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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 completes acquisition of EPIC NGL

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) announced today the completion of its previously announced acquisition of EPIC Y-Grade GP, LLC and EPIC Y-Grade, LP, which own various subsidiaries and long-haul natural gas liquids pipelines, fractionation facilities and distribution systems (“EPIC NGL”) for total cash consideration of approximately $2.2 billion.
    “This transaction strengthens our position as a leading integrated downstream energy provider,” said Don Baldridge, Phillips 66 executive vice president of Midstream & Chemicals. “We are evolving our portfolio and enhancing our ability to provide seamless and efficient delivery of energy products. Phillips 66 will offer producers unparalleled flow assurance, while advancing a strategy that is expected to deliver attractive returns and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
    The EPIC NGL business consists of two fractionators (170 MBD) near Corpus Christi, Texas, approximately 350 miles of purity distribution pipelines and an approximately 885-mile NGL pipeline (175 MBD) linking production supplies in the Delaware, Midland and Eagle Ford basins to fractionation complexes and the Phillips 66 Sweeny Hub.
    The expansion project from 175 MBD to 225 MBD for the NGL pipeline is expected to be completed in the second quarter. A second expansion to increase capacity to 350 MBD has already been sanctioned with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
    The acquired assets connect Permian production to Gulf Coast refiners, petrochemical companies and export markets, and are highly integrated with the Phillips 66 asset base.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.

    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Phillips 66 may not fully realize the expected benefits of the completed transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the completed transaction; changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting our businesses generally as set forth in Phillips 66’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian public libraries failing readers with print disabilities

    Source:

    02 April 2025

    A new study has revealed that Australia’s public libraries are struggling to adequately support people with print disabilities, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to essential reading and learning materials.

    The research, published in the Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, highlights systemic barriers that individuals with vision impairments, dyslexia and other disabilities face when trying to access public library services.

    According to Vision Australia, approximately 18% of adult Australians experience a print disability, making equitable library access a pressing issue. The study reveals that despite nearly all public libraries carrying ebooks, audiobooks and large print editions, access to these resources is often hindered by inaccessible formats, websites and catalogues.

    Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the University of Sydney identified the following key issues:

    • Low confidence in accessibility of ebooks and e-audiobooks
    • Limited awareness and training among library staff about how to help patrons with print disabilities
    • Low confidence among library staff in accessibility of their library websites and catalogues
    • Limited awareness of existing services among the print disability community
    • A need for stronger engagement with the print disability community and better marketing of available resources
    • Inconsistent funding and policy approaches across different library networks

    The researchers say that access to information is a “fundamental right, not a privilege” and that “libraries must be equipped to serve all members of the community, regardless of their ability to read standard print materials.”

    “The importance of addressing these barriers cannot be overstated,” says UniSA researcher Dr Jo Kaeding.

    “Research shows that 82% of people with print disabilities rate reading for pleasure as ‘very important’ in their lives. Not only is reading linked to numerous literacy-related benefits; it also opens doors to broader general knowledge.”

    Positive change may be on the horizon. In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act of 2019 will come into effect, requiring a range of products and services – including ebooks – to be produced and available in accessible formats for the European market.

    While the directive affects European publishers, Sydney University researcher Dr Agata Mrva-Montoya says it will also have an impact for Australian publishers wanting to sell books in European markets and is expected to increase the number of accessible ebooks available in Australia.

    “Australian public libraries have a long history of serving print-disabled communities,” Dr Kaeding says. However, the convergence of new legal frameworks, digital technologies and changing user preferences demands a fundamental transformation in how libraries approach accessibility.”

    The researchers recommend increased funding for accessible collections, mandatory staff training in accessibility, and improved engagement with people with print disabilities.

    Print Disability and Public Libraries in Australia: Challenges and Opportunities is published in the Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association. DOI: 10.1080/24750158.2025.2467471

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev discussed bilateral cooperation projects with Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    In Windhoek (Namibia), Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District, Co-Chairman of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi. The development of Russian-Namibian relations, including strengthening trade and economic ties, were discussed at the meeting.

    “The friendship between our countries continues to develop within the framework of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. We have been able to achieve impressive results. In 2024, an almost twofold increase in bilateral trade was recorded. I hope that we will continue to work in the same atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation that has accompanied the relations between our two countries all these years,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission, which is planned to be held in Windhoek, was discussed.

    Yuri Trutnev recalled that following the 10th meeting of the commission, plans were outlined for further coordinated work aimed at achieving significant progress in bilateral business cooperation. Following the discussions, the Russian Government gave specific instructions to relevant departments and organizations so that they could carry out the necessary work to implement the decisions recorded in the final protocol. In turn, the Russian side expects prompt practical implementation of the outlined plans from its Namibian partners.

    “There is still a lot of work to be done,” noted Yuri Trutnev.

    Summing up the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the intention of the Russian side to develop bilateral ties. “We will develop relations between our countries and are waiting for proposals from the Namibian side to hold a meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Our countries have long maintained friendly relations, and Russia will continue to be a reliable friend of Namibia,” concluded Yuri Trutnev.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: 2.5 thousand students will receive 1 million rubles each for the implementation of technological startups

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko: 2.5 thousand students will receive 1 million rubles each for the implementation of technological startups. On the right is the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov

    The Ministry of Education and Science has announced a competition for grants called “Student Startup.” Applications can be submitted until May 20 atofficial website of the project.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the number of grant recipients increases annually.

    “President Vladimir Putin emphasizes that the share of youth technology entrepreneurship in the country’s economy should increase significantly in the coming years. The Government is currently implementing a number of measures aimed at this, including expanding the grant program for student startups. In 2025, 2.5 thousand students will receive grants of 1 million rubles to implement their ideas – 500 more than the year before. Absolutely all university students can participate in the competition. I am confident that such opportunities will allow young talents to reveal their potential and contribute to the technological future of Russia,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also emphasized that over the entire period of the Student Startup grant competition, since 2022, 4.5 thousand startups have been supported. This competition is one of the seven tools of the University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform, which this year was included in the new federal project Technologies of the national project Effective and Competitive Economy.

    “Over three years, the competition has attracted more than 18,000 students from all over the country. If at the start of the project we received over 4,000 applications, then in 2024 their number doubled. This year, postgraduate students and residents of scientific organizations will be able to join the competition for the first time. Their involvement in the creation of technological startups will allow us to establish even closer ties between research institutes and businesses, shorten the path from an idea to its transformation into a real technology or product,” said Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

    The selection of projects for the Student Startup competition is carried out in seven thematic tracks, most of which correspond to priority areas of scientific and technological development in Russia: digital technologies, medicine and health-preserving technologies, chemical technologies and new materials, new devices and intelligent production technologies, biotechnology, resource-saving energy, creative industries. In 2024, the largest number of applications were submitted for digital technologies.

    If they win the competition, participants will have to register a legal entity, develop a business plan and launch a website for their startup.

    The operator of the Student Startup competition is the Innovation Assistance Fund. Detailed information is available on the competition page https: //fashi.ru/studstartend/ and in the competition regulations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    The Adler bypass will become part of a prospective highway from the M-4 Don highway to Sochi and will connect the village of Kudepsta with the village of Vysokoye. The existing overpass at the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana road has been expanded at the construction site. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Road construction is an important part of our daily work. This is due to the fact that roads are an important and integral element that guarantees the comprehensive development of territories. The connectivity of territories and the safety of citizens on short and long-distance trips depend on their quality and reliability. Thus, on the instructions of the President, we are building bypasses of cities, which help reduce travel time, relieve the street and road network of transit transport and improve the environmental situation. Among them is the Adler bypass, which will connect the Kudepsta microdistrict and the village of Vysokoye. As part of the project, the overpass on the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana highway is being reconstructed. Specialists have already completed the installation of all metal consoles, thanks to which the dimensions of the structure were increased from one to two lanes. The artificial structure will be part of the future interchange at the Eastern Portal of the Adler Bypass and will later become an integral part of the prospective highway connecting the M-4 “Don” highway with the city of Sochi,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Today, road workers have started the next stage: transferring sections of the overpass from temporary to permanent supports, laying networks, and installing noise barriers. Road workers will begin laying layers of asphalt on the overpass using the integrated Superpave technology in the near future. This innovative approach is aimed at creating asphalt concrete surfaces that are resistant to cracking due to temperature fluctuations, deformation, and fatigue failure.

    The launch of traffic on the overpass in both directions for guests and residents of Sochi is planned for the beginning of the tourist season.

    Chairman of the Board of the state-owned company Avtodor Vyacheslav Petushenko added that the construction of the Adler bypass is divided into several stages.

    “Currently, as part of Stage IV in Kudepsta, we have completed the driving of pile foundations and grillages for 30% of the supports of future artificial structures. The height of some supports of the new bridge crossing over the river has already reached the height of the Kudepsta viaduct on the A-147 highway. It is important to note that the project is complex, since it is being implemented in mountainous terrain and dense urban development. This requires the use of special engineering solutions. Thus, at the Eastern Portal near Ivanovskaya Street, we have completed the driving of all 23 bored piles with frames made of fiberglass reinforcement. They will help to contain the slope when the tunnel boring machine cuts into it. In road construction, this technology is used quite rarely – and mainly in the construction of tunnels,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    The high-speed road bypassing Adler will significantly reduce travel time to Sochi airport and Krasnaya Polyana, and will remove transit transport from the resort area of Adler. In addition, the implementation of the project will improve the environmental situation of the Black Sea coast and give an additional impetus to the development of the tourism potential of the southern regions.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KANGAROO ROAD, LANGHORNE CREEK (Rubbish Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    Issued on
    02 Apr 2025 07:20

    Issued for
    LANGHORNE CREEK in the Murraylands.

    Warning level
    Advice – Avoid Smoke

    Action
    Smoke from LANGHORNE CREEK is in the Kangaroo Road and Boundary Road area.

    Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

    If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

    More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut DPH Commissioner to Headline UConn Health’s 54th Commencement

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Monday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. UConn Health’s 54th Commencement address will be delivered by Manisha Juthani, MD, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Juthani will share her keynote address with the graduating Class of 2025’s medical, dental, and graduate students at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs.

    “As Connecticut’s No. 1 public health leader, an infectious disease expert, and Commissioner of the CT Department of Public Health, Commissioner Juthani is an inspiration to our graduates as they enter the healthcare workforce, especially those educated in our robust public health graduate program,” said Dr. Bruce T. Liang, MD, dean of UConn School of Medicine.

    “Thank you Dr. Juthani for your strong public service to Connecticut and also as a dedicated member of the UConn Health Board of Directors,” said Barbara E. Kream, Ph.D. associate dean of The UConn Graduate School programs at UConn Health and professor of Medicine and Genetics and Genome Sciences.

    Juthani is the first Indian American to serve as a commissioner in the State of Connecticut. She served as professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine through September 2024 and currently serves as an adjunct professor of medicine. She served as Director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program from 2012 to 2021. Juthani received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, completed Internal Medicine residency training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell campus, and served as chief resident at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She came to Connecticut in 2002 as an Infectious Diseases fellow at Yale School of Medicine.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juthani was a leader in the COVID response at Yale which led to her appointment as Commissioner of CT DPH in 2021. In the early days of the pandemic, she was a voice to help educate the public in both local and national media outlets, a role she was able to expand in her role as Commissioner. Upon joining CT DPH, she helped guide Connecticut out of the pandemic and worked to revitalize areas of public health, such as gun violence, maternal health, opioid use, and sexually transmitted diseases, that were exacerbated during the pandemic.

    As she continues in her role as DPH Commissioner, Juthani has shifted her core vision to “Preserve and Protect Core Public Health Principles and Services.” As Connecticut is presented with new public health challenges, she remains committed to preserving public health achievements made over the years, including improvements in regulatory oversight in healthcare, drinking water, and environmental health which includes food safety. It is more important than ever to highlight the importance of vaccines, control of infectious diseases, road safety, and healthier mothers and babies. Clear, accurate communication about public health risks is vital to her mission. She continues to advocate for health as a human right which is the core vision of CT DPH.

    “I am honored to welcome the next generation of professionals that will care for Connecticut residents and beyond, in both the healthcare and public health fields. UConn Health has trained each of these graduates well to protect and improve the lives of the people throughout the country,” stated Juthani who also is on the Board of Directors of UConn Health.

    Watch the livestream of UConn Health’s Commencement on Monday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Element to Announce Q1 2025 Results and Host Conference Call on May 1, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX: EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, will hold its Q1 2025 results conference call and webcast for investors and analysts on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Element’s financial results for the period will be issued after market close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 and will be available on the Company’s website at elementfleet.com/investor-relations/public-disclosures.

    The conference call and webcast can be accessed as follows:

    Call Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
    Call Time: 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)

    A taped recording of the conference call may be accessed through June 1, 2025 by dialing 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S. Toll Free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International Toll) and entering the access code 2285919.

    About Element Fleet Management Corp.

    Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world. As a Purpose-driven company, we provide a full range of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions to optimize and enhance fleet performance for our clients across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Our services address every aspect of our clients’ fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition, maintenance, route optimization, risk management, and remarketing, to advising on decarbonization efforts, integration of electric vehicles and managing the complexity of gradual fleet electrification. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance. At Element, we maximize our clients’ fleet so they can focus on growing their business. For more information, please visit: https://www.elementfleet.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Beach man sentenced to over six years in prison for federal drug trafficking and firearms crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced yesterday to six years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on at least five occasions from February 2024 through May 2024, Jameson Carter, 39, sold cocaine totaling 115.74 grams during controlled buys conducted by Virginia Beach Police (VBPD).

    On June 5, 2024, investigators with VBPD and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) searched Carter’s residence and recovered approximately 86 grams of cocaine as well as smaller amounts of heroin and fentanyl. They also recovered three loaded firearms, scales, and approximately $964.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Washington Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Miller, both Assistant Attorneys General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-100.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What’s Up: April 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]

    Enjoy observing planets in the morning and evening sky, look for Lyrid meteors, and hunt for the “faint fuzzy” wonder that is the distant and ancient city of stars known as globular cluster M3. 

    All Month – Planet Visibility:

    Mercury: Visible for a few days in the second half of April, extremely low in the east before sunrise.
    Venus: Rising low in the east in the hour before dawn.
    Mars: Bright and easy to view after dark all month. Setting a couple of hours after midnight.
    Jupiter: Bright and easy to spot in the west after dark, setting a couple of hours after sunset.
    Saturn: Visible low in the east below Venus, before dawn in the last two weeks of April.

    Daily Highlights:
    April 1 & 30 – Jupiter & Crescent Moon: Find the charming pair in the west as the sky darkens, setting about 3 hours after sunset.
    April 4 & 5 – Mars & Moon: The Moon, around its first quarter phase, appears near Mars in the sky for two nights.
    April 24-25 – Grouping of the Moon & Three Planets: Find Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon gathered low in the east as dawn warms the morning sky. Mercury is also visible below them for those with a clear view to the horizon.
    All month – Venus: Earth’s hothouse twin planet has made the shift from an evening object to a morning sight. You’ll notice it rising low in the east before dawn, looking a little higher each morning through the month. 
    All month – Mars: Looking bright and reddish in color, Mars is visible high overhead after dark all month. At the start of the month it lies along a line with bright stars Procyon and Pollux, but you’ll notice it moves noticeably over the course of April (~12 degrees or the width of your outstretched fist at arm’s length).

    What’s Up for April? Planets at dusk and dawn, April showers, and observing a distant city of stars.

    First up, in the evening sky, we begin and end the month with Jupiter and the crescent Moon shining brightly together in the western sky as sunset fades. On both April 1st and 30th, you can find the charming pair about half an hour after sunset, setting about 3 hours later.
    Mars is high overhead in the south on April evenings. At the start of the month, it’s directly in between bright stars Procyon and Pollux, but it moves noticeably during the month. You’ll find the first-quarter moon right next to Mars on April 4th and 5th.
    Moving to the morning sky, Venus has now made the switch from an evening object to a morning one. You may start to notice it rising low in the east before dawn, looking a little higher each morning through the month.

    Around April 24th and 25th, you’ll find Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon gathered low in the east as dawn warms up the morning sky. Those with a clear view to the horizon might also pick out Mercury looking bright, but very low in the sky.
    April brings shooting stars as Earth passes through one the streams of comet dust that create our annual meteor showers. The Lyrids are a modest meteor shower that peaks overnight on April 21st and into the morning of the 22nd. You can expect up to 15 meteors per hour near the peak under dark skies.
    The Lyrids are best observed from the Northern Hemisphere, but can be seen from south of the equator as well. View them after about 10:30pm local time until dawn, with the best viewing around 5 a.m. The waning crescent moon will rise around 3:30am, but at only 27% full, it shouldn’t interfere too much with your meteor watching. For the best experience, face roughly toward the east, lie down in a safe, dark place away from bright lights, and look straight overhead. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, and some Lyrids can leave bright trails that last for a few seconds after they’ve passed.
    NASA studies meteors from the ground, in the air, and from orbit to forecast meteor activity and protect spacecraft, and to understand the composition of comets and asteroids throughout our solar system.

    April offers a chance to observe a truly distant wonder – a globular cluster known as “M3.” It’s a vast collection of stars that lies 34,000 light-years from Earth in our galaxy’s outer reaches. Astronomer Charles Messier discovered this object in 1764, while searching for new comets. Realizing it wasn’t one, he added it to his list of interesting objects that were not comets, which today we know as Messier’s catalog.
    Through binoculars, Messier 3, or M3, appears as a small, fuzzy, star-like patch of light. With a small telescope, you’ll see a more defined glow with a slightly grainy texture. And with telescopes 8 inches or larger, the cluster begins to resolve into hundreds of individual stars. 
    Now, globular clusters contain some of the oldest stars in the universe, often over 10 billion years old. Unlike open clusters like the Pleiades, which sit within the Milky Way’s spiral arms, globular clusters are found in the galaxy’s halo, orbiting far above and below the Milky Way’s disk. Our galaxy has around 150 confirmed globular clusters. M3 itself is probably 11 to 13 billion years old and contains around half a million stars. And it’s relatively easy to spot in April under dark skies with binoculars or a small telescope.
    Finding M3 starts with the Big Dipper. Facing east, use the Dipper’s handle to “arc to Arcturus,” the fourth-brightest star in the night sky. From there, look higher in the sky to find the star Cor Caroli located here to the west of the Dipper’s handle. It’s about as bright as this star in the Dipper’s cup. M3 is located roughly a third of the way from Arcturus to Cor Caroli. With binoculars or a finder scope, sweep within this area until you spot a faint, round glow.
    M3 is an excellent target for beginners and seasoned observers alike. Whether using binoculars or a telescope, you’ll be rewarded with a view of one of the oldest objects in our galaxy.

    Above are the phases of the Moon for April.
    Stay up to date on all of NASA’s missions exploring the solar system and beyond at NASA Science. I’m Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and that’s What’s Up for this month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ways Community College Students Can Get Involved With NASA

    Source: NASA

    For many students, the path to a NASA career begins at a community college. These local, two-year institutions offer valuable flexibility and options to those aspiring to be part of the nation’s next generation STEM workforce. NASA offers several opportunities for community college students to expand their horizons, make connections with agency experts, add valuable NASA experiences to their resumes, and home in on the types of STEM roles that best fit their skills and interests. Below are some of the exciting NASA activities and experiences available to community college students.

    Get an introduction to NASA, its missions, and its workplace culture through NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS). This three-part series enables students to advance their knowledge of the agency, grow their STEM capabilities, interact with NASA experts, and learn about the different pathways to a NASA career.
    Mission 1: Discover is a five-week, online orientation course that serves as an introduction to NASA.
    Mission 2: Explore is a gamified mission to the Moon or Mars in which students develop a design solution while learning about the agency as a workplace.
    Mission 3: Innovate is a three-week hybrid capstone project consisting of two weeks of online preparation and one week participating in a hands-on engineering design challenge at a NASA center.
    NCAS begins with Mission 1 and students must complete each mission to be eligible for the next.

    NASA’s student challenges and competitions invite students across a range of ages and education levels to innovate and build solutions to many of the agency’s spaceflight and aviation needs – and community college students across the U.S. are eligible for many of these opportunities. In NASA’s Student Launch challenge, each team designs, builds, and tests a high-powered rocket carrying a scientific or engineering payload. In the MUREP Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC)Teams from U.S.-designated Minority-Serving Institutions, including community colleges, have the opportunity to brainstorm and pitch new commercial products based on NASA technology.
    NASA’s student challenges and competitions are active at varying times throughout the year – new challenges are sometimes added, and existing opportunities evolve – so we recommend students visit the NASA STEM Opportunities and Activities page and research specific challenges to enable planning and preparation for future participation.

    Build an experiment and launch it aboard a sounding rocket! Through the hands-on RockOn! and RockSat programs, students gain experience designing and building an experiment to fly as a payload aboard a sounding rocket launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia. In RockOn!, small teams get an introduction to creating a sounding rocket experiment, while RockSat-C and RockSat-X are more advanced experiment flight opportunities.

    Be a part of the NASA team! With a NASA internship, students work side-by-side with agency experts, gaining authentic workforce experience while contributing to projects that align with NASA’s goals. Internships are available in a wide variety of disciplines in STEM and beyond, including communications, finance, and more. Each student has a NASA mentor to help guide and coach them through their internship.

    The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project, better known as Space Grant, is a national network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for students and the public to participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects. Each state has its own Space Grant Consortium that may provide STEM education and training programs; funding for scholarships and/or internships; and opportunities to take part in research projects, public outreach, state-level student challenges, and more. Programs, opportunities, and offerings vary by state; students should visit their state’s Space Grant Consortium website to find out about opportunities available near them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center in Wayne County, W.Va. Opening Wednesday, April 2, 2025

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center in Wayne County, W

    Va

    Opening Wednesday, April 2, 2025

    Disaster Recovery Center in Wayne County, W

    Va

    Opening Wednesday, April 2, 2025

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Wayne County at Tolsia High School at 8 a

    m

    , April 2, 2025

     FEMA encourages residents of the impacted counties to register for assistance, including homeowners and renters

     The center is located at: Wayne County Disaster Recovery CenterTolsia High School1 Rebel DriveFort Gay, WV 25514 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Closed on Saturdays and Sundays Residents, both homeowners and renters, in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who sustained losses can apply for assistance in several ways:Visiting DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Downloading the FEMA App

    Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service

    Speaking with someone in person

    Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance

    In coordination with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) and officials in impacted counties, FEMA has opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties

    At a center, you can get help applying for federal assistance, update your application, and learn about other resources available

    The DRCs located in the table below remain open

    DRCs are open to all, including residents with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

     Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    to 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center  Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Closed on Saturdays and SundaysBradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817 Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on Sundays As a reminder, accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

     FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid, but residents should file insurance claims as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot cover expenses that have already been covered by other sources like insurance, crowdfunding, local or state programs, donations, or financial assistance from voluntary agencies

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861, and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

     ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam

     For preparedness information, follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

       
    lianza

    yap
    Tue, 04/01/2025 – 12:59

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Resources to help Georgia Disaster Survivors Deal with Stress and Worry

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Resources to help Georgia Disaster Survivors Deal with Stress and Worry

    Resources to help Georgia Disaster Survivors Deal with Stress and Worry

    Thursday, March 27 marked six months since Hurricane Helene struck Georgia, bringing destruction and disrupting the lives of millions of people across the state

    Disaster anniversaries can bring up painful memories and cause feelings of anxiety, fear, anger and hopelessness

    Survivors may also have nightmares or experience flashbacks or depression

     FEMA encourages survivors to use these resources to help you get the support you need

      Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Hotline The toll-free, confidential multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters

    This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers

    You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else 24 hours a day, seven days a week

     Call 800-985-5990, visit samhsa

    gov/ or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor

     988 Suicide & Crisis LifelinePeople can speak with a trained crisis counselor any time of day or night by calling or texting 988 or by visiting 988lifeline

    org

    Crisis Text LineThe Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, and provides access to free help, 24/7

    Connect with a trained Crisis Text Line crisis counselor by texting HOME to 741741

    The service can be accessed by text, chat or on WhatsApp

    Visit crisistextline

    org/ to learn more

    National Alliance on Mental IllnessThe NAMI Helpline is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public

    HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance

    You can connect with a HelpLine Specialist by phone: 800-950-NAMI (6264)

    You can also text HelpLine to 62640 or via chat at Chat with Us

    Georgia Resources The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) is a service of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

    The line is staffed 24/7 by counselors who can connect callers with outpatient services, mobile crisis help, detoxification services, stabilization and more

    GCAL is available to all Georgians

    GCAL dispatches 24/7 Mobile Crisis Services to 159 counties in Georgia

    This service sends a mental health professional to the home to assess people with urgent psychiatric needs

    You may call on behalf of another person who needs help

    The call center operates 24/7 and can screen and assess callers for intensity of service response

    You can reach the line by calling 800-715-5225

    Telephone interpreting services are provided to callers with limited English proficiency

    Visit Georgia Collaborative to learn more

    jakia

    randolph
    Tue, 04/01/2025 – 12:28

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Undeclared Allergen in Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing with Use By Date of 05/27/2025 Issued by Fresh Creative Foods

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 30, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 31, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared allergen – peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat.

    Company Name:
    Fresh Creative Foods
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Trader Joe’s

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Hot honey mustard dressing

    Company Announcement
    Vista, CA March 30, 2025
    Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling a single item with a specific use by date, produced at a regional facility and distributed to limited Trader Joe’s locations. The product is Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, with a Use By Date of 05/27/2025 due to labeling error. The incorrect label does not include allergen callouts for peanuts, soy, sesame, or wheat.
    No customer complaints have been reported to date.
    The dressing was distributed to Trader Joe’s locations in the following states: AR, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MA, MD, NC, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA.
    Customers who purchased this product may take it back to Trader Joe’s for a full refund or discard the item.
    Customers who have questions regarding this product or label may call Fresh Creative Foods at the following number:
    CUSTOMER INQUIRIES:888-223-2127Monday – Friday8:00AM – 5:00PM Pacific Time

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Customer Inquiries
    888-223-2127

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/31/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Military Contractor Pleads Guilty for Deleting Text Messages in Antitrust Division Investigation

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Today, a Federal Judge accepted a guilty plea to destruction of records in a federal investigation from a former employee of a contractor that provided operation and maintenance services to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for U.S. military installations in South Korea.

    According to the information filed in the Western District of Texas, in or about July 2021, David Cruz, 37, deleted text messages with Hyuk Jin Kwon and Hyun Ki Shin. Kwon and Shin were separately charged ‌for fraud and conspiring to rig bids and fix prices on millions of dollars in maintenance and repair subcontracting work provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in South Korea and remain fugitives. At Kwon’s suggestion, Cruz deleted text messages after receiving a litigation hold notice from his employer requiring him not to destroy or delete communications. Cruz then covered up the deletion of those text messages after being specifically advised by his employer that there was an ongoing federal investigation.

    In the deleted text messages, Cruz discussed with Kwon and Shin the need to get additional bids from their competitor to satisfy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s competitive bidding requirements for subcontract work. Kwon had previously told Cruz that Cruz should contact him instead of requesting bids directly from Kwon’s competitors.

    “The Procurement Collusion Strike Force’s commitment to safeguard taxpayer dollars from collusion and fraud is unwavering,” said Director Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF). “The Antitrust Division will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who unlawfully impede our investigations by destroying or covering up evidence.”

    “Bid rigging and other acts of fraud against the U.S. Army not only undermine the integrity of critical procurement efforts but also put our Soldiers at risk by providing them capabilities and services which do not meet the high standards necessary to maintain peak lethality,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael DeFamio of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), Far East Field Office. “Army CID is grateful for the collaborative efforts of our federal partners at the FBI and the Department of Justice, and we will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who attempts to defraud the U.S. Government, regardless of where they are in the world.”

    “The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is steadfast in its mission to protect taxpayer funds from fraud and collusion,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley Newell of DCIS’ Transnational Field Office. “We are equally committed to relentlessly pursuing those who attempt to obstruct our investigations through the destruction or concealment of evidence.”

    “Mr. Cruz knowingly destroyed records that were part of an ongoing criminal investigation and has now acknowledged his crime” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI is committed to holding accountable military contractors who flout the bidding process and intentionally destroy evidence of their guilt.”

    Destruction of records in a federal investigation carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section, Army CID, DCIS, and the FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief Daniel E. Lipton and Trial Attorney Daniel P. Chung of the Antitrust Division prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Devlin for the Western District of Texas.

    In November 2019, the Justice Department created the PCSF, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jose Luis Matute-Duarte was outside a Brownville convenience store earlier this month when encountered by a U.S. Border Patrol agent

    BANGOR, Maine: A Honduran national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    According to court records, earlier this month, Jose Luis Matute-Duarte, 35, was outside a Brownville convenience store when he was approached by a U.S. Border Patrol agent who thought he was acting suspiciously. Matute-Duarte told the agent he was from New Jersey and produced a New Jersey driver’s license. When asked if he was in the country illegally, Matute-Duarte initially declined to answer before acknowledging that he was. Immigration records showed that he was arrested in 2015 for illegally entering the U.S. in Texas and was removed from the country. Matute-Duarte did not obtain the express consent of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

    Matute-Duarte faces a maximum prison term of two years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.

    Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bemidji Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl, Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Patrick Burton Strong, a Bemidji man, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to fentanyl trafficking and illegal possession of a machinegun, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, between March 31, 2024, and April 20, 2024, Patrick Burton Strong, 29, conspired to distribute fentanyl and illegally possessed a machinegun.  On March 31, 2024, Strong traveled with co-defendants Danielle Diane Goodman, 27, and Leticia Jean Sumner, 24, from Bemidji to Minneapolis, where Strong purchased $10,000 worth of fentanyl.  

    The next day, Strong, Goodman, and Sumner were driving back toward Bemidji when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped their vehicle for traffic violations, then came to suspect Strong, Goodman, and Sumner were trafficking drugs.  The trooper searched the SUV and found a backpack belonging to Strong.  In Strong’s backpack, the trooper found approximately 100 grams of fentanyl powder; a ghost gun with a switch—that is, a privately manufactured 9mm pistol bearing no serial number, equipped with a conversion device enabling the pistol to be fired as a fully automatic weapon; and a large-capacity magazine filled with more than 30 rounds of ammunition.

    Law enforcement obtained a warrant and searched Strong and Sumner’s apartment in Bemidji. Officers found a 12-gauge Radikal Turkey P3 shotgun next to Strong’s clothing, and 23 grams of methamphetamine.

    Later, while Strong and Sumner were in custody in the Morrison County Jail, law enforcement officers found them in possession of approximately 30 grams of fentanyl.

    “Strong possessed a gun equipped with a switch, an item with no purpose other than killing people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “He trafficked in fentanyl—the deadliest illegal drug commonly sold today. And he intended to sell that deadly fentanyl into Native communities in the Bemidji area, communities that experience the highest overdose rates in Minnesota. He is well-deserving of a 72- month federal sentence. Minnesota is safer with Strong off the streets.”  

    Strong pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of illegal possession of a machinegun.  He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Katherine M. Menendez.

    Goodman and Sumner each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at later dates.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrison County Community Corrections.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bemidji Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Advertising, Distributing Images of Child Sexual Abuse Over the Dark Web

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Craig James Myran, a Bemidji man, was sentenced today to 262 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for his involvement with a site on the dark web dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and his possession of similar material in his apartment.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Craig James Myran, 47, of Bemidji, Minnesota, was an active participant on a site on the dark web that was dedicated to discussing and trafficking in child sexual abuse material.  For years, he used an account with a unique username to make over a thousand posts in which he shared images of child sexual abuse on the site. In at least one post, Myran requested specific files of known child sexual abuse material from other users. And in another post, he advertised over 100 images depicting the sadomasochistic sexual abuse of two prepubescent minors.  FBI special agents executed a search warrant on Myran’s apartment in Bemidji on Dec. 8, 2022, where they found numerous hard drives and a cell phone. Forensic analysis of these devices uncovered evidence establishing that Myran was the user of this unique account on the dark web site — including files of the child sexual abuse material that he shared and requested on the website, as well as a message directed to his unique alias — and thousands of other images of child sexual abuse material.

    According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Myran’s sexual exploitation of minors was not limited to his activity on this particular dark-web site. He was simultaneously an active participant on multiple other dark-web sites dedicated to trafficking in child sexual abuse material and reported that he previously produced his own child sexual abuse material by screen-recording minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct during online webcam interactions.  
    On Nov. 20, 2024, a federal jury convicted Myran for advertising, distributing, and possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric C. Tostrud.  In handing down the sentence, Judge Tostrud remarked, “The defendant’s crimes reflected disregard for the victims’ humanity.  He treated society’s most vulnerable victims, young children, as sex objects and nothing more.”  Judge Tostrud added that Myran’s “crimes were far from impulsive.  He did not stumble onto the dark web by accident. He used it in an effort to conceal his activities, because he knew what he was doing was very wrong.” Judge Tostrud concluded that Myran’s “depraved mind” and his “refusal to accept any responsibility” for his crimes created a “serious need to protect the public.”

    “Crimes involving the sexual abuse of children are incalculably serious,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “For decades, believing he was protected by the dark web’s cloak of anonymity, Myran proudly trafficked in child sexual abuse material. He was deeply enmeshed in dark-web communities —sprawling criminal enterprises and flourishing online communities where offenders from around the world gather to normalize and encourage their sexual interest in children. This depraved behavior is sick, it is wrong, and it is not acceptable in Minnesota.”

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Minneapolis Field Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David Green for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine and Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National, residing in Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and firearms.

    Roberto Rosales Gonzales, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    On Thursday, March 21, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Gonzales’s residence. During the search of the residence, officers found 59 firearms of various calibers, including two suspected machine guns, assorted ammunition, a firearm silencer, and an inert hand grenade. Officers also found approximately 114.1 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, approximately 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 31.4 grams of suspected heroin, and more than $22,000 in cash.

    Under federal statutes, Gonzales is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo man admits to robbing bank which led to dangerous pursuit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old resident of Laredo has pleaded guilty to robbing Falcon International Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    On June 10, 2024, Adrian Hernandez entered the location at 212 Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo. He approached the counter and passed a note to the bank teller which read – “this is a bank robbery, give me all the money.” 

    Hernandez had a gray shirt wrapped around his hand to conceal, or appear to conceal, a weapon. The teller activated the silent alarm and placed the money that was in her teller drawer, including bait money, into a brown paper bag and handed it to Hernandez. He then left the bank, got into his car and sped away. 

    Authorities later observed a car matching the description of Hernandez’s vehicle parked at a motel. They attempted a felony stop but Hernandez evaded, and a chase ensued. Eventually, Hernandez collided with a chain link fence in the vicinity of Salinas Avenue. 

    At the time of his arrest, he was wearing the same clothing as viewed in the security footage from the Falcon International Bank. 

    Law enforcement also found a large amount of cash in the car as well as a yellow note and blue marker. 

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. 

    The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investigators roll up mafia-style organisation in Italy and Germany

    Source: Eurojust

    An extensive five-year investigation into an ‘Ndrangheta mafia-style organisation active in Germany and Italy has led to the arrest of 29 suspects during a joint operation by Italian and German authorities, supported by Eurojust. The mafia-style group was responsible for a number of crimes in the Stuttgart area, and Calabria and Emilia-Romagna, including fraudulent trade in food products, attempted manslaughter, drug trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering.

    The joint operation was coordinated from the Eurojust premises in The Hague. Authorities worked together to carry out around 40 searches in Germany and Italy. Ten of the suspects were arrested in Germany and 19 in Italy. Among those arrested in Germany is a police officer, who is suspected of supporting the criminal organisation.

    During the joint actions in both countries, carried out today, over 350 law enforcement officers were deployed. German officers were involved in the operations on the ground in Italy and vice versa.

    To carry out the investigation, a joint investigation team (JIT) was set up via Eurojust, which assisted the rapid and efficient collaboration between the authorities involved. The authorities worked together to investigate a number of crimes linked to the ‘Ndrangheta-related organisation, agreeing on a coordinated prosecution strategy.

    The organised crime group (OCG) is suspected to have carried out several crimes throughout Italy and Germany, but mostly around the Stuttgart area. The crimes they are being investigated for include the formation and support of a foreign criminal organisation, arson, disclosure of confidential information, drug trafficking, money laundering and attempted manslaughter.

    Specific investigations especially brought to light an elaborate fraud with high-value food products, such as expensive cheeses and olive oil, as well as kitchen equipment for pizza production. These products were ordered via a fake company, which didn’t pay any invoices, and the goods were later sold on via another enterprise to Italian restaurants in and around Stuttgart, who were put under pressure by the OCG to buy the products from them.

    The following authorities carried out the operations:

    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Catanzaro – District Anti-Mafia Directorate: Investigative Section of the Central Operational Service (SISCO) of Catanzaro and Mobile Squad of Police Headquarters of Catanzaro, with the coordination of the Central Operational Service of the Central Anti-Crime Directorate of the State Police, supported in the executive phase by Mobile Squads of Cosenza, Modena, Parma, Ferrara and Grosseto and SISCO of Bologna and Florence, from the Crime Prevention Departments ‘Northern – Southern and Central Calabria’, including anti-drug dog units
    • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart; Aalen Police Headquarters; Waiblingen Criminal Investigation Department

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Military Contractor Pleads Guilty for Deleting Text Messages in Antitrust Division Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    Today, a Federal Judge accepted a guilty plea to destruction of records in a federal investigation from a former employee of a contractor that provided operation and maintenance services to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for U.S. military installations in South Korea.

    According to the information filed in the Western District of Texas, in or about July 2021, David Cruz, 37, deleted text messages with Hyuk Jin Kwon and Hyun Ki Shin. Kwon and Shin were separately charged ‌for fraud and conspiring to rig bids and fix prices on millions of dollars in maintenance and repair subcontracting work provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in South Korea and remain fugitives. At Kwon’s suggestion, Cruz deleted text messages after receiving a litigation hold notice from his employer requiring him not to destroy or delete communications. Cruz then covered up the deletion of those text messages after being specifically advised by his employer that there was an ongoing federal investigation.

    In the deleted text messages, Cruz discussed with Kwon and Shin the need to get additional bids from their competitor to satisfy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s competitive bidding requirements for subcontract work. Kwon had previously told Cruz that Cruz should contact him instead of requesting bids directly from Kwon’s competitors.

    “The Procurement Collusion Strike Force’s commitment to safeguard taxpayer dollars from collusion and fraud is unwavering,” said Director Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF). “The Antitrust Division will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who unlawfully impede our investigations by destroying or covering up evidence.”

    “Bid rigging and other acts of fraud against the U.S. Army not only undermine the integrity of critical procurement efforts but also put our Soldiers at risk by providing them capabilities and services which do not meet the high standards necessary to maintain peak lethality,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael DeFamio of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), Far East Field Office. “Army CID is grateful for the collaborative efforts of our federal partners at the FBI and the Department of Justice, and we will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who attempts to defraud the U.S. Government, regardless of where they are in the world.”

    “The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is steadfast in its mission to protect taxpayer funds from fraud and collusion,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley Newell of DCIS’ Transnational Field Office. “We are equally committed to relentlessly pursuing those who attempt to obstruct our investigations through the destruction or concealment of evidence.”

    “Mr. Cruz knowingly destroyed records that were part of an ongoing criminal investigation and has now acknowledged his crime” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI is committed to holding accountable military contractors who flout the bidding process and intentionally destroy evidence of their guilt.”

    Destruction of records in a federal investigation carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section, Army CID, DCIS, and the FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief Daniel E. Lipton and Trial Attorney Daniel P. Chung of the Antitrust Division prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Devlin for the Western District of Texas.

    In November 2019, the Justice Department created the PCSF, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund Declares Monthly Distributions of $0.06 per Share Payable on May 1, June 2, and July 1, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund (the “Fund”), has declared its regular monthly distribution of $0.06 per share on the Fund’s common shares (NYSE: MCN) payable on May 1, 2025, June 2, 2025, and July 1, 2025. The total amount equals $0.18 and represents no change from the previous quarter’s distribution amount.

    As previously announced in its distribution declaration dated March 3, 2025, the Fund has changed its distribution frequency from quarterly to monthly, effective with the April 1, 2025 declaration. XA Investments believes this change will enable investors to better manage their cash flow needs.

    The following dates apply to the declaration:  

    Ex-Dividend Date Record Date Payable Date Amount Per Share
    April 15, 2025 April 15, 2025 May 1, 2025 $0.06
    May 15, 2025 May 15, 2025 June 2, 2025 $0.06
    June 16, 2025 June 16, 2025 July 1, 2025 $0.06
    Total Amount of Monthly Distributions $0.18
         
    Change from Previous Quarter            No Change
     

    Common share distributions may be paid from net investment income (regular interest and dividends), capital gains and/or a return of capital. The specific tax characteristics of the distributions will be reported to the Fund’s common shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the 2025 calendar year. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net income or profit. For further information regarding the Fund’s distributions, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    The Fund’s net investment income and capital gain can vary significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain more stable common share quarterly distributions over time. The Fund’s final taxable income for the current fiscal year will not be known until the Fund’s tax returns are filed.

    As a registered investment company, the Fund is subject to a 4% excise tax that is imposed if the Fund does not distribute to common shareholders by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on December 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to retain income or capital gain to the extent that the Board of Trustees, in consultation with Fund management, determines it to be in the interest of shareholders to do so.

    The common share distributions paid by the Fund for any particular period may be more than the amount of net investment income from that period. As a result, all or a portion of a distribution may be a return of capital, which is in effect a partial return of the amount a common shareholder invested in the Fund, up to the amount of the common shareholder’s tax basis in their common shares, which would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the common shareholder’s potential gain, or reduce the common shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of common shares.

    Future common share distributions will be made if and when declared by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, based on a consideration of number of factors, including the Fund’s net investment income, financial performance and available cash. There can be no assurance that the amount or timing of common share distributions in the future will be equal or similar to that described herein or that the Board of Trustees will not decide to suspend or discontinue the payment of common share distributions in the future.

    The Fund’s objective is to achieve a high level of current income and current capital gains, with long-term capital appreciation as a secondary objective. The Fund intends to pursue its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and utilizing an option strategy, primarily by writing (selling) covered call options on a substantial portion of the common stocks in the portfolio in order to generate current income and gains from option writing premiums and, to a lesser extent, from dividends. Market action can impact dividend issuance as the Fund’s total assets affect the Fund’s future dividend prospects. The Fund provides additional information on its website at www.xainvestments.com.

    About XA Investments

    XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) serves as the Trust’s investment adviser. XAI is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in 2016. XAI serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and an interval closed-end fund. The listed closed-end funds, the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (NYSE: XFLT) and XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund (NYSE: MCN) both trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The interval closed-end fund, Octagon XAI CLO Income Fund (OCTIX), is newly launched and has been made widely available to investors.

    In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including development and market research, sales, marketing, and fund management.

    XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. XAI provides individual investors with access to institutional-caliber alternative managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    About XMS Capital Partners
    XMS Capital Partners, LLC, established in 2006, is a global, independent, financial services firm providing M&A, corporate advisory and asset management services to clients. It has offices in Chicago, Boston and London. For more information, please visit www.xmscapital.com.

    About Madison Investments
    Madison Investments is an independent investment management firm based in Madison, WI. The firm was founded in 1974, has approximately $28 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, and is recognized as one of the nation’s top investment firms. Madison offers domestic fixed income, U.S. and international equity, covered call, multi-asset, insurance and credit union investment management strategies. For more information, please visit www.madisoninvestments.com.

    Madison and/or Madison Investments is the unifying tradename of Madison Investment Holdings, Inc., Madison Asset Management, LLC, and Madison Investment Advisors, LLC. Madison Funds are distributed by MFD Distributor, LLC. Madison is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. MFD Distributor, LLC is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority www.finra.org.

    XAI does not provide tax advice; please consult a professional tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as the federal alternative minimum tax.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For more information on the Fund, please visit the Fund’s webpage at www.xainvestments.com.

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

    NOT FDIC INSURED     NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE
         

    Media Contact:

    Kimberly Flynn, President
    XA Investments LLC
    Phone:  888-903-3358
    Email: KFlynn@XAInvestments.com
    www.xainvestments.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed acquisition of certain CCPS B of API Holdings by 360 ONE and Claypond Capital

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of certain CCPS B of API Holdings by 360 ONE and Claypond Capital.

    360 ONE Large Value Fund – Series 13 (360 ONE LVF), which is a scheme of 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (Fund), acting through its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (AAML) (360 ONE LVF, Fund, and AAML are referred to as “360 ONE”). 360 ONE LVF is registered with the SEBI as a Category II AIF and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The Fund is managed by its investment manager, i.e., AAML. AAML provides investment management services to schemes of the Fund other Category I and Category II AIFs of the 360 ONE Group. It also undertakes co-investment portfolio management services

    Claypond Capital Partners Private Limited (Claypond Capital) is a private limited company incorporated in India. Claypond Capital ultimately belongs to the Pai Family Group. It is engaged in the provision of consulting and advisory services to customers in India.

    API Holdings Limited (API Holdings/Target) is a company incorporated in India. It is directly or indirectly engaged in various activities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in India.

    The proposed transaction consists of the following steps: (a) 360 ONE proposes to acquire certain class B compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS B) of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG Family Office LLP (MEMG LLP) (Proposed 360 Transaction); and (b) Claypond Capital proposes to acquire certain CCPS B of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG LLP (Proposed Claypond Transaction) (Proposed 360 Transaction and Proposed Claypond Transaction are collectively referred to as the “Proposed Combination”).

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

    *****

     NB/AD

    (Release ID: 2117415) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Stresses Need for Techno-Legal Framework to Address Emerging New-Age Crimes and to Ensure Prompt Investigation and Bringing Criminals to Justice for Effective Prosecution

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Stresses Need for Techno-Legal Framework to Address Emerging New-Age Crimes and to Ensure Prompt Investigation and Bringing Criminals to Justice for Effective Prosecution

    Technical knowhow of India’s academia, scientists and researchers should be harnessed to bring about technological solutions in investigations

    Union Minister Urges CBI to Establish State-of-the-Art Cyber Forensic Labs in Collaboration with Academia

    Amid Deepfake & AI challenges, Ashwini Vaishnaw says the Future of Effective Criminal Justice lies in combining legal frameworks with Technological Capability and Institutional innovation

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw delivers 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI’s 62nd Foundation Day, presents police medals to 26 officers

    Union Minister highlights CBI’s role in justice and outlines four key pillars of India’s growth strategy

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, addressed the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI’s 62nd Foundation Day held today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Speaking on the theme ‘VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047 – A Roadmap for CBI’, the Minister outlined a strategic vision for the agency’s role in India’s progress over the next two decades. During the event, President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service and Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service to CBI officers were presented acknowledging their dedication and exceptional contributions.

    In his address, Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw elaborated the important role played by CBI over the years in bringing out truth through in depth & professional investigation and in bringing criminals to justice through effective prosecution. He further said “Our academia, our scientists, our researchers today possess remarkable strength and capabilities. This strength must be harnessed by investigating agencies, law officers, and government departments to co-develop technological solutions. Law alone will not be sufficient, we need techno-legal approach to address the challenges posed by new-age crimes and investigation,” the Minister emphasized.

    Union Minister urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take the lead in building state-of-the-art cyber forensic laboratories by actively partnering with academic and research institutions. He further highlighted the need for institutional frameworks that facilitate such collaborations and suggested that Ministries and Departments such as MeitY, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Department of Science and Technology (DST) work closely with investigative agencies to co-create technologies required for modern-day law enforcement.

    The Minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of rapid technological evolution, including challenges posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and cyber-enabled crimes. He stressed that the future of effective criminal justice lies in combining legal frameworks with technological capability and institutional innovation.

    Reflecting on India’s transformative journey over the past decade, the Minister noted the country’s rapid economic growth, strong governance, and technological leadership. He further highlighted four pillars of growth strategy in the last decade, first, public investment in physical, social and digital infrastructure, second a large number of inclusive growth programs, third a strong focus on manufacturing and innovation and fourth, simplification of legal and compliance structures.

    First Pillar: Public Investment In Physical, Social and Digital infrastructure

    The first pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on significant investments in social, physical and digital infrastructure, including the construction of national highways, new airports, and the electrification of railways. The Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has democratized technology with over 118 crore telecom subscribers, 70 crore smartphone users, and a robust AI ecosystem to support innovation. In social infrastructure, India has also expanded educational opportunities by opening 490 new universities and increasing the capacity of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

    Second Pillar: Inclusive Growth

    The second pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on inclusive growth, ensuring that economic progress translates into real improvements in people’s lives. Over the past decade, 54 crore new bank accounts have been opened, 4 crore houses built, and 12 crore tap water connections provided. In addition, 35 crore citizens are part of the Ayushman Bharat program, with more than 25 crore citizens coming out of poverty and improved access to essential services for millions.

    Third Pillar: Strong Focus on Manufacturing and Innovation

    The third pillar of India’s growth strategy emphasizes manufacturing and innovation, shifting the country from a services-based economy to a manufacturing hub. Initiatives like Make in India and Startup India have spurred growth, with electronics becoming the third-largest export and India becoming the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. Key successes include developments in the semiconductor, defense, telecom sector, and the launch of high-speed Vande Bharat trains.

    Fourth Pillar: Simplification of legal and compliance structures

    The fourth pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on simplification by eliminating outdated colonial-era laws. Over 1,500 archaic laws have been removed, and new frameworks like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have replaced old legal structures such as the IPC and CrPC. This simplification process is paving the way for a more modern and efficient legal system.

    CBI Director, Shri Praveen Sood welcomed the guests on the occasion. Attorney General of India, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Director IB, Director ED, Heads of NIA & Central Paramilitary Forces graced the occasion. Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) of other countries, also attended the event.

    Following officers & officials of CBI were presented the medals by the Honb’le Minister for Distinguished and Meritorious Service: 

    (i)         President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service were presented to :

    1.         Shri K. Pradeep Kumar, SP, CBI, ACB, Jammu;

    2.         Shri Naresh Kumar Sharma, ASP, CBI, Special Unit, New Delhi;

    3.         Shri Mukesh Kumar, ASP, CBI, AC-II, New Delhi;

    4.         Shri Ramji Lal Jat, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jaipur (Now Retired) and

    5.         Shri Raj Kumar, Head Constable, CBI, Head Office, New Delhi

     

    (ii)        Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service were presented to:

     

    1.         Shri Raghavendra Vatsa, IPS (GJ:05), then DIG-HoB, CBI, ACB, New Delhi  (presently in the cadre as IGP, Gujarat Police);

    2.         Ms. Sharada Pandurang Raut, IPS (MH:05) then DIG- HoB, CBI, EOB, Mumbai (presently in the cadre as Jt. Commissioner, S.I.D., Maharashtra  Mumbai);

    3.         Shri Prem Kumar Gautam, IPS (UP:05), then DIG – HoB, CBI, SU, New Delhi (presently in the cadre as IGP, Prayagraj Range, Uttar Pradesh);

    4.         Shri Manoj Chaladan, DLA, CBI, ACB, Mumbai;

    5.         Shri Srinivas Pillari, Principal System Analyst, CBI, ACB, Kolkata (Now posted at Systems Division, Delhi Branch);

    6.         Shri K. Madhusudhanan, DSP, CBI, ACB, Visakhapatnam;

    7.         Shri Ajay Kumar, DSP (Now ASP) CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi;

    8.         Shri Balwinder Singh, Inspector, CBI, SCB, Chandigarh;

    9.         Shri Chitti Babu N., Inspector, CBI, ACB, Hyderabad;

    10.       Shri Manoj Kumar, Inspector, CBI, HO, New Delhi (presently in his parent force & posted at CISF, CGBS Unit Mahipalpur, New Delhi);

    11.       Shri Rahul Kumar, Inspector, CBI, EOB, Kolkata (presently in his force & posted at CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata);

    12.       Shri Rajeev Sharma, Inspector, CBI,HO, New Delhi;

    13.       Shri S. Nanda Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector, CBI, SU, Chennai;

    14.       Shri Suresh Prasad Shukla, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jabalpur  (now posted at CBI, BSFB Mumbai);

    15.       Shri Rajesh Kumar, Head Constable, CBI, HO, New Delhi;

    16.       Shri Om Prakash Daloutra, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jammu;

    17.       Shri Randhir Singh, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jaipur;

    18.       Shri Pawan Kumar, Constable, CBI, SC-I, NewDelhi;

    19.       Shri Tejpal Singh, Constable, CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi;

    20.       Shri Atul Sareen, Crime Assistant, CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi and

    21.       Shri Subra Mohanty, Steno Gr.-II, CBI, ACB, Bhubaneswar

    About the event

    CBI pays its respect and homage to its founder Director late Shri Dharamnath Prasad Kohli and has been organizing the D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture since the year 2000.

    Shri Dharamnath Prasad Kohli was born in 1907 in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. After joining Police Service in 1931, he served in UP, erstwhile Madhya Bharat and the Government of India. He had distinguished career in the Indian Police. He headed Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) from July 1955 to March 1963. On creation of Central Bureau of Investigation, on 1st April, 1963, Shri D.P. Kohli became its founder Director and continued as its Director from 1963 till his retirement on May 31, 1968.

    The lecture series has been honoured to feature highly distinguished speakers and luminaries from various fields who share their insights and experience on pertinent topics. The lecture series is intended to contribute to fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and advancing the understanding of challenges and solutions in the realm of law enforcement, criminal justice system and criminal investigation. The D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture serves as an apt tribute to Shri D.P. Kohli’s vision and legacy in establishing the CBI as a premier investigating and prosecuting agency. It also underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and excellence in its operations as enshrined in CBI’s motto Industry, Impartiality and Integrity.

    The Central Bureau of Investigation was established by a Government of India resolution dated 1st April, 1963 to investigate not only cases of bribery and corruption, but also violation of central fiscal laws, serious crimes besides collecting supporting intelligence. Over the last more than six decades, the Central Bureau of Investigation has emerged as a premier investigating and prosecuting agency of the country covering entire gamut of crimes including emerging new age crimes like cyber enabled financial crimes, online CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material), etc. CBI as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India also coordinates international cooperation in law enforcement.

    The function was also webcast live Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Delivers the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture at Bharat Mandapam

    ****

     

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2117361) Visitor Counter : 126

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $300,000 at airport (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs today (April 1) detected a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $300,000.

    Customs officers intercepted a 50-year-old female passenger  who planned to depart from Hong Kong to Koror, Palau. Upon a search, Customs officers found the batch of suspected methamphetamine on her body. The woman was subsequently arrested.

    An investigation is ongoing.

    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – Chile Joint Statement (April 01, 2025)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the President of the Republic of Chile, H.E. Mr. Gabriel Boric Font is on a State visit to India from 1-5 April, 2025, commemorating the completion of 76 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Boric is accompanied by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Mining, Women and Gender Equality and Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Members of Parliament, Senior Officials and a large number of business leaders. Apart from New Delhi, President Boric will visit Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru. This is the first visit of President Boric to India. Both President Boric and Prime Minister Modi had first met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

    President Boric was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome on arrival at Air Force Station Palam. Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with President Boric at Hyderabad House on 1 April 2025. He met President Droupadi Murmu who also hosted a Banquet in his honour and his accompanying delegation. Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India called on President Boric.

    President Boric and Prime Minister Modi recalled the historic diplomatic ties that were established in 1949, growing trade linkages, people-to-people linkages, cultural ties and also the warm and cordial bilateral relations between both countries. They expressed desire for further expanding and deepening of the multifaceted relationship between the two countries in all areas of mutual interests.

    During their meeting, the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations spanning a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, ICT, digitization, innovation, disaster management, cooperation in science and technology, education and people-to-people linkages. The two sides agreed to continue regular exchanges at various levels to give further momentum to the bilateral relationship.

    The two leaders noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of the bilateral relations. While highlighting the positive effects generated by the expansion of the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement in May 2017, which has resulted in substantial increase in bilateral trade, the two leaders emphasized the need for further strengthening of bilateral trade mechanisms that could open new opportunities for expansion of bilateral trade. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the recent increase in visits of business delegations from both sides, which is strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Boric for bringing in a large business delegation, which will help in intensifying business interaction between the two countries. Both agreed to continue the discussions for further enhancement of the trade relations.

    President Boric conveyed that India is a priority partner for Chile in the global economy and stressed the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries. The President and the Prime Minister acknowledged signing of the mutually agreed Terms of Reference and welcomed the launch of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement to achieve a deeper economic integration. The CEPA will aim at unlocking the full potential of the trade and commercial relationship between India and Chile, boosting employment, bilateral trade, and economic growth.

    To further promote trade relations as well as people-to-people interactions, President Boric announced Chile’s decision to grant a Multiple Entry Permit for Indian businesspersons which will streamline the visa process. Prime Minister Modi welcomed and valued this measure, as it reflects the willingness of both parties to facilitate trade and investment and the shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations between Chile and India. Acknowledging the people-to-people linkages as an important pillar to promote bilateral ties and to facilitate business, tourism, student and academic exchanges, Indian side has already put in place a flexible visa regime, including by extending e-visa facility for Chilean travellers to India.

    Both leaders recognised the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy transitions, both leaders agreed to accelerate collaboration in exploration, mining and processing along with research and development to promote investment across the entire critical mineral value chain for mutual benefit. They stressed on the need for building trusted and resilient supply chains including for critical minerals and advanced materials. The two sides agreed to work together on initiatives to strengthen supply chains and local value chains by fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and understandings in mining and minerals, including the possibility of long-term supply of minerals and materials from Chile to India.

    Both leaders agreed to explore the opening up of new avenues for cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals, space, ICT, agriculture, green energy, traditional medicine, Antarctica, Science & Technology, management of natural disasters, sports, Startups, cooperatives, and audiovisual co-production, through the exchange of experiences and good practices among the agencies responsible for these matters.

    President Boric acknowledged the role of the Indian pharmaceutical industry as one of the world leaders, and an important partner for Chile in the supply of affordable and high-quality products. Both sides agreed to facilitate private sectors of the two countries to increase trade in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices. Both sides agreed to work on enhancing cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors and address market access issues for Indian pharmaceuticals, as well as advancing in the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by Chile.

    The two leaders noted the importance of traditional medicines and Yoga in preserving health and wellbeing of people and directed their officials for an early conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on Traditional Medicines to promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Towards this, both countries agreed to collaborate and intensify the promotion and use of evidence-based, integrative, Traditional Medicine, Homeopathy, and Yoga by signing an MoU.

    Both sides agreed to work on promoting investments in infrastructure projects in each other’s countries. Chilean side welcomed Indian companies to participate in infrastructure projects including in railway sector.

    The two leaders encouraged the two sides to work together to explore substantial areas for bilateral defence cooperation, including capacity building and defence industrial collaboration. Both agreed to share knowledge in developing and enhancing each other’s capabilities under the existing formal defence cooperation agreement in place. Indian side highlighted that Chile has been kept on priority while offering opportunities in training at Defence Services Staff College, NDC, NDA and HDMC, apart from slots for specialised courses in mountain warfare and peacekeeping operations previously made available. Indian side expressed its desire to receive and train Chilean military in areas of mutual interests.

    Both leaders expressed their happiness on signing of the Letter of Intent to strengthen existing Antarctic cooperation, which will further facilitate partnership in Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources agendas bilateral dialogues, joint initiatives and academic exchanges related to Antarctica and Antarctic policy. Both India and Chile are Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen scientific understanding of Antarctic for the benefit of both parties and the global community.

    The two sides welcomed the adoption and opening for signature of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), as a key legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and reiterated the resolve of their respective countries to preserve, protect and promote biodiversity, from land to sea, and agreed to work together and support each other in international forums dealing with these issues. Both countries reaffirmed their intention to strengthen a vision from the Global South in multilateralism, through cooperation and joint efforts, based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and the right to development.

    Recalling the two countries’ decades-long partnership in space, the two leaders noted the ongoing engagements in the space sector between the two countries, including the launching of a satellite belonging to Chile (SUCHAI-1) by India in 2017 as a co-passenger under a commercial arrangement. Both leaders emphasized the importance of further cooperation to promote training and capacity building and research in space and astrophysics. In this regard, they welcomed the constitution of Space Executive Committee by Chile to work on cooperation including in the areas of exploration in space, R&D, training, satellite building, launch and operation and peaceful use of outer space with ISRO, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) and Startups.

    Both leaders noted their respective dynamic information and digital technology sectors and stressed the need to explore synergies to enhance cooperation in this field. They expressed mutual interest in growth of investment, joint ventures, technological development and markets in the IT and digital space, including promoting collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI), thereby democratizing access to digital services for people and businesses. Both leaders acknowledged the efforts by the two sides in exploring early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sectors. They committed to work for developing closer cooperation between the vibrant Startup ecosystems of the two countries. Both leaders expressed their desire for advancing on signing of an understanding on cooperation in the areas of Digital Transformation to facilitate deeper engagement between tech communities of both countries.

    The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reformed multilateralism and for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to make it more representative, accountable, transparent, inclusive and effective, reflecting the geopolitical realities of the 21st Century. The Chilean side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for a permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. The two sides agreed to work together for promotion of democratic principles and human rights to strengthen the world peace stressing the importance of resolving all disputes through peaceful dialogue.

    Both leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism and shared their resolve to stand together in common fight against global terrorism. They agreed that terrorism must be combated through concerted global actions.

    The two leaders called upon all UN member countries to implement the UNSC Resolution 1267 and work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure and disrupt terrorist networks and all terror financing channels. Both reiterated their commitment to work together in Financial Action Task Force (FATF), No Money For Terror (NMFT) and other multilateral platforms to combat terrorism. The two leaders also reiterated the importance of early finalization of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

    The two leaders committed themselves to the vision of a rules-based international order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, ensures freedom of navigation and overflight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce, and that seeks peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, notably the UNCLOS.

    Prime Minister Modi appreciated the participation of Chile in all the three editions of the “Voice of Global South” Summits, reflecting the commitment in bringing together countries of the Global South to share their development perspectives and priorities. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Boric for sharing his valuable perspectives and ideas at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit held in August 2024 and noted that both countries have strong convergence on several contemporary global issues, including on the need for effective global governance reforms and equitable access for Global South countries to clean and green technologies. President Boric welcomed India’s leadership in strengthening engagements between countries of Global South.

    President Boric appreciated India’s leadership in G20 which brought the development agenda to centre stage and acknowledged the transformative and inclusive role of technology, with a focus on unlocking the potential of digital public infrastructure (DPI). Both Leaders recognized that India’s G20 Presidency has championed Voice of the Global South by bringing to fore key initiatives and outcomes, such as inclusion of African Union in G20, promotion of Lifestyles for sustainable development (LiFE), advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), reforms of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and focus on women-led development. In this regard, and with the aim of promoting greater integration and representativeness within the G20, India will support the inclusion of Chile and Latin American countries in the discussions as G20′ guest countries.

    The two sides recognized the challenges for their economies presented by climate change and the transition to low emissions climate resilient economies. Accordingly, they expressed keen desire to promote clean energy and sustainable development through development of more efficient energy technologies. The two leaders called for increased joint investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, utilization and storage technologies, energy efficiency, and other low-carbon solutions that will have the potential to accelerate sustainable economic growth and foster job creation.

    President Boric welcomed India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and reiterated strong support as a member since November 2023. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Chile joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in January 2021 aiming to make systems and infrastructure resilient to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, both leaders valued Chile’s offer of hosting the 7th Meeting of the ISA Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Recognizing the growing significance of technology enabled learning solutions, skills development, and institutional capacity building, India and Chile reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in these areas. Both countries have agreed to facilitate partnerships between EdCIL (India) Limited and key Chilean institutions, including the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), the Chilean Ministry of Education, and technical training centres (CFTs), thereby focusing on digital learning, research exchanges, smart education infrastructure, and vocational training programs, leveraging the strengths of both nations to drive innovation and knowledge-sharing in education.

    Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the transformational changes taking place in education sector in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encouraged leading Chilean universities to strengthen academic and research partnerships with Indian institutions and build institutional linkages through joint/dual degree and twinning arrangements. Given mutual strengths of both countries in astronomy and astrophysics, both leaders agreed to strengthen institutional engagements in these domains. The two leaders welcomed the proposal for establishment of an ICCR Chair on Indian Studies in one of the universities in Chile and directed the officials to examine the feasibility for an early implementation.

    Both leaders welcomed the ongoing cooperation in training and capacity building in the field of diplomacy and noted the potential for further enhancement for cooperation in this area, in line with global diplomatic endeavours and new technology making diplomacy more efficient.

    The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural ties in bringing the people of the two countries closer to each other. They lauded the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Chile and appreciated the long-standing cultural exchanges between the two nations. The leaders applauded the growing interest in the study of the cultures and languages in both countries with Spanish being among the popular foreign languages in India. They stressed the mutual interest in further strengthening India – Chile cultural cooperation and the reinforcement of cooperation among cultural institutions of the two countries. They welcomed the signing of new Cultural Exchange Program to promote bilateral exchanges in music, dance, theatre, literature, museums and festivals.

    The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made to finalise the agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters which will lead to strengthening linkages between the relevant agencies to counter illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and, in general, to investigate, prevent and suppress contraventions of Customs laws, as well as sharing of best practices and capacity building. They also welcomed the efforts by two sides to sign an agreement on cooperation in the disability sector which would contribute to a more humane and just society where no one is left behind. The two leaders directed their officials to conclude these documents at an early date.

    Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining regular interaction on matters of mutual interest. They reiterated their willingness to build on opportunities to promote and expand the bonds of cooperation and understanding that characterizes the bilateral relationship.

    President Gabriel Boric thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for warmth and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during the visit and invited him to pay an official visit to Chile at a mutually convenient time.

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    MJPS/SR/BM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Record 4,515 Child Adoptions in FY 2024-25, Highest in 12 years

    Source: Government of India

    Record 4,515 Child Adoptions in FY 2024-25, Highest in 12 years

    Adoption process strengthened with increased Awareness, Identification Initiatives, and Digital Transparency

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s adoption ecosystem has seen a significant boost in FY 2024-25, with a record 4,515 child adoptions, the highest since 2015-16. Of these, 4,155 were domestic adoptions, reflecting growing acceptance of legal adoption in the country. A strong identification drive by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) introduced 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool, ensuring that more children in need find loving families. Additionally, 245 new adoption agencies were set up in coordination with state governments to streamline the adoption process.

    Key factors in this progress have been the intervention of Identification Cell and extensive training & awareness campaigns. CARA conducted physical state orientations across 12 states and UTs, along with 45 virtual training sessions covering adoption timelines, training of CWC members, foster care, and adoption counseling for children and prospective adoptive parents (PAPs). Moreover, as part of the Adoption Awareness Campaign, CARA partnered with 16 states to organize meets with Adoptive Parents from October, 2024 to January, 2025. In the presence of Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, Annual conclave was also celebrated in November, 2024, focusing on foster care and adoption advocacy, with over 500 stakeholders participating.

    Furthering its commitment, CARA launched a comprehensive child identification exercise, adhering to the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This initiative categorized children under five groups – Orphan, Abandoned, Surrendered, Children with No Visitation, and Children with Unfit Guardians. This strategic effort aimed to bring more children into the legal adoption framework, ensuring their right to a secure and supportive home.

    Under the guidance of Ministry of Women and Child Development, CARA also introduced new initiatives to enhance alternate family-based care. In 2024, CARA introduced Foster Care and Foster Adoption Modules on CARINGS portal to ensure placement of older children in family-based alternate care.

    In a move towards greater transparency and efficiency, CARA implemented digital interventions to streamline adoption procedures. Enhancements were made to the CARINGS portal, incorporating Identification related initiatives pertaining to data cleansing and provisions from the Adoption Regulations, 2022. New modules for in-country relative and step-parent adoptions were introduced, reducing the average processing time to 3-4 months.

    The achievements of FY 2024-25 highlight CARA’s proactive approach in strengthening India’s adoption framework. With continued collaboration between central and state authorities, CARA remains committed to ensuring every child in need finds a safe and loving home.

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    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2117433) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Led by Robust 19.72% Growth in Loading of Domestic Container; Indian Railways Registers Incremental Loading of 1.68% Across All Commodities Compared to Last Year

    Source: Government of India

    Led by Robust 19.72% Growth in Loading of Domestic Container; Indian Railways Registers Incremental Loading of 1.68% Across All Commodities Compared to Last Year

    Gunny sacks, Hot Rolled coils, Ceramic Tiles, Wall care putty and Rice are five major commodities in domestic container; Domestic coal loading grows by 7.4% fertilizer by 1.2 %

    Eastern Railway Leads with 16.11% Growth in Freight Loading Among Zonal Railways in FY 2024-25

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways is crucial for transporting bulk commodities which are essential for industry and energy – coal for power plants, iron ore and finished steel for manufacturing and construction, cement, food grains for national distribution, fertilizers for agriculture, and petroleum products. For long distances and bulk goods, rail transport has been more economical than road transport. This helps reduce overall logistics costs for businesses, making Indian goods more competitive domestically and internationally. Moreover, Railways link mines, factories, agricultural regions, and ports with markets across the country, enabling seamless supply chains.

    During FY 2024-25, Indian Railways achieved approx 1617.38 MT of originating freight loading, as compared to 1590.68 MT achieved during FY 2023-24, registering an incremental loading of 26.70 MT (1.68%).

    Loading for domestic Coal registered growth of 7.4% whereas loading for Domestic Container recorded growth of 19.72%. Loading for fertilizer recorded growth of 1.25%. POL loading registered growth of 0.61%. Gunny sacks, Hot Rolled coils, Ceramic Tiles, Wall care putty and Rice are five major commodities in domestic container.

    In terms of loading achieved by Zonal Railways, Eastern Railway achieved growth of 16.11%. South East Central Railway (SECR) achieved growth of 7.28%. Northeast Frontier Railway achieved growth of 4.21%. Northern Railway achieved growth of 3.89%.  East Central Railway achieved growth of 2.82%. South Central Railway achieved growth of 2.14%. East Coast Railway achieved growth of 1.19%. Southern Railway achieved growth of 0.80%. South Eastern Railway achieved growth of 0.36%.

    Due to impressive loading of Coal by Indian Railways, stock at power houses in India reached 57 MT.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2117417) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBIC to introduce electronic processing of import/ export through personal carriage by air passengers from 1st May 2025 at specified airports

    Source: Government of India

    CBIC to introduce electronic processing of import/ export through personal carriage by air passengers from 1st May 2025 at specified airports

    Nine airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur to allow personal carriage export of gems and jewellery

    Seven airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur to allow personal carriage import of gems and jewellery

    Four airports at Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to allow personal carriage samples/prototypes of machinery

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

    The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has introduced electronic processing of Bill of Entry/ Shipping Bill pertaining to gems and jewellery/samples/prototypes through personal carriage by air passengers from 01.05.2025 onwards at specified airports.

    The export/import through personal carriage shall be subject to the provisions of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 and Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023.

    The facility of personal carriage will be available, for export of gems and jewellery in the nine airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur) specified in para 4.87 of HBP and for import of gems and jewellery in the seven airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur) specified in para 4.88 of HBP. In case of samples/prototypes of machinery, the facility is initially being made available in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai airports.

    The harmonised procedure and electronic processing will promote ease of doing business for such mode of transaction especially for gems and jewellery and high-end manufacturing.

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    NB/KMN

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