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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurates 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurates 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF)

    India has risen as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

    Kisan Credit Card scheme extended to the fishers & fish farmers: Union Minister

    Research institutes should undertake capacity building initiative involving KVKs to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

    Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also inaugurates the 14AFAF Expo

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) at Pusa Campus in New Delhi today, marking a significant milestone in global fisheries and aquaculture. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries.  He accentuated that India has risen as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Minister also emphasized that India is implementing cutting-edge digital solutions such as National Digital Fisheries Platform and vessel monitoring, transponders, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. He also informed that the Kisan Credit Card scheme has been extended to the fishers and fish farmers and various insurance schemes to the fisheries’ sector were also introduced. He further applauded the ICAR for its technological offerings, recognizing its contributions in the fisheries development in the country. Further he stressed that the research institutes should undertake capacity building initiative involving KVKs to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers. He also inaugurated the 14AFAF expo, a major highlight, bringing together the stakeholders from state fisheries departments, academia, research institutions and the industry to showcase technological advancements.

     

    Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR highlighted that 75 new fisheries technologies and improved fish varieties developed by ICAR, emphasizing ICAR’s commitment to sustainable, carbon-neutral fisheries and aquaculture for long-term industry resilience.

    Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, highlighted the Government’s transformative initiatives, substantial investments, and the vital role of startups in driving innovation for India’s blue economy.

    ‘Padma Shri’ Dr. S. Ayyappan, former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR, highlighted India’s leadership in fisheries research and described 14AFAF as the Mahakumbh of fisheries researchers from Asia.

    Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General, WorldFish, Malaysia, spoke on global innovations in fisheries and applauded India for its transformation initiatives in sustainable aquaculture.

    Prof. Neil Loneragan, President, Asian Fisheries Society, Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the significance of international collaboration in advancing the fisheries sector globally.

    Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of 14AFAF, in his welcome address, stated that the forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture. He highlighted that the event features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.

    The session also saw the release of different publications & technologies by the dignitaries. The event was organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore.

    Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 15 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive policies, and scientific advancements, India is emerging as a key player in sustainable fisheries. This forum serves as an opportunity to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen global partnerships and drive sustainable aquaculture initiatives for the future.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France jointly inaugurate the Consulate General of India in Marseille

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, today jointly inaugurated the newly opened Consulate General of India in Marseille.

    The inauguration of the Consulate General by Prime Minister and President Macron is a landmark in bilateral relations between India and France. The presence of President Macron at the inauguration was a special gesture and Prime Minister deeply appreciated it. At the Consulate, both the leaders were warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to witness the historic occasion.

    The decision to open a Consulate General in Marseille was announced during Prime Minister’s visit to France in July 2023. The Consulate General will have consular jurisdiction over four French administrative regions in the South of France, namely – Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

    This region of France is synonymous with trade, industry, energy and luxury tourism and has significant economic, cultural and people to people connections with India. The new Consulate General in the second most populous city in France would further strengthen the multi-faceted India-France Strategic Partnership.

     

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    MJPS/SR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France visit the Mazargues War Cemetery

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille this morning and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. Both leaders laid wreaths to honour the sacrifices of the fallen.

    The Mazargues War Cemetery preserves the history of valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought for peace in Europe. Their saga continues to inspire many. The Cemetery commemorates the deep people-to-people links that continue to nurture India-France ties.

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2102330) Visitor Counter : 68

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France jointly visit ITER facility

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, jointly visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [ITER] in Cadarache earlier today. The leaders were welcomed by Director General, ITER. This was the first visit by any Head of State or Head of Government to ITER – one of the most ambitious fusion energy projects in the world today.

    During the visit, the leaders appreciated the progress of ITER, including the assembly of the world’s largest Tokamak, where ultimately 500 MW of fusion power will be produced by creating, containing and controlling burning plasma. The leaders also appreciated the dedication of the ITER engineers and scientists working on the project.

    India is among the seven ITER members contributing to the project over the last two decades. Around 200 Indian scientists and associates, as well as notable industry players such as L&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, HCL Technologies, among others, are engaged in the ITER project.

     

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    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Developing educational tours

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ6: Developing educational tours
    LCQ6: Developing educational tours
    **********************************

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Tang Fei and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):      There are views that educational tours, which integrate education with tourism, will not only enhance travel experiences, but also promote cultural exchanges and knowledge dissemination, thereby driving the growth of the local tourism, catering, accommodation and related industries and further stimulating the economic development of Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has plans to make dedicated efforts to promote educational tours by bringing together Hong Kong’s historical and cultural resources, technology and innovative facilities as well as renowned academic institutions to attract student groups from the Mainland and overseas to Hong Kong to conduct study exchanges; if so, of the specific targets, promotion strategies and expected benefits; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will formulate relevant plans in the future; (2) whether it will consider launching dedicated educational tour itineraries targeting different age groups and catering for different needs, such as innovation and technology itineraries focusing on visits to universities and scientific research institutions, cultural exploration itineraries featuring tours around museums and historic buildings, ecological experience itineraries on nature education and red itineraries on patriotism education; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) whether it has considered collaborating with local enterprises to introduce supporting services and concessionary measures specifically for educational tours; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:  President,      In respect of the question raised by the Hon Tang Fei, the reply is as follows:           The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) promulgated the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) on December 30,2024, setting out four major development strategies covering four areas of work including product development, expanding visitor source markets, technology innovation and enhancing services. In terms of expansion of visitor source, Blueprint 2.0 proposes to examine the travel needs of silver-haired, family, study tour and youth visitor segments in detail. The CSTB, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), will promote the development of inbound study tours to Hong Kong through three areas, namely product development, enhancing promotion and upgrading support services.      In terms of product development, Hong Kong has world-class resources in the areas of culture, sports and ecology, etc., which are suitable for integration into study tours. Through exploring and consolidating resources, the CSTB and the HKTB will encourage the trade to develop more study tour itineraries and products with Hong Kong characteristics so as to satisfy the needs of students and parents of different age groups and learning needs.           An example of resource exploration is that the Ocean Park Corporation (the Park) has become the only entity outside the Mainland to be successfully certified by the Guangdong Study Travel Association and the Education Bureau of Guangzhou Municipality as a “Study Tour Base in Guangdong Province” and the “Fourth Batch of Study Tours Base for Primary and Secondary School Students in Guangzhou” respectively last year. These achievements further solidified the Ocean Park’s leading role in the field of conservation and education (C&E) in the region and enhanced Hong Kong’s appeal as a destination for study tours. We will continue to facilitate the Ocean Park to organise familiarisation tours and seminars for educational institutions in the Mainland as well as participate in exchange activities in the Mainland and overseas with a view to further promoting the Park’s C&E programmes and activities. Currently, the Ocean Park is actively exchanging views with study tour organisations in various provinces/municipalities in the Mainland and Southeast Asia to explore the possibility of arranging their students to visit the Ocean Park for study tours.           As for the consolidation of resources, there are many landmarks and attractions suitable for study tours in various districts of Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, the Tai Kwun, the Hong Kong Sha Tau Kok Anti-war Memorial Hall and the Mai Po Nature Reserve. The HKTB has consolidated the relevant information and combined them into nine major tourism themes, namely Hong Kong’s Past and Present, Revitalisation and Conservation, Cultural Arts, Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage, Natural Ecology, Environmental Protection, Technological Development, Public Services and Red Tourism. The list of tourism resources has been distributed to trade representatives, offering Mainland and overseas inbound study tours with information and reference materials for a wide range of learning experiences and activities to facilitate planning for suitable itineraries and routes.           On enhancing promotion, the HKTB held an online briefing in August last year to introduce the relevant themes, landmarks and attractions for study tours to travel trade and related sectors in Hong Kong. Subsequently, the HKTB invited delegation of Mainland study tour travel agents and educational institutions to Hong Kong for a five-day familiarisation trip for meeting and exchange with Hong Kong travel trade partners and experience Hong Kong’s rich study tour resources, products and services first-hand, including visits to the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre, the Police Museum, WEEE · PARK at Tuen Mun EcoPark, social enterprise restaurants and docent tours organised by the Mills, as well as participation in Hong Kong’s traditional dim sum workshops.           In future, the HKTB will continue to actively develop study tour market segment and promote Hong Kong tourism targeting the youth and study tour groups in the Mainland and overseas markets, including organising briefings for trade and inviting representatives of relevant groups and organisations from overseas and the Mainland to visit Hong Kong, with a view to deepening their understanding of Hong Kong’s resources for developing study tours.           In terms of enhancement of supporting facilities, it is very important to ensure the product quality and service standard, as well as to improve the management system as study tour is targeted at the youth segment. In this regard, Blueprint 2.0 proposed holistically a series of measures to enhance the service quality and standard of supporting facilities of the tourism industry. Based on the operational characteristics of study tours, the CSTB will examine whether the supporting facilities, such as accommodation and tourist guides, could meet the development needs of the industry and reach out to organisations with potential to develop into study tour destinations, so as to comprehensively enhance Hong Kong’s ability in exploring the source markets for study tours.           Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 15:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SAIL declares financial results for Q3 and 9M FY’25

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has declared its financial results today for the quarter and nine month ending 31st December, 2024.

    Key highlights:

    Performance of Q3 FY 25 (Standalone) at a glance:

    Unit

    Q3 23-24

    Q2 24-25

    Q3 24-25

    Crude Steel Production

    Million Tonne

    4.75

    4.78

    4.63

    Sales Volume

    Million Tonne

    3.81

    4.10

    4.43

    Revenue from Operations

    Rs. Crore

    23,345

    24,675

    24,490

    Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

    Rs. Crore

    2,319

    3,174

    2,389

    Profit Before Exceptional Items and Tax

    Rs. Crore

    384

    1,113

    289

    Exceptional Items

    Rs. Crore

    76

    0

    29

    Profit Before Tax (PBT)

    Rs. Crore

    461

    1,113

    318

    Profit After Tax (PAT)

    Rs. Crore

    331

    834

    126

     

    Performance of 9M FY 25 (Standalone) at a glance:

    Unit

    9M 23-24

    9M 24-25

    Crude Steel Production

    Million Tonne

    14.22

    14.08

    Sales Volume

    Million Tonne

    12.46

    12.54

    Revenue from Operations

    Rs. Crore

    77,417

    73,162

    Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

    Rs. Crore

    8,451

    7,983

    Profit Before Exceptional Items and Tax

    Rs. Crore

    2,698

    1,728

    Exceptional Items

    Rs. Crore

    (339)

    (283)

    Profit Before Tax (PBT)

    Rs. Crore

    2,359

    1,445

    Profit After Tax (PAT)

    Rs. Crore

    1,722

    970

    SAIL’s revenue from operations and sales volume increased during the third quarter of the current financial year, along with a slight improvement in EBITDA compared to the corresponding period last year.

    Commenting on the financial results, Chairman SAIL, Shri Amarendu Prakash said, “In the face of a challenging steel market characterized by declining prices and an influx of cheap imports, SAIL has managed to achieve better EBITDA during the Q3FY25 compared to the corresponding period last year. We remain steadfast in our commitment to boost production and enhance cost efficiency, while simultaneously further explore and adopt greener technologies. We expect that with appropriate interventions, the issue of cheap imports will be addressed and government’s drive on infrastructure development will bode well for the domestic steel industry while driving the demand further”.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: COVID-19 oral drugs

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Judy Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):Question:     In 2022, in consultation with experts, the Government introduced the COVID-19 oral drugs Paxlovid and Molnupiravir through the Hospital Authority (HA), and prescribed the two drugs to suitable patients through various channels such as public hospitals, designated clinics and residential care homes for the elderly. The Government has indicated that the fee for each course of treatment in respect of the two drugs is over $6,000. There are views that the fees for the two drugs are excessively high, and the Government should expeditiously introduce other less expensive drugs with similar efficacy. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the details of the vetting and approval process for introducing the two drugs by the Government in consultation with experts at that time, and whether such vetting and approval process was different from the general approval process for introducing new drugs; if so, of the reasons for and details of that;(2) of the current clinical guidelines for prescribing the two drugs, and the number of revisions made in the past;(3) whether it knows the following information on the use of each of the two drugs by HA in each of the past three years: (i) the quantity purchased and expenditure incurred, (ii) the quantity used (with a breakdown by the channels through which they were used), and (iii) the quantity discarded due to expiry or other reasons;(4) whether there has been any change to the approved shelf life of the two drugs since their introduction, and of the current respective shelf life; whether it knows the respective stock of the two drugs currently kept by HA; and(5) whether the authorities have plans to introduce other drugs with efficacy similar to that of the two drugs; if so, of the progress and timetable; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     With the ever evolvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the prevention and treatment capacities of the local healthcare system and the handling capacity of society as a whole have been enhanced significantly. COVID-19 has been managed as an upper respiratory tract illness by the Government since early 2023. Despite this, the World Health Organization still highlights the importance of ensuring access to appropriate treatments for patients with COVID-19, including providing oral antiviral drugs to high-risk patients on a need basis taking the local situation into account. High-risk persons concerned include the elderly, immunocompromised individuals or persons with chronic illnesses.     The Health Bureau, together with the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA), have been keeping abreast of the latest development of clinical treatment and scientific evidence-based research relating to SARS-CoV-2 virus, while making reference to the latest data from drug regulatory authorities and drug manufacturers globally so as to provide appropriate treatment for COVID-19 patients.     In consultation with the DH and the HA, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Judy Chan is as follows: (1) According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), pharmaceutical products must satisfy the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality for registration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (Board) before they can be sold or supplied in Hong Kong.      During the COVID-19 pandemic, the then Pharmacy and Poisons (Registration of Pharmaceutical Products and Substances: Certification of Clinical Trial/Medicinal Test) Committee (Committee) established under the Board considered that, in view of the public health emergency and the local medical need at the time, together with the relevant scientific evidence, the benefits of the use of COVID-19 oral antiviral drugs, namely Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 outweighed the risks and hence conditionally approved the applications of the relevant drugs for registration in February and March 2022 respectively. As part of the conditional approval of registration, the corresponding drug registration certificate holders were required to submit additional data through clinical studies and post-marketing report to the Board according to the conditions imposed by the Committee (including that the concerned products can only be supplied to doctors or medical institutions). The certificate holders of the drugs have been continuously providing relevant reports and data to substantiate their products’ safety, efficacy and quality. In this connection, Paxlovid was granted full registration in February 2024.(2) According to the existing mechanism, the expert panel formed by the DH and the HA closely monitors the efficacy and possible side-effects of the relevant drugs in light of the evolving scientific evidence, and also evaluates various drugs treating COVID-19 while reviewing and updating the clinical guidelines in a timely manner with reference to the latest clinical development and research data in the Mainland and overseas, with a view to providing patients with appropriate treatments to reduce their risk of severe complications and death.     Based on the above principle, the relevant clinical guidelines have been updated for 27 times so far. Under the current guidelines, healthcare professionals will consider prescribing relevant drugs to patients aged 70 or above, and patients aged below 70 with high-risk conditions or chronic diseases according to their clinical needs.(3) Apart from providing antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 at public hospitals/clinics under the HA, the Government has been providing private doctors with the two aforementioned COVID-19 oral drugs procured by the HA for free prescription to eligible COVID-19 confirmed patients since April 2022. Private doctors who have registered under the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) can make requests for provision of the two COVID-19 oral drugs via the dedicated online platform. Private doctors must follow the aforementioned treatment guidelines set out by the HA. Besides, the DH’s clinic dispensaries also distributed a small amount of treatment courses.     From 2022 to 2024, the HA has prescribed the two COVID-19 oral drugs to about 471 300 HA patients (a single patient may be prescribed with COVID-19 oral antivirals for more than once), including about 314 600 patients prescribed with Paxlovid and about 156 700 with Molnupiravir. Separately, about 181 700 treatment courses were prescribed by private doctors to eligible COVID-19 confirmed patients for free, in which about 104 000 Paxlovid treatment courses and about 77 700 Molnupiravir treatment courses were prescribed. About 1 500 treatment courses were prescribed by clinics under the DH (including Families Clinics and Elderly Health Centres).     Detailed figures on the quantity and expenditure incurred by the HA in purchasing the two COVID-19 oral drugs are tabulated below: * Figures adjusted to the nearest thousands     Following the prevailing practice, the HA dispenses drugs before the expiration dates based on the “first-expired, first-out” principle. For those drugs requiring disposal, including unserviceable ones, the HA will dispose of them in accordance with the established procedures. There has not been any disposal of COVID-19 oral drugs so far.(4) The shelf-life of the two COVID-19 oral antiviral drugs, namely Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, are 24 and 30 months respectively. The HA has sufficient stock of drugs for prescription to COVID-19 patients, and will continue to closely monitor the supply and utilisation of the relevant drugs in order to cater for the needs of patients.(5) The DH and the HA will continue to keep in view the latest data from drug regulatory authorities and drug manufacturers globally (including the Mainland) and introduce suitable drugs in a timely manner based on the available scientific evidence to ensure that patients are prescribed with drugs of proven safety and efficacy.     Apart from Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, no other COVID-19 oral antivirals drugs are currently registered in Hong Kong. Based on the latest scientific evidence, there are no other COVID-19 oral antiviral drugs in the market that can provide the same level of appropriate treatment especially for high-risk patients.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pilot Scheme on Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong to be regularised with refinements

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         With effect from March 1, 2025, the Government will regularise the Pilot Scheme on Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong with refinements. Upon regularisation, the Scheme will be named the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong.
     
         Under the Pilot Scheme, relevant individuals are allowed to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors without the need to obtain an employment visa if they are in possession of a letter of proof (Letter) issued by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution or venue provider proving that they are eligible persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong.
     
         As an international centre for legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong is and has always been one of the most preferred seats and destinations of arbitration in the world. Catering for the needs of arbitrations taking place in Hong Kong, the Government launched the Pilot Scheme on June 29, 2020, to provide immigration facilitation for eligible visitors participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong on a short-term basis. The arbitration community has been supportive of the Pilot Scheme since its launch, finding it conducive to maintaining Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. This is in line with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 
     
         After a review and having regard to feedback from the industry on the developing needs of parties in arbitrations, the Pilot Scheme will be regularised with the following refinements:
     
    (a) The scope of eligible persons will be expanded to five categories to include persons who are directly related to or involved in the arbitrations taking place in Hong Kong such as tribunal secretaries, tribunal-appointed experts. Upon such refinement, the Scheme will cover five categories of persons (Eligible Persons), namely, (i) arbitrators; (ii) expert and factual witnesses; (iii) counsel in the arbitration; (iv) parties to the arbitration; and (v) other persons directly related to or involved in the arbitration such as tribunal secretaries, tribunal-appointed experts. 

    (b) The Scheme will cover all arbitrations physically taking place in Hong Kong, including those in which parties opt to, as a matter of law, have the “seat of arbitration” elsewhere.

         After regularisation, persons who seek to benefit from the Scheme shall continue to, prior to their entry into Hong Kong, obtain the Letter confirming that they are Eligible Persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong:
     
    (a) For arbitrations administered by an arbitral institution, the Letter shall be issued by one of those designated arbitral and dispute resolution institutions and permanent offices in Hong Kong, which satisfies the criteria set out under Article 2(1) of the “Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the HKSAR”. For details of the list of institutions and permanent offices and their contact details, please visit the Department of Justice (DoJ) website (www.doj.gov.hk/en/legal_dispute/pdf/Immigration_Facilitation_Scheme_contact_list_en.pdf).
     
    (b) For ad hoc arbitrations (i.e. arbitrations not administered by an arbitral institution), the Letter shall be issued by reputable venue(s) with established and well-equipped hearing facilities. For details of the list of venue providers, please visit the DoJ website (www.doj.gov.hk/en/legal_dispute/pdf/list_of_venue_providers_en.pdf).
     
         For the avoidance of doubt, users of the Scheme are still required to apply for the requisite visit visa or entry permit in order to enter Hong Kong where applicable. Eligible Persons are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for participating in arbitral proceedings for a period not exceeding the period for which they are permitted to remain in Hong Kong as a visitor. They shall produce the Letter upon inspection by the Immigration Department or the relevant authorities, if required. The DoJ will issue a Guidance Note on the Scheme to the above-mentioned arbitral and dispute resolution institutions. 

         Hong Kong has ranked among the most preferred seats for arbitration globally in recent years. Nationals of many countries may visit the city without a visit visa or entry permit. Hong Kong is also an international aviation hub located in the heart of Asia and well-connected to various regions. The Scheme will thus synergise with Hong Kong’s many unique strengths as an ideal venue for arbitrations. With a pool of top professional services talent, there are no legal restrictions on who may act as arbitrator, and parties to arbitral proceedings may retain counsel or advisers without restrictions as to their nationalities and professional qualifications in Hong Kong. Additionally, Hong Kong is the first and only common law jurisdiction outside the Mainland where, as a seat of arbitration, parties to arbitral proceedings administered by designated arbitral institutions would be able to apply to the Mainland courts for preservation measures. Arbitral awards made in Hong Kong are generally upheld by local courts and enforceable in over 170 Contracting Parties to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention). An award creditor of a Hong Kong arbitral award can make simultaneous enforcement applications to both the Mainland and Hong Kong courts. 
     
         A spokesman for the DoJ said, “The regularisation and refinement of the Scheme offer parties and practitioners high convenience and a broad choice of international and local legal experts and related professionals, further enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a seat or destination for arbitrations.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New District Officer for Central and Western assumes office (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Miss Jeanne Cheng will assume the post of District Officer (Central and Western) tomorrow (February 13), succeeding Mr David Leung.
     
         Since joining the Administrative Service in 2002, Miss Cheng has served in various bureaux and departments, including the Home Affairs Department, the then Economic Development and Labour Bureau, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Education Bureau, the then Food and Health Bureau, and the Chief Executive’s Office.
     
         She was the Principal Assistant Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Children) at the Labour and Welfare Bureau before taking up the new post of District Officer (Central and Western).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Promoting trail tourism

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:

         â€‹It has been reported that a recently released documentary film on four Hong Kong trails is widely acclaimed. There are views that as Hong Kong has beautiful trails and ridgelines, the Government should adopt a new mindset or a new perspective in promoting trail tourism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the Government’s plans in place to enhance the ancillary facilities on trails or in country parks, such as providing additional replenishment and rest stations, water-filling stations, toilets and directional signs, so as to meet the needs of different types of hikers, and to further promote trail tourism and a safe hiking culture;
     
    (2) of the Government’s plans and publicity strategies in place to promote Hong Kong’s trails to tourists from different places, such as whether it will consider taking the initiative to invite renowned runners to promote the trails, or supporting the broadcasting of the aforesaid documentary film on international streaming platforms or in places outside Hong Kong, so as to attract tourists from abroad; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) in order to further promote Hong Kong’s trail tourism, whether the Government will consider supporting the organisation and promotion of trail races or cross-country races, so as to attract more local and non-local people to take part in such races, thereby stepping up publicity on Hong Kong’s beautiful natural trails?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Hong Kong has rich green and eco-tourism resources, including hiking trails and country parks throughout the city, with breathtaking great outdoors that are only minutes away from the urban hustles, attracting numerous tourists each year for hiking and outdoor activities. Further capitalising on Hong Kong’s abundant ecological resources for promoting green tourism development, is in fact one of the directions in diversifying tourism products as outlined in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 that we announced at the end of last year.
          
         In respect of the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng, in consultation with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the reply is as follows:
          
         To promote green tourism, the Tourism Commission, in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), has been taking forward the Enhancement of Hiking Trails since 2018 to enhance the tourism supporting facilities of 20 hiking trails in country parks which are popular and with tourism potential, and to enhance the “Enjoy Hiking” thematic website. Enhancement works include improvement to existing hiking trail network, control of soil erosion at trails, enhancement of vegetation coverage, addition of lookout points and enrichment of visitor information. The enhancement works on 12 hiking trails have been completed, and those for the remaining eight hiking trails are expected to be completed progressively by the first quarter of 2026.
          
         The AFCD also seeks to enhance hiking trails and provide supporting facilities in country parks, including the provision of 57 flushing toilets and over 120 portable toilets; 289 pavilions, 37 water filling stations and about 30 drinks vending machines. The Government has set aside $500 million to enhance country parks, including the improvement and addition of facilities, as well as gradually setting up large-scale enhancement facilities such as tree-top adventure and open museum of historical relics. Examples of the works involved are the construction of five toilets and reconstruction of six toilets at popular hiking spots. These toilets will adopt low-carbon and environmentally-friendly designs, and will be gradually rolled out from 2026 to 2028. The viewing platform overlooking Po Pin Chau and the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine Cave Revitalisation Project were opened to the public in end-2024.
          
         The AFCD makes use of school visits, guided tours, online videos, social media, etc, to promote the unique natural scenery and hiking experiences of Hong Kong, provide information on hiking safety and hill fire prevention, and advocate “take your litter home”. Apart from placing directional signs in country parks, the AFCD also provides consolidated information of hiking trails, including maps, distance, level of difficulty and attractions along the trails, through the “Enjoy Hiking” website, to facilitate locals and tourists’ planning of their itineraries. The mobile application “Enjoy Hiking Hiker Tracking Service” also records users’ location, thereby shortening the search and rescue time in case of accidents. Furthermore, the AFCD collaborates with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in the Mainland and the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province to promote Hong Kong’s natural scenery and hiking routes, as well as to disseminate hiking safety messages, through their social media platforms in the Mainland. The AFCD will continue to review and refine its promotion strategy and information, and through diverse information distribution channels, to ensure locals and tourists safely enjoy the natural wonders of Hong Kong. At the same time, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service and the Civil Aid Service also raise hiker’s awareness on hiking safety through various channels and activities.
          
         Apart from the AFCD’s promotion, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), through its “Hong Kong Great Outdoors” year-round promotional platform, introduces in detail hiking trails in different districts accompanied by stories to deepen understanding of the trails, as well as docent activities and tourism products by the travel trade and other organisations, allowing tourists to appreciate Hong Kong’s inspiring natural landscape. Besides, films are also a very effective promotional channel. For example, the film “Four Trails” documents a recent trail running event, featuring participants from various places who challenge their limits by crossing mountains and valleys, while simultaneously showcasing Hong Kong’s unique natural scenery. The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) is collaborating with overseas ETOs and the film festival partners worldwide to promote this film at overseas film festivals. In addition, CCIDA will strive for opportunities of showing this film on both international and Mainland streaming platforms to attract more tourists to experience the natural beauty of Hong Kong. Also, the HKTB previously invited the director and producer of the film to share Hong Kong’s great natural scenery and trail running experiences with overseas media.
          
         In addition, various trail running and cross-country events are held by different organisations every year, along with other leisure trail events. The Government has supported and promoted some of these events to encourage more tourists to come to Hong Kong and participate. The Government will continue to promote green tourism based on the principles of nature conservation and sustainable development to pursue the concept of “tourism is everywhere” in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Orders to amend Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and Control of Chemicals Ordinance to be gazetted on February 14 and etomidate to become dangerous drug on same date

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Orders to amend Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and Control of Chemicals Ordinance to be gazetted on February 14 and etomidate to become dangerous drug on same date
    Orders to amend Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and Control of Chemicals Ordinance to be gazetted on February 14 and etomidate to become dangerous drug on same date
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said today (February 12) that etomidate and its three analogues will be listed as dangerous drugs following the publication of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2025 (DDO Order) in the Gazette on Friday (February 14). On the same date, the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2025 (CCO Order) will also be published in the Gazette.        The DDO Order will take effect upon its gazettal on February 14, 2025. The CCO Order is expected to become effective on April 11, 2025. Both Orders are subject to the negative vetting procedure of the Legislative Council (LegCo). Details, including the justifications for the legislative proposal, can be found in the brief for LegCo issued today in the Annex.       The DDO Order will add six substances, namely, butonitazene, bromazolam, etomidate, metomidate, propoxate, and isopropoxate, to the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) (Cap. 134). Among them, metomidate, propoxate, and isopropoxate are analogues of etomidate. “In view of the recent abuse situation of etomidate, which is the main active ingredient of a new substance with the street name ‘space oil drug’, the Government is expediting the process and has arranged for the DDO Order to take effect immediately upon gazettal on February 14 in order to significantly enhance deterrence and enable effective law enforcement action against the ‘space oil drug’,” the spokesman said. Under the strict control of the DDO, trafficking and illicit manufacturing of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Possession and consumption of these substances in contravention of the DDO will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.      “The Government has been combating the ‘space oil drug’ on all fronts,” the spokesman said. The Government has renamed “space oil” as “space oil drug” to make clear to the public its nature as a dangerous drug and its harmful effects. In addition, the Government has formulated preventive education and publicity strategy against the “space oil drug” in collaboration with various agencies, encouraging them to explain the harmful effects of the “space oil drug” to the public through different channels, raise self-awareness on drug prevention among the public, and seek more ways to reach out to hidden drug abusers.       To tie in with the legislative work, the Government will launch a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest, namely “Don’t fall into ‘space oil drug’  traps!” starting from February 14, and will continue placing advertisement through various online and offline channels and at different locations to promote the relevant message in different ways.       As young people are the target of “space oil drug” sellers, the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and the Education Bureau will jointly launch an anti-“space oil drug” week in schools in end-February. During the period, a series of activities will be held, including talks, anti-drug videos broadcasts and drama shows, with a view to preventing the spread of the “space oil drug” among the younger cohort.       ​Regarding the CCO Order, 18 precursor chemicals, namely, BMK glycidic acid and its methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl esters (nine substances), PMK ethyl glycidate, and six additional esters of 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid, namely, the propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl esters (seven substances), 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone, will be added to Schedule 2 to the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (CCO) (Cap. 145). It is an offence to possess, manufacture, transport or distribute any substance controlled under the CCO for the unlawful production of dangerous drugs, or to import or export the substance not under and in accordance with a licence issued by the Customs and Excise Department. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 15 years.      The spokesperson said, “The amendments aim to deter any potential trafficking and abuse of these dangerous drugs and precursor chemicals. This will help fortify Hong Kong’s defence against drugs. Our law enforcement agencies are ready to enforce the new regulation, including taking action against the ‘space oil drug’.”

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 14:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    ***************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      In recent years, the Government has been committed to developing Sha Tau Kok (STK) into a tourist hotspot, including launching the First Phase “STK Pier opening up scheme” and the second phase of the STK opening-‍up plan, upgrading the tourism supporting facilities in STK, as well as providing photo-taking spots. In addition, there are views that the official opening of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on November 2 last year has added more highlights to the STK area. On making good use of the tourism resources in the STK area, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors visiting STK each month since the launch of the second phase of the STK opening-up plan in January last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 1); Table 1

    Month
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (2) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors on the 10 dates with the highest number of visitors to STK last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 2); Table 2

    Date
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (3) as it is learnt that the Police can generally complete the processing of applications for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits for access to STK at an earlier time (which originally required a minimum of three working days), of the distribution of the time taken by the Police to vet and approve such permits last year (i.e. (i) within four ‍hours, (ii) more than four hours to 12 hours, (iii) more than 12 hours to 24 hours, (iv) more than 24 hours to 48 hours, (v) more than 48 ‍hours to 72 hours, and (vi) more than 72 hours), and set out in Table 3 a breakdown by the type of applicants (i.e. (a) individual visitors and (b) tour group visitors, and (I) local visitors and (II) ‍non-‍local visitors); Table 3

    Vetting and approval time
    (a)
    (b)

    (I)
    (II)
    (I)
    (II)

    (i)
     
     
     
     

    ……
     
     
     
     

    (vi)
     
     
     
     

    Total
     
     
     
     

     (4) as some members of the industry have relayed that it takes time for non-local visitors to apply for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits to gain access to STK, which is not conducive to travel agencies promoting relevant tourism products to tourists, whether the authorities will consider introducing visa-on-arrival arrangements for tour groups visiting on a “group in, group out” basis, so as to facilitate travel agencies in arranging for more tourists to visit STK; (5) as it is learnt that currently the seven MacIntosh Forts built along the Shenzhen River are no longer in practical operational use, and two of them have undergone basic revitalisation works and are conditionally open to the public, whether the authorities have considered fully opening these two revitalised forts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether the authorities will consider using the forts as visitor service centres or open museums to make good use of heritage resources, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of Robin’s Nest Country Park; (6) given that the “contactless channels” at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in STK became operational on December 23 last year, of the progress of exploring the possibility of allowing Hong Kong tour groups to enter Chung Ying Street via such checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis (including the estimated earliest implementation date); and (7) given that with effect from January 24 this year, the Security Bureau has opened a specified section of road within the frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK, exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit for people travelling by green minibus passing through this section of road, with a view to facilitating tourists to travel to Robin’s Nest Country Park, whether the authorities will consider allowing tourist coaches to access this section of road, so as to facilitate the launch of relevant tourism products by the industry? Reply President,      The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) published the Action Plan on Sha Tau Kok Cultural Tourism Zone on December 30, 2024, in tandem with the promulgation of the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0. The CSTB will continue to promote the tourism development in Sha Tau Kok (STK) under the overall principle of “low density, high quality” and through enriching its historical and cultural elements. Specifically, the Government is progressively opening up STK Frontier Closed Area (FCA) for tourism, including rolling out of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan in January 2024, under which local and non-local visitors are allowed to enter STK FCA (except Chung Ying Street) for sightseeing. In light of its proximity to the Robin’s Nest Country Park, STK has effectively linked up various tourists spots of the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle of the district, serving as a starting point for visitors travelling by ferry to the surrounding islands and areas, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau.      In consultation with the Security Bureau (SB), the Development Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung is as follows: (1) and (2) The monthly figures of electronic Tourism Closed Area Permit (e-CAP) issued by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for entering STK in 2024, and the ten dates with most e-CAP issued in the same year, are set out at Annex.(3) To facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan starting from January 2024, the HKPF launched e-CAP on December 1, 2023. The HKPF has been committed to processing applications as soon as possible. Upon submission by applicants of all the documents required and verification of the relevant information, the vast majority of the e-CAP applications were approved within three working days. The HKPF does not maintain breakdown information of the time required for approval of e-CAP as mentioned in the question. (4) and (6) Since 2022, the SB has, in collaboration with relevant bureaux and departments, formulated specific measures to progressively open-up STK FCA in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The SB has fully consulted the local community in the process, closely monitored the implementation of the opening-up plan, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely responses to the concerns raised and implement the opening-up plan in an orderly manner.            As far as Chung Ying Street is concerned, due to its unique historical background and geographical factors, Chung Ying Street directly adjoins the Mainland without any barrier as a boundary demarcation. It is also the only place in Hong Kong where there is no boundary control facilities, while cross-boundary movement of people and cargo is allowed. In light of the boundary security considerations from the SB, Chung Ying Street has not been opened to tourists for entry from Hong Kong STK over the years.           With the gradual opening-up of STK FCA for tourism, the Government will continue to adopt an open stance in exploring the promotion of tourism at Chung Ying Street, as well as other feasible measures that can further facilitate the trade and tourists visiting STK FCA, with a view to fostering the development of cultural tourism in STK. The CSTB, the SB and Shenzhen Municipal Government, have been in ongoing communication with each other over the development of cultural tourism in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen STK, and will explore the feasible option of allowing Hong Kong group tours to enter Chung Ying Street for sightseeing via the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis, with a view to further deepening the historical and cultural elements of STK tourism. (5) For security reason, the seven MacIntosh Forts located at the boundary of New Territories are currently not opened to the public. In view of the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on March 1, 2024, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) installed an interpretation panel near the MacIntosh Fort (Kong Shan) at the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail to introduce the Forts. The AFCD also featured a thematic introduction of the Forts in an episode of the video series titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park”, which was produced in celebrating the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park, covering the history of the Forts and its role in boundary defence in the past. (7) Starting from January 24, 2025, a section of road within the FCA near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK has been opened for public travelling on public light buses on scheduled service (i.e. green minibuses), by exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit. Members of the public concerned can enter Lin Ma Hang Village via the said section of road, thereby facilitating them to visit the Robin’s Nest Country Park and nearby areas. The current exemption is applicable to passengers travelling by green minibuses, but does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, and to members of the public using other means of travel such as walking or cycling. Taking into account the limitations in the road design and safety considerations of the concerned section, the said section of road is not suitable for entry by large coach buses. The Government will examine the effectiveness of the exemption and, on the premise that boundary security and traffic safety can be ensured, keep an open mind in studying the feasibility of extending the exemption arrangement in the future to cover other transportation means.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 14:42

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Promoting development of the fund industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Robert Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views that the Government should actively take forward a more comprehensive support policy to promote the development of the fund industry as a whole on all fronts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the respective shares of capital allocations from Hong Kong’s offshore Renminbi (RMB) (liquidity pool to mutual funds, deposits, stocks, bonds and other investment vehicles, together with a breakdown by holders of such capital, i.e. retail investors, institutional investors, and enterprises; given that the Government is actively promoting the internationalisation of RMB, what measures it has in place to guide more offshore RMB capital to invest in various fund products, so as to promote the development of related businesses;
     
    (2) whether it has compiled statistics on the respective shares of Mainland capital investments in Hong Kong funds and bank deposits under the constant enhancement of the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) Scheme in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and in which types of funds the investments are mainly made; of the Government’s plans in place to discuss with the Mainland regulatory authorities about further expansion of the scope of fund products under WMC, as well as all-‍round coverage of cross-border fund sales and promotional activities;
     
    (3) whether the Government will step up negotiations with the Mainland regulatory authorities to further increase the number of funds and product types under the mutual recognition of funds scheme; whether it knows if information on such recognised funds will be included in the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited’s Integrated Fund Platform to facilitate trading by investors; and
     
    (4) of the respective proportions of the amounts invested in “financial assets” and “non-financial assets” by applicants of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme after its implementation, together with a breakdown by the classification of assets; whether the Government will publish the relevant statistics on a regular basis; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Hong Kong is an international asset and wealth management centre, with assets under management exceeding HK$31 trillion. The Government has been attracting more global capital to be managed in Hong Kong through a series of measures with the aim of propelling the all-rounded development of the fund industry. In consultation with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) With the support of the Central People’s Government, Hong Kong is a premier global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub which possesses the world’s largest offshore pool of RMB funds, and operates the largest foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives market. Hong Kong also provides a diversified range of RMB products and services, with a leading position in RMB settlement, financing and asset management.
     
         The Government has been promoting the development of the offshore RMB business in Hong Kong, and has been actively deepening the mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, so as to assist the high-level opening up of our country’s capital market. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced in April 2024 a series of measures to promote the expansion of the mutual access between the financial markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong. These measures include expanding the eligible product scope of equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under Stock Connect and including real estate investment trusts (REITs) under Stock Connect, which would support the Hong Kong financial market by increasing the availability of attractive investment products, providing more investment opportunities for domestic and international investors, and consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an offshore RMB business hub.
     
         In addition, the HKMA and the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced on January 13 this year new measures to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global offshore RMB business hub. Relevant measures include the introduction of the HKMA RMB Trade Financing Liquidity Facility, further enhancement and expansion of Bond Connect (Southbound), development of offshore RMB repurchase business using Northbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral, inclusion of Northbound Bond Connect bonds as eligible margin collateral at OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited, promoting cross-boundary payment facilitation and financial facilitation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). We will press ahead with the development of an offshore RMB ecosystem to promote the internationalisation of the RMB in a steady and prudent manner.
     
         In terms of financial products, besides RMB foreign exchange trading products, the offshore RMB investment products and services offered in Hong Kong also include RMB-denominated stocks, ETF, REIT, futures contracts for precious metals, and other diversified financial products. However, the Government does not maintain data on the allocation of funds within the offshore RMB pool to various investment products.
     
    (2) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) has seen continuous and steady development since its launch in September 2021. “WMC 2.0” commenced on February 26, 2024, with enhancement measures including increasing the individual investor quota from RMB1 million to RMB3 million, lowering the threshold for participating in the Southbound Scheme to support more GBA residents to participate in the scheme, expanding the scope of participating institutions to include eligible securities firms, expanding the scope of eligible investment products, and further enhancing the promotion and sales arrangements. According to the statistics published by the PBoC, up to end-2024, over 136 000 individual investors in the GBA participated in the WMC and cross-boundary fund remittances (including Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao) amounting to over RMB99.4 billion had been recorded.
     
         Currently, the scope of eligible products under the Southbound Scheme includes all “non-complex” funds domiciled in Hong Kong and authorised by the SFC that primarily invest in Greater China equity; low-risk to medium-high-risk “non-complex” funds domiciled in Hong Kong and authorised by the SFC (excluding high-yield bond funds and single emerging market equity funds); low-risk to medium-risk and non-complex bonds; and RMB, Hong Kong dollar and foreign currency deposits. The Government does not maintain data on the proportion of Mainland capital invested in these different products.
     
         The Government and Hong Kong regulatory authorities will continue to maintain close communication with the industry and the Mainland regulatory authorities, and continuously review the implementation of “WMC 2.0” with a view to exploring further enhancement measures, including the product scope and sales arrangements.
     
    (3) The Mainland-Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds (MRF) arrangement (the “Arrangement”) was launched in July 2015, where eligible Mainland and Hong Kong funds can be offered to retail investors in each other’s market through a streamlined vetting process. As of end-2024, a total of 83 funds were authorised by the regulators of the two places, with aggregate net subscription amount of around RMB43.5 billion.
     
         The Arrangement has been enhanced with effect from January 1, 2025. Enhancements include relaxing the sales restriction and allowing Hong Kong funds to delegate investment management functions to overseas asset management companies within the same group. The measures will significantly increase the diversity of fund products, enhance the scale of funds, and bring positive effect to the distribution of Hong Kong MRF funds in the Mainland. The SFC will maintain close co-operation with the CSRC to continuously explore and discuss enhancement measures, so as to fully leverage Hong Kong’s distinct advantage and role as an international financial centre and a bridge for two-way capital flow to facilitate a higher level of two-way opening in the country’s capital market.
     
         On the other hand, the Integrated Fund Platform (the Platform) developed by HKEX will help lower the entry threshold of the fund industry, broaden Hong Kong’s fund distribution network, and enhance market efficiency. The first phase of the Platform (the Fund Repository) was launched in December 2024 to facilitate investors’ access to information on fund investment options. Other services of the Platform will be rolled out gradually from this year with functionalities including fund subscription and redemption (including MRF funds), settlement, and nominee services.
     
    (4) The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) was open for application on March 1, 2024 to further enrich the talent pool and attract new capital to Hong Kong. An eligible applicant must make investment of a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets, including investing a minimum of HK$27 million in permissible financial assets and/or real estate (subject to a cap of HK$10 million), and placing HK$3 million into a new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Investment Portfolio (CIES Investment Portfolio).
     
         As of end-2024, InvestHK has received over 800 applications, and approved 240 applications for Assessment for Investment Requirements. Except for the applicants’ investment in Hong Kong under the New CIES, the Government does not maintain the data on the investments made by applicants in Hong Kong outside the New CIES. Excluding the sum for investing in the CIES Investment Portfolio, the approved investment distribution is as follows:
     

     
    Investment amount (HK$ Million)

    Eligible collective investment schemes
    2,968

    Equities
    2,553

    Debt securities
    1,018

    Real estate
    10

    Certificates of deposits
    5

    Total
    6,554

     
         The Government will continuously review the applicants’ investment arrangement and room for enhancing the New CIES, including further enhancing the net asset assessment and calculation requirements and allowing applicants to hold assets through his/her wholly owned eligible private company with effect from March 1 this year, thereby attracting global asset owners to establish their presence in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.11.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 11, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Karen Morrison, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Morrison has held multiple positions at the Department of Pesticide Regulation since 2018, including Chief Deputy Director and Science Advisor since 2022, Assistant Director and Chief Science Advisor from 2019 to 2022, and Environmental Program Manager and Science and Policy Advisor from 2018 to 2019. She was a Senior Environmental Scientist and Policy Advisor at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery from 2014 to 2018. Morrison was a Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the California Council on Science and Technology from 2013 to 2014. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, and she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $213,651. Morrison is registered without party preference. 

    Nicholas Lutton, of Fresno, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Lutton was the Program Manager at Family Voices of California from 2022 to 2024. He was an Educational Resource Specialist at EPU Children’s Center from 2019 to 2022. Lutton is a member of the Editorial Board at the American Association of Pediatrics and Fresno County In-Home Services Advisory Committee. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Lutton is a Democrat.

    Eric Bergersen, of Long Beach, has been appointed to the Physician Assistant Board. Bergersen has been the Regional Medical Director at Bicycle Health Medical Group since 2020. He was the APC Director at VEP Healthcare from 2018 to 2020. Bergersen was an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant at VEP Healthcare from 2017 to 2019. He was a Clinical Consultant at GYANT from 2018 to 2019. Bergersen was the Lead Emergency Department Technician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center from 2012 to 2015. He is a member of Physician Assistants in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine. Bergersen earned a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from George Washington University, and Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Bergersen is a Democrat.

    Ed Perez, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Physician Assistant Board. Perez was a manager at Labor Relations and Performance Management, California Department of Water Resources from 2019 to 2024. He was a Labor Relations Specialist, Department of Water Resources from 2015 to 2019. Perez was a Labor Relations Specialist & Labor Relations Analyst at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2013 to 2015. He is a member of the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), the Hamptons Community Foundation, the Hamptons Owners Association, the Gardenland-Northgate Neighborhood Association, and a Community Activist with AARP. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Perez is a Democrat.

    Drake Dillard, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Disability Access, where he has served since 2020. Dillard has been a Senior Project Manager at Perkins & Will since 2014. He was a Senior Healthcare Architect at Parsons from 2007 to 2013. Dillard was a Project Architect at Kaiser Permanente from 1989 to 1998. He is a member of the Crenshaw Design Review Panel, American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. Dillard earned a Master of Arts degree in Architecture from Howard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dillard is registered without party preference.

    Jaqueline Jackson, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Disability Access, where she has served since 2020. Jackson has been a Non-Profit Management Consultant since 1994. She was Development Director and Consultant for the San Diego Center for the Blind from 2002 to 2004. Jackson was Director of Charter School Development for Norman and Norman Inc. from 1996 to 2005. She was an Education Consultant for the School Futures Research Foundation from 1994 to 1996. Jackson was the Director of Education for Health and Family Support Services at the San Diego Urban League from 1988 to 1994. She is a member of the City of San Diego Accessibility Advisory Board, City of San Diego Senior Affairs Advisory Board, and the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters Accessibility Advisory Committee. Jackson earned a Master of Education degree from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, San Diego. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Jackson is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Across all of state government, highly-specialized personnel and response equipment are on the ground working to protect communities statewide from storm impacts.  Los Angeles, California – With another significant winter storm system…

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today ordering the state to ensure that childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles are aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and…

    News What you need to know: The fastest large-scale debris removal in modern state history began today in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, in roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.  LOS ANGELES – Governor…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – DIAMOND HEAD STATE PARK TEMPORARY CLOSURES FOR ROCKFALL MITIGATION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – DIAMOND HEAD STATE PARK TEMPORARY CLOSURES FOR ROCKFALL MITIGATION

    Posted on Feb 11, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ʻOIHANA KUMUWAIWAIĀINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG

    CHAIR

    DIAMOND HEAD STATE PARK TEMPORARY CLOSURES FOR ROCKFALL MITIGATION 

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 11, 2025

    HONOLULU – An ongoing construction project at Diamond Head State Monument will require full park closures in March and April. These closures are necessary for the safety of visitors and staff while contractors work to stabilize loose rocks around the Kāhala Tunnel.

    Full Park Closures:

    • March 4-7 (Tuesday-Friday)
    • March 11-14 (Tuesday-Friday)
    • Spring Break (March 17-28) – No Full Closure
    • April 1-4 (Tuesday-Friday)
    • April 8-11 (Tuesday-Friday)
    • April 14-17 (MondayThursday)

    During these full closures, access to the park will be restricted, and no visitors will be allowed entry. Employees will access the crater via the Kapahulu Tunnel between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. A security guard will be stationed at the entry gate leading to the tunnel for the duration of each closure.

    During Spring Break, the park will remain open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contractors will work in the park between 6:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. The Kapahulu Tunnel will be used by employees during these hours, and a guard will be posted at the entry gate leading to the tunnel from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

    Partial Park Closures:

    The park will close early, at 2 p.m., on these dates.

    • March 3 (Monday)
    • March 10 (Monday)
    • March 31 (Monday)
    • April 7 (Monday)
    • April 14 (Monday)
    • April 18 (Friday)

    “The safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority,” said Curt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP). “While the closures may cause some inconvenience, the rockfall mitigation work is critical to maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits Diamond Head State Monument.”

    The project began on January 6 and is expected to last through July. The contract amount is $5,595,200.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD Video – Diamond Head rockfall mitigation project (February 7, 2025) –https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gc90ta4n6a6lj5eic0o3j/Diamond-Head-Rockfall-Mitigation-Project-Feb-07-2025.mov?rlkey=u73490f2pgfgvdpb0xt7wg0mu&st=x0gbw8zh&dl=0

    Photographs – Diamond Head rockfall mitigation project (February 7, 2025) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6pdh73bw7fyp6q3q1w33i/ADD0r_r-DVm8ckwfu8y3epY?rlkey=wo20wtocef5w6cr05ozxrv1nz&st=tthorl4v&dl=0

     

     

    Media contact:

    Patti Jette

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Phone: 808-587-0396

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues executive order to support childcare providers impacted by LA fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 11, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today ordering the state to ensure that childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles are aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and have the support needed to apply.

    Los Angeles, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order for the Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), to individually contact childcare programs or providers whose childcare facility has not reopened in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires and make them aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. It also orders the agencies to support each individual in completing the application for those benefits.  

    “As California begins to recover from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, we are working to make sure that childcare providers are aware of the federal and state supports available to them if they still are unable to work due to the fires. We will make sure that those who help our families have the resources they need and deserve.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Caregiving isn’t just a service—it’s the infrastructure we all need to go to work — making it a vital piece of the workforce equation. Ensuring that childcare providers— an industry that is majority women — are able to provide for their own families during this time is crucial to their ability to recover and rebuild, just as it’s critical to supporting the larger economy.”

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    Text of the executive order is available here.

    Get help today

    EDD helps people and businesses in California who have been affected by disasters. If you lost your job or can’t work because of this disaster, you may qualify for unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits. For information on this disaster and to see if you qualify, visit EDD’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance website.

    For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
    • By calling 800-621-3362
    • By using the FEMA smart phone application
    • Assistance is available in over 40 languages
    • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: With biggest winter storm of the season looming, California takes early, proactive steps to protect communities and harden burn scar areas  

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 11, 2025

    What you need to know: Across all of state government, highly-specialized personnel and response equipment are on the ground working to protect communities statewide from storm impacts. 

    Los Angeles, California – With another significant winter storm system expected to reach California later this week, work continues statewide to ensure communities impacted by recent wildfires – including the firestorms in Los Angeles – are protected.

    To prepare for this storm, Governor Gavin Newsom is directing a whole-of-government response to bolster local resources.

    In Altadena today, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom surveyed ongoing work by state crews to prepare the Eaton Fire burn scar area ahead of rain. 

    At Governor Newsom’s direction, the state has installed emergency protection materials to contain burn scar debris from the Eaton and Palisades fires from entering creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water. The state is coordinating locally requested materials such as K-rails (concrete barriers) to divert debris flow and has completed debris basin clean-up activities over the last month to mitigate potential impacts in vulnerable areas.

    California has been in a constant state of readiness preparing for extreme winter weather. Crews have been on the ground for weeks working to secure areas against possible mudslides and debris flows. If you’re in the storm’s path, please remain vigilant and follow all guidance of local authorities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California is monitoring storm impacts, in particular to burn scar areas that pose the threat of mudslides and debris flows. According to the National Weather Service, this storm system will bring far-reaching impacts across the state, including risks of urban flooding and burn scar impacts in Southern California, high winds and heavy snow. 

    State actions to protect communities include:

    • 319,000 sandbags and 5,600 super sacks have been deployed to Southern California locations through the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
    • 242 total CAL FIRE engines are deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 engines CAL FIRE Southern Region and 133 engines CAL FIRE Northern Region.
    • Cal OES has prepositioned flood fighting and debris flow resources and more than 400 personnel in 8 counties, including Colusa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Glenn, Tulare, Ventura and Santa Barbara. In total the state is deploying through the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System the following:
      • 48 fire engines
      • 8 dozers 
      • 5 helicopters
      • 8 dispatchers
      • 6 hand crews
      • 8 swiftwater rescue teams
      • 3 local Incident Management Teams
      • 1 Regional Task Force
      • 2 excavators 
      • 2 loaders
      • 5 heavy rescue teams
    • Nearly 120 miles of emergency protection materials, including straw wattle, compost sock and silt fencing, have been installed through the California Conservation Corps to contain burn scar debris from entering creeks, rivers and other bodies of water. 
    • 30 watershed protection specialists have been deployed to burn scar areas.
    • Caltrans is placing erosion-control devices, including wattles, to limit mudflows. Caltrans is mobilizing crew members to monitor for rocks and other debris falling from burned slopes on the Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. 
    • 14 geologists are deployed to study and map burn scars of the Palisades, Eaton and Kenneth fires. The California Geological Survey is using this information to determine where debris flow could occur and where to install mitigation. The department also coordinated aerial flights over the scars to gather LiDAR data to further study burn areas for possible debris flow.
    • 70 soldiers and heavy engineering equipment through the California National Guard are deployed in the area to support debris removal efforts.
    • The California Department of Social Services is coordinating with local partners on shelters and warming centers to serve impacted communities.
    • The California Department of Public Health is supporting licensed healthcare facilities. 

    These early actions add on to the work the state has done in recent weeks to protect California communities and boost the state’s water supply. On January 31, the Governor signed an executive order to direct state agencies to direct additional water storage by maximizing excess water from winter storms.

    Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed about potential debris flow risks, especially during storms, and to follow guidance from local emergency officials. For resources and information specific to the Los Angeles firestorms, visit CA.gov/LAfires.

    Preparing for upcoming weather

    On Thursday, rainfall rates could approach 1” per hour near thunderstorms. In addition, there’s anticipated heavy mountain snow, with levels dropping to 2,000-3,000 feet across the north and down to 6,500 feet in the far south. Parts of the state will see wind gusts of 35-55 mph in Central and Southern California.

    The incoming storm could bring an increased risk of power outages, flooding in small streams and low-lying areas, and debris, rocks and mudslides on roadways.

    Residents are encouraged to not drive through flooded roadways, prepare in advance for power outages and reduce injury risks from falling limbs and trees by staying inside during high wind events.

    Residents are urged to stay informed and listen to local authorities about actions they should take including evacuation orders or safety recommendations. In burn scar areas, officials recommend preparing for possible sudden debris flows by having a go-bag packed and knowing evacuation routes.

    For more information on winter storm preparedness visit ready.ca.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Requests Resolution Encouraging the Release of Federal Land to Increase Housing Availability and Decrease Housing Costs

    Source: US State of Nevada

    CARSON CITY, NV – February 11, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo released his letter to Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager requesting a resolution to encourage the systematic release of federal land in Nevada.

    “As you are aware, nearly 87% of Nevada’s land is controlled by the federal government, significantly limiting developers’ ability to increase the housing supply,” writes Governor Lombardo. “Growth in many rural areas of our state is currently constrained by the lack of developable land. Projections indicate that Washoe County could run out of developable land by 2027, while Clark County may face the same challenge by 2032. I have continued to engage with our federal delegation and the President on this issue, and I am seeking your support to advocate for the immediate and systematic release of federal land in Nevada.”

    The letter and proposed resolution are attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Altadena, Governor Newsom joins federal and state leaders to launch new phase of firestorm debris removal

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 11, 2025

    What you need to know: The fastest large-scale debris removal in modern state history began today in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, in roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire. 

    LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today joined federal and local partners to begin work on structural debris removal from the Los Angeles firestorms, building on the US EPA’s work already underway to initially remove household hazardous waste.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began private property debris removal Tuesday morning in Altadena and Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, closely coordinating efforts with local officials. The Governor also highlighted the completion of debris removal from an Altadena K-8 school, the site of this morning’s announcement. 

    “The new phase of debris removal that’s starting today marks a foundational step in helping Angelenos build back stronger. I’m grateful to the state and federal workers who are clearing debris at record-pace so firestorm survivors can begin the rebuilding process as quickly and safely as possible.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The removal process that began today comes only 35 days after the fires ignited — roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.
     
    Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster. 

    The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six locally affected jurisdictions, has worked around the clock to collect Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms from residents, develop haul routes, and coordinate safe transport of fire ash and debris.
     
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rapidly completing the removal of household hazardous materials at record speed, clearing the way for this next phase of cleanup.
     
    Last month, Governor Newsom announced that FEMA, working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), had tasked the EPA with safely removing and disposing of hazardous materials from homes and structures impacted by the fires. This crucial first step — one of the most complex phases of wildfire cleanup — paved the way for the structural debris removal now underway.

    As these operations continue, residents should anticipate an increased presence of debris removal teams in their communities and plan accordingly. The agencies involved appreciate the public’s support and patience as crews work to eliminate health and safety risks from impacted properties.

    Since the fires began, Governor Newsom has led an aggressive, coordinated, whole-of-government response to support impacted communities. Prior to the fires breaking out, the state had already deployed thousands of firefighters and personnel, with more than 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of response efforts. In the days that followed, the state has launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to ensure Los Angeles communities receive the support they need.

    Fire survivors can sign up for the federal debris removal program by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or online at ca.gov/LAFires

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – Developmental Disabilities Council 2025 Day at the Capitol Event

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – Developmental Disabilities Council 2025 Day at the Capitol Event

    Posted on Feb 11, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    STATE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

    ‘A’UNIKE MOKU’ĀPUNI NO KA NĀ KĀWAI KULA

    DAINTRY BARTOLDUS

    EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

    LUNA HO‘OPONOPONO HO‘OKŌ

    HAWAI’I TO CELEBRATE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH WITH DAY AT THE CAPITOL EVENT ON MARCH 5, 2025

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 11, 2025

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council), along with community partners, will celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with the annual Day at the Capitol event on March 5, 2025. The event is expected to bring together 500 self-advocates, family members, service providers, and advocates to build awareness of the abilities and strengths of individuals with developmental disabilities.

    This year’s theme, “Respect Yourself and All People with Disabilities,” highlights the importance of fostering respect, participation, and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of ability. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is part of a nationwide campaign to promote greater understanding and recognition of the contributions individuals with developmental disabilities bring to our communities.

    “This year’s theme reminds us that respect and inclusion are fundamental values that strengthen our entire community,” said DD Council Executive Administrator Daintry Bartoldus. “We encourage people to get to know individuals with developmental disabilities, recognize their talents, and work together to create a more inclusive Hawai‘i.”

    Throughout the Day at the Capitol, participants will engage in discussions with legislators from their home districts, attend public hearings, take a tour of the State Capitol, give testimony at a mock hearing, and learn about the legislative process through a presentation from the Public Access Room. The event also provides an opportunity for networking among advocates, families, and organizations working to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

    The annual “Day at the Capitol” event is a collaborative venture coordinated by the DD Council in partnership with the Family Health Services Division, the University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies, Hawai‘i Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Public Access Room – Legislative Reference Bureau, Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center, Hawai‘i Self Advocacy Advisory Council, Disability and Communication Access Board, Special Parent and Information Network, Office of Language Access, the Hilopa‘a Family to Family Health Information Center, Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program, Department of Human Services Med-Quest Division, Office of Elections, Department of Education Community Children’s Council, and Hawai‘i State Department of Education Monitoring and Compliance Branch.

    As Hawai‘i observes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Council encourages all residents to celebrate the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities, advocate for their full inclusion in all aspects of life, and work toward a more supportive and inclusive community.

    About the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities:

    The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities works to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to lead full and meaningful lives. By advocating for policies and fostering partnerships, the Council supports individuals and families in achieving self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life.

    # # #

     

    Media Contact:

    Daintry Bartoldus

    Executive Administrator

    Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities

    [email protected]

    Phone: 808-586-8100

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Admits to Firearms Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rodney S. Knotts, age 55, of Ravenna, Ohio, has admitted to unlawful possession of a firearm.  

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Knotts possessed eight (8) firearms in Ritchie County, WV. Knotts is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony drug conviction in Ohio.

    Knotts is facing up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rhee is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY (101.33%), MSTY (100.07%), AIYY (64.15%), YMAX (47.62%), SQY (45.38%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution Frequency Distribution per share Distribution Rate2,4 30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date & Record Date Payment Date
    SDTY* YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly        
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $ 0.2936     99.05 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry
    & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF
    Weekly $ 0.5642     100.00 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe
    Fund of Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $ 0.1503 47.62 % 77.11 % 92.31 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7
    Fund of Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $ 0.0509 14.71 % 56.75 % 85.74 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $ 2.0216 100.07 % 0.00 % 33.44 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $ 0.2498 19.44 % 3.81 % 0.00 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $ 0.5480 36.33 % 2.89 % 0.00 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $ 0.3625 28.26 % 3.14 % 88.56 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $ 0.3710 64.15 % 3.59 % 94.49 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $ 0.4574 36.46 % 3.60 % 90.80 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    SQY YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $ 0.5840 45.38 % 4.13 % 93.58 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $ 2.0901 101.33 % 3.39 % 97.65 % 2/13/25 2/14/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: SDTY GPTY LFGY YMAX YMAG TSLY CRSH GOOY YBIT OARK XOMO SNOY TSMY FEAT FIVY

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs”.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    *The inception date for SDTY is February 5, 2025.

    1. All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on February 11, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended January 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Wilmington Trust & AccessFintech Streamline Private Credit Lifecycle Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wilmington Trust and AccessFintech have announced a new collaboration that automates and streamlines loan lifecycle management using the Synergy platform. This effort drives real-time data transparency and collaboration, significantly reducing discrepancies and resolution times among various organizations across the loan market. Lenders can compare normalized data sets, prevent cash breaks and accelerate the resolution process.

    As third-party agent, Wilmington Trust – part of the M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) family – is working with AccessFintech to enable real-time sharing of contract level data via its Synergy network for the private credit market, a significant area of growth for the loan market. With many shared clients, this agreement will allow agents, lenders, CLO trustees and administrators to connect seamlessly and work on shared workflows in one, central environment. Agents and lenders can proactively manage every aspect of their loan data workflow and collaborate with partners and benefit from continuous matching.

    “Wilmington Trust is working with AccessFintech to further enhance the syndicated loan market’s focus on solutions for data transparency and workflow collaboration, all of which continue to be critical for the future growth and scalability of our industry,” said Medita Vucic, Wilmington Trust’s Head of Structured Finance and Loan Market Solutions. “Our relationship with AccessFintech will facilitate streamlined communication through a centralized, single-source solution delivering substantial productivity and efficiency improvements for Wilmington Trust and our clients.”

    The Synergy network works with financial institutions across all asset classes to establish an ecosystem of connected organizations including buy-side, sell-side, agents, custodians, CLO trustees, service providers and vendors. The network is a data and workflow normalization and collaboration effort, which is live across the financial system.

    As the private credit market has expanded – topping more than $2.1 trillion last year – the complexity of data and operational management for firms operating in this space has also grown. Private credit loans bring with them with less standardization and access to information.

    “Our goal is to develop innovative solutions in collaboration with the industry. Synergy is expanding its shared data network, and we are thrilled to join forces with Wilmington Trust to further strengthen loan industry cooperation,” said Cory Olsen, Head of Loan Products at AccessFintech. “Empowering lenders to continuously align and collaborate in real time is a revolutionary shift that will transform interactions between agents and lenders, delivering significant operational advantages for everyone.”

    Wilmington Trust and AccessFintech are addressing the challenges in the complex private credit and syndicated loan industry – and leading the transition from an e-mail and PDF-centric workflow to an automated workflow with shared real-time digitized data. This, in turn, addresses issues around exchanging and confirming information, allowing improved identification of cash and position breaks leading to delays in settlement times.

    For Media Inquiries:

    Wilmington Trust                                                AccessFintech
    Patrick Fitzgibbons                                              Eterna Partners for AccessFintech
    Senior Public Relations Manager                      accessfintech@eternapartners.com
    pfitzgibbons@mtb.com                                

    About Synergy by AccessFintech:
    Synergy by AccessFintech is a network driven by data and intelligence that transforms post-trade collaboration. Connecting the global capital markets ecosystem, Synergy integrates buy-side, sell-side, order management systems, and vendors, supporting a growing network of over 250 active members. The platform facilitates real-time data transformation across a wide range of asset classes, including securities, derivatives, alternatives, and payments. Built on modern, cloud-native architecture with an API-first approach, Synergy is designed for scalability and flexibility, offering seamless integration with existing technologies. By leveraging AI-driven insights, Synergy improves operational efficiency, resolves exceptions faster, and reduces manual intervention, driving innovation and value across the financial ecosystem. For further information please go to accessfintech.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Wilmington Trust:
    Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust, N.A. provides Corporate and Institutional Services including institutional trust, agency, and administrative services for clients worldwide who use capital markets financing structures. Wilmington Trust provides direct trust, custody, and fiduciary services for U.S retirement plans, companies, foundations, organizations and financial institutions.

    Wilmington Trust also provides Wealth Advisory services in the Americas with a wide array of personal trust, financial planning, fiduciary, asset management, and family office solutions designed to help high-net-worth individuals and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth.

    Wilmington Trust maintains offices throughout the United States and internationally in London, Dublin, and Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.WilmingtonTrust.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Wilhelmina International, Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Wilhelmina International, Inc. (OTCQX: WHLM), a company that, through its subsidiaries, provides fashion model and talent management services in the United States, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Wilhelmina International, Inc. previously traded on NASDAQ.

    Wilhelmina International, Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “WHLM.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market provides investors with a premium U.S. public market to research and trade the shares of investor-focused companies. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About Wilhelmina International, Inc.
    Wilhelmina International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides fashion model and talent management services in the United States. The Company specializes in the representation and management of models, entertainers, artists, athletes, and other talent to various customers and clients, including retailers, designers, advertising agencies, and catalog companies. It also engages fashion modeling and talent product-endorsement services to clients, such as ad agencies, branded consumer goods companies, fashion designers, magazines, retailers and department stores, product catalogs, and Internet sites; licensing of the Wilhelmina brand name; and engages in television syndication royalties and production series contracts. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QXO Receives Antitrust Clearance for Acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) announced today that it has obtained antitrust clearance in both the U.S. and Canada for its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (Nasdaq: BECN), paving the way for QXO to close the transaction quickly. The company confirmed that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has expired and that it has received early termination of the waiting period from the Canadian Competition Bureau.

    “With committed financing in place and these necessary regulatory approvals secured, QXO is prepared to complete this acquisition and deliver immediate, compelling value to Beacon shareholders,” said Brad Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QXO. “Beacon should remove its shareholder-unfriendly poison pill so shareholders can benefit from our premium all-cash offer.”

    QXO’s all-cash tender offer for all of Beacon’s outstanding common stock of $124.25 per share, which is higher than Beacon’s stock has ever traded, remains open until 12:00 midnight (New York City time) at the end of February 24, 2025. QXO is prepared to complete the acquisition shortly after the tender expires, subject to the terms of the offer. Importantly, the transaction is not subject to any financing conditions or due diligence conditions.

    Advisors

    Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as lead financial advisor to QXO, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal counsel.

    About QXO

    QXO provides technology solutions, primarily to clients in the manufacturing, distribution and service sectors. The company provides consulting and professional services, including specialized programming, training and technical support, and develops proprietary software. As a value-added reseller of business application software, QXO offers solutions for accounting, financial reporting, enterprise resource planning, warehouse management systems, customer relationship management, business intelligence and other applications. QXO plans to become a tech-forward leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry. The company is targeting tens of billions of dollars of annual revenue in the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit www.qxo.com for more information.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about beliefs, expectations, targets, goals, regulatory approval timing and nominating directors are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates, expectations and/or goals at the time the statements are made, and readers should not place undue reliance on them. In some cases, readers can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “opportunity,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “goal,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between QXO, Inc. (“QXO”) and Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (“Beacon”), including the possibility that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction or that the terms of any definitive agreement will be materially different from those proposed; uncertainties as to whether Beacon will cooperate with QXO regarding the proposed transaction; the ultimate result should QXO commence a proxy contest for election of directors to Beacon’s Board of Directors; QXO’s ability to consummate the proposed transaction with Beacon; the conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction, including the receipt of any required shareholder approvals and any required regulatory approvals; QXO’s ability to finance the proposed transaction; the substantial indebtedness QXO expects to incur in connection with the proposed transaction and the need to generate sufficient cash flows to service and repay such debt; that operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected following the proposed transaction or the public announcement of the proposed transaction; QXO’s ability to retain certain key employees; and general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected. QXO cautions that forward-looking statements should not be relied on as predictions of future events, and these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date each statement is made. QXO does not assume any obligation to update any of these statements in light of new information or future events, except to the extent required by applicable law.

    Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

    This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Beacon securities. QXO and Queen MergerCo, Inc. (the “Purchaser”) filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 27, 2025, and Beacon filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer with the SEC on February 6, 2025. Investors and security holders are urged to carefully read the Tender Offer Statement (including the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement as these materials contain important information that investors and security holders should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their common stock, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer. The Tender Offer Statement, Offer to Purchase, Solicitation/Recommendation Statement and related materials are filed with the SEC, and investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of these materials and other documents filed by QXO and Beacon with the SEC at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Tender Offer Statement and other documents that QXO and the Purchaser file with the SEC will be made available to all investors and security holders of Beacon free of charge from the information agent for the tender offer: Innisfree M&A Incorporated, 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10022, toll-free telephone: +1 (888) 750-5834.
    QXO and the other participants intend to file a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying WHITE universal proxy card with the SEC to be used to solicit proxies for, among other matters, the election of its slate of director nominees at the 2025 Annual Meeting of stockholders of Beacon. QXO strongly advises all stockholders of Beacon to read the preliminary proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to such proxy statement, and other proxy materials filed by QXO with the SEC as they become available because they will contain important information. Such proxy materials will be available at no charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at QXO’s website at investors.qxo.com. In addition, the participants in this proxy solicitation will provide copies of the proxy statement, and other relevant documents, without charge, when available, upon request. Requests for copies should be directed to the participants’ proxy solicitor.

    Certain Information Concerning the Participants

    The participants in the proxy solicitation are anticipated to be QXO, Brad Jacobs, Ihsan Essaid, Matt Fassler, Mark Manduca and the individuals nominated by QXO (the “QXO Nominees”). QXO expects to determine and announce the QXO Nominees prior to the nomination deadline for the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders of Beacon. As of the date of this communication, other than 100 shares of common stock of Beacon beneficially owned by QXO, none of the participants who have been identified has any direct or indirect interest, by security holdings or otherwise, in Beacon.

    Media Contacts

    Joe Checkler
    joe.checkler@qxo.com
    203-609-9650

    Steve Lipin / Lauren Odell
    Gladstone Place Partners
    212-230-5930

    Investor Contacts

    Mark Manduca
    mark.manduca@qxo.com
    203-321-3889

    Scott Winter / Jonathan Salzberger
    Innisfree M&A Incorporated
    212-750-5833

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Helium Evolution Provides Operations Update on Mankota Helium Fairway

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helium Evolution Incorporated (TSXV:HEVI) (“HEVI” or the “Company“), a Canadian-based helium exploration company focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan, is pleased to announce significant progress on its ongoing helium exploration activities along the Mankota helium fairway.

    Operations Update

    HEVI is excited to announce that its partner, North American Helium Inc. (“NAH”), has successfully completed drilling operations at the joint well at 5-30-3-8W3 (the “5-30 Well”) and completion operations are now underway. NAH will complete, test and evaluate the 5-30 Well in the coming weeks to confirm the presence of helium and evaluate commerciality of the potential helium discovery.

    Furthermore, the drilling rig has moved to the 3-19-3-8W3 location (the “3-19 Well”). HEVI has confirmed its 20% participation in the 3-19 Well, with HEVI’s share of the drilling costs expected to be approximately $0.4 million.

    Additionally, HEVI reports that the drilling of the 12-29-2-8W3 (the “12-29 Well”) has been completed. The drilling rig has been released and NAH has moved in a completion rig to complete and perforate the 12-29 Well to confirm the presence of helium. Operations on the 12-29 Well must cease by February 22, 2025, due to environmental restrictions in the area.

    “We are extremely pleased with the progress of our operations along the Mankota helium fairway, which holds considerable promise,” said Greg Robb, President and CEO of HEVI. “We are committed to advancing our development efforts and believe the results from the 5-30 Well are critical to moving towards our ultimate goal of helium production. We will continue to work closely with our partner, NAH, to drive forward our strategy for long-term growth.”

    Stay Connected to Helium Evolution

    Shareholders and other parties interested in learning more about the Helium Evolution opportunity are encouraged to visit the Company’s website, which includes an updated corporate presentation, and are invited to follow the Company on LinkedIn and X for ongoing corporate updates and helium industry information. Helium Evolution also provides an extensive, commissioned ‘deep-dive’ research report prepared by a third party whose background includes serving as a research analyst for several bank-owned and independent investment dealers.

    About Helium Evolution Incorporated

    Helium Evolution is a Canadian-based helium exploration company holding the largest helium land rights position in North America among publicly-traded companies, focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan. The Company has over five million acres of land under permit near proven discoveries of economic helium concentrations which will support scaling the exploration and development efforts across its land base. HEVI’s management and board are executing a differentiated strategy to become a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium for the growing global helium market.

    For further information, please contact:

    Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

    Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding, the Company’s expectations regarding scalable helium production from its land generally, completion, testing and evaluation of the 5-30 Well and the 12-29 Well, ceasing operations on the 12-29 Well due to environmental restrictions, drilling the 3-19 Well, the Company’s expectations regarding advancing development efforts and moving towards helium production, working closely with NAH, the Company’s expectation regarding long-term growth, the Company’s intention to provide further updates regarding significant updates and developments, the Company becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium, timeline of future updates, the Company’s beliefs regarding growth of the global helium market and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: NAH may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the Company and/or NAH may abandon or defer plans for continuing the completion, testing and evaluation of the 5-30 Well and/or the 12-29 Well; the Company and/or NAH may abandon its plans for drilling the 3-19 Well; the Company and/or NAH may determine not to bring wells onto production; the Company and/or NAH may abandon plans to produce wells and may not work closely together; there may not be long-term growth; new laws or regulations and/or unforeseen events could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and such volatility may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities regardless of its operating performance; risks generally associated with the exploration for and production of resources; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to expenses and the Company’s working capital position; constraint in the availability of services; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; adverse weather or break-up conditions; and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.

    When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35e2489b-d97a-4d88-a63c-3d513d6fc466.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Thiogenesis Therapeutics, Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Thiogenesis Therapeutics Corp. (TSX-V: TTI; OTCQX: TTIPF), a clinical-stage biotech company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Thiogenesis Therapeutics Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Thiogenesis Therapeutics Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “TTIPF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About Thiogenesis Therapeutics Corp.

    Thiogenesis Therapeutics, Corp., is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company operating through its wholly owned subsidiary based in San Diego, CA. Thiogenesis is developing sulfur-containing prodrugs that act as precursors to previously approved thiol compounds, with the potential to treat serious pediatric diseases with unmet medical needs. Prodrugs are drugs that contain previously approved active ingredients and are modified so that they only become active when metabolized. For regulatory purposes prodrugs can use existing third-party safety data in regulatory submissions in the streamlined 505 (b)(2) regulatory pathway in the US, and its equivalent hybrid system in Europe, to proceed into human efficacy trials with regulatory clearance. Prodrugs may enhance the profile of the active ingredient to increase its bioavailability and reduce side effects. The Company’s initial target indications include Mitochondrial Encephalopathy Lactic Acidosis and Stroke (“MELAS”), Leigh’s syndrome, Rett syndrome and pediatric MASH.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex: Dividend Declaration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per common share. This dividend will be paid on March 17, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2025. Boralex has designated this dividend as an eligible dividend within the meaning of Section 89(14) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and all provisions of provincial laws applicable to eligible dividends.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3 GW. Our pipeline of projects and growth path total over 7.2 GW in wind, solar and electricity storage projects. We develop those projects guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    For more information

    Source: Boralex inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify ETFs to Liquidate Two ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify ETFs, a leading provider of innovative exchange traded funds, today announced the scheduled liquidation of two ETFs (the “Funds”). The Funds scheduled for liquidation include:

    ETF Name Ticker
    Amplify BlackSwan Tech & Treasury ETF QSWN
    Amplify Thematic All-Stars ETF MVPS

    Based on the recommendation of Amplify Investments LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser, the Board of Trustees of the Amplify ETF Trust unanimously determined that it is in the best interest of the Funds and their shareholders to liquidate the Funds.

    The Funds will no longer accept creation or redemption orders after the close of business on February 26, 2025. Shareholders may sell their shares in the Funds prior to the end of trading on March 5, 2025. Customary brokerage charges may apply to these transactions. The Funds will cease trading at the end of the trading day on March 5, 2025.

    The Funds will be liquidated and a final distribution to shareholders of the Funds is expected to occur on or around March 10, 2025. Any person holding shares in the Funds as of the liquidation date will receive a cash redemption amount equal to the net asset value of their shares as of that date. Shareholders will generally recognize a capital gain or loss on any redemption.

    Amplify Investments will bear all fees and expenses that may be incurred in connection with the liquidation of the Funds and the distribution of cash proceeds to investors, other than brokerage fees and other related expenses.

    For additional information about the liquidation, shareholders of the Funds may call 855-267-3837 or visit amplifyetfs.com.

    About Amplify ETFs
    Amplify ETFs, sponsored by Amplify Investments, has over $10.9 billion in assets across its suite of ETFs (as of 02/07/2025). Amplify ETFs delivers expanded investment opportunities for investors seeking growth, income, and risk-managed strategies across a range of actively managed and index-based ETFs. To learn more visit AmplifyETFs.com.

    Sales Contact:
    Amplify ETFs
    855-267-3837
    info@amplifyetfs.com
    Media Contacts:
    Gregory FCA for Amplify ETFs
    Kerry Davis
    610-228-2098
    amplifyetfs@gregoryfca.com
       

    Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s statutory and summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at AmplifyETFs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), may trade at a discount or premium to NAV and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

    Amplify ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4 Revenue of $78.1 million, GAAP Operating Income of $12.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million

    2024 Revenue of $305.4 million, GAAP Operating Income of $27.7 million and a 25-year Record Adjusted EBITDA of $42.2 million

    Expects 2025 Revenues to increase by 36%-50%

    Announces New Reporting Segments

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, today reported its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue of $78.1 million, up 3% compared with $75.6 million in Q4 2023;
    • GAAP operating income of $12.8 million, compared with $2.9 million in Q4 2023;
    • Non-GAAP operating income of $9.7 million, compared with $6.1 million in Q4 2023;
    • GAAP net income of $11.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared with $3.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in Q4 2023;
    • Non-GAAP net income of $8.5 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared with $6.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in Q4 2023;
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million, up 30% compared with $9.4 million in Q4 2023.

    Full year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue of $305.4 million, up 15% compared with $266.1 million in 2023;
    • GAAP operating income of $27.7 million, compared with $28.1 million in 2023;
    • Non-GAAP operating income of $31.9 million, up 35% compared with $23.5 million in 2023;
    • GAAP net income of $24.8 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared with $23.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share in 2023;
    • Non-GAAP net income of $28.2 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared with $19.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted share 2023;
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $42.2 million, up 16% compared with adjusted EBITDA of $36.4 million in 2023.

    2025 Guidance

    Management’s financial guidance for 2025 is for revenues of between $415 to $455 million, and Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $47 to $53 million1.

    Adi Sfadia, Gilat’s CEO, commented, “Gilat delivered strong results with profitability of Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million for the fourth quarter and $42.2 million for the entire year. These results alongside our strong generation of cash flow underscore the strength and resilience of our core business model, demonstrating both operating leverage and the positive impact of our current product revenue mix.”

    “During the fourth quarter our Defense and In-Flight Connectivity business continued to experience strong momentum with increased orders and awards. The Defense segment, with a focus on the US DoD, represents a significant growth opportunity for Gilat. We are pleased with our progress in expanding opportunities to serve the specialized needs of government and military customers with our innovative satellite solutions,” Mr. Sfadia continued. “With the closing of the Stellar Blu acquisition, our Commercial business is poised for significant growth as we establish our leadership in the expanding Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) market. Our portfolio of IFC GEO, LEO and multi-orbit solutions will be instrumental in capitalizing on increasing demand for inflight connectivity by airlines and passengers.”

    Mr. Sfadia concluded, “Looking ahead into 2025, given the significant potential we see in the defense market and our view of this as a strategic growth engine, we plan to increase our investment in R&D, Sales and Marketing of the Defense Segment. We believe that this targeted increase will allow us to take advantage of the opportunities we see quicker and more decisively to ensure a long term growth in this market. Coupled with our recent acquisitions and positioning in the Satcom market, Gilat has the resource base to scale the IFC and Defense businesses and our track record of profitable, cash generating growth, provides a strong foundation for Gilat’s continued success.”

    Commencing January 1, 2025, the company has implemented a new organizational structure and reportable segments. The new organizational structure and segment reporting are designed to better target the diverse and attractive end markets the company serves and to provide investors with greater insight into Gilat’s business lines and strategic growth opportunities. The company will report financial results based on the following three divisions: Gilat Defense, Gilat Commercial and Gilat Peru.

    • Gilat Defense Division: provides secure, rapid-deployment solutions for military organizations, government agencies, and defense integrators, with a strong focus on the U.S. Department of Defense resulting from our strategic acquisition of DataPath Inc. By integrating technologies from Gilat, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Wavestream, the division delivers resilient battlefield connectivity with multiple layers of communication redundancy for high availability.
    • Gilat Commercial Division: provides advanced broadband satellite communication networks for IFC, Enterprise and Cellular Backhaul, supporting HTS, VHTS, and NGSO constellations with turnkey solutions for service providers, satellite operators, and enterprises. Our acquisition of Stellar Blu serves as the cornerstone of this division, strengthening our position in the IFC market and enabling us to provide cutting-edge connectivity solutions that meet the demands of passengers, airlines, and service providers worldwide.
    • Gilat Peru Division: specializes in end-to-end telco solutions, including the operation and implementation of large-scale network projects. With expertise in terrestrial fiber optic, wireless, and satellite networks, Gilat Peru provides technology integration, managed networks and services, connectivity solutions, and reliable internet and voice access across the region.

    Gilat has prepared unaudited illustrations of the company’s financial reports for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 to reflect the company’s results based on the new segment reporting, which can be found in the IR section on Gilat’s website. For additional information about Gilat’s new divisional structure, please click here: Link

    Key Recent Announcements

    • Gilat Secures Over $18 Million Orders Addressing Demand for In-Flight Connectivity Solutions
    • Gilat Receives $9 Million in Orders for Multi-Orbit SkyEdge Platforms
    • Gilat Completes Acquisition of Stellar Blu Solutions LLC
    • Gilat and Hispasat Provided Immediate Satellite Communication to Support Disaster Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Helene
    • Gilat Receives Over $3 Million in Orders to Support LEO Constellations
    • Gilat Awarded Over $5 Million in orders to Support Critical Connectivity for Defense Forces
    • Gilat Receives $4M in Orders for Advanced Portable Terminals from Global Defense Customers

    Conference Call Details

    Gilat’s Management will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results and business achievements and participate in a question-and-answer session:

    Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
    Start: 09:30 AM EST / 16:30 IST
    Dial-in: US: 1-888-407-2553
      International: +972-3-918-0609
       

    A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available on the Gilat website at gilat.com and through this link: https://veidan.activetrail.biz/gilatq4-2024

    The webcast will also be archived for a period of 30 days on the Company’s website and through the link above.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    The attached summary unaudited financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company presents non-GAAP presentations of gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, income before taxes on income, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, and earnings per share. The adjustments to the Company’s GAAP results are made with the intent of providing both management and investors with a more complete understanding of the Company’s underlying operational results, trends, and performance. Non-GAAP financial measures mainly exclude, if and when applicable, the effect of stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of purchased intangibles, lease incentive amortization, other non-recurring expenses, other integration expenses, other operating expenses (income), net, and income tax effect on the relevant adjustments.

    Adjusted EBITDA is presented to compare the Company’s performance to that of prior periods and evaluate the Company’s financial and operating results on a consistent basis from period to period. The Company also believes this measure, when viewed in combination with the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, provides useful information to investors to evaluate ongoing operating results and trends. Adjusted EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or net income for the period and may not be indicative of the historic operating results of the Company; nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Reconciliation between the Company’s net income and adjusted EBITDA is presented in the attached summary financial statements.

    Non-GAAP presentations of gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, income before taxes on income, net income, adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any of the consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as an indication of Gilat’s operating performance or liquidity.

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Together with our wholly-owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks

    Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer
    hagayk@gilat.com

    Alliance Advisors:

    GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
    Phone: +1 212 838 3777

    _________________
    1
    We do not provide forward-looking guidance on a GAAP basis because we are unable to reasonably provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial data, such as amortization of purchased intangibles and earnout-based expenses related to recent acquisitions. As a result, we are not able to provide a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for forward-looking data without unreasonable effort.

     
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
    U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
                       
          Twelve months ended 
       Three months ended 
           December 31, 
      December 31, 
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
          Unaudited   Audited   Unaudited
                       
    Revenues   $ 305,448     $ 266,090     $ 78,128     $ 75,612  
    Cost of revenues     192,117       161,145       47,107       46,692  
                       
    Gross profit     113,331       104,945       31,021       28,920  
                       
    Research and development expenses, net   38,136       41,173       10,108       11,624  
    Selling and marketing expenses   27,381       25,243       6,657       7,119  
    General and administrative expenses   26,868       19,215       6,192       6,312  
    Other operating expenses (income), net      (6,751 )     (8,771 )     (4,706 )     986  
                       
    Total operating expenses      85,634       76,860       18,251       26,041  
                       
    Operating income      27,697       28,085       12,770       2,879  
                       
    Financial income, net       1,504       109       63       1,196  
                       
    Income before taxes on income   29,201       28,194       12,833       4,075  
                       
    Taxes on income     (4,352 )     (4,690 )     (1,069 )     (628 )
                       
    Net income   $ 24,849     $ 23,504     $ 11,764     $ 3,447  
                       
    Earnings per share (basic and diluted)  $ 0.44     $ 0.41     $ 0.21     $ 0.06  
                       
    Weighted average number of shares used in               
      computing earnings per share                
      Basic      57,016,920       56,668,999       57,017,032       56,820,774  
      Diluted     57,016,920       56,672,537       57,017,032       56,820,774  
                                             
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GAAP AND NON-GAAP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
    FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES 
    U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)  
                             
         Three months ended     Three months ended 
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
        GAAP   Adjustments (*)   Non-GAAP   GAAP   Adjustments (*)   Non-GAAP
        Unaudited   Unaudited
                             
    Gross profit $ 31,021   $ 575     $ 31,596   $ 28,920   $ 617     $ 29,537
    Operating expenses   18,251     3,680       21,931     26,041     (2,615 )     23,426
    Operating income    12,770     (3,105 )     9,665     2,879     3,232       6,111
    Income before taxes on income   12,833     (3,105 )     9,728     4,075     3,232       7,307
    Net income $ 11,764   $ (3,252 )   $ 8,512   $ 3,447   $ 3,097     $ 6,544
                             
    Basic earnings per share  $ 0.21   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.15   $ 0.06   $ 0.06     $ 0.12
                             
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.21   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.15   $ 0.06   $ 0.05     $ 0.11
                             
                             
    Weighted average number of shares used in                       
    computing earnings per share                      
    Basic    57,017,032         57,017,032     56,820,774         56,820,774
    Diluted    57,017,032         57,024,316     56,820,774         56,987,939
                             
    (*) Adjustments reflect the effect of stock-based compensation expenses as per ASC 718, amortization of purchased intangibles, other operating income (expenses), net, other integration expenses and income tax effect on such adjustments which is calculated using the relevant effective tax rate.
              
        Three months ended   Three months ended
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
            Unaudited           Unaudited    
                             
    GAAP net income      $ 11,764             $ 3,447      
                             
    Gross profit                      
    Stock-based compensation expenses       133               129      
    Amortization of purchased intangibles       389               448      
    Other integration expenses       53               40      
              575               617      
    Operating expenses                      
    Stock-based compensation expenses       653               796      
    Stock-based compensation expenses related to business combination   140               662      
    Amortization of purchased intangibles       216               162      
    Other operating income (expenses), net and other integration expenses   (4,689 )             995      
              (3,680 )             2,615      
                             
    Taxes on income       (147 )             (135 )    
                             
    Non-GAAP net income      $ 8,512             $ 6,544      
                                                 
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GAAP AND NON-GAAP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
    FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES 
    U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)  
                                 
             Twelve months ended     Twelve months ended 
            December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
            GAAP   Adjustments (*)   Non-GAAP   GAAP   Adjustments (*)   Non-GAAP
            Unaudited   Audited   Unaudited
                                 
    Gross profit     $ 113,331   $ 3,673     $ 117,004   $ 104,945   $ 895     $ 105,840
    Operating expenses        85,634     (500 )     85,134     76,860     5,434       82,294
    Operating income       27,697     4,173       31,870     28,085     (4,539 )     23,546
    Income before taxes on income       29,201     4,173       33,374     28,194     (4,539 )     23,655
    Net income      $ 24,849   $ 3,376     $ 28,225   $ 23,504   $ (3,597 )   $ 19,907
                                 
    Basic earnings per share      $ 0.44   $ 0.06     $ 0.50   $ 0.41   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.35
                                 
    Diluted earnings per share     $ 0.44   $ 0.05     $ 0.49   $ 0.41   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.35
                                 
    Weighted average number of shares used in                        
    computing earnings per share                          
    Basic        57,016,920         57,016,920     56,668,999         56,668,999
    Diluted        57,016,920         57,041,778     56,672,537         56,784,601
                                 
    (*) Adjustments reflect the effect of stock-based compensation expenses as per ASC 718, amortization of purchased intangibles, other operating income, net, other non-recurring expenses, other integration expenses and income tax effect on such adjustments which is calculated using the relevant effective tax rate.
             
            Twelve months ended   Twelve months ended
            December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
                Unaudited           Unaudited    
                                 
    GAAP net income         $ 24,849             $ 23,504      
                                 
    Gross profit                          
    Stock-based compensation expenses           518               407      
    Amortization of purchased intangibles           2,412               448      
    Other non-recurring expenses           466                    
    Other integration expenses           277               40      
                  3,673               895      
    Operating expenses                          
    Stock-based compensation expenses           2,771               2,354      
    Stock-based compensation expenses related to business combination   3,437               662      
    Amortization of purchased intangibles        988               312      
    Other operating income, net and other integration expenses        (6,696 )             (8,762 )    
                  500               (5,434 )    
                                 
    Taxes on income           (797 )             942      
                                 
    Non-GAAP net income          $ 28,225             $ 19,907      
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
    U.S. dollars in thousands
                         
    ADJUSTED EBITDA:                  
                         
             Twelve months ended 
       Three months ended 
             December 31, 
      December 31, 
              2024       2023       2024       2023  
            Unaudited   Unaudited
                         
    GAAP net income       $ 24,849     $ 23,504     $ 11,764     $ 3,447  
    Adjustments:                  
    Financial income, net          (1,504 )     (109 )     (63 )     (1,196 )
    Taxes on income       4,352       4,690       1,069       628  
    Stock-based compensation expenses       3,289       2,761       786       925  
    Stock-based compensation expenses related to business combination   3,437       662       140       662  
    Depreciation and amortization (*)       13,777       13,627       3,068       3,862  
    Other operating expenses (income), net     (6,751 )     (8,771 )     (4,706 )     986  
    Other non-recurring expenses       466                    
    Other integration expenses       332       49       70       49  
                         
    Adjusted EBITDA     $ 42,247     $ 36,413     $ 12,128     $ 9,363  
                         
    (*) Including amortization of lease incentive            
                 
    SEGMENT REVENUES:            
            Twelve months ended 
       Three months ended 
             December 31, 
       December 31, 
              2024       2023       2024       2023  
            Unaudited
      Audited
      Unaudited
                         
    Satellite Networks     $ 198,174     $ 168,527     $ 49,064     $ 53,517  
    Integrated Solutions       54,925       46,133       17,257       9,503  
    Network Infrastructure and Services        52,349       51,430       11,807       12,592  
                         
    Total revenues     $ 305,448     $ 266,090     $ 78,128     $ 75,612  
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    U.S. dollars in thousands
             
        December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023  
        Unaudited   Audited
             
    ASSETS        
             
    CURRENT ASSETS:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 119,384     $ 103,961  
    Restricted cash     853       736  
    Trade receivables, net     53,554       44,725  
    Contract assets     20,987       28,327  
    Inventories     38,890       38,525  
    Other current assets     21,963       24,299  
             
    Total current assets     255,631       240,573  
             
    LONG-TERM ASSETS:        
    Restricted cash     12       54  
    Long-term contract assets     8,146       9,283  
    Severance pay funds     5,966       5,737  
    Deferred taxes     11,896       11,484  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     6,556       5,105  
    Other long-term assets     5,288       9,544  
             
    Total long-term assets     37,864       41,207  
             
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET     70,834       74,315  
             
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET     12,925       16,051  
             
    GOODWILL     52,494       54,740  
             
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 429,748     $ 426,886  
             
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Cont.)
    U.S. dollars in thousands (except share data)
             
        December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023  
        Unaudited   Audited
             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
             
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
    Short-term debt   $     $ 7,453  
    Trade payables      17,107       13,873  
    Accrued expenses      45,368       51,906  
    Advances from customers and deferred revenues     18,587       34,495  
    Operating lease liabilities     2,557       2,426  
    Other current liabilities     17,817       16,431  
             
    Total current liabilities     101,436       126,584  
             
    LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:        
    Long-term loan     2,000       2,000  
    Accrued severance pay     6,677       6,537  
    Long-term advances from customers and deferred revenues     580       1,139  
    Operating lease liabilities     4,014       3,022  
    Other long-term liabilities     10,606       12,916  
             
    Total long-term liabilities     23,877       25,614  
             
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
    Share capital – ordinary shares of NIS 0.2 par value      2,733       2,733  
    Additional paid-in capital     943,294       937,591  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (6,120 )     (5,315 )
    Accumulated deficit     (635,472 )     (660,321 )
             
    Total shareholders’ equity     304,435       274,688  
             
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 429,748     $ 426,886  
                                       
    GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    U.S. dollars in thousands
                       
          Twelve months ended 
      Three months ended 
          December 31, 
       December 31, 
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
          Unaudited   Audited   Unaudited
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net income   $ 24,849     $ 23,504     $ 11,764     $ 3,447  
    Adjustments required to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Depreciation and amortization     13,554       13,402       3,012       3,805  
    Capital gain from sale of property            (2,084 )            
    Stock-based compensation *)     6,726       3,423       926       1,587  
    Accrued severance pay, net     (89 )     167       (72 )     12  
    Deferred taxes, net     1,834       2,662       298       (1,203 )
    Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net     (9,347 )     13,448       (2,328 )     9,561  
    Decrease (increase) in contract assets     8,519       (1,694 )     11,506       (7,804 )
    Decrease (increase) in other assets and other adjustments (including                 
    short-term, long-term and effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents)     11,661       (351 )     8,590       (3,949 )
    Decrease (increase) in inventories, net     (1,928 )     (2,387 )     544       3,798  
    Increase (decrease) in trade payables     3,196       (7,635 )     (1,884 )     (2,314 )
    Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses     (5,906 )     735       (8,581 )     3,517  
    Increase (decrease) in advances from customers and deferred revenues     (16,390 )     803       (4,228 )     (1,843 )
    Increase (decrease) in other liabilities     (5,010 )     (12,049 )     (3,265 )     1,343  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     31,669       31,944       16,282       9,957  
                       
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Purchase of property and equipment     (6,610 )     (10,746 )     (2,515 )     (2,090 )
    Acquisitions of subsidiary, net of cash acquired           (4,107 )           (4,107 )
    Receipts from sale of property           2,168              
    Net cash used in investing activities     (6,610 )     (12,685 )     (2,515 )     (6,197 )
                       
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Repayment of credit facility, net     (7,453 )     (1,590 )           (1,590 )
    Repayments of short-term debts     (7,836 )           (3,793 )      
    Proceeds from short-term debts     7,836             1,066        
    Costs associated with entering into a long-term debt     (654 )           (654 )      
    Net cash used in financing activities     (8,107 )     (1,590 )     (3,381 )     (1,590 )
                       
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (1,454 )     (63 )     (896 )     2,288  
                       
    Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     15,498       17,606       9,490       4,458  
                       
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period     104,751       87,145       110,759       100,293  
                       
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period   $ 120,249     $ 104,751     $ 120,249     $ 104,751  
                       
    *)    Stock-based compensation including expenses related to business combination in the amounts of $3,437 and $662 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
         Stock-based compensation including expenses related to business combination in the amounts of $140 and $662 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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