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  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 11 02 2025] – (CGWL) – CORRECTION

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This disclosure supersedes the previous one which contained the wrong date in section 1(e)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 9,641,106 1.2166    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 9,641,106 1.2166    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 3,620 99.2p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 12 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 9,494,764 1.1981    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 9,494,764 1.1981    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 100,000 99.24p
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 50,000 99.241p
    0.375p ORDINARY PURCHASE 3,658 99.3869p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 13 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 12 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 12,245,709 2.2654    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 12,245,709 2.2654    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 7,373 61.4084p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 13 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The 36th Meeting of the ASEAN-IPR Governing Council discussed research and advocacy activities to promote peace and stability in the region

    Source: ASEAN

    The 36th Meeting of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) Governing Council discussed the ASEAN-IPR’s 2025 work plan and its research and advocacy activities to promote peace and stability in the region. Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, San Lwin, attended the Meeting on behalf of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as an Ex-Officio member of the Governing Council.

    The post The 36th Meeting of the ASEAN-IPR Governing Council discussed research and advocacy activities to promote peace and stability in the region appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Mumbai Mahanagarpalika Shikshan Vibhag Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 11, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on The Mumbai Mahanagarpalika Shikshan Vibhag Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts at least once in six months.

    This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2149

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Will New Zealand invade the Cook Islands to stop China? Seriously

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    The New Zealand government and the mainstream media have gone ballistic (thankfully not literally just yet) over the move by the small Pacific nation to sign a strategic partnership with China in Beijing this week.

    It is the latest in a string of island nations that have signalled a closer relationship with China, something that rattles nerves and sabres in Wellington and Canberra.

    The Chinese have politely told the Kiwis to back off.  Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters that China and the Cook Islands have had diplomatic relations since 1997 which “should not be disrupted or restrained by any third party”.

    “New Zealand is rightly furious about it,” a TVNZ Pacific affairs writer editorialised to the nation. The deal and the lack of prior consultation was described by various journalists as “damaging”, “of significant concern”, “trouble in paradise”, an act by a “renegade government”.

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters, not without cause, railed at what he saw as the Cook Islands government going against long-standing agreements to consult over defence and security issues.

    “Should New Zealand invade the Cook islands?” . . . New Zealand Herald columnist Matthew Hooton’s view in an “oxygen-starved media environment” amid rattled nerves. Image: New Zealand Herald screenshot APR

    ‘Clearly about secession’
    Matthew Hooton, who penned the article in The Herald, is a major commentator on various platforms.

    “Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown’s dealings with China are clearly about secession from the realm of New Zealand,” Hooton said without substantiation but with considerable colonial hauteur.

    “His illegal moves cannot stand. It would be a relatively straightforward military operation for our SAS to secure all key government buildings in the Cook Islands’ capital, Avarua.”

    This could be written off as the hyperventilating screeching of someone trying to drum up readers but he was given a major platform to do so and New Zealanders live in an oxygen-starved media environment where alternative analysis is hard to find.

    The Cook Islands, with one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world — a whopping 2 million sq km — is considered part of New Zealand’s backyard, albeit over 3000 km to the northeast.  The deal with China is focused on economics not security issues, according to Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown.

    Deep sea mining may be on the list of projects as well as trade cooperation, climate, tourism, and infrastructure.

    The Cook Islands seafloor is believed to have billions of tons of polymetallic nodules of cobalt, copper, nickel and manganese, something that has even caught the attention of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Various players have their eyes on it.

    Glen Johnson, writing in Le Monde Diplomatique, reported last year:

    “Environmentalists have raised major concerns, particularly over the destruction of deep-sea habitats and the vast, choking sediment plumes that excavation would produce.”

    All will be revealed
    Even Cook Island’s citizens have not been consulted on the details of the deal, including deep sea mining.  Clearly, this should not be the case. All will be revealed shortly.

    New Zealand and the Cook Islands have had formal relations since 1901 when the British “transferred” the islands to New Zealand.  Cook Islanders have a curious status: they hold New Zealand passports but are recognised as their own country. The US government went a step further on September 25, 2023. President Joe Biden said:

    “Today I am proud to announce that the United States recognises the Cook Islands as a sovereign and independent state and will establish diplomatic relations between our two nations.”

    A move to create their own passports was undermined by New Zealand officials who successfully stymied the plan.

    New Zealand has taken an increasingly hostile stance vis-a-vis China, with PM Luxon describing the country as a “strategic competitor” while at the same time depending on China as our biggest trading partner.  The government and a compliant mainstream media sing as one choir when it comes to China: it is seen as a threat, a looming pretender to be South Pacific hegemon, replacing the flip-flopping, increasingly incoherent USA.

    Climate change looms large for island nations. Much of the Cooks’ tourism infrastructure is vulnerable to coastal inundation and precious reefs are being destroyed by heating sea temperatures.

    “One thing that New Zealand has got to get its head round is the fact that the Trump administration has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accord,” Dr Robert Patman, professor of international relations at Otago University, says. “And this is a big deal for most Pacific Island states — and that means that the Cook Islands nation may well be looking for greater assistance elsewhere.”

    Diplomatic spat with global coverage
    The story of the diplomatic spat has been covered in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.  Eyebrows are rising as yet again New Zealand, a close ally of Israel and a participant in the US Operation Prosperity Guardian to lift the Houthi Red Sea blockade of Israel, shows its Western mindset.

    Matthew Hooton’s article is the kind of colonialist fantasy masquerading as geopolitical analysis that damages New Zealand’s reputation as a friend to the smaller nations of our region.

    Yes, the Chinese have an interest in our neck of the woods — China is second only to Australia in supplying much-needed development assistance to the region.

    It is sound policy not insurrection for small nations to diversify economic partnerships and secure development opportunities for their people. That said, serious questions should be posed and deserve to be answered.

    Geopolitical analyst Dr Geoffrey Miller made a useful contribution to the debate saying there was potential for all three parties to work together:

    “There is no reason why New Zealand can’t get together with China and the Cook Islands and develop some projects together,” Dr Miller says. “Pacific states are the winners here because there is a lot of competition for them”.

    I think New Zealand and Australia could combine more effectively with a host of South Pacific island nations and form a more effective regional voice with which to engage with the wider world and collectively resist efforts by the US and China to turn the region into a theatre of competition.

    We throw the toys out
    We throw the toys out of the cot when the Cooks don’t consult with us but shrug when Pasifika elders like former Tuvalu PM Enele Sopoaga call us out for ignoring them.

    In Wellington last year, I heard him challenge the bigger powers, particularly Australia and New Zealand, to remember that the existential threat faced by Pacific nations comes first from climate change. He also reminded New Zealanders of the commitment to keeping the South Pacific nuclear-free.

    To succeed, a “Pacific for the peoples of the Pacific” approach would suggest our ministries of foreign affairs should halt their drift to being little more than branch offices of the Pentagon and that our governments should not sign up to US Great Power competition with China.

    Ditching the misguided anti-China AUKUS project would be a good start.

    Friends to all, enemies of none. Keep the Pacific peaceful, neutral and nuclear-free.

    Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington, New Zealand. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service. His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War. This article was first published at his public policy website Solidarity and is republished here with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Kazakhstan: Authorities must drop politically motivated charges against satirical blogger  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of the start of the trial in Kazakhstan of Temirlan Ensebek, a blogger who has been charged with “inciting interethnic discord” and faces up to seven years in jail for a year-old post on his Instagram page, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:  

    “This is not the first time that the Kazakh authorities have targeted Temirlan Ensebek for his free expression. 

    This politically motivated prosecution is part of a wider crackdown on civil society

    “This politically motivated prosecution, which relies on a vague and overly broad definition of ‘incitement’ within Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, is part of a wider crackdown on civil society.  

    “Free expression is not a crime and the authorities must end their misuse of the criminal justice system and the charge of ‘discord’ to suppress dissent and silence critical voices. These baseless charges must be dropped and Temirlan Ensebek should be immediately released from detention.” 

    Background  

    Temirlan Ensebek, manages the satirical Instagram account Qaznews24. He was arrested on 17 January and remanded in pretrial detention for two months. 

    He has been charged under article 174 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code on vague charges of “inciting interethnic discord”. 

    Ensebek’s post on the Qaznews24 Instagram account featured a Russian TV presenter, with a song conveying hostile feelings against Russians.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar: Recklessly abrupt US aid stoppage poses existential threat to human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The United States government’s abrupt and sweeping freeze on foreign aid is severely imperiling the human rights of refugees, civilians in armed conflict areas and individuals fleeing persecution in Myanmar, Amnesty International said today.

    The organization warned that lives could be lost unless the decision is urgently reversed, amended or if waivers for life-saving assistance are not immediately granted and swiftly implemented for those working on the ground.

    “The Trump administration’s cruel decision to issue immediate stop work orders on foreign aid is having an instant and devastating impact across the globe, and in Myanmar it is hitting people at a particularly dark hour,” said Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman.

    “The decision has abruptly shut down hospitals in refugee camps, put fleeing human rights defenders at risk of deportation and imperiled programs helping people prevent atrocities, survive in conflict zones and rebuild their lives amid ongoing waves of violence.”

    On 20 January, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential executive order pausing all foreign aid amid a 90-day review of whether it is consistent with American foreign policy. On 24 January, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stop work order to those delivering assistance worldwide as part of the review, but carved out exemptions to the pause for emergency food assistance, as well as military aid to Israel and Egypt.

    An additional waiver dated 28 January exempted “life-saving humanitarian assistance” from the stoppage, while follow-up clarifications in the first week of February broadened the exemptions for specific activities. However, based on Amnesty’s latest research, implementation of these waivers has yet to trickle down to many organizations working along the Thai-Myanmar border. 

    “The US government’s shocking move has had immediate global impacts whose real-life consequences are still being felt and understood. Our findings from Myanmar and Thailand provide just one example of the damage wrought by this heartless decision,” Joe Freeman said.

    In Myanmar, the funding pause has further devastated a civilian population already enduring escalating armed conflict, widespread displacement and severe human rights violations by a military that seized power in a coup more than four years ago. It has also sowed chaos, desperation and anguish among tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees living in Thailand.

    The US is effectively giving the rights-abusing Myanmar military an invaluable gift in their crackdown on freedom of expression

    To date, US funding has helped many endure the upheaval by supporting emergency shelter or relocation for activists, delivering food aid, helping create early-warning systems for air strikes, delivering medical treatment in war zones and providing education opportunities to those who have lost all hope of a future.

    From 3-10 February, Amnesty International spoke to 12 Myanmar refugees living in camps along the border in Thailand, along with representatives from 14 organizations with Myanmar-focused activities. They include health workers, human rights researchers and NGOs providing cross-border assistance as well as media and education providers. All warned of severe consequences if the decision was not reversed or amended. Not one had received a communication or confirmation of a waiver from the US government to continue operations.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General/African Union Summit, France, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Secretary-General/African Union Summit
    – Secretary-General/France
    – Yemen
    – Namibia
    – Security Council/Syria
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Democratic Republic of Congo/Peacekeeping
    – Democratic Republic of Congo/Humanitarian
    – Bangladesh
    – International Day
    – Guest Tomorrow
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT
    On Thursday morning, the Secretary-General will arrive in Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, to take part in the 38th African Union Summit.  While there, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the leadership of the African Union Commission, Ethiopian authorities as well as Heads of State and Government from the continent.
    On Friday, he is also scheduled to take part in meetings of the AU Peace and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, concerning the situations in Sudan and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    On Saturday morning, the Secretary-General will attend the opening session of the African Union Summit. He will deliver remarks, during which he will reaffirm that the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union has never been stronger.
    He is also expected to reiterate his calls for reforms of the international financial architecture, as well as for permanent representation of African countries at the Security Council.
    On Saturday, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to hold a press conference. 

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/FRANCE
    Before leaving Paris for Addis Ababa to attend the African Union Summit, the Secretary-General visited the headquarters of Reporters Sans Frontières, where he met with its Director General, Thibaut Bruttin.
    Addressing the staff, the Secretary-General said that organizations like RSF are on the front line in the common fight for truth against fiction, for science against conspiracy, and for the fight against impunity when journalists face violence and even death. 
    The Secretary-General said the struggle to defend freedom of the press and the journalists themselves is essential to preserve our democracies.

    YEMEN
    The Secretary-General strongly condemned the death in detention on 10 February of a World Food Programme (WFP) colleague who had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities since 23 January 2025. The circumstances surrounding this deplorable tragedy remain unclear, and the United Nations is urgently seeking explanations from the Houthi de facto authorities.
    The Secretary-General has called for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable. In his statement, he said that the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, is unacceptable. He renewed his call for their immediate and unconditional release.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=12+February+2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2VnzpsJw4U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FY 2024 AFGP Application Development Training Series – Application Submission Process

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The Application Submission Process training video is intended to provide a brief overview of the process for submitting applications in FEMA GO.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgX79Asofns

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FY 2024 AFGP Application Development Training Series – Fire Prevention and Safety

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This FY 2024 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) webinar includes an overview of the FP&S Activity, updates to the program, applicant eligibility, information about the application and review process and allowability of costs.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhihM-EID-o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FY 2024 AFGP Application Development Training Series – FP&S – Research and Development Activity

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    FY 2024 AFGP Application Development Training Series – FP&S – Research and Development Activity This FY 2024 FP&S webinar includes an overview of the Research and Development Activity, updates to the program, applicant eligibility, information about the application and review process and allowability of costs. FY24 FPS RD Program Overview Presentation

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsDtrsLLgD4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FY 2024 AFGP Application Development Training Series – SAFER Recruitment and Retention Activity

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This FY24 SAFER Recruitment and Retention Activity webinar includes a program overview, understanding the application process and tips for preparing to apply.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctTD-F97rlU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Cam Hamilton PSA for Communities Impacted by the LA Wildfires

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    FEMA teams are on the ground providing support to those that are impacted from the Los Angeles wildfires. If you need help, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to learn more about all the resources that are available.

    Stay safe & take care of each other.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYMP1bKYqT4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Find out more and see who’s taking part https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/february/lords-marks-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3nK1VWCdSI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on Northbrook House and Windale House

    Source: City of Oxford

    Northbrook House and Windale House were originally built in the 1960s as sheltered accommodation and are two of the oldest schemes now used for over-60s housing.  

    We told residents in 2018 our long-term plans were to demolish both buildings and redevelop the sites for new council homes. 

    The condition of both buildings is deteriorating, including lifts and communal areas. While neither is yet at the end of its viable life, both blocks would require substantial and subsequent ongoing investment to prolong their current use. 

    The blocks do not meet modern design and accessibility standards. Some homes are bedsits which we have been phasing out across our housing as they are no longer popular housing options. It also means they are not big enough for a wet room and their doors are not wide enough to provide wheelchair access. 

    It would not be possible to bring Northbrook House and Windale House up to modern accessibility standards – including wheelchair access, bathroom design and adaptable kitchen layouts – without demolishing and rebuilding them.  

    The housing crisis 

    Northbrook House and Windale House are currently designated as housing for the over-60s, with areas like communal lounges built to 1960s requirements. In 2025, many people over the age of 60 don’t want to live in that type of communal setting and this is reflected in lower demand for this type of housing. 

    We have a number of blocks of flats for the over-60s and the waiting period is often just a few months. In contrast, most people wait years for general needs council housing and there is no guarantee of a council home however long you spend on the list. 

    In the last few years, the cost of living, record private rent rises and the delay in delivering a ‘no fault’ eviction ban first promised in 2019 have fuelled a sharp rise in homelessness in Oxford and across the country. 

    We are dealing with spiralling demand for temporary accommodation for people who become homeless in Oxford. In January alone, we provided temporary accommodation for a further 63 households. We have had to house more than 120 households in bed and breakfast or budget hotels as there is not enough temporary housing available. 

    There are more than 3,500 people on the housing register waiting for a settled home.  

    It would be better for us to invest our limited resources in meeting these urgent needs than in temporarily extending the life of both blocks in a piecemeal and increasingly expensive way. 

    Supporting people to move to a suitable new home 

    We met with tenants at both blocks on Monday 3 February to discuss our plans and address concerns about their future. While some people had understandable concerns about the upheaval this would mean, many residents took up our offer of one-to-one conversations about the support available to help them move. 

    We will support everyone to move to in a responsible, planned way, ensuring their new home is suitable and meets their needs.  

    This means somewhere with the same or similar secure tenancy rights and is therefore likely to be a council or housing association home through our transfer list. 

    Two officers are providing onsite specialist support to help people move. Residents will be given high priority to bid for a new home of their choice and supported through every stage of the process. 

    All residents will receive a statutory Home Loss payment and we will provide extra financial and practical help with packing, moving and fitting out their new homes.  

    Where people need support with other options like extra care housing, we will arrange this. 

    What happens next? 

    We aim to help everybody move out of Northbrook House and Windale House by the end of April 2026.  

    When both blocks are empty – and not before – we will put them to meanwhile use as temporary accommodation while we make plans to redevelop the sites for new council homes. 

    Who gets housed in temporary accommodation? 

    We provide temporary accommodation to people who become homeless in Oxford – for example, because of a ‘no fault’ eviction from a private rented tenancy.  

    With very few exceptions, we can only offer temporary accommodation to people with a local connection. This usually means they must live in or have a recent history of living in Oxford, have a job here or close family in the city.  

    People in asylum hotels are the responsibility of the Home Office, which provides them with accommodation.  

    Oxford City Council is not legally allowed to provide asylum seekers with temporary accommodation or a council tenancy. 

    Northbrook House and Windale House will not be used by the Home Office. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: H2H Network (H2H)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The H2H Network brings together high-quality, independent humanitarian service providers. Members’ specializations fall into four categories: Data and information management; community engagement and accountability; security, logistics and programme support; and quality and sector professionalization. All bring cross-cutting technical expertise in service of the broader humanitarian sector. All are ready to adapt and collaborate in new ways when faced with humanitarian crises that are more frequent, more complex, and affect more people.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marathon test event plans set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police announced today that they will implement special traffic arrangements in view of the 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event to be held in the two cities on February 23.

     

    Clearance services at Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended until about 11am on that day.

     

    Moreover, temporary control measures will be implemented at Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange from 2am to about 11am. These will be closed to all traffic from eastbound and westbound Yuen Long Highway, and Ha Tsuen Road.

     

    During the suspension of clearance services, cross-boundary goods vehicles and private cars holding valid permits for Shenzhen Bay Port may divert to Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, Man Kam To Port and Heung Yuen Wai Port.

     

    After Shenzhen Bay Port’s clearance services have resumed, traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases, depending on actual conditions, Police added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SZ-HK financial meeting held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui led a delegation to attend the second meeting of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee in Qianhai, Shenzhen, today.

    The meeting echoed the aspirations expressed by CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong during the discussion session he hosted on February 9 for more reciprocal co-operation and collaborative development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

    The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Hui and Shenzhen Vice Mayor and Director General of the Office of the Financial Affairs Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee Luo Huanghao.

    The committee discussed the latest developments of the financial markets and financial co-operation initiatives of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It also explored suggestions on further enhancing the development of a collaborative market.

    On collaborations in terms of financial professional services and talent, Mr Hui announced a list of Hong Kong accounting firms capable of supporting Mainland enterprises in going global, and expressed his hope that Hong Kong’s high-quality and international professional services could facilitate the high-level opening of the country’s financial markets.

    The committee also arranged an experience-sharing session by two Hong Kong students who participated in the GBA Fintech Two-way Internship Scheme for Post-secondary Students to encourage the industry to provide more opportunities for young people from Shenzhen and Hong Kong to foster talent exchanges in the financial realm.

    Mr Hui said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen were both core cities and key engines for driving the development of the GBA, noting that it is anticipated that Hong Kong will continue its close collaboration with Shenzhen for co-ordinated development.

    As Mr Hui said at the discussion session hosted by Xia Baolong, the further strengthening of co-operation between Hong Kong and the GBA in the areas of financial markets and services would better reinforce national development strategies.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smoke Billows From Bushfires in Tasmania

    Source: NASA

    In early February 2025, bushfires ignited in northwestern Tasmania, where they have continued to burn on the island for more than a week amid windy, warm, and dry conditions.
    Smoke from the fires is visible in this image, acquired at about 4 p.m. local time (05:00 Universal Time) on February 12, 2025, by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite.
    Starting on February 3, lightning strikes from dry thunderstorms ignited multiple fires in the state’s North West region, according to news reports. By February 12, more than a dozen fires had burned around 50,000 hectares (190 square miles).
    An emergency warning, updated on February 13 by the Tasmanian government, indicated that one of the fires was progressing toward Sandy Cape, a popular spot for beach camping, and was expected to be “uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving.” (Note that Sandy Cape is covered with smoke in this view.)
    Fire was also approaching the town of Corinna, where a “watch and act” warning remained in effect on February 13. Beekeepers have already abandoned hives near the town, according to news reports, where leatherwood trees supply nectar for bees that support much of the region’s honey industry.
    According to a heatwave warning from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), much of the state’s west coast saw severe heatwave conditions on several days during the week of February 10. The region has also been exceptionally dry. For example, the past 12-month period has been the driest on record (since 1900) along the coastal areas near Sandy Cape.
    Forecasts called for damaging winds with gusts of up to 90 kilometers (55 miles) per hour ahead of an approaching cold front. Cooler, wetter weather was expected toward the end of the week.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 25 Years Ago: STS-99, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

    Source: NASA

    On Feb. 11, 2000, space shuttle Endeavour took to the skies on its 14th trip into space on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The international STS-99 crew included Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele of Germany representing the European Space Agency, Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, who served as payload commander on the mission, and Mamoru Mohri of the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, now the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.  
    During their 11-day mission, the astronauts used the radar instruments in Endeavour’s payload bay to obtain elevation data on a near global scale. The data produced the most complete, high-resolution digital elevation model of the Earth. The SRTM comprised a cooperative effort among NASA with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, managing the project, the Department of Defense’s National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the German space agency, and the Italian space agency. Prior to SRTM, scientists had a more detailed topographic map of Venus than of the Earth, thanks to the Magellan radar mapping mission. 

    NASA assigned the STS-99 crew in October 1998. For Kregel, selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1992, STS-99 marked his fourth trip to space, having served as pilot on STS-70 and STS-78 and commanded STS-87. Gorie and Kavandi, both selected in 1994, previously flew together as pilot and mission specialist, respectively, on STS-91, the final Shuttle Mir docking mission. Voss, selected in 1990, served as a mission specialist on STS-57 and STS-63, and as payload commander on STS-83 and STS-94. NASDA selected Mohri as an astronaut in 1985 and he previously flew as a payload specialist on STS-47, the Spacelab-J mission. Selected as an astronaut by the German space agency in 1987, Thiele joined the European Astronaut Corps in 1998, completing his first spaceflight on STS-99.  
    The SRTM used an innovative technique called radar interferometry to image the Earth’s landmasses at resolutions up to 30 times greater than previously achieved. Two of the synthetic aperture radar instruments comprising the SRTM payload had flown previously, on the STS-59 Shuttle Radar Laboratory-1 (SRL-1) and the STS-68 SRL-2 missions in April and October 1994, respectively.  A second receiver antenna, placed at the end of a 200-foot deployable mast, enabled the interferometry during SRTM. 

    Workers rolled Endeavour to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Dec. 2 for mating with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, and then out to Launch Pad 39A on Dec. 13. The astronauts traveled to Kennedy to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Jan. 11-14, returning afterwards to Houston for final training. They traveled back to Kennedy on Jan. 27 for the first launch attempt four days later. After two launch attempts, the STS-99 mission prepared to liftoff on Feb. 11, 2000. 

    At 12:43 p.m. EST, Endeavour thundered into the sky from Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A to begin the STS-99 mission. Thirty-seven minutes later, a brief firing of the orbiter’s two engines placed Endeavour in the proper 145-mile orbit for the radar scanning. 

    Shortly after reaching orbit, the crew opened the payload bay doors and deployed the shuttle’s radiators.   Kavandi and Thiele turned on the instruments, deployed the 200-foot mast, and conducted initial checkouts of the radars. The crew split into two shifts to enable data collection around the clock during the mission. After overseeing the initial activation of the radars, the red shift of Kregel, Kavandi, and Thiele began their first sleep period as the blue shift of Gorie, Voss, and Mohri picked up with activation and began the first data takes. 
    The major crew activity for SRTM involved changing tapes every 30 minutes. The SRTM generated 332 high density tapes during more than 222 hours of data collection and these recordings covered 99.96 percent of the planned observations. Data collection finished on the mission’s 10th flight day, after which the astronauts reeled the mast back into its container in the payload bay. 

    NASA’s EarthKAM program enabled middle school students to remotely take photographs of the Earth using an electronic still camera mounted in one of the shuttle’s windows. The University of California at San Diego houses the control center for EarthKAM, linked with middle schools via the Internet. Students choose Earth targets of interest, and the camera takes photos of that region as the shuttle passes overhead. A then-record 75 schools from around the world participated in the EarthKAM project on STS-99, the camera returning 2,715 images of the Earth. 
    The STS-99 astronauts also spent time taking photographs of the Earth using handheld cameras and the high inclination orbit enabled views of some parts of the Earth rarely seen by shuttle astronauts. 

    On Feb. 22, the crew closed Endeavour’s payload bay doors, donned their launch and entry suits, and strapped themselves into their seats for entry and landing. Kregel piloted Endeavour to a smooth landing on Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew had flown 181 orbits around the Earth in 11 days, 5 hours, and 39 minutes. Enjoy the crew narrate a video about the STS-99 mission.  
    Postscript 

    During the 11-day mission, SRTM collected more than one trillion data points, generating 12.3 terabytes of 3-D data of the Earth. Earnest Paylor, SRTM program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., called the mission “a magnificent accomplishment.” He cited that SRTM imaged by radar equatorial regions of the Earth previously unmapped due to constant cloud cover. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Polar Ice Experiment Paves Way for Future Moon Missions 

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) is preparing to explore the Moon’s subsurface and analyze where lunar resources may reside. The experiment’s two key instruments will demonstrate our ability to extract and analyze lunar soil to better understand the lunar environment and subsurface resources, paving the way for sustainable human exploration under the agency’s Artemis campaign for the benefit of all. 
    Its two instruments will work in tandem: The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrains (TRIDENT) will drill into the Moon’s surface to collect samples, while the Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO) will analyze these samples to determine the gas composition released across the sampling depth. The PRIME-1 technology will provide valuable data to help us better understand the Moon’s surface and how to work with and on it. 
    “The ability to drill and analyze samples at the same time allows us to gather insights that will shape the future of lunar resource utilization,” said Jackie Quinn, PRIME-1 project manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “Human exploration of the Moon and deep space will depend on making good use of local resources to produce life-sustaining supplies necessary to live and work on another planetary body.” 
    The PRIME-1 experiment is one of the NASA payloads aboard the next lunar delivery through NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative, set to launch from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 26, on Intuitive Machines’ Athena lunar lander and explore the lunar soil in Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau near the Moon’s South Pole. 

    [embedded content]

    Developed by Honeybee Robotics, a Blue Origin Company, TRIDENT is a rotary percussive drill designed to excavate lunar regolith and subsurface material up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) deep. The drill will extract samples, each about 4 inches (10 cm) in length, allowing scientists to analyze how trapped and frozen gases are distributed at different depths below the surface.  
    The TRIDENT drill is equipped with carbide cutting teeth to penetrate even the toughest lunar materials. Unlike previous lunar drills used by astronauts during the Apollo missions, TRIDENT will be controlled from Earth. The drill may provide key information about subsurface soil temperatures as well as gain key insight into the mechanical properties of the lunar South Pole soil. Learning more about regolith temperatures and properties will greatly improve our understanding of the environments where lunar resources may be stable, revealing what resources may be available for future Moon missions.  
    A commercial off-the-shelf mass spectrometer, MSOLO, developed by INFICON and made suitable for spaceflight at Kennedy, will analyze any gas released from the TRIDENT drilled samples, looking for the potential presence of water ice and other gases trapped beneath the surface. These measurements will help scientists understand the Moon’s potential for resource utilization. 
    Under the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial delivery services to the Moon to enable industry growth and support long-term lunar exploration. As a primary customer for CLPS deliveries, NASA is one of many customers on future flights. PRIME-1 was funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate Game Changing Development program. 
    Learn more about CLPS and Artemis at: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/clps

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Animal Welfare, Testing and Research of FDA-Regulated Products

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Medical and veterinary products save lives every day. FDA-regulated products such as blood pressure medicine, chemotherapy and MRI machines help people and animals live longer and healthier.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates human and animal medical products to ensure they are safe and effective. Products undergo different types of testing to determine their safety and effectiveness. These tests may include animal testing, and they almost always include other types of tests.

    Here are some facts about animal testing and their alternatives.

    Using Scientifically Valid Alternatives to Animal Testing

    The FDA encourages and accepts scientifically valid alternatives to animal testing. But validated alternatives to animal testing are not available yet for many medical products.

    Product developers must show the FDA that a medical product is reasonably likely to be safe for testing in people. Only scientifically reliable and validated test methods can be used to show product safety before testing in people.

    These types of tests are generally referred to as nonclinical tests. There are many types of nonclinical testing. They include:

    • Laboratory tests in a petri dish or test tube, which may include tests with human or animal cells and tissues (in-vitro testing).
    • Computer modeling (in-silico testing).
    • Animal testing (in-vivo testing).

    Testing a product with people is called clinical testing, also known as clinical investigation or clinical trials. A product developer collects scientific information from nonclinical testing to show that clinical testing in people is likely to be safe. After the nonclinical testing phase, the FDA may authorize the product developer to conduct clinical testing.

    Product developers determine which types of tests they will conduct, in consultation with the FDA, and can use alternative methods to animal testing. They often conduct animal testing at some stage of the product development process because scientifically valid alternatives to animal testing are not available yet.

    FDA Supports Developing Alternatives to Animal Testing

    The FDA encourages industry efforts to develop and use alternative methods to test the safety of FDA-regulated products. Before researchers use animals for testing, they should consider using scientifically valid alternatives. The FDA has provided guidance to product developers on alternative methods in specific circumstances.

    Although a few specific areas have established validated non-animal test methods (for example, skin irritation for dermal products), there are many areas for which alternative testing methods do not exist yet or have not been validated.

    Because the body is a highly complex, biological living system that is difficult to replicate in a testing environment, alternative testing methods cannot always predict side effects and safety concerns. Scientists must do more research and validation on alternative testing methods before the procedures can be routinely and more broadly used.

    FDA scientists are working together to help in the development of alternatives to animal testing and build confidence in reliability of alternative methods. The FDA is strongly committed to:

    • Reducing the use of animal testing.
    • Replacing animal testing with alternative methods when they are available.
    • Refining animal testing so that the maximum amount of scientific information can be humanely collected with the minimum number of animals.

    These priorities – replace, reduce and refine – are known as the “3Rs,” and they guide the FDA in our commitment to alternatives to animal testing.

    Scientists at the FDA are working together, and with industry partners, to advance the development and adoption of alternatives to animal testing. For most products under development, there currently aren’t testing methods that can replace animal testing entirely. Researchers and scientists in many areas must do a lot more studies and development to create valid alternative methods.

    Federal Laws on the Treatment of Test or Research Animals

    Scientists who conduct research with animals must follow the applicable laws, regulations and standards regarding the treatment and care of animals used in research and testing.

    These include:

    In all cases where animal studies are used, the FDA advocates that research and testing results in the maximum amount of useful scientific information from the minimum number of animals while using the most humane and scientifically valid methods available.

    The FDA supports the transfer, adoption or retirement of research or testing animals, when possible. But the FDA does not own animals used by other organizations, such as product developers and manufacturers, in animal testing and does not control their placement after study.

    The FDA shares any concerns about test or research animal welfare with the federal agencies and offices that regulate and enforce standards of animal treatment and care, including the USDA and OLAW.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.12.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 12, 2025

    Kate Hoit, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Hoit has been the PACT Act Enterprise Program Management Office Communications and Outreach Lead at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2023. She was a Communications Lead in the Veteran Experience Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2021 to 2023. Hoit was the California State Director at the Vet Voice Foundation from 2018 to 2021. She was the Military Marketing Manager at National University from 2017 to 2018. Hoit was the Director of Content and Communications at Got Your 6 from 2014 to 2017. She was a Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2011 to 2014. Hoit served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2001 to 2009. She is a Pat Tillman Scholar and a member of the Truman National Security Project. She earned her Master of the Arts Degree in Non-Fiction Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of the Arts in Journalism from the University at Albany, State University of New York. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $154,860. Hoit is a Democrat.

    Shaun Spillane, of Gold River, has been appointed Chief Deputy Inspector General at the Office of the Inspector General, where he has been Chief Counsel since 2023, and was Attorney IV from 2013 to 2023. Spillane was Labor Relations Counsel II at the California Department of Human Resources from 2009 to 2013. He was a Graduate Student Assistant in the Office of the Inspector General from 2007 to 2009. Spillane earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $201,972. Spillane is registered without party preference.

    Michael “Mike” Detoy, of Hermosa Beach, has been appointed to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration. Detoy has been Councilmember and Mayor of the City of Hermosa Beach since 2019. He has been Fire Captain for the City of Riverside since 2011. Detoy is President of the Riverside City Firefighters Association. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from California Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Santa Clara University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Detoy is a Democrat.

    Christopher Gonder, of Brawley, has been appointed to the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training. Gonder has been a Correctional Officer at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2016. He is the Vice President of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Calipatria Chapter and President of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association, Calipatria Chapter. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Gonder is registered without party preference.

    Hellen Hong, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the Civil Rights Council, where she has served since 2021. Hong has been Chief Executive Officer at CalBar Connect since 2020. She was the Director at the Office of Access and Inclusion at the State Bar of California from 2019 to 2020. Hong held multiple executive positions at First Place for Youth from 2014 to 2019. She was the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice from 2007 to 2014. Hong was a Public Interest Attorney from 2004 to 2007. She was Assistant Director of State Government Relations at the University of California from 2002 to 2004. Hong earned her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hong is a Democrat

    Hugh Crooks, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Veterans Board, where he has served since 2017. Crooks was a Human Resources Operations Manager at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk from 2000 to 2005. Crooks was Head of Administrative and Facility Services at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History from 1991 to 2000. He was Safety Police Chief III for the Protective Services Division at the Los Angeles County Safety Police from 1969 to 1991. Crooks was a Rifleman in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 9th Infantry Division Society, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Advisory Group. Crooks was a National Executive Committeeman and Chief Financial Officer of the American Legion, Department of California. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Crooks is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

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    Feb 11, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-23 DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HOSTS FIRST EVER ONLINE ASSET FORFEITURE AUCTION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-23 DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HOSTS FIRST EVER ONLINE ASSET FORFEITURE AUCTION

    Posted on Feb 12, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HOSTS FIRST EVER ONLINE ASSET FORFEITURE AUCTION

    News Release 2025-23

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    February 12, 2025

    HONOLULU –The Department of the Attorney General, Civil Recoveries Division’s Asset Forfeiture Program is conducting a live, online auction beginning February 18. It is the first time Hawaiʻi is staging an online auction for this program.

    “Prior to the COVID pandemic, we previously held live auctions quarterly at the Blaisdell Center,” said Asset Forfeiture Program Manager Kern Nishioka. “While online auctions are not a new idea, the launch of our auction website is a first for our office.”

    The initial selection is primarily cars and trucks. Other items for sale include a commercial fishing boat and trailer, and Morgan silver dollar coins. The department’s Auction Items Preview page has a list of the cars, trucks and SUVs that will be featured in the upcoming live online auction.

    The first items will go live on the department’s online auction page starting at 3 p.m. on February 18. Listings will be added as they become available. Auction closure dates will vary between items.

    To participate in the online auction, a free eHawaii.gov account is required. Participants must be 18 and over. To register, and for more information on the requirements/restrictions and how to place bids, go to the department’s online auction page as well as the Department of the Attorney General’s Asset Forfeiture Program page. 

    The proceeds generated from auctions are used to fund law enforcement activities such as training and equipment, as well as to support program expenses.

    # # #

     

    Access to the Auction Car Dropbox video album is here – Auction Cars Video

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    Toni Schwartz

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1252

    Cell: 808-379-9249

    Email: [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Researchers Unlock New Potential Porcine Virus Treatment

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn researchers have identified a novel small molecule for the development of preventative treatment for a serious and costly disease in pigs.

    Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) costs an estimated $1.2 billion annually in the U.S. In Europe, the estimated yearly loss is €1.5 billion. The virus causes respiratory disease in piglets, and miscarriages or stillbirths in sows.

    There is currently no effective vaccine or treatment for PRRSV. Some scientists are working on genetically modified pigs to block viral infection, but this strategy will take decades to have a measurable impact.

    Researchers from the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources have identified a small molecule that can successfully disable the virus’ mechanisms for reproducing and evading the host organism’s immune system.

    They published these findings in the Journal of Virology. Jiaqi Zhu ‘23 (CAHNR), is the first author on this paper. UConn collaborators include Xiuchun “Cindy” Tian, professor of animal science; Antonio Garmendia, professor of pathobiology and veterinary science; Neha Mishra, associate professor of pathobiology and veterinary science, and Kyle Hadden, professor of pharmaceutical science.

    This work is a collaboration between UConn and Northwest A&F University in China, where Young Tang, former UConn associate professor, is currently faculty.

    The researchers began this work by using artificial intelligence to screen a bank of small molecules to identify which ones might be good candidates. The algorithm compared the structure of the viral protein the researchers wanted to target against those of the small molecules.

    They then narrowed their results down to a single chemical that could inhibit the virus without producing toxic effects.

    The researchers targeted a protein called NendoU. This protein is highly conserved, meaning that when the virus mutates, this protein will likely stay the same because it plays such an essential role in the virus’ ability to reproduce.

    The researchers found that the number of viral particles in cells treated with the small molecule was more than 1,000 times fewer than the untreated control group.

    “Basically, the virus comes into the untreated cell and uses the cell’s machinery to amplify and create more viruses,” Tian says. “So, if you treat the cells with this particular chemical, compared to untreated cells, it’s going to reduce it by 1,000 times in terms of viral number.”

    NendoU is also common across other closely related viruses.

    “We were thinking this [chemical] could also work on other viruses in this order,” Zhu says. “So, we tested it on another virus called chicken infectious bronchitis virus and it also worked very well.”

    COVID-19 belongs to the same viral family as PRRSV. This means that even though PRRSV is not a risk to human health, this research could have applications for human anti-viral drug development.

    These findings build on previous work from this group in which, in collaboration with technology enabled pharmaceutical company, Atomwise Inc., they identified a different chemical that disrupts the virus’ ability to enter the host cell.

    “By shutting the door for viral entry and inhibiting those that are already in the cells, we could combine these two small molecules in the future, and potentially have a stronger, and synergistic effect on disease control,” says Tian.

    The researchers are working with UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) to advance the development and commercialization of this technology. Engaging with TCS early on, they protected their intellectual property and developed a strategic commercialization plan. As part of these efforts, TCS facilitated one-on-one meetings with five of the world’s ten largest animal healthcare companies, along with multiple other organizations interested in the technology.

    “We have received amazing interest from industry, and the feedback has been extremely helpful, setting up the development path of the technology,” says Ana Fidantsef, industry liaison with TCS. “We hope these interactions will lead to collaborations that will immensely help the swine market and industry.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs want to suspend EU-Rwanda deal on sustainable value chains for critical raw materials

    Source: European Parliament 3

    The Rwandan government must withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s territory and cease cooperation with the M23 rebels, Parliament says.

    In a resolution adopted on Thursday, 13 February, MEPs strongly condemn the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces as an anacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    MEPs denounce the indiscriminate attacks involving explosive weapons as well as unlawful killing, rape, and other apparent war crimes in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties. They deplore the use of forced labour, forced recruitment, and other abusive practices, by M23 with the support of Rwanda’s military, and by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).

    Critical humanitarian situation

    Calling for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war, Parliament urges the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility. MEPs also say that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable and may be considered a war crime.

    MEPs are extremely concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the country and demand the immediate reopening of Goma airport and the creation of humanitarian corridors to re-establish humanitarian operations in eastern DRC.

    Immediate suspension of EU Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda

    Parliament regrets the European Union’s failure to take appropriate measures to address the crisis and pressure Rwanda to end its support for M23. It urges the European Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU’s Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda, until the country ceases all interference in the DRC, including exporting minerals mined from M23-controlled areas.

    MEPs also call on the Commission, EU member states and international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it allows for humanitarian access to the crisis area and breaks all links with M23. The Commission and EU countries should also halt their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to avoid contributing directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in eastern DRC.

    MEPs are concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict, as well as the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the DRC’s mining sector and in wider region and working without respect for economic and social responsibility.

    Support for peace negotiations

    Parliament welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit held in Dar es Salaam on 8 February and expresses its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. MEPs call on all countries in the Great Lakes region, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations under these frameworks.

    The resolution was adopted with 443 votes in favour, 4 against and 48 abstentions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka and ASBBC Okinawa Successfully Complete Groundbreaking Blood Drive

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka, in partnership with the Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC) Okinawa, successfully hosted a groundbreaking two-day blood drive, marking the first-ever mobilization of the ASBBC Okinawa team to Yokosuka, Jan. 29 and 30.

    The event saw more than 200 potential donors, resulting in 110 successful whole blood donations. This initiative plays a critical role in strengthening blood sustainment efforts within the IndoPacific region at far forward military treatment facilities (MTF).

    “All the hard work, meticulous planning, and collaborative coordination from all teams and partners were truly worthwhile,’ said USNH Yokosuka’s Laboratory department head Lt. Sheryll Tagura. “Our ultimate goal is to support not only our warfighters at sea, on land, and in the air but also their families at the home front.”

    Extensive Planning and Coordination

    The success of the blood drive was made possible through six months of meticulous planning and coordination. The USNH Yokosuka laboratory team, with essential support from the 374th Medical Group’s lab team at Yokota Air Base team, was responsible for the logistics of hosting the ASBBC Okinawa team. More than 33 personnel, including American Red Cross Yokosuka volunteers, dedicated over 500 man-hours to execute the event.

    During the drive, the hospital’s laboratory staff processed over 600 blood samples and managed the storage of 110 whole blood units. Additionally, the team facilitated training and education for the hospital’s Walking Blood Bank team. A Walking Blood Bank (WBB) is a system where pre-
    screened individuals, usually military personnel or members of a community, can donate fresh whole blood in emergency situations. While screening samples during the blood drive, the WBB program added 37 successful prescreens to their inventory.

    “I want to thank our partners: ASBBC, Yokota AFB Laboratory, 613TH Air Operations Center, Yokota Air Base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Yokosuka’s Officers’ Club, American Red Cross, Navy Commissary, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, and most especially our blood donors,” said Tagura. “If our efforts save even one life, then it was all worth it.”

    Collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa

    The collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa proved to be an exceptional experience for the USNH Yokosuka team. “We had the opportunity to observe their extensive expertise and professionalism in action,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Sisto. “Their team is highly trained and operates with remarkable efficiency. We look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

    The ASBBC Okinawa team consisted of 14 personnel, including 12 enlisted members from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, one officer from the Air Force, and one civilian technical supervisor. Their involvement was crucial in executing the drive effectively.

    Strategic Importance of Mainland Blood Drives

    The ASBBC Okinawa team emphasized the significance of conducting blood drives in mainland Japan, as they provide an underutilized resource for sustaining blood supply in the Indo-Pacific region. This effort follows a previous mainland blood drive at Yokota Air Base, further expanding the reach and capabilities of ASBBC.

    “Executing this blood drive in Yokosuka has provided us with invaluable knowledge on mobilizing off-island and within mainland Japan,” said U.S. Indo-Pacific ASBBC Deputy Director Air Force Capt. Yessenia Greene. “This experience has strengthened our ability to operate in emergency and contested environments while building a joint network across military services for large-scale blood drives.”

    Looking Ahead

    Given the success of this inaugural event, ASBBC Okinawa anticipates conducting more blood drives on mainland Japan in the future.
    “We had a great experience working with USNH Yokosuka,” Greene added. “The team was phenomenal, and leadership was incredibly supportive. This initiative has set the stage for future mobilizations, and we hope to return to Yokosuka for another blood drive soon.”

    ASBBC Okinawa is the sole source of fresh blood in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet and all Defense Health Agency military treatment facilities in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Profila unleashes DOGE on Big AdTech: Slashes costs, pays customers 80% of revenues in ZEKE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUZERN, Switzerland, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Profila is revolutionizing the advertising industry by eliminating data-harvesting middlemen and redirecting ad revenues straight to users. With its Web3-powered platform, Profila compensates individuals for their data and attention, offering up to 80% of ad spend in its native ZEKE token. The groundbreaking ZEKE token sale is now live.

    For years, surveillance-driven tech giants and ad intermediaries have exploited user data, accumulating billions while delivering questionable engagement and widespread ad fraud. Profila’s model disrupts this outdated system by enabling direct brand-to-user advertising, ensuring transparency, fairness, and real engagement.

    ZEKE token sale is live!

    Why ZEKE is a game-changer

    • Massive buy pressure – Brands fuel the system, while users cash out in ZEKE.
    • Next-generation privacy – No tracking, no exploitation—just ethical, user-driven engagement.
    • Web3 security – Built on Cardano for enhanced security, fairness, and transparency.
    • Big tech disruption – Eliminates intrusive ads and manipulative algorithms.
    • Limited-time rewards – Up to 200,000 ADA in ZEKE bonuses available.

    “This isn’t just another token launch—it’s a reckoning for the entire ad industry,” said Shawn Jensen, CEO of Profila. “Users should be the ones benefiting from their data, not tech giants profiting behind their backs.”

    About Profila

    Profila is redefining the digital marketing landscape by aligning brand engagement with user privacy. Through its innovative platform, brands achieve 100% engagement with real customers, eliminating wasteful ad spending and ensuring ethical, preference-driven interactions.

    Learn More

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Profila. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities .Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44411ea2-2322-493f-9e85-0e8a60fc7ff7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade announces alliance with Interpath

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, and Interpath, the international advisory firm, have announced an alliance relationship that has been designed to accelerate digital transformation efforts, empowering businesses to harness AI from Sidetrade’s dedicated Order-to-Cash Data Lake and adapt more effectively to the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

    Interpath is a fast-growing firm that supports clients with advisory and restructuring services and has operations in the UK, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, BVI, and Algeria. The alliance with Sidetrade will support the firm’s continued growth and further enhance its ability to create, defend, preserve, sustain and grow value for its clients through working capital optimization. In turn, Sidetrade will be able to draw on Interpath’s advisory capabilities across a wide range of markets and channels to help more leadership teams transform their Order-to-Cash operations.

    Kevin Schafer, AVP Partners Europe, at Sidetrade, commented: “We are excited to join forces with Interpath to extend the reach of Aimie, Sidetrade’s AI assistant, to a wider spectrum of organizations. By combining Interpath’s industry expertise with our advanced technology, we are creating a powerful synergy to help businesses unlocking new efficiencies in optimizing working capital and driving sustainable cash flow growth.”

    The new alliance is set to reshape the way businesses tackle working capital challenges. It aims to empower organizations with digitally transformative solutions, delivering tangible results in an increasingly dynamic financial environment.

    Sidetrade has consistently been recognized as a leader in the global Order-to-Cash the market, thanks to its powerful AI technology powered by the Sidetrade Data Lake which processes $6.1 trillion in B2B payment transactions real-time daily in Sidetrade’s cloud to provide users with a unique market view. Sidetrade has been positioned as a Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Leader since 2022. It was also named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51740924, December 2024).

    Hope Rosenbaum, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Alliances at Interpath, commented: “Sidetrade offers a world-class Order-to-Cash solution that leverages AI and cloud technology to make a transformational impact, complementing the work we do every day to help clients improve their financial performance and create value. The alliance couldn’t be timelier as businesses look for ways to make their cashflow work for them and find a more sustainable financial future. We look forward to working with Sidetrade as we leverage the technology and harness the expertise that we both hold to make a real difference for businesses we support across our international networks.”

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Invoice-to-Cash Applications, 6 May 2024, Tamara Shipley Et Al.
    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Media relations @Sidetrade
    Becca Parlby               +44 7824 5055 84           bparlby@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its next-generation AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $6.1 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of more than 38 million buyers worldwide. Aimie recommends the best operational strategies, dematerializes and intelligently automates Order-to-Cash processes to enhance productivity, results and working capital across organizations.
    Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Amongst them: Bidcorp, Biffa, Bunzl, Engie, Expedia, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Opentext, Page, Randstad, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Sodexo, Tech Data, UGI, and Veolia.
    Sidetrade is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business. 
    For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Sidetrade on LinkedIn. 
    In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the English version is to be taken into account

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –