Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand jury indicts 4 separate cases involving immigration offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury indicted four new immigration cases in Columbus this week.

    According to their court documents, two defendants have prior convictions for drug trafficking, one defendant’s prior convictions include a firearms crime and driving under the influence, and the final defendant was allegedly smuggling illegal aliens across the United States.

    Juan Carlos Garcia-Vasquez, 45, is a Mexican national who was charged with illegally reentering the United States. He was previous convicted in Franklin County for cocaine trafficking.

    Ricardo Martinez-Nunez, 29, has prior convictions in Franklin County for improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle and driving under the influence. Martinez-Nunez is also charged with illegally reentering the United States. He is a Mexican national.

    Previous convictions for Lino Mendiola-Vanegas, 45, include cocaine trafficking and forgery in Franklin County. He is charged with illegally reentering the United States and is a Mexican national.

    Finally, it is alleged that Adalberto Calixto Tolentino, 21, was transporting four illegal aliens across the United States for financial gain.

    According to his court documents, on Jan. 23, investigators with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office received information from Customs and Border Patrol located in Southern Arizona that a Toyota Highlander with an Arizona license plate was allegedly involved in human smuggling.

    Sheriff’s deputies stopped Tolentino in Licking County and discovered four individuals in the vehicle as well as an envelope with $8,000 cash. When interviewed by law enforcement, one passenger said he had paid $10,000 to be helped crossing the border of Mexico into the United States. He was picked up in the desert in Arizona and eventually transported by Tolentino.

    Tolentino was originally charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 24. He has remained in federal custody since that time. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Illegally reentering the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison. If the offender has multiple prior misdemeanor charges, the penalty is increased to 10 years in prison, and if the offender has been previously convicted of an aggravated felony, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, and Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth F. Affeldt and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in these cases.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    These cases are being prosecuted as part of the Southern District of Ohio Immigration Enforcement Task Force, which dedicates agents, attorneys and other staff to investigating and prosecuting immigration violations.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texan extradited to face multiple firearms charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo is back on U.S. soil on charges of aiding and abetting straw purchasing, being a felon in possession of a firearm and transferring a firearm to a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias had previously fled to Mexico. He is expected to make his initial appearance Feb. 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song at 9:30 a.m.

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment against him and others Oct. 5, 2021.

    In August 2021, authorities had been conducted surveillance at a house in Laredo, according to the charges. During the operation, they allegedly observed Covarrubias and others as they exited and entered the house or garage and appeared to be placing items into nearby vehicles. The charges allege Covarrubias eventually left the house with two others and went to a second home.

    There, law enforcement observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody.

    The charges allege they had been involved in fraudulently purchasing firearms since Dec. 4, 2019.   

    Covarrubias is a convicted felon, according to the charges. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

    After his arrest, he was permitted release on bond and fled to Mexico where he was ultimately arrested and later returned to United States authorities.

    If convicted, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced today that DAVID KELLUP JR.(“KELLUP”), age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Counts 2, 4, 5, and 8 of the indictment pending against him.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2025.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 2 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  At sentencing, he faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1).  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. Any sentence on Count 4 must run consecutive to any other sentence.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 5 with possessing firearms after being convicted of certain felonies, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). At sentencing, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2.  Count 8 carries up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. All four counts also carry a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals, maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.  Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.

    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.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado City Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Role in Child Sexual Abuse Ring

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 46, of Colorado City, was sentenced on Wednesday by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to life in prison. On October 2, 2024, a jury convicted Bistline of one count of Receipt of Child Pornography; one count of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor; two counts of Persuading or Coercing Travel to Engage in Sexual Activity; two counts of Using a Means of Interstate Commerce to Persuade or Coerce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity; and two counts of Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity.

    Bistline’s charges are based on his participation in a years-long child sexual abuse conspiracy that spanned several states and victimized at least 10 children. Bistline committed his crimes with others, including co-defendant Samuel Rappylee Bateman, the self-proclaimed leader of a religious sect based in Colorado City. Bateman and 10 of his other followers previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the child sexual abuse conspiracy and were not part of the trial against Bistline.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bistline delivered two of his own daughters to Bateman to become child “brides” and be sexually abused when the girls were nine and 11 years old. Bistline and others transported the victims between states including Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona to facilitate the sexual abuse. Bistline also participated in group sexual activity involving children, including one event he watched over a video livestream.

    The Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. The United States Attorney’s Office continues to extend special gratitude to the Arizona Department of Child Safety for its work rescuing and protecting Arizona children impacted by this matter, the Colorado City Police Department, the Iron County (Utah) Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the St. George Resident Agency of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office for their assistance in this matter.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-8092-006-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-021_Bistline

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Indicted After Traffic Stop for Alleged Criminal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment this week charging a Mexican national with one count of possession of firearm by illegal alien.

    According to court documents, Marcelo Olvera-Moreno was stopped while driving in Hutto, Jan. 24. A Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted the traffic stop after allegedly observing the passenger in Olvera-Moreno’s vehicle fire a handgun from the front passenger window. Olvera-Moreno admitted to law enforcement that he knew that he was illegally and unlawfully in the United States and that he had purchased the pistol at a flea market approximately three months prior.

    Olvera-Moreno made his initial court appearance Jan. 28. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Cohen and Daniel Castillo are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Memphis First-Degree Murder Suspect in Michigan

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – Jarvis Cole, wanted in Shelby County for a 2023 murder, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Michigan on February 20, 2025.

    On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) responded to a shooting call in the 3500 block of Ridgemont Avenue. A male, later identified as Jalon Williams, had been dropped off at Memphis Fire Station #49 with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital but succumbed to his wounds and died.

    Following an investigation by MPD detectives, on February 13, 2025, a warrant for first-degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a handgun was issued for the arrest of Jarvis Cole, age 43. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) and the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis investigated the fugitive case and determined that Cole was in Battle Creek, Michigan.

    On February 20, the USMS fugitive task force in Lansing went to a residence in Battle Creek and took Cole into custody without incident. He is currently being held at a Michigan detention facility awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: HP Inc. Names Gianluca Pettiti to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced the appointment of Gianluca Pettiti to its Board of Directors. Mr. Pettiti is Executive Vice President and President, Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Applied for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a global life sciences company. His appointment is effective immediately.

    “We’re excited to welcome Gianluca to the HP Board of Directors,” said Chip Bergh, Chair of the HP Board. “He brings invaluable global expertise and a proven track record of fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and life sciences. His experience spearheading digital and AI initiatives will be instrumental in advancing our business priorities.”

    Mr. Pettiti’s leadership at Thermo Fisher along with his passion for technology and innovation have been instrumental supporting the growth of the company over the last two decades. Thermo Fisher today is globally recognized as the world leader in serving science, a trusted partner for its many customers and one of the world’s most admired companies. Mr. Pettiti is deeply committed to advancing the applications of technology across the industry and serves as a board member at the Italian Institute of Technology, a leading research institute in robotics and AI.

    “We are pleased to have Gianluca join our Board of Directors,” said HP Inc. President and CEO, Enrique Lores. “His broad international career, experience infusing AI into new industries, and passion for data-driven decision-making will bring new thought leadership to our AI initiatives, helping us create better and more fulfilling experiences for our customers.”

    Mr. Pettiti holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, which recognized him as an Alumnus Testimonial in 2017 for his contributions to innovation. He has also authored several influential articles on AI and digital transformation in healthcare.

    The full HP Board is listed at HP.com.

    About HP Inc.

    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After Senate Agrees to Budget Resolution to Secure the Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today issued the following statement after the Senate agreed to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget resolution to deliver on President Donald Trump’s promise to secure our southern border. Senator Marshall is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.
    “The American people delivered a strong mandate in November when they voted for President Trump and his America First national security agenda,” said Senator Marshall. “My Senate Budget Committee Republican colleagues and I put pen to paper to secure the tools for President Trump to deliver on his promise and end the Biden-Harris border crisis once and for all. Early this morning, I voted in support of our budget resolution that will unlock the opportunity to build the wall and stop the flow of terrorists, fentanyl, and cartels. After we finish delivering these urgent priorities that will make our communities safer, we will move to make President Trump’s tax cuts permanent and avoid a tax increase on families and small businesses. Promises made, promises kept.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Delegation Seeks Resolution to Decades-Old Stalemate in Wyoming Federal Land Management

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Senator Cynthia Lummis along with U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman, all R-Wyo., reintroduced legislation today that would resolve the management status of thousands of acres of federal public lands in seven counties in Wyoming.

    The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate in December 2024, is the direct result of a collaborative process started under the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative (WPLI). The WPLI was created by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association in 2015 to seek locally driven solutions on the future of federal public lands that have been in management limbo for more than 30 years.

    “For decades, hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land in Wyoming has been locked up as Wilderness Study Areas. Locally driven processes like the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative (WPLI) give people in Wyoming the best chance to decide how to treat these lands,” said Barrasso. “Wyoming’s county commissioners, conservation leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts who participated in the WPLI process spent years carefully crafting this legislation. It strikes a balance between protecting the wild places that people in Wyoming love while expanding multiple-use areas that our state and our local economies depend on.”

    “Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas have kept federal lands in limbo status for decades, dramatically limiting access for maintenance and other purposes,” said Lummis. “Our legislation is the result of input from local communities and stakeholders on how we can best manage these lands according to Wyoming’s values.”

    “Our county commissioners have worked for years to require our federal agencies to properly classify the thousands of acres that have been stuck in administrative limbo, and this legislation is the product of a locally driven process to resolve decades of uncertainty on lands in Wyoming,” said Hageman.

    Background

    Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) are a special designation for lands that are managed to protect wilderness characteristics until Congress specifically designated them as Wilderness or directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to manage the area for multiple uses.

    WSAs were intended to be temporary designations. These particular temporary designations have persisted for more than 30 years.

    In 2015, the Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) initiated the WPLI to provide a framework for counties to discuss and resolve various public lands issues around the state. The process was intended to focus on resolving the status of the 45 Wilderness Study Areas around Wyoming. It allowed all 23 counties to “opt in/out” of the process based on suitability for their county and to determine the composition and rules of their committees.

    As a result of the WPLI process, the following seven counties in Wyoming have submitted their recommendations that are included in the legislation: Campbell, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Johnson, Natrona and Washakie counties.

    The legislation includes:

    – 5 wilderness designations totaling 20,381 acres
    – 3 designations of a “Special Management Area” totaling 27,711 acres
    – 10 release and manage as multiple-use totaling 99,750 acres
    – 2 policy directives

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Biosecurity New Zealand media release – Birkdale fruit fly update

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    The biosecurity response to the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly in Birkdale on Auckland’s North Shore is making good progress, with extra traps in place, stepped-up checks and legal controls introduced, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand regional Commissioner North.

    “Special bins have started being delivered for fruit and vegetable waste disposal and that will continue over the weekend, and a mobile laboratory to check fruit and vegetables is in place.

    “Our team is back out today as we continue to ramp up our response efforts to ensure there are no other fruit flies around,” Mr Inglis says.

    There were already more than 60 Oriental fruit fly surveillance traps in the North Shore area, and nearly 700 traps aimed at other fruit fly species. Over the weekend, around 100 extra Oriental fruit fly traps will be in place within a 1500-metre area of the original find.

    “Yesterday, we introduced legal controls to restrict the movement of fruit and vegetables around the location where the fruit fly was found to stop the spread of any other Oriental fruit flies that may be out there.

    “We’ve been delivering information to residential letterboxes about the two zones affected by restrictions and people can also find full information about what they need to do here.”

    “People will notice biosecurity signage up in the area and we delivered special disposal bins for fruit and vegetable waste this morning.”

    Mr Inglis says instead of putting waste in rubbish bins to be disposed of normally, residents in the two zones are being asked to put fruit and vegetable waste into the special response bins for Biosecurity New Zealand to dispose of securely.

    Every household in Zone A will have a fruit and vegetable disposal bin, and in Zone B, there will be bins placed around the edge of the zone, primarily on major transport routes and more within the Zone.

    “The bins in Zone A will be cleared daily initially, then as required. There will be no need to put them out on the street as they will be serviced, re-bagged and insecticide applied in bags and inside lids where they are currently placed. If residents have any issues with the bin or need them cleared earlier, they can call us on 0800 80 99 66.

    “I want to thank the local community for their positive response to our team so far. In the previous 13 occasions we’ve found fruit flies in New Zealand we’ve successfully eradicated them with the help of our horticulture sector partners and local communities, so it’s important everyone plays their part.  At present, the restrictions will be in place for a fortnight.”

    We will send out a further update at 10am tomorrow. 

    For media queries, call 029 894 0328 or email media@mpi.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden at ENR Hearing: Musk’s Business Dealings in China and Workforce Purge at BPA Threaten National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 21, 2025

    WATCH: Wyden’s Exchange with University of Oregon’s Presidential Chair in Science, Dr. Richmond Here 

    Washington, D.C. During a hearing held today in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., underscored that Elon Musk’s business dealings in China pose a serious threat to national security. 

    According to public reporting, Elon Musk is running the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a federal employee while remaining Tesla’s largest shareholder. Public filings indicate Tesla invested billions of dollars in China and annually produces nearly 1 million cars at a factory in Shanghai on land owned by the Chinese government.

    “According to public reporting, Tesla’s contract allows the Chinese government to revoke Tesla’s lease on the land at any time if it determines doing so is in the public interest,” Wyden said. “Now, on this committee, every one of us works for the AMERICAN public interest. And given that is our highest priority, I intend to come back and ask further questions about this in the days ahead.”

    Senator Wyden also questioned Dr. Geraldine Richmond, Presidential Chair in Science at the University of Oregon and former Under Secretary for Science and Innovation at the Department of Energy, on the national security consequences of Musk’s decision to make drastic and abrupt workforce cuts at the Bonneville Power Administration. Dr. Richmond emphasized that these cuts would undermine the grid’s safety and drive up energy prices for working families across America. 

    Last week, Senator Wyden demanded answers from the Trump administration in a letter regarding Musk’s workforce cuts at the Bonneville Power Administration. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Landmarks to be Lit Orange in Honor of Ariel and Kfir Bibas

    Source: US State of New York


















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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski at the Department of State, on February 21, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolcott Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE COLON, 37, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2024, Waterbury Police arrested Colon after he discarded a privately made 9mm handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with six rounds of ammunition during a foot pursuit.

    Colon’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for assault, weapon, and risk of injury offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for May 13, at which time Colon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

    Colon has been detained since his arrest.

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dodgy crane safety inflicts misery for teen worker

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Old equipment repurposed by businesses must be safe to use, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following sentencing of a Rotorua company whose modified crane became a weapon that changed the life of a teenage contractor.

    Harrison Gilbert was struck in the face by an untethered 412-kilogram steel beam being manoeuvred by the mobile crane at Lakeland Steel in Rotorua, on the day of his seventeenth birthday in October 2022.

    Mr Gilbert was knocked unconscious and received over 100 stitches in his face, a broken eye socket, a broken nose, several smashed or lost teeth, and skull fractures. He required facial reconstruction surgery and has more to come.

    A WorkSafe investigation found the mobile crane had no certificate of inspection, no load safety devices fitted, and unclear labelling on its controls. The load should have had a tag line or tether to steady it. The crane appears to have originally been a log skidder bought in the 1970’s by the previous owner of Lakeland Steel. At some point in time, it was modified into a crane which was inherited by the current owners who did not maintain it.

    Mr Gilbert had not been trained in any of the activities associated with the crane, and was dividing his attention between the load and working with the crane operator when he was hit.

    “This young worker was traumatically let down through no fault of his own. Simply put, the crane should not have been operational,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

    “Businesses must manage their risks. This includes regularly checking all their equipment to check it’s fit for purpose and compliant. Pay extra attention to modified or older equipment so it doesn’t get neglected while still operational.”

    The Crane Association says the incident highlights the importance of ensuring freely suspended crane loads are controlled by a tag line or tether.

    “In an industry full of risks, it’s important to understand all the elements that contribute to working safely. Businesses must train their staff in selecting and properly using tag lines, because you don’t want injuries like these on your conscience if things go wrong,” says the Association’s chief executive Sarah Toase.

    WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

    Read more from the Crane Association on tag line safety(external link)

    Background

    • Lakeland Steel Limited was sentenced at Rotorua District Court on 20 February 2025.
    • A fine of $234,000 was imposed, and reparations of $54,131 were ordered
    • Lakeland Steel was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
      • Being a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Harrison Gilbert, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely using a T-Lift Mobile Crane to move steel beams, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers to risk of serious injury or death.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Marks Artemis Progress With Gateway Lunar Space Station

    Source: NASA

    NASA and its international partners are making progress on Gateway – the lunar space station that will orbit the Moon as a centerpiece of the agency’s Moon to Mars architecture.

    Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts on missions to and around the Moon. The agency and its international partners report progress continues on Gateway, the first space station that will permanently orbit the Moon, after visiting the Thales Alenia Space facility in Turin, Italy, where initial fabrication for one of two Gateway habitation modules is nearing completion.
    Leaders from NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the Italian Space Agency, as well as industry representatives from Northrop Grumman and Thales Alenia Space, were in Turin to assess Gateway’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module before its primary structure is shipped from Italy to Northrop Grumman’s Gilbert, Arizona site in March. Following final outfitting and verification testing, the module will be integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    “Building and testing hardware for Gateway is truly an international collaboration,” said Jon Olansen, manager, Gateway Program, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We’re excited to celebrate this major flight hardware milestone, and this is just the beginning – there’s impressive and important progress taking shape with our partners around the globe, united by our shared desire to expand human exploration of our solar system while advancing scientific discovery.”

    To ensure all flight hardware is ready to support Artemis IV — the first crewed mission to Gateway – NASA is targeting the launch of HALO and the Power and Propulsion Element no later than December 2027. These integrated modules will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and spend about a year traveling uncrewed to lunar orbit, while providing scientific data on solar and deep space radiation during transit.
    Launching atop HALO will be ESA’s Lunar Link communication system, which will provide high-speed communication between the Moon and Gateway. The system is undergoing testing at another Thales Alenia Space facility in Cannes, France.
    Once in lunar orbit, Gateway will continue scientific observations while awaiting the arrival of Artemis IV astronauts aboard an Orion spacecraft which will deliver and dock Gateway’s second pressurized habitable module, the ESA-led Lunar I-Hab. Thales Alenia Space, ESA’s primary contractor for the Lunar I-Hab and Lunar View refueling module, has begun production of the Lunar I-Hab, and design of Lunar View in Turin.

    Northrop Grumman and its subcontractor, Thales Alenia Space, completed welding of HALO in 2024, and the module successfully progressed through pressure and stress tests to ensure its suitability for the harsh environment of deep space.
    Maxar Space Systems is assembling the Power and Propulsion Element, which will make Gateway the most powerful solar electric propulsion spacecraft ever flown. Major progress in 2024 included installation of Xenon and chemical propulsion fuel tanks, and qualification of the largest roll-out solar arrays ever built. NASA and its partners will complete propulsion element assembly, and acceptance and verification testing of next-generation electric propulsion thrusters this year.

    SpaceX will provide both the Starship human landing system that will land astronauts on the lunar surface during NASA’s Artemis III mission and ferry astronauts from Gateway to the lunar South Pole region during Artemis IV, as well as provide logistics spacecraft to support crewed missions.
    NASA also has selected Blue Origin to develop Blue Moon, the human landing system for Artemis V, as well as logistics spacecraft for future Artemis missions. Having two distinct lunar landing designs provides flexibility and supports a regular cadence of Moon landings in preparation for future missions to Mars.
    CSA (Canadian Space Agency) is developing Canadarm3, an advanced robotics system, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is designing and testing Lunar I-Hab’s vital life support systems, batteries, and a resupply and logistics vehicle called HTV-XG.
    NASA’s newest Gateway partner, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates, kicked off early design for the Gateway Crew and Science Airlock that will be delivered on Artemis VI. The selection of Thales Alenia Space as its airlock prime contractor was announced by MBRSC on Feb. 4.
    Development continues to advance on three radiation-focused initial science investigations aboard Gateway. These payloads will help scientists better understand unpredictable space weather from the Sun and galactic cosmic rays that will affect astronauts and equipment during Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
    The Gateway lunar space station is a multi-purpose platform that offers capabilities for long-term exploration in deep space in support of NASA’s Artemis campaign and Moon to Mars objectives. Gateway will feature docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, as well as space for crew to live, work, and prepare for lunar surface missions. As a testbed for future journeys to Mars, continuous investigations aboard Gateway will occur with and without crew to better understand the long-term effects of deep space radiation on vehicle systems and the human body as well as test and operate next generation spacecraft systems that will be necessary to send humans to Mars.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Among Teens, Young Adults

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration


    Español

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that the agency continues to receive adverse event reports related to selective androgen receptor modulators, commonly called SARMs. Social media posts by influencers and sellers of SARMs contribute to the availability and promotion of these dangerous products.

    Targeting teenagers and young adults, videos on social media platforms tout SARMs as a quick or easy way to improve physical appearance, gain muscle mass, or increase athletic performance. 

    SARMs, which are chemical substances that mimic the effects of testosterone and anabolic steroids, are not FDA approved. Online vendors and social media influencers are using social media to make SARMs seem safe and effective.

    The reality is SARMs are potentially dangerous. The FDA continues to receive adverse event reports associated with SARMS use. The real number of consumers experiencing adverse events is likely higher due to underreporting.  Because these are not approved drugs, consumers may be reluctant to report adverse events or may not be aware that they can report adverse events that they experience. In addition, they might not know that their symptoms are being caused by the product.

    Studies and reports show SARMs are associated with serious or life-threatening health problems, such as:

    • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
    • Psychosis/hallucinations    
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Sexual dysfunction 
    • Liver injury and acute liver failure 
    • Infertility
    • Pregnancy miscarriage
    • Testicular shrinkage 

    Although SARMs are often marketed as dietary supplements or “sold for research use only,” they are considered unapproved drugs. SARMs cannot be legally marketed in the U.S. as a dietary supplement or drug at this time. These products are often sold with no warnings on the labels, potentially leading consumers to believe the products are safe. 

    The FDA recommends consumers talk to a health care professional about the use of any products for increasing muscle mass or enhancing athletic performance.

    The FDA has issued warning letters to companies selling unapproved products marketed as SARMs over the years. The FDA has also pursued criminal actions for distributors of these products. 

    Because these are unapproved drug products with potentially dangerous side effects, and they have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy, consumers should be advised against using SARMs. Consumers should consult a health care professional if they are experiencing any side effect they believe may be associated with the use of a SARMs product.  

    The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report any adverse event related to the use of SARMs products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. To file a report, use the MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form. The completed form can be submitted online or via fax to 1-800-FDA-0178. 

    Additional guidance on how to report issues with products can be found at the FDA 101: How to Use the Consumer Complaint System and MedWatch.

    Additionally, you can reach out to your local consumer complaint coordinator: Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Pharmacists Help You Use Medicines Safely

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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    Español

    How often has this happened to you: You pick up a prescription at the pharmacy and later realize you have questions about something in the directions or warnings. Or you buy a nonprescription drug but aren’t sure about the correct dosage after reading the label.

    That’s where pharmacists come in. Whether at your local pharmacy or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pharmacists help patients achieve the best possible outcome when taking drugs.

    Pharmacists can help people take their medicine properly and continue to take it for as long as recommended. For example, they can answer questions about other drugs and foods that can cause an interaction and advise you to consult with your health care professional when your usual medication is unavailable.

    Pharmacists are a bridge between the patient and their prescriber. They are experts at interpreting information for patients.

    What Your Pharmacist Should Know

    “Help your pharmacist get to know you and what questions you have,” says pharmacist Mary E. Kremzner, a public health expert at the FDA. “Pharmacists really want to help people get the maximum benefit from the drugs they need to take, with the least amount of risk.”

    For example, some large pills are hard to swallow. “The pharmacist will know the drug’s makeup and whether you can crush it without changing how it works,” Kremzner says.

    Another risk is interactions – food-drug or drug-drug. “For example, if you take a statin to lower your cholesterol, you might need to avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice because it can make some drugs too powerful, even toxic,” says pharmacist Lindsay Wagner, a public health expert at the FDA. “However, the strength of the interaction varies among drugs. If grapefruit juice is part of your daily routine, your pharmacist can recommend that you consult with your health care professional about an alternative so you can enjoy your juice safely.”

    Let your pharmacist know what questions you have about the information you’ve received. This includes the instructions from your prescriber, information you received from the pharmacy, or articles you’ve read online. Conflicting advice and information can leave anyone confused.

    False information about medical products can add to the confusion. False information can be spread by people who don’t even know it is false, including people you know, like your friends and family. Pharmacists are there to help sort through what you’ve heard.

    “We’re here to help. We do our best to answer every question and help consumers find trustworthy and credible sources for information,” Wagner says.

    Your pharmacist should know:

    • Everything you take for your health. All medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) as well as all vitamins and supplements.
    • Your medical history and experience with medications, including allergic reactions and side effects.
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (nursing).
    • If you have trouble swallowing pills, opening bottles, reading labels, or remembering when to take your medicine.
    • Questions you have about what you’ve been told or read online about your medication.

    How FDA Pharmacists Can Help

    Call your local pharmacist or the FDA’s drug information pharmacists if you have questions after receiving a medicine.

    The FDA’s Division of Drug Information (DDI) is home to a staff of pharmacists who respond to questions about human drugs for the U.S. public. DDI gets several hundred calls and emails each day, with more than half of them from consumers.

    FDA pharmacists can even help you identify a tablet or pill. For example, there may be many different approved generics that can be substituted for one brand-name drug, and their tablets can look different.

    “Generic drugs can vary in size, shape, and color and still be the same medicine,” Kremzner says. “That can be confusing to some people. When in doubt, call your local pharmacist or the FDA if you have questions about whether they are the same product. We also can help you understand the medications you’re taking.”

    What Consumers Ask the FDA

    When in doubt, reach out to us and ask. Here are some of the top questions DDI pharmacists answer.

    Q. What are the possible side effects of my medicine, and how can I report my experience to the FDA?

    A. Approved drugs have benefits as well as side effects, which are listed in the drug’s labeling. If you didn’t receive a printout with your medication, you can find the labeling online from Drugs@FDA or labels.fda.gov.

    For nonprescription drugs (also called over-the-counter, or OTC), you can find side effects in the “Drug Facts” labeling printed on the outer wrapper or container of the drug.

    To report a side effect or medication error, use the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

    • Complete and submit the report online.
    • Download the form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form sent to you in the mail, then complete and return to the address on the form, or submit it by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

    Q. Where should I go to find information online about my medications and health?

    A. The FDA website fda.gov/drugs offers truthful, science-based information about prescription and nonprescription drugs. We also recommend MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov), a service of the National Institutes of Health that provides health information for consumers.

    Q. Are generic drugs the same as brand-name drugs?

    A. Yes. Federal law requires generic drugs to be the same as brand-name drugs. They are as safe and effective and meet the same quality standards as brand-name drugs. They are the same in the way they work, the way they are taken, and the way they should be used. Generics also reach the site of action in the body at the same rate and extent as the brand-name drugs.

    Q. Will this treatment I read about online help or hurt me?

    A. You should be aware that there is false and misleading information about medical products online that can put patients and consumers at risk. For example, health fraud scams will try to sell you treatments that are not proven to work and may cause serious or even fatal injuries. Scams are very common today, especially on social media. If you’re unsure, ask your local pharmacist or health care professional, or contact the FDA.

    Q. How do I discard medicine I no longer need?

    A. The best way to dispose of most types of unused or expired medicines is to drop off the medicine at a drug take back location immediately. Many pharmacies also serve as take back locations.

    Certain medicines should be flushed down the sink or toilet because they are especially harmful and can cause death in a single dose. Flushing medicines on the flush list helps make sure children, pets, or anyone else does not accidentally take the medicine. If you can’t get to a take back location and your medication is not on the flush list, you may be able to dispose of it safely in your household trash by following some simple instructions.

    Stay Informed and Get Updates from the FDA

    The FDA shares information about drugs through email updates and social media. Stay informed by following the FDA’s official social media accounts, including:

    Subscribing to email alerts is easy, and there are many important topics.

    How to Contact FDA’s Drug Information Pharmacists

    • By email: druginfo@fda.hhs.gov
    • By phone: 1-855-543-3784 and 1-301-796-3400

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s PUNCH Mission to Revolutionize Our View of Solar Wind 

    Source: NASA

    Earth is immersed in material streaming from the Sun. This stream, called the solar wind, is washing over our planet, causing breathtaking auroras, impacting satellites and astronauts in space, and even affecting ground-based infrastructure. 
    NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will be the first to image the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, and solar wind together to better understand the Sun, solar wind, and Earth as a single connected system.  
    Launching no earlier than Feb. 28, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, PUNCH will provide scientists with new information about how potentially disruptive solar events form and evolve. This could lead to more accurate predictions about the arrival of space weather events at Earth and impact on humanity’s robotic explorers in space. 
    “What we hope PUNCH will bring to humanity is the ability to really see, for the first time, where we live inside the solar wind itself,” said Craig DeForest, principal investigator for PUNCH at Southwest Research Institute’s Solar System Science and Exploration Division in Boulder, Colorado. 

    [embedded content]
    This video can be freely shared and downloaded at https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14773.Video credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

    Seeing Solar Wind in 3D 
    The PUNCH mission’s four suitcase-sized satellites have overlapping fields of view that combine to cover a larger swath of sky than any previous mission focused on the corona and solar wind. The satellites will spread out in low Earth orbit to construct a global view of the solar corona and its transition to the solar wind. They will also track solar storms like coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Their Sun-synchronous orbit will enable them to see the Sun 24/7, with their view only occasionally blocked by Earth.  
    Typical camera images are two dimensional, compressing the 3D subject into a flat plane and losing information. But PUNCH takes advantage of a property of light called polarization to reconstruct its images in 3D. As the Sun’s light bounces off material in the corona and solar wind, it becomes polarized — meaning the light waves oscillate in a particular way that can be filtered, much like how polarized sunglasses filter out glare off of water or metal. Each PUNCH spacecraft is equipped with a polarimeter that uses three distinct polarizing filters to capture information about the direction that material is moving that would be lost in typical images.  
    “This new perspective will allow scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections as they move through the inner solar system,” said DeForest. “This improves on current instruments in two ways: with three-dimensional imaging that lets us locate and track CMEs which are coming directly toward us; and with a broad field of view, which lets us track those CMEs all the way from the Sun to Earth.” 
    All four spacecraft are synchronized to serve as a single “virtual instrument” that spans the whole PUNCH constellation. 

    The PUNCH satellites include one Narrow Field Imager and three Wide Field Imagers. The Narrow Field Imager (NFI) is a coronagraph, which blocks out the bright light from the Sun to better see details in the Sun’s corona, recreating what viewers on Earth see during a total solar eclipse when the Moon blocks the face of the Sun — a narrower view that sees the solar wind closer to the Sun. The Wide Field Imagers (WFI) are heliospheric imagers that view the very faint, outermost portion of the solar corona and the solar wind itself — giving a wide view of the solar wind as it spreads out into the solar system.   
    “I’m most excited to see the ‘inbetweeny’ activity in the solar wind,” said Nicholeen Viall, PUNCH mission scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “This means not just the biggest structures, like CMEs, or the smallest interactions, but all the different types of solar wind structures that fill that in between area.” 
    When these solar wind structures from the Sun reach Earth’s magnetic field, they can drive dynamics that affect Earth’s radiation belts. To launch spacecraft through these belts, including ones that will carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond, scientists need to understand the solar wind structure and changes in this region. 
    Building Off Other Missions 
    “The PUNCH mission is built on the shoulders of giants,” said Madhulika Guhathakurta, PUNCH program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “For decades, heliophysics missions have provided us with glimpses of the Sun’s corona and the solar wind, each offering critical yet partial views of our dynamic star’s influence on the solar system.” 
    When scientists combine data from PUNCH and NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which flies through the Sun’s corona, they will see both the big picture and the up-close details. Working together, Parker Solar Probe and PUNCH span a field of view from a little more than half a mile (1 kilometer) to over 160 million miles (about 260 million kilometers). 
    Additionally, the PUNCH team will combine their data with diverse observations from other missions, like NASA’s CODEX (Coronal Diagnostic Experiment) technology demonstration, which views the corona even closer to the surface of the Sun from its vantage point on the International Space Station. PUNCH’s data also complements observations from NASA’s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) — targeted for launch in March 2025 — which investigates the magnetic field perturbations associated with Earth’s high-altitude auroras that PUNCH will also spot in its wide-field view.  

    As the solar wind that PUNCH will observe travels away from the Sun and Earth, it will then be studied by the IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) mission, which is targeting a launch in 2025. 
    “The PUNCH mission will bridge these perspectives, providing an unprecedented continuous view that connects the birthplace of the solar wind in the corona to its evolution across interplanetary space,” said Guhathakurta. 
    The PUNCH mission is scheduled to conduct science for at least two years, following a 90-day commissioning period after launch. The mission is launching as a rideshare with the agency’s next astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer).  
    “PUNCH is the latest heliophysics addition to the NASA fleet that delivers groundbreaking science every second of every day,” said Joe Westlake, heliophysics division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Launching this mission as a rideshare bolsters its value to the nation by optimizing every pound of launch capacity to maximize the scientific return for the cost of a single launch.” 
    The PUNCH mission is led by Southwest Research Institute’s offices in San Antonio, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado. The mission is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA Goddard for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. 
    By Abbey Interrante NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. 
    Header Image:An artist’s concept showing the four PUNCH satellites orbiting Earth.Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment

    Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein today announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 13 grant requests to local governments totaling $9,627,500. The grants include commitments creating a total of 785 jobs, 414 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $165.9 million in public and private investment. 

    “North Carolina’s success is rooted in our rural communities,” said Governor Stein. “When we look for and create opportunities in every corner of North Carolina, we are creating more jobs, more investments, and more economic prosperity.”

    The RIA is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. Grants support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.

    “Our economic competitiveness is greatest when all of North Carolina benefits,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This funding will help rural communities be more resilient and better prepared as they compete for economic development opportunities.”

    The RIA approved three grant requests under the state’s Building Reuse Program in three categories: 

    Vacant Building Category 

    • Town of Edenton (Chowan County): A $275,000 grant will support the reuse of a 22,000-square-foot vacant building in Edenton. An IT outsourcing firm, Provalus, will make a Center of Excellence dedicated to training and developing technology talent in downtown communities. Overall, this project is expected to create 61 jobs with an investment of $6 million, while 37 jobs and a private investment of $5,986,355 are tied to this grant.
    • Columbus County: A $450,000 grant will help support the reuse of a 220,000-square-foot building in Chadbourn. The building will be occupied by Barrier Fencing Supply Company, a distributor and wholesaler of fencing material, gates, hardware, and accessories. While this company will create 91 jobs with an investment of $14 million overall, 57 jobs and a private investment of $985,986 being tied to this grant.
    • City of Whiteville (Columbus County): A $390,000 grant will help reuse a 19,000-square-foot building in Whiteville for Provalus, as it opens another office for IT outsourcing and talent development. The company will create 60 new jobs with a private investment of $1,724,000.

    The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.

    The RIA approved one grant request under the state’s federally-funded Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development program:

    • Town of Mocksville (Davie County): A $750,000 grant will upfit a 500,000-square-foot shell building in Mocksville. The new site will be the first North American manufacturing facility for SBA Home, a Lithuanian company that supplies furniture to IKEA. This project will create 250 jobs and $50,800,000 in private investment, with 76 jobs tied to this grant.

    The Community Development Block Grant program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program administered in part by N.C. Commerce. CDBG’s economic development funds provide grants to local governments for creating and retaining jobs. Project funding is based on the number of jobs to be created and the level of economic distress of applicant communities.

    The RIA approved five grant requests under the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program:

    • Town of Aurora (Beaufort County): A $200,000 grant will enable the Town of Aurora to complete infrastructure improvements and pay increased electrical service expenses for the development of the Town’s 30-acre industrial park.
    • City of Claremont (Catawba County): A $1,000,000 grant will enable the City of Claremont to improve sewer infrastructure for more than 450 industrial acres to help the expansion of Prysmian Cables and Systems.
    • Hoke County: A $1,400,000 grant will help extend sewer infrastructure at the Hoke County Regional Industrial Park that will be developed by Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC. The company is expected to create 181 jobs, with an accompanying private investment of $95,168,572 tied to this grant.
    • Lenoir County: A $1,900,000 grant will support sewer infrastructure improvements at the NC Global TransPark where the U.S. Department of Navy will build a Fleet Readiness Center. The Navy will provide aircraft maintenance and repair for the C-130 military aircraft. The project is expected to create 311 jobs.
    • City of Lumberton (Robeson County): A $825,000 grant will allow the City to relocate electrical circuits in the Southeast Crossroad Industrial Park, where Cold-Link Logistics will build a cold storage facility. For this project, 63 jobs and an investment of $10,000,000 are tied to this grant.

    The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to local governments located in the 80 most economically distressed counties of the state, which are classified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in new job creation. The IDF – Utility Account is funded through a process tied to the state’s signature Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. When JDIG-awarded companies choose to locate or expand in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 county, a portion of that JDIG award is channeled into the Utility Account.

    The RIA approved four grant requests under the state’s Rural Downtown Economic Development program in two categories:

    Public Infrastructure Category

    • Town of Troy (Montgomery County): An $850,000 grant will assist the Town in its Main Street Revitalization and Connectivity Project, which includes improvements to the sidewalk, concrete, drainage, gutters and curbs, as well as lighting enhancements, power line relocations, brick repairs, and ADA compliance. The project is expected to leverage an investment of $197,700.

    Public Buildings Category 

    • City of Goldsboro (Wayne County): A $612,500 grant will support the City’s Saving Union Station project to preserve the historic building in downtown Goldsboro. The project will restore the concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and finishes for the two-story, 12,000-square-foot building. The project is expected to leverage $787,500 of investments.
    • Watauga County: A $125,000 grant will assist the County with its Public Library Renovation Project to include renovations that will expand resources and improve functionality of the space. The project will add two conference rooms, more digital access and emerging technologies, and provide improvements to the youth programs and outdoor patio entrance. The library renovation will leverage $236,250 in private investments.
    • City of Wilson (Wilson County): An $850,000 grant will support the Barnes Street Properties Rehabilitation Project in downtown Wilson. This project will rehabilitate two buildings to create a Downtown and Whirligig Park Visitors Center that includes spaces for makers, offices, and Whirligig maintenance and repairs. Leveraging $42,500 of investments, the project will improve the building exteriors, reconstruct the roof, repair the floors, and add ramp access and new electrical and HVAC systems.

    The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants program provides grants to local governments to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity by providing public improvements to help retain businesses and leverage main street assets for community-wide use.

    In addition to reviewing and approving funding requests, the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority formulates policies and priorities for grant and loan programs administered by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its 17 voting members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem. The North Carolina Secretary of Commerce serves as a member of the authority, ex officio.

    Visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage for more information. 

    Feb 21, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Senate GOP’s Budget Proposal That Would Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires at the Expense of Middle-Class Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 21, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after voting against Senate Republicans’ disastrous budget proposal that would fund tax cuts for billionaires—while doing nothing to help middle-class families struggling with rising costs:

    “In the dead of night, Senate Republicans rammed through a budget to greenlight massive tax cuts for billionaires at the expense of middle-class Americans who are struggling to get by due to rising costs. Worse yet, Republicans plan to pay for their handouts to the ultra-wealthy by putting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid on the chopping block.

    “Republicans’ early-hour billionaire budget comes as Trump and unelected billionaire Elon Musk are already illegally inflicting needless pain on the middle class by ripping away programs and funding that Americans rely on.

    “This vote makes it clear once again that Republicans don’t care about making government work better for middle-class families—they only care about rigging the system to make their already wealthy Wall Street donors and billionaire buddies even richer. That’s not making America great again.”

    -30-



    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Celebrates National FFA Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – In celebration of the vital role FFA and agricultural education play in shaping the future of agriculture, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in officially designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week.
    “This outstanding youth organization is critical to helping agricultural education students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success,” said Senator Ernst. “This week is all about championing students who wear the iconic blue corduroy jacket and the hard-working advisors and agricultural educators who support them. FFA programs across Iowa and the country ensure the future of our agriculture community is strong!”

    Download photos of Senator Ernst with FFA members here.
    Download audio of Senator Ernst talking about National FFA week here.
    Background:
    Senator Ernst meets with Iowa FFA members both in Iowa and Washington, D.C. and has cosponsored a resolution to recognize National FFA Week for four years.
    There are over 20,000 current Iowa FFA members in 270 local chapters across the state.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Director Vought: Ban DeepSeek from Government Devices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Contact:Caroline Tabler orPatrick McCann(202) 224-2353

    February 21, 2025

    Chairman Cotton to Director Vought: Ban DeepSeek from Government Devices

    Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought asking to prohibit U.S. government agencies, departments, and employees from using DeepSeek and artificial intelligence tools developed in Communist China.

    In part, Senator Cotton wrote
     
    “Federal employees are tasked with researching, developing, and implementing policies critical to America’s economic and national security.  Allowing those employees to use of PRC origin artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning tools on government devices will almost certainly provide the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with U.S. government data as well as advance information on our nation’s policies.”  

    Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 

    The Honorable Russell Vought

    Director

    Office of Management and Budget

    725 17th Street, NW

    Washington, D.C. 20503

    Dear Director Vought,

    I write to urge you to immediately prohibit U.S. government departments and agencies from using and accessing Deepseek and other artificial intelligence tools that were developed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). 

    Federal employees are tasked with researching, developing, and implementing policies critical to America’s economic and national security.  Allowing those employees to use of PRC origin artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning tools on government devices will almost certainly provide the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with U.S. government data as well as advance information on our nation’s policies. 

    As you are probably aware, the PRC’s National Security and Data Laws compel PRC companies to provide any and all data to the CCP’s intelligence agencies.  This would, of course, include any information entered into the DeepSeek application or other AI tools.  Additionally, DeepSeek’s developers did not take steps to adequately secure their own databases or implement safety guardrails.  A cloud security firm quickly discovered a massive vulnerability in DeepSeek that left data publicly accessible, including users’ chat histories and other sensitive information.[1] In fact, several of our allies have already banned the use of DeepSeek for government purposes, including India[2] and South Korea.[3]

    While AI can be a useful tool for federal agencies seeking to improve efficiency and deliver value to the U.S. taxpayer, tools that provide our adversaries with advance warning of our government’s plans and policies should be prohibited.  With this in mind, I respectfully ask for the following:

    1. Any guidance OMB has circulated regarding the use of foreign adversary origin AI capabilities by federal agencies. 
    2. Any restrictions on the use of AI tools owned by companies based in China or other foreign adversary countries.

    Sincerely,

    Tom Cotton
    United States Senator 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s Address at the Valedictory Function of the 5th Rajya Sabha Internship Program (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 8:42PM by PIB Delhi

    We are living in times where challenges are enormous, so are the opportunities. You have seen in last decade exponential economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth, deep digitisation, technology penetration, transparency and accountability being taken care of by technological aspect of service delivery, people-centric policies reaching out those in the last line.

    Therefore, people of the country have tasted development as never before and the Nation in last decade has been one of the Nations at the peak in the world that has seen such kind of rise. This has given a great challenge because Bharat today is the most aspirational Nation in the world.

    Commit to Nationalism should never be compromised, no interest whatsoever, and whatever be the compelling circumstances, however compulsive and challenging the situation may be.

    National interest can never take back states, personal, political, partisan interest has to be subservient to National interest. Commitment to National interest is not optional, it is fundamental to our being Indians.

    There are forces inimical to Bharat and these are sinister forces, they are dangerous forces that have total distaste and dislike for the very concept of Bharat. You have to be extremely vigilant. You, the youth of the country, being the most vital stakeholders in governance, in  democracy, are also enjoined to carry out your constitutional ordainment. Framers of our constitution had bestowed fundamental rights on all citizens but I need to enter into a brief caveat. Fundamental rights have to be earned and fundamental rights are best earned when you perform your fundamental duties.

    I beseech all of you, to carefully go through the fundamental duties that are in the Indian Constitution in Part IVA. Once you will go through those fundamental duties, you will realise the importance of those duties and also realise every individual can make contribution. It does not require collective working.

    Our transformation has to take place on certain fundamentals, each of you needs to focus on five fundamentals.

    One- Social harmony is vital, it must transcend all differences. We must nurture it, we must ensure its blossoms because social harmony will help us evolve National unity and, National unity is fundamental to sustain the growth trajectory of the Nation.

    Family enlightenment, your parents, your grand parents, your neighbours, your neighbourhood, we are a different kind of a society. A strong feeling for neighbourhood ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ that principle has to start from the family being a unit. You have to nurture it.

    Environmental protection, go to our religious functions, go to our traditions, how  we find in our epics concern is bestowed on environment, flora and fauna, the planet is not captive of human beings alone. Lack of concern for environment, reckless exploitation for personal gain discarding the age old principle of trusteeship has brought us to this cliffhanging situation.

    We are at the cusp of a disaster of climate change menace and, therefore you have to make contributions. Prime Minister’s clarion call for ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ has got into Jan Andolan, make sure not only you do it, you persuade everyone you come across to do it

    Our institutions are facing structured taint a facet of wokeism. Our Constitutional functionaries are sought to be ridiculed. It is time for you to reflect. Be it to institution of the President, of the Vice-President, or the Prime Minister. These are not political posts, these are our institutions. People fail to show even minimum respect. 

    My heart bleeds when President of the country, the first ever tribal woman to hold that high office is shamed, ridiculed, even when she performs her Constitutional duty in the joint session of parliament. Her tribal status becomes a cause of concern when the taint is put in public domain. A lady of sterling worth, track record of dedicated service, as a Legislator, as a Minister, as a Governor and now President of India.

    A Prime Minister after six decades for the first time, after six decades, continued in office for the third term. Anything and everything can be said, we must not bear with it. I wouldn’t come to my position but there are some unforgettable moments of pain when in the sacred premises of Parliament, a mimicry is videographed by a person who holds responsible political position. Sometimes we can overlook but we can never forget, we forgive for a simple reason, that’s our culture.

    So please believe in our Institutions because they are very strong, be it our Election Commission or our Judiciary. Election commission is wrong when you lose. It is right when you win.

    What kind of formula we have?

    Let us be judgmental, but on rational premise. Our judgment must have a rationale, a rationale that can be subject to deep analysis.

    The country, young friends, is facing a great challenge because we have in millions illegal migrants amongst us. They are making demand on our workforce because they are working, depriving our people of work education facilities, health facilities, government facilities, like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. 

    This infiltration is no less than invasion, just imagine millions of illegal migrants in the country, how severely our security is compromised. The entire world at the moment has become serious about it. We work up, when under the law of some country, some of our own people who were misguided, who were cheated, who were lured into going abroad through the wrong means, come back here but we don’t look at the ground under our feet. We are on quicksand. This bomb is ticking for you. I am talking on mindset so generate a mindset. Why should they be here?

    Then these change our demographic landscape. They electorally  manipulate us.

    They start defining democracy.

    Surely we can’t be yielding on such a challenging scenario.

    It is the bound and duty of every Indian to have a point of view, to express that point of view, to have a dialogue about it and call upon the authorities concerned to generate a pressure. This has to end. Whenever there is a talk, something which is in the Constitution, politics enters Uniform Civil Code is a Constitutional ordainment. Founding Fathers of the Constitution had put it under Article 44 of the Directive Principles. 

    Therefore, let me tell you. I do not know what is the severity of the earthquake that may befall us, but tremors are being already felt. In the country there is emergence of specified areas where elections have ceased to have any meaning at the moment. We cannot afford this kind of challenge to our civilisation.

    Our civilization was bled 1200 years ago. Nalanda was blossoming, prospering, a center of knowledge and wisdom. Convergence of scholars from all over the world came. They benefited and they benefited us. Marauders came, invaders came recklessly with extreme brutality, barbarity. Made an effort to destroy our culture, our civilisation, our religious places, and so was the perversion. 

    Destroy our religious place have their own. Patience and tolerance are virtues, but not at the cost of Nationalism. You here people have to be alert.

    Europe is witnessing situations, some countries are witnessing situations. We look calm but this calm is before a storm. 

    Let us contain that storm. Let us puncture the balloon of a storm, and that can be done only when people change their mindset, share their concern with everyone, generate an opinion, and put their foot down

    The latest that has come as a shocking expose is the President of the United States. I am sure you all are aware of what he said, that fiscal muscle was used. Funds were pumped in, to doctor and manipulate our democratic result. He has gone to the extent of saying, I must give my thought on it, that someone else was sought to be elected.  To elect is the right only of Indian people. Anyone doctoring or manipulating that process is undermining our democratic values, is subverting our democracy in the process, bringing us under servitude, subservience. 

    I, therefore, from this platform call upon everyone. Time has come to thoroughly get into this malice, this political COVID infiltrated in our society to destroy our democracy. All those involved in this sinister activity, who benefited out of this structured pernicious strategy must be shamed and brought to book, fully exposed.

    *****

    JK/RC/SM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025, and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025, and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Non-fossil power capacity has increased by 180% compared to 2014: Shri Manohar Lal

    1 lakh EV charging stations will be installed by 2030:Shri Manohar Lal

    AT&C losses have reduced from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:54PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is our goal to make power accessible to everyone and all times and the government is aiming for 100% electrification of households across the country,” said Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal while addressing a press conference in New Delhi today.

    1. Power Accessibility and Special Focus on Tribal and Border Areas

    Union Minister informed that with the help of initiatives like  Deeen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) ,  PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG ) the accessibility to power has increased significantly in the last 10 years.

    Shri Manohar Lal said that average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025 and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025.

    2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Power Generation

    Union Minister informed that fossil based power capacity has increased from 168 GW in 2014 to 246 GW in Jan 2025 which shows an increase of around 46 percent.

    He also informed that the increase in non fossil capacity has increased from around 80GW in 2014 to around 220 GW in 2025 (as of 31 January 2025 ) which is around 180 percent increase .

    3. Transmission Growth and Projections

    Highlighting the addition and transmission network, Shri Manohar Lal informed that the Transmission Network has increased from 2.91 lakh ckm in 2014 to 4.92 lakh ckm in 2025.

    Transmission Network Expansion:

    Year

    Total Transmission Network (lakh ckm)

    2014

    2.91

    2024

    4.85

    2025

    4.92

    4. Power Import and Export: India as a Net Exporter

    Addressing the media, the Union Minister informed that India has become net exporter of power and the net export in 2025 amounts to 1625 MU. He also informed that in 2014 India was a net importer of power.

    Year

    Power Import (MU)

    Power Export (MU)

    Net Export (MU)

    2014

    5,555

    2,288

    -3,267 (Importing Nation)

    2024

    3,863

    8,576

    +4,713

    2025

    8,365

    9,980

    +1,625

    5. Power Distribution: Declining Shortage Gap

    The Union Minister informed that energy shortage has reduced from 4.2% in 2014 to 0.1% in 2025. He also said that the steps are being taken to overcome the current energy shortage.

    6. DISCOMs: Reduction in Losses

    AT&C losses have reduced from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025, and this will be further reduced to 10% by 2030.

    7. Smart Meters: Achievements and Targets

    Union Minister informed that around 2.13 Cr smart meters have been installed. He further informed that 19.8 Cr smart meters, 52.5 lakh DTRs and 2.1 lakh feeders have been sanctioned.

    8. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

    Shri Manohar Lal said that consistent efforts since 2014 have led to a savings in annual energy consumption of 53 MTOE in 2024 in the Indian economy.  The corresponding savings in emissions has been 321 Mn tons CO2. He also informed that government has launched sustainable building codes to improve energy efficiency of commercial and residential buildings.

    9 Transport Sector: Focus on Electric Vehicles

    Shri Manohar Lal said that the government is focused on promoting electric vehicles. He added that by 2030, 1 lakh EV charging stations will be installed to facilitate electric mobility.

    Click here for more details.

    Click here for more details.

    *******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah interacts with students from rural and tribal communities at Gujarat Bhavan in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah interacts with students from rural and tribal communities at Gujarat Bhavan in New Delhi

    The upliftment and empowerment of the tribal community is a priority of the Modi government

    Modi govt is establishing Eklavya Model Residential Schools for quality education in each block having more than 50% ST population and having at least 20,000 tribals

    For six decades after independence, the country had only one central tribal university, Modi government opened 2 new tribal universities in a decade

    The role of students in nation-building is extremely important, and their success will be instrumental in making India a leading nation

    Language has been a barrier for tribal students pursuing medical, engineering, and technical education, thus, Modi government gave the option of taking exams in one’s mother tongue

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah held an inspiring educational interaction with the students of the rural and tribal community of Santokba Dholakiya Vidya Mandir, Dang District, Gujarat at Gujarat Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi today. This special event was a unique opportunity for these students to be inspired and share their experiences. This initiative is part of the Union Home Minister’s commitment to directly interact with youth and motivate them.

    The program not only served as a source of inspiration for all these rural and tribal students, but it also provided them with the opportunity to openly interact with the country’s Home Minister.

    On this occasion, Shri Amit Shah shared profound thoughts on education, youth empowerment, and the role of students in national development. The goal of this dialogue was to inspire students and address their queries related to academics and careers. While answering students’ questions, the Home Minister emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and determination.

    Union Home Minister said that be it the celebration of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ or the election of Smt Droupadi Murmu as the President of India, these decisions have helped take the pride of the tribal society to newer heights. He emphasized that the upliftment and empowerment of the tribal community is our priority, and it is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who gave the tribal community their rightful recognition after independence.

    Shri Amit Shah said that students are the foundation of the country’s progress, and their hard work and dedication will take India to new heights. He encouraged students to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, and civil servants, stating that if they make the development of the country their goal, their personal growth will naturally be assured. Therefore, their primary objective should be to work for the development of the nation.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the Modi government is providing quality education to tribal students by establishing Eklavya Model Residential Schools in every block having more than 50% ST population having at least 20,000 tribals. He further mentioned that language has been a barrier for tribal students in the fields like medicine, engineering, and technical education. In response to this, the Modi government has provided the option for students to take exams in their mother tongue. Shri Shah said that these decisions have given tribal students a new hope. He further mentioned that in the six decades after independence, there was only one central tribal university in the country, whereas in the past decade, under the Modi government, two new tribal universities have been established.

    The students shared their thoughts on education and career with the Home Minister. Shri Amit Shah provided suggestions on how they could contribute to the progress of the country. At the end of the program, the Home Minister encouraged the students to pursue their goals with hard work and integrity, stating that the role of students in nation-building is extremely important, and their success will play a key role in making India a leading nation.

    *****

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

    Our language is the carrier of our culture: PM

    Marathi is a complete language: PM

    Several saints of Maharashtra showed a new direction to society through the Bhakti movement in the Marathi language: PM

    There has never been any enmity among Indian languages, instead they have always adopted and enriched each other: PM

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he welcomed all the Marathis to the grand event of Marathi language being organized in New Delhi. He said that the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was not confined to a language or a region and added that the Sammelan comprised the essence of freedom struggle as well as the cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the nation.

    Remarking that Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, from its first edition in 1878 till now, has been a witness to 147 years of India’s journey, Shri Modi said that many luminaries like Shri Mahadev Govind Ranade, Shri Hari Narayan Apte, Shri Madhav Shrihari Ane, Shri Shivram Paranjpe, Shri Veer Savarkar had presided the Sammelan. Expressing his gratitude for being invited by Shri Sharad Pawar to be part of this proud tradition, he extended his congratulations to all Marathi enthusiasts across the country and the world for this event.

    Highlighting that today was International Mother language day, the Prime Minister remarked that it was quite natural to be reminded of verses of Sant Dnyaneshwar when he thought of Marathi language. Reciting a verse of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Shri Modi explained that the Marathi language was sweeter than nectar and hence his love and affection towards the Marathi language and culture was immense. Informing that although he was not as proficient as Marathi scholars at the event, the Prime Minister humbly said that he has always been in a constant endeavour to learn Marathi. 

    Shri Modi highlighted that the Sammelan was taking place at a significant time when the nation was witnessing the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, and the 75th anniversary of our Constitution, created through the efforts of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Expressing pride over the fact that a century ago, a distinguished Marathi individual planted the seed of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the soil of Maharashtra, Shri Modi highlighted that today, it has grown into a vast tree, celebrating its centenary year. He emphasized that for the past 100 years, the RSS has carried forward the great tradition and culture of India, from the Vedas to Vivekananda, to the new generation through its cultural efforts. He noted that it has been his privilege, along with millions of others, to be inspired by the RSS to live for the country. The Prime Minister also acknowledged that it was through the RSS that he had the opportunity to connect with the Marathi language and tradition. He highlighted that a few months ago, Marathi was accorded the status of a classical language, for which over 12 crore Marathi speakers in India and around the world had been waiting for decades for this recognition. He considered it a great fortune of his life to have had the opportunity to accomplish this task.

    “Language is not just a medium of communication but a carrier of our culture”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He noted that while languages are born in society, they also play a crucial role in shaping it. He highlighted that Marathi has given expression to the thoughts of many individuals in Maharashtra and the nation, contributing to our cultural development. Citing Samarth Ramdas Ji’s words on the importance of the Marathi language, the Prime Minister remarked, “Marathi is a complete language, embodying valor, beauty, sensitivity, equality, harmony, spirituality, and modernity”. He noted that Marathi includes devotion, strength, and intellect. Shri Modi pointed out that when India needed spiritual energy, Maharashtra’s great saints made the wisdom of the sages accessible in Marathi. He acknowledged the contributions of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Ramdas, Sant Namdev, Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, Gadge Baba, Gora Kumbhar, and Bahinabai, who showed society a new direction through the Bhakti movement in Marathi. In modern times, the Prime Minister highlighted the impact of Shri Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar and Shri Sudhir Phadke’s Geet Ramayan.

    Highlighting that during centuries of oppression, the Marathi language became a proclamation of liberation from invaders, the Prime Minister mentioned the valor of Maratha warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Bajirao Peshwa, who fiercely opposed their enemies. He noted that in the freedom struggle, fighters like Vasudev Balwant Phadke, Lokmanya Tilak, and Veer Savarkar disrupted the British. He emphasized the significant role of Marathi language and literature in their contributions. Shri Modi highlighted that newspapers like Kesari and Maratha, the powerful poems of poet Govindagraj, and the plays of Ram Ganesh Gadkari nurtured the spirit of nationalism. He pointed out that Lokmanya Tilak wrote the Geeta Rahasya in Marathi, which infused new energy across the nation. 

    “Marathi language and literature have opened the doors of social emancipation for the oppressed and deprived sections of society”, highlighted Shri Modi. He mentioned the contributions of great social reformers such as Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Maharshi Karve, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who nurtured new age thinking in Marathi. He noted that Marathi language has given the country rich Dalit literature. He emphasized that due to its modern thinking, Marathi literature has also produced science fiction. Acknowledging the exceptional contributions of the people of Maharashtra in Ayurveda, science, and logic in the past, Shri Modi highlighted that this culture has always invited new ideas and talents, leading to Maharashtra’s progress. He remarked that Mumbai has emerged as the economic capital not only of Maharashtra but of the entire country. The Prime Minister remarked that when speaking of Mumbai, one cannot complete the discussion of literature without mentioning films. He highlighted that it is Maharashtra and Mumbai that have elevated both Marathi films and Hindi cinema. He noted the current popularity of the movie ‘Chhava,’ which has introduced the valor of Sambhaji Maharaj through Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel.

    Quoting poet Keshavsut, Shri Modi emphasized that we cannot remain stagnant in old thoughts and human civilization, thoughts, and language continually evolve. He highlighted that India is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations because it has consistently evolved, embraced new ideas, and welcomed changes. Pointing out that India’s vast linguistic diversity is a testament to this evolution and serves as a fundamental basis for unity, the Prime Minister noted that Marathi exemplifies this diversity, comparing language to a mother who imparts new and vast knowledge to her children without discrimination. He added that language embraces every idea and every development. Shri Modi noted that Marathi originated from Sanskrit and has significant influences from Prakrit. He highlighted the contribution of great thinkers and writers who have broadened human thought. He mentioned Lokmanya Tilak’s Geeta Rahasya, which interpreted the Sanskrit Gita and made it more accessible through Marathi. He also mentioned that the Dnyaneshwari Gita, with its Marathi commentary on Sanskrit, has become a standard for scholars and saints to understand the Gita. The Prime Minister remarked that Marathi has enriched and been enriched by other Indian languages. He cited examples like Bhargavram Vitthal Varekar, who translated works like ‘Anandmath’ into Marathi, and Vinda Karandikar, whose works based on the lives of Panna Dhai, Durgavati, and Rani Padmini have been translated into many languages. “Indian languages have never had mutual enmity; instead, they have always adopted and enriched each other”, he emphasised. 

    Pointing out that attempts to create divisions in the name of language are countered by the shared heritage of our languages, the Prime Minister emphasized the responsibility of enriching and embracing languages, urging everyone to keep away from such misconceptions. He highlighted that today, all languages in the country are viewed as mainstream languages. He pointed out the efforts to promote education in all major languages, including Marathi. Shri Modi mentioned that now, the youth in Maharashtra can pursue higher education, engineering, and medical studies in Marathi. He emphasized that the mindset of neglecting talents due to the lack of English proficiency has been changed.

    “Literature is a mirror as well as a guide for society”, said Shri Modi. He remarked on the crucial role of Sahitya Sammelan and related institutions in the country. He expressed hope that the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal will carry forward the ideals established by great personalities like Govind Ranade, Harinarayan Apte, Acharya Atre, and Veer Savarkar. The Prime Minister highlighted that the tradition of the Sahitya Sammelan will complete 150 years in 2027, which will mark the 100th Sahitya Sammelan. He urged everyone to make this occasion special and to start preparations now. He acknowledged the efforts of many young people who are serving Marathi literature through social media and encouraged providing them with a platform to recognize their talents. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of promoting Marathi learning through online platforms and initiatives like Bhashini. He suggested organizing competitions related to Marathi language and literature among the youth. He expressed confidence that these efforts and inspirations from Marathi literature will energize 140 crore citizens for a Viksit Bharat. He concluded by urging everyone to continue the great tradition of distinguished personalities like Mahadev Govind Ranade, Harinarayan Apte, Madhav Shrihari Ane, and Shivram Paranjape, and thanked everyone.  

    The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Sharad Pawar; President of the 98th Sammelan, Dr. Tara Bhawalkar were present among other dignitaries at the event. 

    Background

    The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is being held from 21st to 23rd February and will host a diverse array of panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with eminent literary figures. The Sammelan will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and explore its role in contemporary discourse, including themes of language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitalization on literary works.

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

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IWAI Board commissions feasibility study for Urban Water Transport System in 17 cities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board – in its 196th Board Meeting – took a key decision to carry out feasibility study for developing Urban Water Transport System in various cities.  The Board decided to explore Water Metro in full or part in 17 cities across 12 states of India.  Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.

    This initiative will provide a robust and sustainable urban transport system by utilising existing navigable waterways. The Water Metro model represents a breakthrough in urban water transportation, offering safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional modes of transport. Leveraging India’s rich network of rivers, canals and other water bodies, the project will focus on cities with significant potential for urban water transport system.

    The 17 cities chosen by IWAI, in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for developing water metro include – Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey in Kerala as well as Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could transform connectivity.

    The Urban Water Transport System will connect mainland and adjoining municipalities/panchayat areas/islands through waterways and integrate the system with other modes of transport. Besides, it will promote tourism and regional economic growth. It will employ non-polluting and sustainable measures through energy-efficient electric ferries, modernised terminals and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity.

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South. 

    In line with Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has taken multiple green initiatives which includes procurement of electric catamarans for passenger ferries.  Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each at Varanasi and Ayodhya.  Six more shall be deployed soon in Mathura and Guwahati.  One hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel has also been procured which recently completed the trials successfully. The move to strengthen urban water transport system by developing water metro projects will be an extension to these proactive initiatives being taken by the Authority.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat Tech Triumph Program

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Unlocking India’s Gaming Potential

     

    Introduction

    India’s gaming industry has seen remarkable growth particularly in digital and online gaming, which has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country’s media and entertainment landscape. To support this growth the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP) has been launched as part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1. Organized by the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) the program aims to identify and showcase India’s gaming talent on the international stage.

    The initiative will culminate at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and the India Pavilion at the Game Developer Conference (GDC) in 2025 providing a global platform for Indian innovators to shine.

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

    The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

    The AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse) pillar in particular aligns with the objectives of the Bharat Tech Triumph Program emphasizing the intersection of gaming, animation, visual effects and immersive technologies like AR, VR and the Metaverse.

    Eligibility Criteria

     

    The Bharat Tech Triumph program welcomes a diverse range of participants from the interactive entertainment industry including developers, studios, startups, and tech companies. This initiative is open to individuals and organizations involved in gaming development, esports and business solutions critical to the gaming ecosystem. The program invites entities from various stages of development as long as they have a working prototype.

    Registration Process

    Tech Triumph Season 3 is poised to elevate India’s gaming ecosystem showcasing the nation’s potential to create a globally recognized ‘Made in India’ tech industry. With 1,078 registrations already, including 12 from international participants the program is gaining momentum.

    Please note, the application submission for Tech Triumph Season 3 closed on February 20, 2025.

    Stages of the Challenge Process:

    Step 1: Game Submission: Start your journey by submitting your game via the contest form available on the official website.

    Step 2: Expert Evaluation: The esteemed panel of experts will carefully review all submissions shortlisting the top entries for the pitching round. After the pitches the final results will be announced by the distinguished jury.

    Step 3: Gearing Up for Events: Upon the announcement of the winners, the organizers will promptly reach out to guide and assist them in preparing for their prominent showcase at the events.

     

    Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria for the Bharat Tech Triumph Program focus on assessing key aspects of your product, pitch and team to determine its potential for success. Here’s a breakdown of how each element will be evaluated:

    Prize
    Winners of the Bharat Tech Triumph Program will have an incredible opportunity to showcase their products, intellectual property and technology on a global stage. They’ll be fully sponsored to present their innovations at the prestigious Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco from March 17th to 21st and later at WAVES in India. This is a unique platform to gain international exposure and connect with industry leaders.

    References:

    Click here to see PDF.

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2105340) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT Secretary chairs PMG Review of Mega Infrastructure Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Jharkhand

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),Shri Amardeep Bhatia chaired a high-level meeting to review key issues affecting mega infrastructure projects in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Jharkhand. The meeting, attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents, focused on expediting issue resolution through enhanced inter-ministerial and state coordination facilitated by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).

    In the meeting, 21 issues across 17 significant projects were reviewed, including 9 projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with a total cost of all projects exceeding Rs 13,501 crore.The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, valued at Rs 9,623.72 crore and comprising seven issues across six packages, was also reviewed.

    The meeting placed significant emphasis on the project of setting up new NITs in strategic locations through which the government seeks to bridge regional disparities in technical education and meet the increasing demand for skilled engineers and technical professionals. These institutions will not only enhance the academic landscape but also contribute to regional economic growth by fostering innovation, research, and industry collaboration.

    The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, a key project under the Bharat Mala Yojana, will enhance regional connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal,and is expected to significantly boost trade and freight movement, particularly benefiting industries reliant on the Kolkata and Haldia ports for maritime trade– was also reviewed.

    The Secretary,DPIIT, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the institutional framework for project monitoring and instructed the relevant authorities to take a proactive approach in addressing pending issues.He emphasized the importance of private proponents leveraging this specialized mechanism of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) to expedite project implementation and ensure efficient and timely resolution of their concerns through collaboration among the Central Government, State Authorities, and Private Stakeholders.

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    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2105334) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News