, execute it, and to reap the fruits.

After three decades, taking into… pic.twitter.com/iqiouKcJI8

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 25, 2025

Calling upon institutions to study and adopt the policy in full spirit, he urged, “I beseech you all and the faculty and directors wherever they are to please do a thorough study of National Education Policy to realise its real intent and purpose so that we reap the harvest of it. From this platform, I wish to indicate National Education Policy is a government policy. It is a policy for the nation. And therefore I appeal, it is time for us all to adopt it, understand it, execute it, and to reap the fruits.”

He further emphasized that the future of Indian higher education lies in moving beyond traditional silos, “We are well past the era of standalone institutions. It can’t be just IIMs, IITs etc. Standalone era for institutions is already behind us. There is now need of convergence for various verticals to give institutions cutting edge. Multi-disciplinary approach across academic pursuits is the only answer. Share your faculty talent virtually, technologically and otherwise also. That will have twofold purpose. While giving it, you will be receiving also. The winds of innovation and change must have free passage in educational institutions. Evolve a mechanism. There must be tolerance for varying ideas. Intolerance to a thought defines democracy the wrong way. The nectar of university is that a solo voice that has an opinion different than that of the majority is heard with deference by engaging in dialogue and discourse, not by being judgmental.”

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s historical role in India’s academic evolution, the Vice-President said, “Tamil Nadu is a land of vibrant learning centers, those learning centers must be our North Star now. Tamil Nadu has been home to such widely accoladed learning centers like Kanchipuram and Ennayiram. Ennayiram attracted thousands of students from all over Bharat. I see in these conferences emergence of crucibles of ideation that will rekindle the spirit of Kanchipuram and bring back glory of Ennayiram. We must take pride that it was in Tamil Nadu, Madras University was established in 1857. Modern education was exemplified in this land.”

Tamil Nadu has been home to such widely accoladed learning centres like Kanchipuram and Ennayiram, which must be considered our North Star.

We must take pride that it was in Tamil Nadu, that the Madras University was established in 1857. Modern education was exemplified in this… pic.twitter.com/XdXcpwLmtY

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 25, 2025

He concluded with a stirring reflection on India’s rich linguistic heritage, especially Tamil’s historic recognition, saying, “Our languages, their richness and depth are our pride and legacy. This aspect amplifies the fullness and uniqueness of our culture. Go to any country, and you will not find what we have here. Our treasure is unfathomable. Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bangla, and other languages are a goldmine of literature and knowledge. These have national and global footprints. Educational institutions have to nurture with deep focus this treasure.”

Our languages, their richness and depth, are our pride and legacy. This aspect amplifies the fullness and uniqueness of our culture.

What a pride for Tamil Nadu and the entire country that Tamil had the distinction of being the first language to be accorded the prestige of… pic.twitter.com/z6NLPH4zyk

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 25, 2025

He further said that “What a pride for Tamil Nadu and the entire country. The Tamil had the distinction of being the first language to be accorded the prestige of being a classical language. This well-deserved recognition was imparted in 2004, which means things started changing in regimes. Today, there are 11 languages that are classical languages and Classical languages are those that have rich culture, knowledge, literature, depth. Let me just indicate the 11 languages because I had the occasion, as Chairman, Rajya Sabha, to declare to the Rajya Sabha that Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were recently given the status of classical languages, but earlier we had, as I said Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. Go all over the world, we are matchless. We have to realise our power, our potential. We should not be carried away by insignificant aspects.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs interdepartmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 25) chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to holistically co-ordinate and steer the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and representatives from other relevant government departments also attended.

Mr Chan said, “We estimate a notable increase in visitor arrivals during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to prepare well for crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and boundary control points (BCPs), with a view to responding promptly to various kinds of emergencies and ensure the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them.”

Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work

According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 5.71 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (i.e. from May 1 to 5), among which 4.90 million passengers will pass through land control points.

The ImmD estimates that the peak period of outbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 3 (Saturday) with around 590 000 passengers; whilst the peak period of inbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 5 (Monday) with around 580 000 passengers. Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the ImmD website at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP at any time or place via the Immigration mobile app. They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points.

In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that around 840 000 passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Compared with last year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland and this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average visitor arrivals are expected to increase by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the estimated increase of people flows. The Hong Kong community is expected to become more vibrant and highly patronised during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, bringing opportunities to various sectors.

The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has also reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of visitor flows and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. In addition, District Offices will closely monitor the flow of visitors within their respective districts and notify relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances with a view to strengthening management of the relevant spots.

Co-ordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities

Relevant departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible deployment of manpower and operation of additional counters and channels, with a view to diverting passenger and vehicular flows. The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Police, the ImmD, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments will be activated from May 1 (Thursday) to May 5 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situations at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and take timely contingency actions as necessary to flexibly deploy manpower at BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points.

For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has co-ordinated with relevant operators to enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to less than one minute during peak hours, and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to about two minutes at its highest frequency, as well as increasing the quota of cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services; and formulating a contingency plan by providing a dedicated passage for public transport vehicles at the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Shenzhen Bay Port when necessary to ensure smooth public transport services. In addition, Zhuhai’s traffic management department will also arrange a dedicated lane at the HZMB for the use of the Gold Bus, cross-boundary coaches and large vehicles when necessary. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity, and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to May 5 to provide convenience for the travelling public and visitors. During these periods, the train frequencies to and from Lok Ma Chau will increase to approximately every 7.5 to 10 minutes, while services to Lo Wu will be enhanced to approximately every five minutes. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the TD will continue to operate 24 hours a day to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, BCPs, and major stations across Hong Kong, and take prompt measures to address service demands and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels.

Protection of visitors

The TIA will conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors’ rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against any illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hires. The C&ED will also step up inspections of shops serving visitors to combat unfair trade practices.

Weather forecast

It is expected that the weather will be hot from May 1 to May 4 with sunny periods apart from isolated showers. The weather may become more unstable, with more showers towards the latter part of the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The chances of being affected by tropical cyclones are relatively low. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Hong Kong Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest change in weather.

Information dissemination

To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the Government will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, transport arrangements, latest weather forecasts, etc to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also launched a dedicated webpage (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/goldenweek-special-info.html ) to consolidate useful information during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The webpage includes information about the opening hours of major sightseeing attractions, public transportation, boundary-crossing services, and other events during the period, including the drone show at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Warfare is Band of Brothers for the ‘war on terror’ generation

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Edwards, Reader in Modern Political History, Loughborough University

Back in 1998, Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan was widely acclaimed for the bloody realism of its opening scenes. In Warfare, co-directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland have achieved something very similar for the Iraq war (2003-2011).

This time, however, the assault on the senses lasts for almost the entire duration of the film – around 95 mins. The result is an unrelenting depiction of 21st-century battle which both invokes and disrupts the generic conventions of the combat film.

Warfare begins by staking a claim to authenticity. The opening credits tell us that it is based entirely on the memories of those who were there: the members of a US Navy Seal platoon involved in an operation in the immediate aftermath of the 2006 Battle of Ramadi.

In pre-release interviews, Mendoza – a Seal veteran and former member of the platoon – explained that Warfare was made as a purposeful attempt to provide a visual account of what happened for a comrade (Elliott Miller, played in the film by Cosmo Jarvis) who lost his memory after a horrific battlefield injury.

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

It is by no means the only war film to find inspiration in the memories of veterans. From The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) to Lone Survivor (2013), traumatic first-hand experiences have long informed Hollywood’s depictions of war and its aftermath.

But in Warfare this framing has a very deliberate consequence. It telescopes the action so that questions of broader political context are necessarily sidelined in favour of the visceral experiences of those on the ground. The Seals are there because they are there – no other rationale for their mission is offered.

Towards the start, Warfare also follows some well-trodden ground when it pointedly lingers on the boredom before battle. This is reminiscent of another work of filmic war memoir, 2005’s Jarhead.

The Seals sweat and swear until, suddenly, chaos is catalysed. What follows is among the most intense depictions of combat ever seen on the big screen. Besieged by an ever-present, yet largely out-of-sight enemy, the embattled soldiers fight to protect one another, rescue their wounded and escape. As they do so, the fog of war descends.

This is where the film most clearly reveals its debt to the war film genre. Indeed, for all the originality of its screenplay Warfare actually invokes several familiar generic motifs of the combat film. The most obvious is the focus on a platoon, but two others also stand out.

The trailer for Warfare.

One concerns the film’s narrative centre: a band of isolated and outnumbered American warriors battling heroically against the odds. A popular motif in American culture since at least the 1836 Battle of the Alamo (during the Texas Revolution), it has been used and reused over the years in countless westerns and war films, perhaps most explicitly in 2016’s 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. In its underlying structure, the story told by Warfare is informed by this very same trope.

A second familiar motif is the film’s Shakespearean meditation on the brotherhood of battle. Like 2001’s HBO mini-series Band of Brothers (about a company of second world war paratroopers), this is a story of men at war. Blood is shed and unbreakable bonds are forged.

It is here though that Garland and Mendoza also disrupt. For where Henry V offers his “happy few” a validating cause, no such higher purpose reveals itself in Warfare.

In fact, these undoubtedly brave warriors are clearly unwelcome invaders. The fraught interactions with the frightened (and unnamed) Iraqi civilians whose home they have occupied makes this obvious, as do the persistent attempts by Iraqi insurgents to kill them.

Whatever happens, therefore, one thing is certain: these Seals, unlike their second world war predecessors, will not be greeted as liberators by flag-waving locals casting garlands of flowers.

This is where Warfare reveals that for all its telescoped focus it is not apolitical after all. Quite the contrary; the film is inescapably a product of its moment.

The fighting “out there”, says Warfare, offered no redeeming purpose and so for veterans all that is left are memories of the love and the loyalty between those who went into battle, together.

Seen like this, Warfare’s place in the genre also now becomes clear. This is a Band of Brothers for those who fought the war on terror. It’s a point made especially apparent in the closing credits which feature photos of the real Seal veterans next to those of the actors who played them (not unlike how each episode of Band of Brothers included veterans’ testimony).

Warfare’s structure, focus, and elisions speak volumes about the chasm in American culture – particularly in the eyes of veterans – that separates the “good war” of the 1940s from the far less popular conflicts of the early 21st century.

Sam Edwards has previously received funding from the ESRC, the US-UK Fulbright Commission, the US Army Military History Institute, and the US Naval War College. Sam is a Trustee of The D-Day Story (Portsmouth) and of Sulgrave Manor (Northamptonshire), he is a Governor of The American Library (Norwich), he is Co-Editor of the British Journal for Military History, and he is Vice-Chair of the Transatlantic Studies Association.

– ref. Warfare is Band of Brothers for the ‘war on terror’ generation – https://theconversation.com/warfare-is-band-of-brothers-for-the-war-on-terror-generation-255349

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariffs: poor workers in countries like Cambodia will be among the biggest losers

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sabina Lawreniuk, Principal Research Fellow, University of Nottingham

I Love Coffee dot Today/Shutterstock

Politicians and economists have been pretty vocal in their response to the ongoing saga of Donald Trump’s tariffs. But much less has been heard from the world’s poorest workers about how they will be affected.

For when the US president first set out his reciprocal tariffs – later paused for 90 days – some of the highest rates were for countries like Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%) and Cambodia (49%).

These are places that make huge amounts of the clothes we wear, and even the reduced 10% tariff could be a big blow to their economies – and the people who depend on them.

Because aside from the well known sweatshop conditions suffered by many workers in these places, brands and manufacturers often offset new costs by passing them on to workers in the form of lower wages and higher demands.

This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “social downgrading”, was seen during the pandemic, when garment workers around the world faced mass layoffs and even worse working conditions to protect corporate profits when consumer demand decreased.

And those working conditions are already challenging. The minimum wage for one of Cambodia’s 1 million garment workers (from a total population of 16 million) is just US$208 (£155.50) per month.

Around 80% of those workers are women, whose wages often support children and elderly parents, who don’t have the security of a state pension safety net.

It is these workers and their families who may end losing the most in Trump’s trade war. But they are used to geopolitics affecting their everyday lives, having suffered the impact of tariffs fairly recently – from the EU.

In 2020, Cambodia’s duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market (usually granted to developing countries) was partially revoked as a punitive response to human rights concerns. Tariffs averaging 11% were added to some product lines, mostly clothing and footwear, which covered about 20% of Cambodia’s total exports to the EU.

The Cambodian government immediately responded by cutting public holidays and workplace benefits to try offset any increase in costs.

It has since slowed the rate of minimum wage growth to below inflation. Both actions slashed real wages and made the challenge of economic survival even harder for those who depend on the industry.

Now, as Trump’s latest tariffs take hold – even at the lower rate of 10% – many garment and footwear industry workers will fear for their jobs.

But even those “lucky” enough to keep them will face mounting pressures to produce more, and more quickly, to offset rising costs – at the direct expense of their own financial security and wellbeing.

The idea that tariffs will ultimately bring jobs back to the US ignores that fact that these jobs – precarious, underpaid and frequently dangerous – are not the kind of jobs that any American would want.

International supply chains are deeply embedded.
PX Media/Shutterstock

Supply chained

And the evidence suggests that if even if they did want them, international manufacturing supply chains are more deeply embedded than people might think.

After the EU imposed its tariffs on Cambodia for example, brands could have looked to circumvent those added costs by relocating production. As it turned out, the volume of trade between Cambodia and the EU has remained steady since – because sometimes there’s no alternative.

With Cambodia, companies have not been willing or able to shift production to competitors like Bangladesh, Myanmar or Sri Lanka, partly due to the political volatility in those countries.

Added to this is the fact that clothes production has become highly specialised geographically. Cambodia’s distance from the EU means it focuses mainly on seasonal fashion “basics” such as T-shirts and knitwear.

Closer countries like Turkey and Morocco concentrate on the latest fast fashion trends, as their shorter shipping routes mean they can be quicker to respond to changing tastes.

It is not that easy to unsettle the systems and markets that are already in place.

As a result, in the global garment industry at least, Trump’s tariffs may not trigger a complete restructuring of the world’s supply chains. In the short term, they are instead likely to cause great uncertainty, reducing investors’ appetite for long-term planning, and reducing their confidence.

Orders may slow and prices may rise. And Cambodians making the world’s T-shirts and trainers will face even more pressure on their wages and working conditions.

Sabina Lawreniuk receives funding from UKRI through a Future Leaders Fellowship (grant ref MR/ W013797/1).

– ref. Trump’s tariffs: poor workers in countries like Cambodia will be among the biggest losers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariffs-poor-workers-in-countries-like-cambodia-will-be-among-the-biggest-losers-254408

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Leading by example: how the rich and powerful can inspire more climate action

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Hampton, Researcher, Environmental Geography, University of Oxford

In a survey covering the UK, China, Sweden and Brazil, a majority of people agreed that we need to drastically change the way we live and how society operates, to address climate change. Another study involving more than 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 69% said they would donate 1% of their income to climate action.

However, when asked in the same survey what proportion of others in their country would be willing to do the same, the average estimate was only 43%. This underestimation of others’ concern is known as pluralistic ignorance.

This fuels a vicious cycle: silence begets silence. People hesitate to advocate for policies like cycle lanes or meat taxes, fearing social isolation, while politicians avoid championing measures seen as “career-limiting”. The result is a democracy trapped by unspoken consensus.

Research on UK MPs reveals how this plays out. Even climate-conscious politicians frame low-carbon lifestyles such as avoiding flying or eating meat as extreme, wary of hypocrisy accusations if their personal choices fall short. This “greenhushing” isn’t just political caution – it’s a failure to recognise that most people are primed to follow bold examples.

When leaders visibly adopt low-carbon behaviour, they can help address pluralistic ignorance. For instance, MPs who cycle or opt for the train instead of taking short-haul flights don’t just reduce emissions; they signal that such choices are normal, desirable, and shared.

The invisible transition

While individual actions matter, systemic change requires policies to steer collective transformation. Consider the UK’s early phase-out of inefficient lightbulbs: a 1.26 million tonne annual CO₂ reduction achieved not through personal sacrifice, but by banning the sale of halogen bulbs that emitted more heat than light.

Progress on lightbulbs, renewable electricity or more efficient fridges are all part of an “invisible transition” towards a lower-carbon society – a series of changes already woven into our economy that often go unnoticed by the public. Reframing these achievements as collective victories – your home insulation, our renewable grid – can build momentum for tougher measures.

For decades, fridges got bigger yet became more efficient and used less electricity.
Prostock-studio / shutterstock

Building on progress

Public willingness to make sacrifices for climate action is closely tied to perceptions of fairness and necessity. Crucially, people want to see that their own efforts are being matched by others, especially those with larger carbon footprints. This is why leaders and other high-profile people should visibly lead by example, demonstrating commitment and helping to establish new social norms.

Research shows that public support for subsidies for heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies often depends on whether these subsidies are perceived as fair and inclusive.

Most agree that subsidies must help ensure that all households, especially those with lower incomes, can be involved. This makes it especially important for wealthy and high profile people to lead by example.

Coalitions of the visible: uniting everyday leaders

Leaders who take low-carbon actions are seen as more credible, not less. The most effective leadership frames climate action as pragmatic and rooted in everyday life, rather than as a test of virtue.

Research by the NGO Climate Outreach demonstrates that shared, relatable stories – such as parents campaigning for solar panels at their children’s schools – can shift social norms and build momentum for collective action. These “narrative workshops” have shown that people respond most strongly when climate solutions are presented through the lens of their own values and aspirations, rather than as abstract technical fixes.

The Green Salon Collective’s Mirror Talkers initiative is another creative example: by placing climate conversation prompts on salon mirrors, hairdressers are empowered to spark everyday discussions with clients. This kind of grassroots engagement helps normalise climate conversations in places you wouldn’t expect.

Overcoming pluralistic ignorance requires leaders to articulate a new story – one that acknowledges the “invisible transition” already underway while inviting everyone to help finish the job.

This means equipping leaders at every level with the tools and confidence to adopt and advocate for low-carbon choices. It also means normalising the reality that climate leadership is not about perfection, but about consistency and transparency.

Figures like Clover Hogan, founder of Force of Nature, and Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief, openly share their own “climate confessions” – acknowledging the challenges, contradictions and imperfect choices that come with striving for a low-carbon life. By embracing and communicating their imperfections, they demonstrate that visible, relatable climate leadership is about honesty and persistence, helping to shift expectations and inspire others to take action in their own lives.

Authentic climate leadership can transform public understanding of climate solutions. By illuminating the transition already in progress – and their own part in it – leaders can transform pluralistic ignorance into pluralistic action.

The task is not to convince people to care about climate change, but to show them that they already do, and to make visible the collective progress that is often hidden in plain sight.

Sam Hampton receives funding from the Economics and Social Research Council. He is affiliated with the University of Oxford and University of Bath.

Tina Fawcett currently receives funding from UKRI.

– ref. Leading by example: how the rich and powerful can inspire more climate action – https://theconversation.com/leading-by-example-how-the-rich-and-powerful-can-inspire-more-climate-action-255168

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Indiana Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 15. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Braun on April 10.

The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Harrison and Orange, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The declaration covers the adjacent counties of Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Lawrence, Martin and Washington in Indiana, and as well as Hardin, Jefferson, Meade in Kentucky.

Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Beginning Monday, April 28, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Harrison and Orange counties to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

Harrison County

Harrison Government Center

245 Atwood St.

Corydon, IN 47112

Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

 Orange County

 Orleans Town Hall

161 E Price Ave.

Orleans, IN 47452

Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical damage is June 23, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 22, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Indiana Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Source: United States Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 19. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Braun on April 10.

The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Bartholomew and Lake, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The declaration covers the adjacent counties of Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jasper, Jennings, Johnson, Newton, Porter, and Shelby in Indiana as well as Cook, Kankakee, and Will in Illinois.

Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

SBA’s EIDL program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Beginning Monday, April 28, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Bartholomew and Lake counties to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

Bartholomew County

United Way Bartholomew County

1531 13th St.

Columbus, IN 47201

Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

 Lake County

 Monroe Center

4101 Washington St.

Gary, IN 46408

Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 23, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 22, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025

Category: Politics

Quick facts

Related information

Multimedia

Statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor on Illegal Deportations in Tampa Bay

Keynote Speech – Canning House Mexico-UK Summit

The UK-Mexico Partnership in 2025

The growth agenda

Climate

The Global Context

Conclusion

Updates to this page

Members of Congress Demand Trump Administration End Campaign of Ideological Surveillance

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’New Quantum Standards Unveiled as India Strengthens Global Quantum Leadership

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)Meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

World Malaria Day – 2025Towards a Malaria-Free India

Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparednessAlso rolls out future roadmap for accurate forecasts

Supply chained

The invisible transition

Building on progress

Coalitions of the visible: uniting everyday leaders

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

New Quantum Standards Unveiled as India Strengthens Global Quantum Leadership

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

World Malaria Day – 2025

Towards a Malaria-Free India

Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness

Also rolls out future roadmap for accurate forecasts