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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New report published highlighting the value of seabed mapping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report reveals the significant economic and environmental benefit of seabed mapping within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

    The report, developed by Eunomia Research & Consulting (Eunomia) defines the cost benefit relationship of seabed mapping to the UK economy. It highlights the potential benefits of seabed mapping in environmental conservation, compliance with legislation, and in varying maritime sectors like shipping, offshore energy, and coastal leisure.

    The report estimates that the average total benefits of seabed mapping in the UK EEZ is around £8.9 billion, compared to an estimated annual investment of £103 million each year. This represents a remarkable average estimate of cost benefit ratio of £86 benefit for every £1 spent.

    The majority of the value derived from seabed mapping efforts are from market sectors such as offshore energy and shipping, trades, and ports, with the remainder stemming from non-market sectors, such as environmental protection and legislative compliance.

    The importance of seabed mapping

    Seabed mapping has the potential to drive growth and innovation across a range of maritime sectors by improving navigational safety, supporting job creation and facilitating economic development.

    This data is critical to a range of maritime sectors and their associated value. For example, accurate seabed mapping is essential for the development of navigational charts to enable the safe passage of vessels and support maritime trade. Elsewhere, such data is critical for sectors like offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, defence, and telecommunications, by identifying and surveying suitable sites for development.

    Beyond market applications, seabed mapping also contributes to environmental protection and marine resource management. This data helps establish conservation areas to protect marine habitats, while also monitoring levels of erosion and seabed landslides. In tandem, it plays a vital role in helping the UK government to comply with various regulations and legislations.

    Thanks to collective initiatives such as the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), the UK has a coordinated approach to the collection and management of bathymetric and marine data. However, advancements in seabed mapping technologies in recent decades have allowed for a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the seafloor.

    Foundation data for maritime decisions

    With the maritime industry making up a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, the UKHO commissioned this project with the goal of improving the quality, access and coverage of seabed mapping data across the UK EEZ. This aligns with the UKHO’s goal to support maritime decision making and the safe passage of vessels at sea.

    David Parker, Head of Hydrographic Programmes, commented:

    Mapping the seabed isn’t just about uncovering what lies beneath our ocean’s surface – it is a foundation data set for supporting economic growth, protecting our vital ecosystems, and steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more sustainable future.

    We hope the findings of this report demonstrate the tangible value in having comprehensive, accurate mapping of the seabed for the many organisations in the UK that collect this data and rely upon it for responsible decision making.

    You can download and view the report using the link below:

    Cost Benefit Analysis of Seabed Mapping (PDF, 992 KB, 51 pages)

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications now open for OIT’s 2025 Policy Fellowship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is inviting applications for its 2025 Policy Fellowship programme, an academic mentoring scheme for civil servants grades SEO-G6.

    The OIT is a cross-government unit that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy, helping colleagues review evidence, engage experts, develop policy and evaluate impact.

    Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that supports officials by providing help and expert insight to answer a specific policy question. Over the course of six months, civil servants will work under the supervision of an academic mentor in a relevant field to research and produce an output based on their policy area. Mentors are drawn from OIT partner institutions: Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.

    What you’ll gain:

    • In-depth support and insight from leading academics
    • New contacts across academia and the civil service
    • Practical skills in data analysis and interpretation
    • Enhanced subject knowledge in your chosen field

    This is the third round of the Fellowship – in 2023/24, nine civil servants from five different departments were paired with academics from four universities. An example of one of their research outputs can be found here.

    This year’s programme offers an expanded range of research topics, including (but not limited to) education, health & social care, AI and digital, environment and sustainability, government, and business, work and employment.

    The Policy Fellowship was a really insightful experience – it gave us the chance to test our ideas with academics and structure our research effectively. Regular check-ins kept us on track, and we delivered an internal report that supported our department’s policy work.

    It was great to collaborate beyond government and gain fresh perspectives from academics, who were really understanding and supportive. I’d recommend the fellowship to policy officials looking to fill evidence gaps—or even map them out!

    Georgina Kaye, Policy Advisor Digital Strategy Division, Digital Data and Technology, Department for Education

    How to apply:

    • The application window opens on 30 January and closes 24 February.
    • Full details about the Fellowship and the application process can be found in our Q&A pack, and you can email fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk if you have any questions.

    Key documents:

    • Q&A pack – in this document you can learn more about the OIT and the Fellowship, along with eligibility criteria and all the information you’ll need to apply: [link needed]
    • Open Innovation Fellowship Application Form

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fire risk! City residents urged to dispose of batteries responsibly

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The council has seen an increase in the number of batteries put in household and recycling bins for collection and this can have dangerous consequences.

    Batteries can explode if damaged or crushed, causing fires which burn very quickly due to other waste in the bin and putting everything around them in danger.

    This can cause serious damage to bin lorries, delay collections and put the lives of those in the cab at risk.

    Batteries are found in a wide range of items including vapes, toothbrushes, toys, phones, laptops and even musical greeting cards.

    Residents across Wolverhampton are being urged to please dispose of their batteries correctly to avoid putting people in danger.

    The council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (Tips) at Shaw Road and Anchor Lane accept batteries, as do many supermarkets and shops.

    They can also be picked up for free under our small electricals collection service. Batteries need to be placed in a small clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, and put on top of your household waste or recycling bin by 6.30am on your collection day. Bags need to be tied.

    Residents can find out about the service at Small electricals recycling.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a very serious issue for our waste crews and one that can be solved by people thinking before they dispose of their batteries, and other items which may contain them.

    “These types of battery fires spread rapidly and can damage refuse vehicles, but more importantly, can threaten the lives of our workers.

    “We need to send out a strong reminder to people of the importance of safe recycling. Please, please dispose of your batteries safely and think of the safety of others.”

    Figures released last year by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the campaign group Recycle Your Electricals showed that battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK had reached an all time high.

    More than 1,200 fires were recorded in 2023, an increase of 71% from 700 in 2022. Their research also stated that 6bn batteries were thrown away in the last year, over 3,000 a minute.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New INTERPOL Regional Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa moves a step closer

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    30 January 2025

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The creation of a new INTERPOL Regional Bureau the Middle East  and North Africa (MENA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken an important step forward.

    The ‘Host Country Agreement’ was signed at a ceremony attended by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of the Interior, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi and INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.Aimed at strengthening INTERPOL’s engagement with the MENA region, the new Regional Bureau will serve as a hub for the Organization’s activities in supporting member countries in combating transnational crime and terrorism.

    It will also work closely with existing national and regional structures, such as the Arab Interiors Ministers’ Council, GCCPOL, and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences to strengthen cooperation and information sharing.

    The establishment of the Regional Bureau was first proposed in 2016 at the INTERPOL Chiefs of Police Meeting for the MENA region. The plan was subsequently endorsed by INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, in 2019, with final approval for the Host Country Agreement from the Executive Committee in May 2024.

    The Agreement incorporates principles essential to ensuring the Regional Bureau’s proper functioning. The next steps in finalizing the creation and opening of the Regional Bureau will cover the financial, administrative, security and logistical aspects.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Various events held to celebrate Spring Festival across China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Various events held to celebrate Spring Festival across China

    Updated: January 30, 2025 17:52 Xinhua
    Folk artists stage a dragon dance show in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, Jan. 29, 2025. People enjoy various activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year which fell on Jan. 29 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A folk artist performs a face-changing show at a temple fair in Hengyang, central China’s Hunan Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows tourists visiting a tourism street in Leling County, east China’s Shandong Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a cultural tourism area in Fengnan District of Tangshan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take photos of light installations in Datong, north China’s Shanxi Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists stage a molten iron fireworks show at a temple fair in Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a cultural tourism area in Anshun City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows folk artists performing a lion dance in the air in Tule Village of Yuxiang Town in Yongji City, north China’s Shanxi Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists walk on a road decorated with lanterns in Xuan’en County, central China’s Hubei Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists select creative cultural products in Wuxing District of Huzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 29, 2025 shows people visiting the Fenghuang ancient town in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows tourists visiting the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, in Jixian County, north China’s Shanxi Province on Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring scenic spot in the city of Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 29, 2025 shows a view of Nanhu Park in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Defense Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Recent Media Queries Concerning the Military on January 17, 2025 2025-01-21 The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    On the morning of January 17, 2025, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    I have one piece of information at the top.

    According to the cooperation plan between the Chinese and French militaries, General Wu Yanan, Commander of the PLA Southern Theatre Command and Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific had a video phone call on the morning of January 17. They had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common interest.

    Question: After an earthquake struck the city of Rikaze in Xizang, President Xi Jinping made important instructions. The PLA and the PAP are actively involved in rescue and disaster relief efforts. Please share more information on it.

    Wu Qian: On January 7, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Rikaze in Xizang Autonomous Region and caused heavy casualties. President Xi Jinping attached great importance to the disaster relief work and gave important instructions. He emphasized that every effort be made to search for and rescue survivors, treat the injured, and minimize fatalities.

    Military organs and troops at all levels resolutely implemented the important instructions of President Xi and the CMC, making all out efforts to protect the safety of people’s lives and property and ensure social stability. The CMC Joint Operations Command Center promptly activated the emergency response mechanism and guided the PLA Western Theater Command and PAP troops to organize ground and air forces to effectively carry out rescue operations. As of January 15, the PLA and the PAP had all together deployed 2,055 service members and 869 militia personnel, 20 transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as 297 sets of vehicles and engineering equipment. They have rescued 27 people, relocated 2,756 people, set up 21 field medical support stations, treated and provided medical service to 22,359 injured, constructed 2,812 tents or portable houses, provided more than 95,000 portions of hot meals, transported disaster relief supplies of over 4,300 tons, and cleared more than 4,700 cubic meters of debris.

    When the people are affected by disasters, the military will come to their rescue. When the military and the people unite, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. The Tibetan for “Hello, PLA” echoing through the earthquake-stricken area reflects the profound bond between the military and the people. Standing together with the people in earthquake-stricken areas, the people’s military put into practice the fundamental mission of serving the people wholeheartedly with concrete actions, and built an unbreakable great wall of steel to protect the people.

    Question: Since the beginning of 2025, the PLA and the PAP have commenced their annual military training, making an all out effort to meet the military’s centenary goal. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: In 2025, military training will focus on responding to real security threats, enhance training under real combat scenarios, strengthen exercises on joint operations system, and fully leverage the deterring and conflict-preventing functions of military training. We will implement the arrangements made at the on-site meeting on basic training and the on-site meeting on combined training, conduct training in accordance with the new basic training outline, and address challenging issues by extensively conducting cross-service mixed formations training. We will give priority to training on new equipment such as new-type fighter jets, vessels and missiles, actively explore training in emerging fields such as unmanned systems and intelligent technologies, and create new growth points for combat capabilities. We will use more “technology+” and “cyber+” methods to solve training problems and advance innovations in technology-enhanced training. We will continue to carry out joint exercises and training with the armed forces of relevant countries and regions on more subjects, expand the scale of forces, increase joint training time, actively participate in international military sports competitions, and promote in-depth and practical training exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries.

    Question: General Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, led a delegation to visit Malaysia and Indonesia. Please brief us more on the bilateral military relations between China and these two countries.

    Wu Qian: General Liu Zhenli, member of the CMC and Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, visited Malaysia and Indonesia from January 6 to 12. During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, such as the relations between the two countries and militaries, and international and regional situation. The visit aimed at implementing the important consensus reached between the leaders of China and these two countries, enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and elevate the mil-to-mil relationship to new heights.

    Both Malaysia and Indonesia are friendly neighbors of China across the sea. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of these two countries, China-Malaysia and China-Indonesia relations have witnessed rapid and comprehensive growth, and started a new chapter of building a community with a shared future. As an important part of bilateral relationship, the mil-to-mil relations have also made positive progress. Sound exchanges and cooperation have been realized in high-level exchanges, joint training and exercises, maritime security, and multilateral coordination under the ASEAN framework. We stand ready to work together with the two militaries to further consolidate strategic mutual trust, strengthen personnel exchanges, extend substantive cooperation, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, work together to implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make joint contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and beyond.

    Question: The first Type 076 amphibious assault ship PLANS Sichuan had its launching and commissioning ceremony recently in Shanghai, which received wide media coverage around the world. According to media of the Taiwan region, the ship has astonishing capabilities for three-dimensional landing operations, and the deployment of the ship would be the most dangerous moment for Taiwan. Some foreign news outlets also claimed that the ship will break regional balance of military power and bring unstable factors. What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: It is a common practice for countries around the world to develop weapons and equipment in accordance with their national defense requirements. China’s independent development and construction of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a normal arrangement consistent with China’s national security needs and the overall development of the PLA Navy. The goal is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and better protect peace and stability in the region and beyond. The vessel is a new-type amphibious assault ship independently developed by China. It applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment. The ship has strong capabilities for amphibious and far-seas operations. After its launching, the ship will conduct equipment adjustments, mooring trials and sea trials.

    China stays committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The launching of the ship is a normal arrangement in the development of the PLA Navy. It is not targeted at any specific entity, region or country.

    Question: According to media reports, China’s military exchanges with foreign countries witnessed solid progress with many highlights in the year 2024. Please brief us more information.

    Wu Qian: In 2024, officers, soldiers and civilian personnel engaged in military diplomacy carried forward our fine traditions and made innovative efforts in our undertaking, and continued to improve the quality and efficiency of international military cooperation. First, shaping a favorable strategic environment. Staying in line with the directions set by head-of-state diplomacy, the Chinese military maintained close and practical military cooperation with Russia; progressively restored strategic communications and institutionalized dialogues with the US; deepened strategic communications with European countries, and engaged in exchanges with defense authorities and militaries from dozens of other countries. Second, safeguarding national sovereignty and security. We lodged diplomatic representations and released information in a timely way to respond to provocations and violations made by certain countries on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, refuting the wrong words and deeds of relevant parties. Third, expanding multilateral diplomacy. As the host, the Chinese military successfully held the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the West Pacific Naval Symposium. We also actively participated in multilateral events like the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Defense Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to make our voice heard on multilateral stages. Fourth, deepening cooperation on joint training and exercises. For the first time, our troops participated in Exercise Peace Unity in Africa and Exercise Formosa in Brazil, which contributed to regional peace and stability. Fifth, fulfilling the responsibilities of a major country. China’s Blue Helmets (peacekeepers) stayed on their combat posts in war zones; Channel 16 (of the PLAN vessel-protection task forces) remains a code for peace in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the coast of Somalia; the Ark Peace, the PLAN hospital ship provided medical services to people of 13 countries in Asia and Africa; and humanitarian demining courses were organized for Cambodia and Laos. The Chinese military has been taking concrete actions to deliver hope, warmth and strength.

    In the new year, staff for military diplomacy will continuously act on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in promoting military diplomacy. We will uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and go all out to achieve the centenary goal of the PLA.

    Question: According to media reports, the Chinese military’s oxygen supply support system for plateau units has achieved initial results in recent years, effectively meeting the oxygen needs of troops stationed at high altitudes. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: President Xi and the CMC have always cared for the well-being and health of officers and soldiers stationed on the plateau regions, and have paid close attention to the issue of providing them with adequate oxygen supply. In recent years, we have developed a plateau oxygen supply support system covering large areas, establishing permanent storage points and a tiered distribution network. This system ensures that our troops on the plateau have access to oxygen during routine duties and can carry portable oxygen supplies during mobile operations. The transition from using oxygen solely for life-saving purposes to using it for improving health and conducting operations has significantly decreased the incidence of plateau-related diseases and acute altitude sickness among military personnel.

    First, we have constructed more permanent oxygen production and supply stations, and equipped more oxygen generators to high-altitude units, making oxygen supply available at the soldiers’ bedside. Second, mobile oxygen production facilities, like oxygen-generating cabins, have been deployed to mission areas, effectively overcoming the challenge of sustaining oxygen supply in remote locations. Third, portable individual oxygen supply devices have been issued to to troops, allowing for flexible utilization based on mission requirements. Fourth, we have intensified our efforts in technological innovation, initiating multiple projects for the development of new oxygen production and supply equipment.

    It is cold in the border areas, yet the troops there are full of passion. For a long time, border defense troops stationed on the plateau have guarded the borders in extremely harsh conditions, making great sacrifices for the country and the people. Their dedication to the country will never be forgotten, and their well-being always tugs at the heartstrings of the people.

    Question: It is reported that a naval vessel recently rescued a sick fisherman while performing a mission in the waters of Huangyan Dao. Could you please give us more details about it?

    Wu Qian: Recently, a Chinese fisherman on Qiongqionghai 03003, who was fishing near Huangyan Dao, suddenly suffered from gastric bleeding. The replenishment ship Qinghaihu of the PLA Navy, which was operating in the vicinity, promptly responded and transferred the ailing fisherman aboard for initial medical treatment. It then navigated to waters east of Yongxing Dao, where a rescue helicopter from the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-center airlifted the fisherman to the People’s Hospital of Sansha City for further treatment. The fisherman has now been discharged from the hospital and is in stable condition. The Chinese military will continue to protect the safety of the people’s lives and property and contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

    Question: According to the “Taiwan Central News Agency”, Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region recently said that countries like China and Russia threaten the rule-based international order and undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Therefore, Taiwan needs to continue to raise “defense budget” and enhance “defense capabilities.” What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: Lai Ching-te and his kind have betrayed their ancestors and what he said was far away from the truth. International documents including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation have confirmed that the Taiwan region should be returned to China. Such fact is an important part of the post-WWII international order. The victory and outcome of the WWII must be respected and safeguarded. There is no other status of the Taiwan region in the international law than being a part of China.

    The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”. It is now the biggest source of chaos that undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia Pacific. We warn the Lai Ching-te administration and separatists for “Taiwan independence” that any attempt to seek independence by force is just like holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction. Those seeking “Taiwan independence” will never have a good end. The PLA will spare no effort to fight separatism and promote national reunification. We have full confidence that the Taiwan region will return to the motherland and will have a better future after its return.

    Wu Qian: The Chinese Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake is just around the corner. In Chinese tradition, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and vitality It also implies adapability and the conquering of the unyielding with the yielding. As families reunite to bid farewell to the past and embrace the future, I would like to extend warm New Year wishes to you all on behalf of my colleagues. Rest assured that the Chinese military will continue to stand by your side, offering warmth and protection. We will always be the sturdy support you can count on. May our country prosper and our people live in harmony.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youth Justice Statistics: record lows in custody and first time entrants

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Youth Justice Annual Statistics for 2023 to 2024 were published today. There are fewer first time entrants and children in custody, but court delays remain a concern.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for 2023 to 24.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for England and Wales reveal a mix of promising trends and areas requiring urgent attention.

    Key findings include:

    • the number of children entering the system for the first time (first-time entrants (FTE)) fell to its lowest level on record (8,300)
    • stop and searches of children by the police decreased by 4% (103,100)
    • court sentences outnumbered Youth Cautions for the first time – 55% of FTEs received a sentence at court compared with 48% in the previous year – this marks an increasing shift toward diversion and alternative approaches to youth justice
    • the numbers of children in custody has fallen by 3% against the previous year and is the lowest number on record (430)
    • the average time from offence to court completion rose to 225 days, the highest on record, highlighting an ongoing challenge for the justice system and victims
    • while there were encouraging decreases in the numbers and proportions of Black children at various stages in the system, the proportion of Mixed ethnicity children in custody has doubled over the last 10 years
    • almost two-thirds (62%) of children remanded to youth detention accommodation did not go on to receive a custodial sentence, this raises significant concerns
    • The proven reoffending rate for children increased to 32.5%, a 0.3 percentage point increase on the previous year, while the number of children and the number of children who reoffended both increased for the first time in the last 10 years.
    • There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease.

    In addition to the above findings, arrests of children remained stable, even as adult arrests increased by 8%. Despite widespread media coverage and the consequential public perception that children are responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminal activity, arrests of children accounted for just 8% of total arrests.

    There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease. Although 20% higher than 10 years ago, this shows that local efforts to bring down offences involving weapons are having an impact.

    Court timeliness

    The average time it takes from offence to court completion has not bounced back and is on average 4 days longer than what we saw during the pandemic when there were court closures.

    This is very troubling because delays place a significant strain on children and victims who are looking to move forward in their lives and potentially delaying justice and delaying them from accessing the right support at the right time.

     We believe that the court system needs major changes. We’re working with the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to advocate for the Child First framework, which focuses on creating fair and efficient processes for children, cutting down delays, and achieving better results for everyone involved.

    Tackling over-representation

    There were encouraging improvements in reducing the over-representation of children from Black and Mixed ethnicities. However, we must be clear, any over-representation is unacceptable.

    It is of particular concern that the proportion of children with a Mixed ethnicity in custody has doubled over the last decade. This is a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform.  

    We will continue to build partnerships, promote good practice and provide targeted support in community-based solutions such as through the London Accommodation Pathfinder (the LAP). The LAP prioritises boys of Black or Mixed  heritage facing remand to custody and supports them in a more appropriate and effective community setting.

    We continue to have significant concerns about the high use of remand, which means that hundreds of children experience the negative effects of custody and then go on to receive a community sentence, or no sentence at all. This creates additional trauma and exposure to criminality for the children, and also leads to unnecessary risk and costs for the general public.

    Keith Fraser, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, said:

    There are many positives within this report. The numbers of stop and searches and children entering the system for the first time fell once again after increasing in the previous year. The numbers of children in custody continued to fall, knife and weapon offences have reduced for the sixth consecutive year, and arrests and youth cautions/sentences have remained stable at a time when adult arrests rose by 8%.

    We must continue to build on these trends. The evidence tells us that the best way to prevent prolonged offending is to prevent bringing children into the justice system in the first place. This is the route to positive child outcomes, less crime, fewer victims and safer communities.

    I want to express my gratitude to everyone in the youth justice sector for their dedication and hard work. These reductions show that change is possible. Together, we can build on this momentum to ensure better outcomes for all children.

    Youth Justice Board media enquiries

    Youth Justice Board for England and Wales
    Clive House
    70 Petty France
    London
    SW1H 9EX

    Email comms@yjb.gov.uk

    For out-of-hours press queries 020 3334 3536

    Ends

    Notes to editors

    1. These statistics look at data for the youth justice system in England and Wales for the year ending March 2024 (where available). The publication considers the number of children (those aged 10 to 17) in the system, the offences they committed, the outcomes they received, their demographics and the trends over time.
    2. Youth Custody Statistics also incorporate young adults who have remained in the youth estate,
    3. In addition to the report, there is a summary infographic which highlights the main findings.
    4. This release includes dashboards showing local level data. The YJB does not comment on regional data or localised themes as often there are contexts specific to areas and communities which provide more valuable insight into local youth justice. The relevant local authority would be best placed to respond to requests for comment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poverty relief charity under investigation for ‘high risk’ handling of funds

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association.

    The charity regulator for England and Wales is investigating the Iraqi Welfare Association (IWA) about its use of ‘high-risk’ methods to transfer and spend funds. Wider serious concerns held by the regulator include possible unmanaged conflicts of interest, failing to file accounts on time, failure to adhere to the charity’s Governing Document and acting outside of the purposes the charity was registered with.

    The IWA was set up to relieve poverty amongst the Iraqi community, particularly through the provision of advice and interpreting services to Iraqi refugees. Its wider purposes include providing classes and training to the Iraqi community, to relieve sickness, and protect and preserve public health and provide facilities for recreation.

    The Commission started proactively engaging with the IWA to assess how the charity was managing risks associated with working in Iraq. Iraq is deemed a ‘high-risk’ country by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Its engagement continued due to the charity’s failure to submit accounts for four consecutive years (FYE 2019, 2022, 2021 and 2022).

    The engagement has been escalated to a statutory inquiry after it found the charity was transferring funds overseas using a ‘Hawala’ system. The regulator also found the charity’s director was using his personal bank account to make payments on behalf of the charity. Using a personal bank account and transfer methods outside the formal banking system poses a risk to possible loss or misuse of funds.

    The inquiry will also investigate potential conflicts of interest regarding decisions around salary payments and a contract with a connected private company.

    The inquiry will:

    • Consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with their legal duties and responsibilities
    • Determine whether the charity’s funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with the charity’s stated objects.
    • Assess the administration, governance and management of the charity by its trustees.

    The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.   

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:

    • The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
    • On 17 January 2025, the Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011.
    • A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
    • Hawala is a system for moving funds, or their equivalent value, to a third party (‘the Hawala agent’) in another geographic location, where there may be no formal banking facilities, or limited access to them, without necessarily involving the formal banking system.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Patriotic action “Nevsky landing” started in Polytechnic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A ceremonial assembly was held in the research building of Technopolis Polytech, where the youth patriotic campaign “Nevsky Desant” was launched. The guys performed bright numbers, received vouchers for the season and heard parting words.

    On behalf of the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, Alexander Belsky, the student detachment fighters were greeted by his deputy, Pavel Itkin.

    It is gratifying that the student brigade movement is actively developing in the Northern capital. Participants of the youth patriotic action “Nevsky Desant” make a worthy contribution to the revival of this wonderful tradition. For ten years now, they have been inspiring young men and women of St. Petersburg with their example. And today we see how many caring young people live in our city. I sincerely thank you for your noble work and service to society, – Pavel Itkin read out the address.

    “Nevsky Landing” is a regional stage of the all-Russian patriotic action “Snow Landing”. This year the season of the action is called “Snow Landing of the RSO. Victory Landing” and is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Therefore, special attention will be paid to targeted assistance to WWII veterans, children of war and families of participants in the special military operation, as well as the improvement of memorials and memorable places.

    2025 is the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, a holiday associated with the movement of student brigades. Those who defended our country and returned home in 1945, already in 1947 went to the construction site as part of the first linear student brigades, which originated in our city, – noted Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU, at the assembly.

    The campaign is rapidly gaining momentum. This year, 29 teams of over 700 people will go to help in the settlements of the Leningrad Region and the Republic of Karelia. Five teams will represent the Polytechnic University. These are “Russian Knight”, “Peter the Great”, “Ilya Muromets”, “Prince Gagarin” and “Evpatiy Kolovrat”.

    From January 24 to February 16, students will conduct career guidance work with schoolchildren, help pensioners, veterans and those in need – remove snow and garbage, chop wood, repair houses. In addition, the fighters will hold creative evenings and concerts for everyone.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to become the main hero of the Polytechnic? New rules for admission to the university have been issued

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The admission rules are the most important document for applicants. It reflects the calendar, the list of required documents for admission and the list of entrance examinations. This year, the document approved by the Academic Council of SPbPU was published on the university website on January 20. This year, 3,375 budget places have been allocated for full-time bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs and 3,399 contract places (full-time, part-time, and correspondence forms of study). For future master’s students, 2,376 budget places have been offered for more than 170 educational programs.

    The new admission procedure regulated a fairly large number of points that largely affect the organizational issues of the admission campaign at the university. For our applicants, essentially nothing has changed. But at the same time, we emphasize that in some areas of training, the list of entrance examinations has changed, in connection with the release of a new order “On approval of the list of entrance examinations for admission to study in higher education programs – bachelor’s programs and specialist programs”. I would like to note that this year we unified the minimum passing subjects for the entire university and reduced the threshold for a number of subjects. This does not mean that it has become easier, it suggests even tougher competition for budget places. As the most important changes in the admission procedure, I would note the refusal to provide the original document on education and replacing it with consent for enrollment and, the second point, the establishment of control figures for admission to the contract form of education, which cannot change during the admission campaign, – commented on the new rules the responsible secretary of the admissions committee of SPbPU Vitaly Drobchik.

    The application period for admission in 2025 will begin on June 20, a date that remains unchanged.

    The list of individual achievements determines for what merits applicants can receive up to 10 points in addition to the sum of their USE or entrance examination scores. For example, a certificate with honors gives an applicant an additional 10 points to the USE score. This year, the list of individual achievements has been expanded with Olympiads, competitions, and educational programs. You can find out what you can get additional points for this year inRules in Appendix No. 4.

    And those who plan to enroll under the target quota will face an innovation. The participation of applicants in career guidance events of customers of target training or training in specialized classes of enterprises will be considered as an individual achievement and will serve as a reason for awarding an additional 5 points, which are added to the points for other individual achievements and with the points for exams.

    The number of areas in which one can simultaneously participate in the admissions competition has not changed – an applicant can choose up to 5 areas of training. Each selected area must be arranged in order of enrollment priority.

    Digitalization does not bypass admission to universities, so applicants from distant corners of Russia do not need to come to the university to submit documents to the Polytechnic. This year, as last year, future polytechnics will be able to submit documents using the super service “Online University Admission” on the State Services portal.

    Students entering the university after school this year are admitted based on the results of three Unified State Exams. Most areas of training offer the opportunity to choose a Unified State Exam subject: for example, when entering technical areas, applicants will need to pass either physics or computer science in addition to specialized mathematics and Russian language. The list of entrance examinations is published inRules in Appendix No. 1.

    The key change was the return of consents for enrollment. If previously applicants submitted consent to be enrolled in a university for a specific area, then this year the consent will become an analogue of an education document and will apply to the university as a whole. Consent can be submitted on the State Services portal as an electronic mark or to the university on paper.

    As for the Master’s program, there are no changes in the admission procedure this year. Students can enroll in the Master’s program in three ways: by winning a portfolio competition, becoming a winner or medalist of the All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional”, becoming a winner of the All-Russian engineering competition, or successfully passing an interdisciplinary exam. For the 2025 admissions campaign, 20 new Master’s programs have been developed, including the digital Master’s programs “Industrial and Civil Engineering” and “Russian as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Communication”, as well as the program for training teaching staff “Physics and Applied Mathematics in Science and Education”.

    To help applicants understand the admission rules, an online Open Day was held on January 26. The hosts of the live broadcast were the responsible secretary of the SPbPU Admissions Committee Vitaly Drobchik and a student of the Civil Engineering Institute Valeria Bublikova. Valeria introduced the viewers to the university and told them about the eventful student life. And Vitaly Viktorovich spoke about the changes in the admissions campaign in 2025 and answered questions from applicants.

    This year, the concept of the admission campaign of the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University sounds like “You are the main character!” And the main character is our applicant, who then becomes a student of the university and creates a new history of the university with us.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Forbes Lists Bitget Amongst The World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company was announced in the list of Top 25 most trusted crypto exchanges by Forbes. Ranking eight on the list, Bitget has reported an influx of users in the last year along with a multitude of upgrades and collaborations which has supported its position in entering the club. With top players such as Coinbase, Binance and Robinhood, the list highlights crypto exchanges from all over the globe.

    Recently in its transparency report, Bitget recorded a 400% increase in its userbase surpassing 100M users in December and Spot trading volume increased from $160 billion in Q1 to $600 billion in Q4. Right from collaborating with Turkish national athletes, to legendary football league LALIGA to having new chiefs joining the company and the establishment of multiple licenses, Bitget has strengthened its position as a global leader, becoming the second largest crypto exchange ecosystem.

    Bitget is focusing in its expansion markets via localized marketing, partnerships, and educational initiatives. The exchange offers simplified onboarding, fiat gateways, and localized customer support to ease access. Bitget also invests in blockchain education, strategic sponsorships, and incentive programs to retain users in high-growth regions. With the joining of Hon NG, CLO at Bitget, the team is heavily invested in compliance. Recently, Bitget achieved UK approval, a BSP license in El Salvador and even opened a new exchange in Vietnam to run it as per local requirements.

    A recent report from CCData highlights Bitget’s success as the market share rose to 4.25%, surpassing its previous all-time high recorded in April 2024. Comparing the change in market share of the combined spot and derivatives market, Bitget, Coinbase and Crypto(dot)com were the biggest beneficiaries of 2024, increasing their market share by 4.05%, 3.89% and 3.39% to 10.5%, 5.43%, and 4.71% respectively.

    Previously, Bitget Token (BGB) was ranked as one of the top 10 best-performing cryptocurrencies by Forbes for H1 2024. Since then, BGB has surpassed all expectations with a surge of over 1000% last year. By reducing BGB’s supply, enhancing utility, and expanding real-world applications, Bitget plans to strengthen more functionalities and products in the Bitget ecosystem driving sustainable growth and long-term value for holders.

    Bitget’s debut on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s most trustworthy crypto exchanges highlights its remarkable growth and increasing credibility in the industry. With a strong BTC-ETH holding score and a focus on transparency, Bitget stands as one of the most secure crypto exchanges in the world. With transparent proof of reserves insuring 100% of its assets and a $600M Protection Fund safeguarding users, the exchange has accelerated its growth worldwide. The inclusion in the Forbes ranking list shows the exchange’s rising influence in the cryptospace.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bbcc6417-899e-4a61-92b8-900a237e68f3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Reports Fourth Quarter and 2024 Full Year Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Calculated Billings* reached $959 million, an 11 percent increase year over year
    • Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO)**: $2.5 billion, a 12 percent increase year over year
    • Total Revenues: $704 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
    • Product, License & Subscription Revenues: $463 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
    • GAAP Operating Income: $254 million, representing 36 percent of revenues
    • Non-GAAP Operating Income: $306 million, representing 44 percent of revenues
    • GAAP EPS: $2.30, a 7 percent increase year over year
    • Non-GAAP EPS: $2.70, a 5 percent increase year over year

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Calculated Billings* reached $2,658 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
    • Total Revenues: $2,565 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
    • Security Subscriptions Revenues: $1,104 million, a 13 percent increase year over year
    • GAAP EPS: $7.46, a 5 percent increase year over year
    • Non-GAAP EPS: $9.16, a 9 percent increase year over year

    “We delivered exceptional fourth quarter results, a wonderful way to transition into my new Executive Chairman role. The success in the quarter was underscored by strong 8 percent revenue growth in our core Quantum Force appliance business, our industry leading Harmony E-mail solution, and expanded adoption of the Infinity platform,” said, Gil Shwed, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Check Point Software. “I would like to thank Check Point’s customers, partners, and the Global Check Point Team for their contributions to our continued success. I look forward to Check Point achieving new heights under the leadership of our new Chief Executive Officer, Nadav Zafrir,” concluded, Mr. Shwed.

    “I would like to thank Gil and the Board for the opportunity to lead such an exemplary organization. 2024 was a successful year and provides a great springboard for 2025 and beyond,” stated Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer of Check Point Software. “My first one hundred days are focused on meeting with customers and partners to understand the key challenges they face in today’s unprecedented threat environment. From my conversations so far, I have become increasingly confident that Check Point is uniquely positioned to address the cybersecurity demands of enterprises worldwide. Check Point’s future is bright, and we are focused on driving market share expansion and taking growth to the next levels,” stated Mr. Zafrir.

    “After a successful fourth quarter and 2024, we are starting 2025 with an expanded executive team to balance our corporate and Go-To-Market leadership roles, and bring even more attention to customer facing functions,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. Among the new roles joining the executive team is that of Chief Revenue Officer. Itai Greenberg will serve in this role, driving our global top-line revenue across our platform worldwide. He brings more than two decades of experience in product management and sales roles, having most recently served as Check Point’s Chief Strategy Officer and head of the Cloud and SASE businesses. Replacing Itai in the role of Chief Strategy Officer, we welcome Roi Karo to Check Point. Roi brings more than two decades of expertise in security, AI, and big data with a focus on strategy and planning.

    In conclusion, after three successful years as Check Point’s President, Rupal Hollenbeck has chosen to conclude her tenure at the end of the first quarter and will remain available to support the smooth transition of the new executive team members. “I want to thank Rupal for her incredible work and dedication over the last three years during which the Go-To-Market organizations composition, reach, and focus was transformed all around the world. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. “We welcome Itai and Roi into their new executive team roles. I am excited about the opportunities before us, and I am more confident than ever that the best of Check Point is yet to come,” concluded, Mr. Zafrir.

    Financial Highlights Commentary

    • Cash Balances, Marketable Securities & Short-Term Deposits: $2,784 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,960 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash is primarily a result of $186 million net of cash consideration utilized for Cyberint Ltd. acquisition in 2024.
    • Share Repurchase Program: During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $325 million. During full year 2024, we repurchased approximately 7.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $1,300 million.
    • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operations was $1,059, which included $18 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions, and acquisition-related costs were insignificant. This compares to $1,035 million in 2023, which included $39 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions and $25 million in costs related to acquisitions.

    For information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

    Conference Call and Webcast Information
    Check Point will host a conference call with the investment community on January 30, 2025, at 8:30 AM ET/5:30 AM PT. To listen to the live webcast or replay, please visit the website www.checkpoint.com/ir.
    First Quarter 2025 Investor Conference Participation Schedule

    • Wolfe Research March Madness 1×1 Conference
      February 27, 2025, NY, NY – 1×1 meetings
    • Susquehanna Technology Conference
      February 27, 2025, NY, NY – 1×1 meetings
    • Raymond James 2025 Institutional Investor Conference
      March 3, 2025, Orlando, FL – Fireside & 1×1 meetings
    • Morgan Stanley 2025 Media, Telecommunications & Technology Conference
      March 4, 2025, SF, CA – Fireside & 1×1 meetings
    • Roth Capital Partners 37thAnnual Conference
      March 17-18, 2025, Dana Point, CA – 1×1 meetings

    Members of Check Point’s management team are expected to present at these conferences and discuss the latest company strategies and initiatives. Check Point’s conference presentations are expected to be available via webcast on the company’s web site. To hear these presentations and access the most updated information please visit the company’s web site at www.checkpoint.com/ir. The schedule is subject to change.

    Follow Check Point via:
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: http://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (http://www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our management transitions, expectations regarding our products and solutions, and our participation in investor conferences and Check Point Experience (CPX) events and other events during the first quarter of 2025. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to develop platform capabilities and solutions; customer acceptance and purchase of our existing solutions and new solutions; the market for IT security continuing to develop; competition from other products and services; appointments and departures of our executive officers; and general market, political, economic, and business conditions, including acts of terrorism or war. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
    In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Check Point uses non-GAAP measures of operating income, net income and earnings per diluted share, which are adjustments from results based on GAAP to exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses and the related tax affects. Check Point’s management believes the non-GAAP financial information provided in this release is useful to investors’ understanding and assessment of Check Point’s ongoing core operations and prospects for the future. Historically, Check Point has also publicly presented these supplemental non-GAAP financial measures to assist the investment community to see the company “through the eyes of management,” and thereby enhance understanding of its operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial statements contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating business internally and as such has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

    * Calculated Billings is a measure that we defined as total revenues recognized in accordance with GAAP plus the change in Total Deferred Revenues during the period

    ** Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO) is a measure that represents the total value of non-cancellable contracted products and/or services that are yet to be recognized as Revenue as of the period

     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
     
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
           
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenues:              
    Products and licenses $ 170.6   $ 158.3   $ 507.9   $ 497.4
    Security subscriptions   292.2     265.8     1,104.2     981.2
    Total revenues from products and security subscriptions   462.8     424.1     1,612.1     1,478.6
    Software updates and maintenance   240.9     239.4     952.9     936.1
    Total revenues   703.7     663.5     2,565.0     2,414.7
                   
    Operating expenses:              
    Cost of products and licenses   29.6     28.0     97.8     99.3
    Cost of security subscriptions   19.7     17.2     72.6     57.0
    Total cost of products and security subscriptions   49.3     45.2     170.4     156.3
    Cost of Software updates and maintenance   33.4     30.5     123.9     112.3
    Amortization of technology   7.6     5.8     25.0     14.0
    Total cost of revenues   90.3     81.5     319.3     282.6
                   
    Research and development   101.1     100.0     394.9     368.9
    Selling and marketing   232.1     200.5     862.9     747.1
    General and administrative   25.9     29.7     111.9     117.0
    Total operating expenses   449.4     411.7     1,689.0     1,515.6
                   
    Operating income   254.3     251.8     876.0     899.1
    Financial income, net   24.5     18.4     96.1     76.5
    Income before taxes on income   278.8     270.2     972.1     975.6
    Taxes on income (tax benefit)   21.3     21.0     126.4     135.3
    Net income $ 257.5   $ 249.2   $ 845.7   $ 840.3
                           
    Basic earnings per share $ 2.36   $ 2.19   $ 7.65   $ 7.19
    Number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   109.2     114.0     110.6     116.9
                           
    Diluted earnings per share $ 2.30   $ 2.15   $ 7.46   $ 7.10
    Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share   112.1     115.9     113.4     118.3
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL METRICS
     (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
                     
    Revenues   $ 703.7   $ 663.5   $ 2,565.0   $ 2,414.7
    Non-GAAP operating income     306.4     308.6     1,097.5     1,079.1
    Non-GAAP net income     303.2     298.5     1,039.1     997.1
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.70   $ 2.57   $ 9.16   $ 8.42
    Number of shares used in computing diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share     112.1     115.9     113.4     118.3
                             
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    GAAP operating income   $ 254.3     $ 251.8     $ 876.0     $ 899.1  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 306.4     $ 308.6     $ 1,097.5     $ 1,079.1  
                     
    GAAP net income   $ 257.5     $ 249.2     $ 845.7     $ 840.3  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    Taxes on the above items (3)     (6.4 )     (7.5 )     (28.1 )     (23.2 )
                                     
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 303.2     $ 298.5     $ 1,039.1     $ 997.1  
                     
    Diluted GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.30     $ 2.15     $ 7.46     $ 7.10  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     0.26       0.34       1.32       1.23  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     0.20       0.15       0.63       0.29  
    Taxes on the above items (3)     (0.06 )     (0.07 )     (0.25 )     (0.20 )
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.70     $ 2.57     $ 9.16     $ 8.42  
                     
    Number of shares used in computing diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share     112.1       115.9       113.4       118.3  
                     
    (1) Stock-based compensation:                
    Cost of products and licenses   $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.4     $ 0.4  
    Cost of software updates and maintenance     2.0       2.4       8.2       7.3  
    Research and development     10.8       14.2       53.1       48.7  
    Selling and marketing     12.0       15.2       58.2       56.3  
    General and administrative     4.9       8.0       29.8       32.6  
          29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
                     
    (2) Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses:                
    Amortization of technology-cost of revenues     7.6       5.8       25.0       14.0  
    Research and development     1.7       2.0       6.5       7.0  
    Selling and marketing     13.0       9.1       40.3       13.7  
          22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    (3) Taxes on the above items     (6.4 )     (7.5 )     (28.1 )     (23.2 )
    Total, net   $ 45.7     $ 49.3     $ 193.4     $ 156.8  
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
     
    (In millions)
     
    ASSETS
               
          December 31,   December 31,
          2024
    (Unaudited)    		   2023
    (Audited)
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents     $ 506.2   $ 537.7
    Marketable securities and short-term deposits       865.7     992.3
    Trade receivables, net       728.8     657.7
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets       92.7     70.0
    Total current assets       2,193.4     2,257.7
               
    Long-term assets:          
    Marketable securities       1,411.9     1,429.7
    Property and equipment, net       80.8     80.4
    Deferred tax asset, net       63.6     81.8
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net       1,897.1     1,748.5
    Other assets       96.6     97.4
    Total long-term assets       3,550.0     3,437.8
               
    Total assets     $ 5,743.4   $ 5,695.5
     
               
    LIABILITIES AND
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
    Current liabilities:          
    Deferred revenues     $ 1,471.3     $ 1,413.8  
    Trade payables and other accrued liabilities       472.9       502.3  
    Total current liabilities       1,944.2       1,916.1  
               
    Long-term liabilities:          
    Long-term deferred revenues       529.0       493.9  
    Income tax accrual       448.5       436.1  
    Other long-term liabilities       32.3       28.4  
            1,009.8       958.4  
               
    Total liabilities       2,954.0       2,874.5  
               
    Shareholders’ equity:          
    Share capital       0.8       0.8  
    Additional paid-in capital       3,052.8       2,732.5  
    Treasury shares at cost       (14,267.7 )     (13,041.2 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)       (10.3 )     (39.2 )
    Retained earnings       14,013.8       13,168.1  
    Total shareholders’ equity       2,789.4       2,821.0  
                       
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     $ 5,743.4     $ 5,695.5  
    Total cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits     $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7  
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA
     
    (Unaudited, in millions)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flow from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 257.5     $ 249.2     $ 845.7     $ 840.3  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation of property and equipment   6.3       5.7       24.0       23.1  
    Amortization of intangible assets   19.2       13.5       59.6       24.3  
    Stock-based compensation   29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Realized loss on marketable securities   –       –       –       6.7  
    Increase in trade and other receivables, net   (337.1 )     (324.3 )     (78.9 )     (61.0 )
    Increase in deferred revenues, trade payables and other accrued liabilities   273.0       270.6       59.7       65.5  
    Deferred income taxes, net   0.3       (18.8 )     (1.0 )     (9.5 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   249.0       235.8       1,058.8       1,034.7  
                   
    Cash flow from investing activities:              
    Payment in conjunction with acquisitions, net of acquired cash   –       (3.8 )     (185.8 )     (458.8 )
    Investment in property and equipment   (6.5 )     (4.7 )     (24.2 )     (18.6 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (6.5 )     (8.5 )     (210.0 )     (477.4 )
                   
    Cash flow from financing activities:              
    Proceeds from issuance of shares upon exercise of options   9.0       16.0       258.6       133.7  
    Purchase of treasury shares   (325.0 )     (313.2 )     (1,299.9 )     (1,287.6 )
    Payments related to shares withheld for taxes   (1.5 )     (1.2 )     (18.6 )     (11.0 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (317.5 )     (298.4 )     (1,059.9 )     (1,164.9 )
                   
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net   (14.0 )     42.1       35.2       64.1  
                   
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits   (89.0 )     (29.0 )     (175.9 )     (543.5 )
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits at the beginning of the period   2,872.8       2,988.7       2,959.7       3,503.2  
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits at the end of the period $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7     $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7  
     
       
    Investors: Kip E. Meintzer
    Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
    +1.650.628.2040
    ir@checkpoint.com    		 Media: Gil Messing
    Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
    +1.650.628.2260
    press@checkpoint.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – AMERICAN AXLE & MFG HOLDINGS – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 29 January 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    Dowlais Group PLC    		  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: USD 0.01 common (US0240611030)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 7,488,070 6.37 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 7,488,070 * 6.37 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 218,354 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    USD 0.01 common (US0240611030) Sale 4,009 5.6227 USD  
       
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 30 January 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – DOWLAIS GROUP PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Dowlais Group PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 29 January 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc    		  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary (GB00BMWRZ071)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 13,745,479 1.02 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 13,745,479 * 1.02 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 60,499 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
             
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 30 January 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Cochrane review of the effectiveness of anti-depressants versus placebo for generalized anxiety disorder

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    A Cochrane review looks at the effectiveness of antidepressants for anxiety disorder. 

    Dr Gemma Lewis, Senior Research Associate in Psychiatric Epidemiology, University College London (UCL), said:

    “This is a high-quality piece of research, which combined data from 37 studies. This approach (meta-analysis) allows scientists to provide more precise estimates than just replying upon smaller individual studies. Meta-analyses are often considered the best way of informing guidelines for clinical practice. Importantly, the individual studies were generally of good quality too.

    “The authors only included Randomised placebo-controlled trials. This type of study is the best way of evaluating whether a treatment is effective. The randomised design eliminates the possibility of confounding.

    “One limitation of the data is that most studies only followed people for up to 12 weeks. In reality, we know that many people use antidepressants for much longer than this, often for several years. In the future, we need trials that follow people for longer periods. Another limitation of the data is that most studies only included people with a clinical diagnosis of anxiety, which is quite severe. In reality, many people are prescribed antidepressants in primary care for milder symptoms of anxiety as milder symptoms can still be debilitating.

    “GAD is the most common mental health problem, and it can be very debilitating. However, in research, and also perhaps clinically, it is often neglected, particularly when compared to depression. The antidepressants were generally well accepted by people who used them although some people of course experienced side effects, as is the case with most medications. These findings reinforce the usefulness of antidepressants for treating symptoms of anxiety as well as depression.”

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers, Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, said:

    “The Cochrane review confirms what science has long shown: antidepressants work for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), with SSRIs and SNRIs consistently outperforming placebo. Their effects are meaningful, with a low number needed to treat (NNT), and dropout rates are comparable to placebo. However, antidepressants continue to face disproportionate skepticism, whether it is for GAD or depression. If these results were for heart disease or diabetes treatments, they’d be celebrated. Instead, antidepressants are often unfairly stigmatized, fueling misinformation which can deter people from seeking treatment that can have added value. Antidepressants aren’t a cure-all, but they are an essential, effective tool. Let’s shift the narrative from fear to facts: science should guide treatment, not stigma.”

     

    Prof Katharina Domschke, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, said:

    “This is a comprehensive, long awaited update on the efficacy of antidepressants versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). 

    “SSRIs and SNRIs, the first line treatment options for anxiety disorders according to all international guidelines, were shown to have a significant benefit of a placebo. 

    “The study is methodologically strong, applied a conservative outcome measure (greater than 50% reduction in Hamilton Anxiety score), excluded regular benzodiazepine use and controlled for study quality. 

    “Limitations of the present study comprise its limitation to adult patients and the wide range of treatment duration (4 to 28 weeks). 

    “Interestingly and importantly, no difference in overall acceptability was discerned between antidepressants and placebo. 

    “The presently reported effect sizes are very convincing, particularly in light of a recent study by Bschor et al. in JAMA Psychiatry 2024 reporting very high pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes in pharmacological studies in GAD.

    “The present results are very important and ought to increase patients’ trust in the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of GAD. “

    Prof Peter Tyrer, Professor of Community Psychiatry, Imperial College London, said:

    “The findings of this review are unequivocal – antidepressants are effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety in the short-term.  But in responding to this evidence the long-term implications have to be considered also. Here the conclusions of efficacy have to be tempered. Long-term treatment, as noted in the review,  is often the norm,  and there is increasing concern that patients have difficulties in stopping antidepressants because of withdrawal problems. Bearing in mind that the main reason why antidepressants were preferred to benzodiazepines (drugs that are equally effective in treating generalised anxiety) was the dependence risk, we just seem to have shifted the problem of adverse effects from one class of drugs to another.  Brief resolution does not effect a cure”.

    ‘Antidepressants versus placebo for generalised anxiety disorder’ by Kopcalic et al. was published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews at 01:00 UK time on Thursday 30th January 2025.

    DOI: 10.1002.14651858.CD012942.pub2

    Declared interests:

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers “No COIs”

    Prof Katharina Domschke “None”

    Prof Peter Tyrer “None”

    For all other experts no response to or request for COIs was received

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Result of the auction of treasury bills on 30 January 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bids, sales, stop-rates and prices are presented in the table below:      

    ISIN Bid Mill. kr. (nominal) Sale Stop-rate (per cent) Pro-rata Price
    98 19740 DKT 03/03/25 I 320 – –   – –
    98 19823 DKT 02/06/25 II 340 240 2.150 100 % 99.2943
    Total 660 240      

    The sale will settle 3 February 2025.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Africa: INTERPOL border operation nets 45 arrests, seizures worth millions

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    30 January 2025

    Operation Screen targets international crime networks threatening regional security

    LYON, France – An INTERPOL-coordinated border security operation in West Africa has resulted in 45 arrests and the seizure of drugs, counterfeit medicines, and stolen vehicles worth millions of dollars.

    Held from 21 October to 24 November, Operation Screen West Africa 2024 brought together law enforcement agencies from 12 West African countries to strengthen border security and disrupt transnational organized crime networks.

    The operation notably led to the detection of a suspected Islamic State member at the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso tri-border area and thwarted the plans of a North African suspect planning to transit through Europe to join ISIS in Syria.

    Frontline officers at land, air and sea border points were provided with INTERPOL Mobile Devices (IMDs) to access INTERPOL’s critical global intelligence, enabling them to conduct in real time over 1.3 million checks against INTERPOL’s databases.

    Checks against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database detected 82 individuals travelling on stolen and irregular passports. Mauritanian authorities also launched an investigation into the international trafficking of French and Spanish passports.

     

    Over 1.3 million checks against INTERPOL’s databases were carried out by frontline officers, including in Togo.

    Weapons and ammunitions were seized in Côte d’Ivoire during the operation.

    Senegalese sea patrols participated in the INTERPOL-coordinated border security operation.

    Additionally, 11 suspects wanted internationally under INTERPOL Red Notices were arrested during the operation.

    Operational seizures included:

    • 1.6 tonnes of cocaine worth over USD 50 million in Cabo Verde

    • 10 tonnes of amphetamines in Burkina Faso

    • 33 types of counterfeit medicines in Benin and Togo

    • 40 tonnes of substandard pharmaceuticals in Côte d’Ivoire

    Over 100 luxury vehicles stolen in Canada and European countries were also recovered, exposing a network that trafficked stolen cars to West Africa. Almost 50 per cent of the stolen vehicles originated from Canada, where data sharing via INTERPOL’s database has helped identify over 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles worldwide since February 2024.

    The proceeds from these stolen vehicles often fund organized crime activities, including arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and terror networks.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s Police Commissaire Divisionnaire Ami Flora Savane Fanny said:

    “By addressing critical challenges that transcend borders, Operation Screen has demonstrated the power of international collaboration in combating the scourges of organized crime and terrorism which undermine the security of our populations and weaken the foundations of our institutions.”

    Mohamed Moussa, INTERPOL’s Operation Screen Coordinator, added:

    “This operation marks a critical step in disrupting transnational organized crime networks that threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to build peace and foster development across West Africa.”

    Note to Editors

    The 12 participating countries were Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

    The operation fell under Project I-CT Shield, funded by the German Foreign Federal Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Dowlais Group plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Jupiter Fund Management Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of Offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Dowlais Group plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 29th January 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 24,617,521 1.83%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 24,617,521 1.83%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: None
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: None

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    N/A      

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
    NONE        

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 30th January 2025
    Contact name: Claire Rodway
    Telephone number: 0203 817 1441

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rhombus Launches New AI Capabilities for Faster, Smarter Security Investigations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rhombus, a leader in cloud-managed physical security, today announced the launch of three new additions to its AI portfolio that transform how organizations search, analyze, and respond to security events. Powered by the release of Rhombus Faces 2.0, combined event search, and a new ChatGPT integration, these AI-powered tools enable security teams to instantly locate specific incidents through natural language queries and automation—dramatically reducing investigation time and improving response efficiency.

    These new AI features address critical security challenges across education, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and other sectors where the speed of incident reporting and reaction is critical. From monitoring campus safety and preventing retail theft to securing manufacturing facilities and protecting hotel guests, organizations can enhance existing security operations with more intelligent automation. With this launch, Rhombus is making it easier for all organizations to conduct smarter, faster investigations, prevent adverse events, and reduce resource drain.

    “Security teams are often inundated with video footage, and can spend hours manually searching for specific incidents they need to review,” said Brandon Salzberg, Vice President of Engineering, Rhombus. “Our latest release fundamentally changes this dynamic. By integrating ChatGPT and advanced AI into our platform, we’re enabling customers to find critical security events in seconds, while automating many routine tasks that otherwise bog down security operations. This launch continues our focus to advance businesses from traditional video monitoring to truly intelligent security management.”

    Key Features of the Rhombus AI-Powered Tools

    • OpenAI ChatGPT Integration: Users can now hone in on specific events by simply describing what they are looking for in natural language. The ChatGPT integration interprets these descriptions and instantly locates relevant footage. The system automatically marks these events on the timeline for quick review and export.
    • Enhanced Facial Detection: With its Faces 2.0, Rhombus offers next-generation facial recognition algorithms that deliver more accurate identification across camera feeds. Security teams can track movement patterns, receive real-time alerts about unauthorized access, and maintain detailed logs of facility entry and exit.
    • Intelligent Event Recognition: With its new combined event search, Rhombus leverages advanced AI models to quickly and automatically detect and categorize security events, eliminating hours of manual video review. This enables Rhombus to efficiently locate people of interest using facial recognition, clothing color, and region filters. It also facilitates searches for license plates and vehicle colors, while consolidating views from cameras, access control systems, and other devices into a unified interface.
    • Enterprise-Grade Scalability: Built on Rhombus’ unified cloud platform, each of these new tools helps process video data across hundreds or thousands of cameras while maintaining sub-second response times. Organizations can easily expand coverage without compromising performance or user experience.

    Availability

    Beginning today, Rhombus customers can begin using each of these powerful tools, including gaining early access to the ChatGPT integration in Beta.

    About Rhombus

    Rhombus is an open, cloud-managed physical security platform that brings security cameras, access control, sensors, alarm monitoring, and integrations together under a single pane of glass. Backed by NightDragon, Bluestone Equity Partners, Cota Capital, Caden Capital, Tru Arrow Partners, and Uncorrelated Ventures, Rhombus is on a mission to make the world safer with simple, smart, and powerful physical security solutions. To learn more, visit www.rhombus.com.

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54b1ead1-8d96-4368-a0c0-566da2f293ac

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Will Stewart Joins DevvDigital Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DevvDigital™, the owner of the innovative DevvExchange™. announced today that Will Stewart, an insightful leader with over thirty years of global finance and technology experience, has joined the Board of Directors. Mr. Stewart will take a lead role with the company’s capital strategy and corporate plans. In addition, Mr. Stewart will play a key role in growing the DevvExchange™, the first non-custodial, instant settlement digital exchange built on the DevvX™ blockchain with institutional partners from the global finance industry.

    A Silicon Valley venture capitalist, strategic advisor, and board member, Mr. Stewart has raised and returned billions in capital across hundreds of venture-backed technology companies. Over the past few years Mr. Stewart has raised hundreds of millions furthering digital marketplaces, environmental commodities, and infrastructure in the global energy transition. His unparalleled expertise and vast network in the global TradFi space position him to accelerate DevvExchange’s™ mission to transform financial markets through asset tokenization, T+0 settlement, and regulatory compliance.

    “Will’s proven track record in innovation and capital strategy is a game-changer for DevvDigital™,” said Ray Quintana, CEO of DevvDigital™. “His board participation will drive global partnerships, funding opportunities, and the rapid adoption of our ecosystem.”

    DevvExchange™ is the world’s first true non-custodial crypto exchange, combining institutional-grade processes with unmatched security, resilience, and compliance. Mr. Stewart’s experience and network will drive the platform to redefine how value is exchanged globally, empowering both institutions and individuals with cutting-edge technology, transparency, and trust.

    “Timing could not be better for DevvDigital™ and DevvExchange™ at the intersection of this tsunami of public and institutional adoption of crypto products. We fully anticipate this mega trend to continue under a new Federal Administration providing a policy framework that positions digital assets as a legitimate component of the U.S. financial system and aims to establish the United States as a leader in digital financial technology.” said Will Stewart, Board Member, DevvDigital™.

    Mr. Stewart’s board role will focus on fostering global strategic alliances, securing capital, and advancing the adoption of DevvExchange’s™ transformative trading technology. His appointment marks a pivotal milestone for the company as the synergy between digital assets and tokenization will continue to drive innovation in the global financial markets positioning both DevvDigital™ and DevvExchange™ in reshaping how we perceive and interact with both traditional and digital assets.

    “According to a recent Bain & Co. report1, private market assets are to grow at more than twice the rate of public assets, reaching up to $65 trillion by 2032. In search for liquidity, higher yield, and diversification, asset managers are now focused on alternative assets. Tokenization is revolutionizing the alternative asset market. As a board member, my role is to place DevvDigital and DevvExchange at the center of this revolution,” said Will Stewart, board member.

    “Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which represents a significant shift in U.S. policy focused on supporting the growth and use of digital assets, blockchain, and related trading technologies which are at the very foundation of both DevvDigital™ and DevvExchange™, “ said Tom Anderson, Co-Founder of both companies.

    This announcement follows recent developments at DevvX™, the underlying blockchain on which the DevvExchange™ is built, and DevvE™ (ticker: DEVVE) the native token for DevvX™, including a major brand refresh and strategic repositioning for DEVVE™ for 2025. The company is preparing to launch new product verticals and deliver enhanced utility for token holders, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and value creation.

    About DevvDigital™

    DevvDigital™ is a forward-thinking digital solutions provider dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology for real-world impact. As the exclusive operator of DevvExchange™, DevvDigital™ is committed to transforming the way people interact with digital assets, prioritizing user empowerment, security, and innovation.

    About DevvExchange™ – DevvExchange™ is transforming digital asset trading with a seamless, secure, and efficient platform for creating, managing, and exchanging digital assets. DevvExchange™ utilizes the DevvE™ token, the native token of DevvX™, for liquidity provisioning. By combining institutional-grade processes with enterprise blockchain solutions and patented technology, DevvExchange™ addresses the challenges of both traditional and digital asset trading. Backed by industry leaders, DevvExchange™ is set to redefine how digital assets are perceived and utilized worldwide. Learn more at www.devv.exchange

    www.linkedin.com/in/stewartwill

    1– August 21, 2024 – Private market assets to grow at more than twice the rate of public assets, reaching up to $65 trillion by 2032

    Media Contact:

    Davin Broadbent
    CMO DevvDigital
    DevvDigital@devvio.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by “DevvExchange”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb96ed94-b1c6-4387-aab0-279015adc582

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Dutton walks more softly on China, with election in mind

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    When Peter Dutton was asked this week  whether a Coalition government would continue  to foster trade relations with China, he declared unequivocally that “the relationship with China will be much stronger  than it is under the Albanese government”.

    Two points stood out: Dutton’s own positive rhetoric, and his apparent confidence about the future of Australia-China relations.

    It’s not unusual for opposition leaders to undertake a makeover, to their person or policy, as an election approaches. Anthony Albanese lost weight and acquired new glasses. Earlier, he’d made Labor a small policy target.

    Dutton is simultaneously attempting a softening on some fronts – while retaining the “hard man” image on others.

    Mid-last year Dutton said: “I’m pro-China and the relationship that we have with them. I want that trading relationship to increase. […] We need to make sure we strengthen the trading relationship because there are many businesses here who rely on it. But we have to be realistic about working to keep peace […] we live in a very uncertain time. The Prime Minister also says that we live in the most precarious period since the Second World War, and he’s right, and we need to work hard at peace as well.”

    Contrast Dutton as defence minister in 2021. “Does the Chinese government wish to occupy other countries? Not in my judgement. But they do see us as tributary states. And that surrender of sovereignty and abandonment of any adherence to the international rule of law is what our country has fought against since Federation.”

    It’s not that Dutton has changed his views on China. Rather, he’s camouflaged them with a softer tone, and in what he chooses to emphasise. Of course circumstances have changed – Australia now has a much better relationship with China. But significantly, Dutton needs to appeal to the local Chinese-Australian voters.

    At the 2022 election, the Liberals took a big hit among voters of Chinese heritage.

    The party’s review of its election performance, undertaken by former party director Brian Loughnane and frontbencher Jane Hume, said: “In the top 15 seats by Chinese ancestry the swing against the Party (on a 2PP basis) was 6.6%, compared to 3.7% in other seats. There are more than 1.2 million people of Chinese heritage living in Australia today. Rebuilding the Party’s relationship with the Chinese community must be a priority during this term of Parliament.”

    Marginal Labor seats that are targets for the Liberals, where the Chinese vote is significant, include Reid and Bennelong in NSW and Chisholm and Aston in Victoria.

    Dutton (and the PM) will attend a Lunar New Year celebration in Box Hill in Melbourne this weekend.

    It’s notable that David Coleman, named by Dutton last weekend as the opposition’s new spokesman on foreign affairs, has worked extensively with the Chinese community. One of the contenders for the post was the high-performing James Paterson. There may have been stronger arguments for keeping Paterson in home affairs, but his very hawkish stand on China might have been in the mix.

    Talking up the positive side of the Coalition’s record on China, Dutton harked back to the signing of the free trade agreement under the Abbott government, and said “we want there to be mutual respect in the relationship”.

    Over its years in government the Coalition’s relationship with China has varied between pragmatic friendship and suspicious negativity. After relatively smooth sailing in the Abbott period, things soured when the Turnbull government called China out over foreign interference, introducing legislation, and banned Huawei from the 5G network. Then relations plunged dramatically when the Morrison government demanded an inquiry into the origins and handling of the outbreak of COVID in Wuhan.

    Despite Dutton’s confidence, it’s more than possible that managing the China relationship after the election could be trickier than it has been during this one, no matter who is in power.

    The Albanese government can claim the greatly-improved bilateral relationship as one of its major foreign policy achievements. China has brought Australia out of the deep freeze, lifting the $20 billion worth of trade barriers it had imposed. Dialogue and ministerial exchanges have resumed. Anthony Albanese has been welcomed in China.

    But this week’s speculation relating to the new Chinese artificial intelligence platform DeepSeek is just the latest reminder of perennial security suspicions about the penetration of Chinese technology.(Incidentally, Dutton has an account on the Chinese-owned TikTok – despite it being banned from official government devices – in part to engage with the local Chinese community, as well as with younger people generally.)

    Australia’s minerals industry is potentially vulnerable to Chinese displeasure. The Senate in the next fortnight will consider the government’s Future Made in Australia legislation, that provides a tax incentive for processing critical minerals. The Chinese have a global stranglehold on this processing – and have shown a willingness to weaponise it, for example against Japan. China’s multi-billion dollar funding of nickel processing in Indonesia has had a dire impact on producers here in Australia.

    The change of government in Australia certainly facilitated the improvement in the bilateral relationship, but that improvement was also strongly driven by China’s own interests. Similarly, the future of the relationship is more in China’s hands than in Australia’s.

    China expert Richard McGregor, from the Lowy Institute, says:“ Relations with China are inherently volatile.

    “The day-by-day relationships have returned to  a degree of normality. But all of the structural stresses which created antagonism are still there.”

    These include China’s “military assertiveness in the region, competition between  the US and China, Australia’s concern about foreign interference and hacking, China’s efforts to build their power in the Pacific at the expense of Australia. None of that has gone away,” McGregor says. The single biggest change of recent years “is that “China has become much more powerful and is far more willing to throw its weight around”.

    Separate to any hiccups in the bilateral relationship, Australia could find itself caught in the crossfire if there is a serious deterioration in the US-China relationship under Donald Trump – notably if his tariff policy leads to a trade war. Simon Jackman, from the University of Sydney, warns that if US policy hit the (already struggling) Chinese economy, that would affect Australian exporters.

    “US tariffs or import bans that slowed China’s economy would cause some short to medium headaches for Australian exporters,” Jackman says. “As in Trump Mark 1 and COVID, Australian export industries would find themselves looking for opportunities elsewhere, if global supply chains had to re-equilibrate in response to an upheaval in the US-China trade relationship.”

    Ironically, the earlier search for diversified markets when the Chinese imposed their restrictions on Australian producers would have helped prepare exporters for such a contingency.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: Dutton walks more softly on China, with election in mind – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-dutton-walks-more-softly-on-china-with-election-in-mind-248561

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK patients enabled access to transformative new medicines in shortest time possible via new, integrated Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.

    Full details have been published today of the refreshed UK-wide Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), that will offer a clearer, more streamlined and integrated process for developers to help get transformative new medicines to patients in the National Health Service (NHS) in the shortest time possible. 

    The new ILAP has been launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Health Technology Appraisal Bodies (the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)) and the NHS.  

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.   The ILAP was first launched in January 2021 to offer developers of promising new medicines a single platform to collaborate with the MHRA and the UK Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies to accelerate the time taken for innovative medicines to get to patients.  

    The UK life sciences ecosystem within which the ILAP sits has since evolved. In response to feedback from stakeholders and the recommendations of the Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review, ILAP partners have worked together to refresh the pathway.  

    The ambition of this new pathway is to support the rapid development of transformative medicines that can be introduced into the NHS to address unmet clinical needs for patients and healthcare professionals at the earliest opportunity, without compromising on standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. 

    The new ILAP will bring a number of key improvements compared to the original pathway, including: 

    • Involving the NHS as a core partner, focused on operational planning and system preparedness for the introduction of innovative new medicines into the NHS for the benefit of patients. 

    • Better quality bespoke services through more selective entry and dialogue between the ILAP partner organisations and the developers. 

    • Predictable delivery timelines enabling developers to plan more effectively and engage with ILAP more productively.  

    • Early interaction with patients and the NHS to facilitate smoother routes for routine access and system-wide adoption. 

    • A single point of contact provided for each product. 

    • Future proofing to help accelerate access to transformational products by including support for drug-device combinations. 

     The ILAP partners will be taking an iterative approach, allowing the pathway to be refined, adapted and improved over time in response to an evolving life sciences landscape, and patient and stakeholder feedback.  

    Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive said:  

    “It is exciting now to share the full details of the refreshed ILAP, which will help to get transformative medicines to the NHS more quickly.   

    “This new ILAP is clearer, more streamlined and joined up than its predecessor, making the UK a more attractive place to develop and launch innovative products and, most importantly, helping to get transformative medicines to the patients who need them in the shortest possible time. 

    “This is a great example of how collaboration with our healthcare partners, industry and patients can help us refine and refresh our services and deliver world-leading services for the benefit of public health.” 

    Fiona Bride, NHS England’s Interim Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Medicines Value and Access, said:   

    “NHS England is delighted to be a core partner in the new Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway, which will accelerate cutting-edge medicines into the hands of frontline NHS clinicians for the benefit of their patients. 

    “We are committed to collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry and other healthcare system partners to take the opportunity this world-first end-to-end medicines pathway creates, strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in medical innovation.” 

    Professor James Coulson, AWTTC Clinical Director said: 

    “AWTTC are delighted to continue its collaboration with our ILAP partners and look forward to working together on the refreshed pathway. 

    “ILAP has the potential to deliver timely, effective, and innovative medicines to our patients. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to ensure these goals are achieved.” 

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of NICE said:  

    “The launch of this revised offer marks a significant milestone for the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP).

    “As an organisation committed to getting the best care to people fast, we welcome any initiative that helps developers get transformative medicines into the NHS. The collaboration between partner organisations, industry and patients has really helped shape this new offer, and so we look forward to continuing this close working and delivering the ambitions of the ILAP.” 

    Dr Scott Muir, SMC Chair said: 

    “SMC is pleased to be an active participant in the ILAP, representing the NHS in Scotland. 

    “We will continue to work together with our ILAP partners to enable clinically and cost effective, new and innovative medicines to reach patients more quickly.” 

    Dr Richard Torbett the CEO from ABPI said: 

    “The ABPI is pleased to see the launch of the new ILAP offer which we hope will result in the delivery of rapid integration of the most innovative new medicines, through a synergised path from regulation, HTA and subsequent NHS adoption.

    “The principles that underpin ILAP have broader application for a strong UK life sciences ecosystem. The ABPI stands ready to support the development of measurable markers of success and to actively contribute to the plans to evolve the pathway in the future.” 

    To be eligible for the ILAP, applicants must submit medicines that have not yet entered their confirmatory trial, which will give more opportunity to benefit from the support offered within the pathway.  

    Entry to the ILAP is open to both commercial or non-commercial developers (UK based or global) and will open to new applications in March 2025. 

    Further information about the ILAP and how to apply can be found on the MHRA website.

    Notes to editors 

    The ILAP is a UK-wide initiative, comprising the following partners: 

    Supporting partners include: 

    • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) 

    • Department of Health Northern Ireland 

    • National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) 

    • Office for Life Sciences (OLS) 

    • Scottish Government 

    • Welsh Government

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to cause immense civilian suffering in Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador Holland condemns the civilian suffering caused by Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and indiscriminate attacks on cities.

    Thank you, Mr. Chair.  It has been six weeks since the Council last discussed this agenda item.  During these six weeks, regrettably, Russia has continued the same pattern of behaviour we have seen for almost three years.  A pattern of behaviour that is indefensible and inconsistent with Russia’s international commitments, including under the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the Helsinki Final Act.

    On 25 December, a day of significance for many Christians in Ukraine, Russia launched a massive missile attack against energy infrastructure, killing an energy worker, and leaving hundreds of thousands in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions without heating for days.

    Ukrainians had to endure 13 widescale missile attacks against their energy infrastructure in 2024. Not only has this threatened civilian access to power, water and heating over winter, but by targeting transmission equipment critical to the safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, Russia has posed serious threats to nuclear safety as well.

    We have already seen the first such attack of 2025, with Russia hitting sites primarily in the west of Ukraine, including gas storage facilities on 15 January.

    The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that these attacks on energy infrastructure constituted the war crime of excessive incidental civilian harm and potentially a crime against humanity.

    It is not just these attacks that raise serious concerns about Russia’s respect for its obligations under international humanitarian law.  The UN has also raised concerns about Russia’s indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population.

    During our recess, on 8 January, a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia city caused the highest number of civilian casualties from a single incident for almost two years.  Two Russian glide bombs struck a crowd outside an industrial facility, killing 13 civilians and injuring 110.  The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said: “It was entirely foreseeable that using such weapons in a city during the day would result in significant civilian casualties … It is hard to see how this attack could be in compliance with the obligation to minimise civilian harm.”

    The UN estimates that there have been more than 30,000 civilian casualties since the Russian state launched its unprovoked war.  Approximately 10,500 killed and more than 20,000 injured.  These are a conservative estimate.  The true figure is likely far higher.

    2024 was a difficult year for Ukraine with attacks against the civilian population and its energy infrastructure.  And Russia has started 2025 in the same vein.  And just as we did in 2024, the UK will stand with Ukraine in 2025 and beyond. This unbreakable bond was formalised earlier this month through the signing of a landmark UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership.  We will continue to give political, economic, military and moral support to ensure Ukraine prevails, to secure the lasting peace that the Ukrainian people deserve and the security that our continent demands.  Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Weight-loss without the sickness? Scientists seek to bypass popular obesity drug’s side effects How to harness the potential of weight-loss drugs without some of the unwelcome side-effects is the subject of a £1.2 million research project getting underway at the Rowett Institute and University College London.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Lora HeislerHow to harness the potential of weight-loss drugs without some of the unwelcome side-effects is the subject of a £1.2 million research project getting underway at the Rowett Institute and University College London.
    Semaglutide, which acts in the brain to reduce food intake, has fast become one of the most effective pharmaceutical weapons in the global battle against obesity.
    GLP1-based obesity medicines are the subject of intense public debate as governments seek to harness their public health potential.
    But semaglutide’s positive impact on weight loss is sometimes offset by nausea and vomiting, which can reduce its benefits by putting patients off sticking to a course of treatment.
    Now a team led by Professor Lora Heisler of the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute and Professor Stefan Trapp at UCL  – funded by the Medical Research Council – will spend three years identifying where semaglutide acts in the brain to influence specific aspects of food intake such as meal size, healthier food choices, delaying digestion and dampening the “feel-good” food effect, and also where it acts to produce the unpleasant nausea side effects.
    The project will involve careful statistical analysis of the resulting data by research colleagues from Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS).
    Answering these questions will fill large gaps in our current understanding of precisely how the drug works.

    We can only now do these types of studies because of the latest technological advances, and we expect our results will provide the blueprint to develop even better obesity medications in the future.” Professor Lora Heisler

    Professor Heisler’s laboratory at the Rowett Institute recently identified a cluster of brain cells that can be harnessed to reduce food intake and body weight – without the nausea, the common side effect of this class of obesity medicines.
    Speaking about the new project, Professor Heisler said: “There is huge interest in how the brain targets of semaglutide (Wegovy) and similar drugs such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) could be switched on in a slightly different or more targeted way. Drugs that can do this could work better, have effects that last longer and produce specific therapeutic obesity treatment benefits without the nausea side effect.
    “This research could also lead to new drugs that are produced as pills instead of injectables, thereby reducing costs and increasing availability.
    “We can only now do these types of studies because of the latest technological advances, and we expect our results will provide the blueprint to develop even better obesity medications in the future. “
    Professor Trapp added: “While semaglutide and similar drugs have been very effective in helping people with diabetes and show much promise in helping people to lose weight, we still do not know that much about how exactly they work in the brain.
    “My lab has done extensive research for years into the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the brain, which semaglutide targets, so we hope by mapping out the drug’s mechanism more precisely, we will be able to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: AfDB and WFP support families affected by flooding in Cameroon’s Far North

    Source: World Food Programme

    YAOUNDE –The Government of Cameroon and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcome a US$ 1 million contribution from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support 42,000 people affected by the 2024 floods in Cameroon’s Far North region.

    “The African Development Bank is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Cameroon’s flood response efforts,” said Serge N’Guessan, African Development Bank Director General for Central Africa Region. “By partnering with the Government and WFP, we ensure that those affected by the floods receive the assistance they need while also setting the stage for long-term recovery.

    Between July and October 2024, devastating floods caused by heavy rains affected over 450,000 people, destroying over 85,000 hectares of farmland and many homes. Over 5,000 livestock also died, the majority in Diamare, Mayo-Danay, Mayo-Kani, Mayo-Tsanaga and Logone-et-Chari divisions. This climate shock exacerbates food insecurity in a region already in the grips of a dire humanitarian situation due to ongoing conflict, population displacements, and rising food prices. Since July 2024, high food prices have soared by 20–30%, leaving many families in rural areas unable to meet their food and nutrition needs.

    With the AfDB funding, WFP in close collaboration with the Government of Cameroon is providing general food distributions comprised of cereals, vegetable oil and salt to the most affected families enabling them to meet their immediate food and nutrition needs for one month.  WFP will also distribute fortified cereal to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children aged 6 to 59 months to address acute malnutrition.

    “The devastating floods in Cameroon’s Far North Region are a stark reminder of how the impacts of climate change are worsening, sparing no one and calling for a coordinated action,” said Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development. “With support from partners like AfDB, WFP, and other development Partners, we are addressing immediate food needs while paving the way for a resilient recovery. The Government of Cameroon is committed to ensure assistance reaches those in need and prioritizing anticipatory actions to better prepare for future crisis.”

    The Far North region of Cameroon is characterized by high rates of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), reaching 2.9%, exceeding the World Health Organisation emergency threshold of 2%. Chronic malnutrition also remains a concern in the region, with an alarming rate of 49.2% among internally displaced people.

    “WFP is committed to supporting families affected by floods and the growing food insecurity in Cameroon’s Far North Region,” said Gianluca Ferrera, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Cameroon. “With AfDB’s contribution, many will be reached with lifesaving assistance; however, the scale of the crisis demands more than emergency response”. 

    To ensure continued lifesaving assistance to crisis-affected people in Cameroon through July 2025, WFP requires US$ 48.7 million.

    #           #                #

    About WFP: 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @WFP_Cameroon

    About AfDB:

    The African Development Bank (AfDB), a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to promoting economic development and social progress in Africa, is a long-term partner of its member states, providing unwavering assistance during and aftermath emergencies. Its objectives align with WFP’s goals in Cameroon, focusing on poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Four diseases you have probably never heard of

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    In the most remote places in the world, people are daily battling diseases that many people may never have heard of. Called neglected tropical diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognises 20 such conditions. They’re called neglected diseases because diagnostics and treatments for them are overlooked by governments, pharmaceutical companies, and philanthropists.

    In Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) projects, from South Sudan to Nigeria, and Ethiopia to Honduras, these diseases are hard to neglect. Our teams see how they are distressing, disfiguring, and stigmatising for people who are infected. Here are four neglected tropical diseases we see in communities we serve, and what can be done to prevent, control, eliminate, and eradicate them.

    1. Noma

    In the extreme northwest of Nigeria, an MSF team works with the Ministry of Health at the Sokoto noma hospital – a place where noma patients can receive treatment, reconstructive surgery, and mental health support away from stigma. Noma is a disease that disfigures the people it infects, and it can be fatal for 90 per cent of children who contract it.

    Noma begins as ulcers in the mouth that quickly turn gangrenous, eating away at facial tissue. If antibiotics are used early enough, noma is completely treatable. That’s why our project also focuses on community outreach activities, as awareness and prevention measures.

    Noma is the newest neglected tropical disease recognised by WHO. It was added to the official list in December 2023 after years of advocacy from noma survivors and people who support them. While we hope that the addition of noma to the list will mean more investment into understanding, preventing, and treating the disease, new developments are yet to be seen. Insights into noma will be a game changer for the estimated 140,000 people who are infected every year. 

    2. Schistosomiasis

    Schistosomiasis gets its common name, snail fever, because it is caused by a parasite in snails. These snails live in freshwater, making people who live near lakes and rivers susceptible to the disease. Schistosomiasis is found in tropical and subtropical countries around the world, but in South Sudan, the highest prevalence of the disease is in Jonglei state, where MSF runs a hospital in the remote town of Old Fangak.

    Old Fangak is subject to frequent and extreme flooding, and our teams suspect that many women and girls there are suffering from an advanced form of schistosomiasis, female genital schistosomiasis. Many of the interventions for the disease are preventive, and a vaccine is even in the early stages of development. But this is little comfort for people who have already been infected. People with female genital schistosomiasis have debilitating inflammation, and the disease can turn into cancer. In Old Fangak, we are working to ensure women and girls are accurately diagnosed and provided with the best treatment. 

    3. Visceral leishmaniasis

    Visceral leishmaniasis is also called kala azar (‘black fever’ in Hindi), and is most commonly found in Brazil, across East Africa, and in India. We’ve been treating visceral leishmaniasis for decades in Ethiopia. People infected with this neglected tropical disease will have their tissue attacked by a parasite, which is transmitted through the bites of sandflies. Initial mild symptoms – often mistaken for other diseases – develop into a prolonged fever, enlarged spleen, anaemia, and substantial weight loss. Without treatment, it can quickly become fatal.

    Thankfully, there is a cure. A combination of two drugs injected daily for 17 days can save an infected person’s life. Timely diagnosis and access to the drugs remain a challenge in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, but continued advocacy has made progress in the last few years.

    4. Sleeping sickness

    In the last 25 years, there has been a 97 per cent reduction in the number of people suffering from sleeping sickness, also known as human African trypanosomiasis. This neglected disease, caused by parasites from tsetse fly bites, was eliminated in Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Uganda, and Chad in 2024. Now, Guinea also joins the list of countries that have eliminated sleeping sickness.

    The parasites that cause sleeping sickness attack the brain and spinal cord, leaving infected people to eventually fall into a coma. Without treatment, it’s fatal. Before the 1970s, the only available treatment, derived from arsenic, killed one in 20 people. Today, thanks to the work of our partner organisation Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, there is a simple and safe oral treatment. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Payments statistics: first half of 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    30 January 2025

    The European Central Bank (ECB) today published statistics on non-cash payments for the first half of 2024.[2]The statistics comprise indicators on access to and use of payment services, payment cards and terminals by the public, as well as volumes and values of transactions processed through retail and large-value payment systems. This press release focuses on developments in the euro area as a whole, although statistics are also published for all euro area countries as well as non-euro area reporting countries. EU and euro area aggregates are also published.[3]

    Payment services[4]

    In the first half of 2024, the total number of non-cash payment transactions[5] in the euro area increased by 7.4% to 72.1 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding total value increased by 1.9% to €113.5 trillion. Card payments accounted for 56% of the total number of transactions, while credit transfers accounted for 22%, direct debits for 15% and e-money payments for 6%. The remaining 1% comprised cheques, money remittances and other payment services (see annex, Table 1).

    Chart 1

    Use of the main payment services in the euro area

    (number of transactions in billions, graph on the right-hand-side refers to half-yearly data)

    Source: ECB.
    Note: Data have been partially estimated for periods prior to 2010, as methodological changes were implemented in those years and some data are not directly available. The historical estimations done by the ECB ensure comparability of figures over the entire period. Statistics were also collected for cheques, money remittances and other payment services which together accounted for 1% of the total number of non-cash euro area payment transactions in the first half of 2024.

    Data on payment services

    Card payments

    In the first half of 2024 the number of card payments within the euro area increased by 10.3% to 40.1 billion compared with the first half of 2023. The corresponding total value of card payments rose by 7.0% to €1.5 trillion, reflecting an average value of around €39 per transaction. The split in the share of remote and non-remote[6] transactions in the total number of card payments was 18% to 82%, while the split in terms of value was 28% to 72%. The number of contactless card payments initiated at a physical electronic funds transfer point of sale terminal increased by 13.2% to 25.8 billion compared with the first half of 2023, with the corresponding total value rising by 13.1% to €0.7 trillion. As a result, their share in the total number of non-remote card payments accounted for 79%, while the corresponding share in terms of value was 62%. At the national level, Lithuania continued to have the largest share of card payments as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 78% (see annex, Table 2).

    Credit transfers[7]

    In the first half of 2024 the number of credit transfers within the euro area increased by 7.7% to 15.7 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding total value increased by 1.7% to €105.2 trillion. As higher-value payments are usually made by credit transfer[8], they accounted for 93% of the total value of non-cash payments. The ratio of transactions initiated electronically to those initiated using paper forms was around 16 to 1, while in terms of value the ratio was around 12 to 1. At the national level, Latvia had the largest share of credit transfers as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 37% (see annex, Table 2).

    Direct debits

    In the first half of 2024 the number of direct debits within the euro area increased by 2.7% to 11.0 billion compared with the first half of 2023, and the corresponding total value rose by 5.8% to €5.3 trillion. Of the total number of direct debits, those with an electronic mandate accounted for 12% whereas those with consent given in other forms accounted for 88%, while in terms of value the split was 13% to 87%. At the national level, Germany continued to have the largest share of direct debits as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 32% (see annex, Table 2).

    E-money payments

    In the first half of 2024 the number of e-money payment transactions within the euro area declined by 2.7% to 4.2 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding value rose by 6.6% to €0.3 trillion. Of the total number of e-money payment transactions, those made with e-money accounts accounted for 91% whereas those made with cards on which e-money can be stored accounted for 9%, while in terms of value the split was 88% to 12%.

    Cards and accepting devices

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the number of cards with a payment function[9] had increased by 4.4% to 720.6 million compared with the number at the end of the first half of 2023. With a total euro area population of around 352 million, this implies an average of two payment cards per euro area inhabitant.

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the total number of automated teller machines (ATMs) in the euro area had decreased by 3.0% to around 260.9 thousand compared with the number at the end of the first half of 2023. Of these, 30% accepted contactless transactions.

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the total number of point of sale (POS) terminals had increased by 10.1% to around 20.8 million[10] compared with the corresponding number at the end of the first half of 2023. Of these terminals, 86% accepted contactless transactions.

    Payment systems[11]

    Retail payment systems

    Retail payment systems located in the euro area handle mainly payments that are made by individuals and businesses, with a relatively low value and high volume overall.

    In the first half of 2024, 34 retail payment systems within the euro area processed around 52.1 billion transactions with a combined value of €25.1 trillion. Instant credit transfers accounted for 15% of the total number and for 4% of the total value of credit transfer transactions processed by euro area retail payment systems.

    Retail payment systems located in the euro area differ significantly in terms of type, size and geographical scope of transactions they process. The three largest systems (MCMS[12], STEP2-T[13] and CORE in France) processed 64% of the volume and 62% of the value of all transactions processed by the retail payment systems located in the euro area in the first half of 2024.

    Chart 2

    Main retail payment systems located in the euro area, values and numbers of transactions processed in the first half of 2024

    (value of transactions in EUR trillions and number of transactions in billions)

    Source: ECB.

    Data on retail payment systems

    Large-value payment systems

    Large-value payment systems are designed primarily to process large-value and/or high-priority payments made between system participants for their own account or on behalf of their customers. 

    In the first half of 2024, large-value payment systems located in the euro area settled 72.0 million payments with a total value of €222.5 trillion in euro payments, with T2 and EURO1/STEP1 being the two main systems.[14]

    Chart 3

    Main large-value payment systems located in the euro area, values and numbers of transactions processed in the first half of 2024

    (value of transactions in EUR trillions and number of transactions in millions)

    Source: ECB.

    Data on large-value payment systems

    Notes:

    • The full set of payment statistics can be downloaded from the ECB Data Portal (EDP). The EDP also includes interactive dashboards supporting data visualization. Detailed methodological information, including a list of all data definitions, is available under “Payment services and large-value and retail payment systems” in the “Statistics” section of the ECB’s website.
    • The methodological and reporting framework for payments statistics was enhanced to take progressive developments in the payments market and related changes in the legal framework in Europe into account. The enhanced reporting requirements, which came into effect on 1 January 2022, are set out in Regulation ECB/2020/59 amending Regulation ECB/2013/43 on payments statistics and in Guideline ECB/2021/13 on reporting requirements on payments statistics. In addition, the Manual on payments statistics reporting is available on the ECB’s website.
    • Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release and in annex tables lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data at the time of the current release. Unless otherwise indicated, statistics referring to the euro area cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Panelists at an OSCE workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation in Tirana, 28 January 2025. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi) Photo details

    The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation on 28 and 29 January 2025 in Tirana.
    The event brought together key institutions involved in asset recovery including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, district prosecutors and judges, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Albanian State Police, and the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets. The participants engaged in discussions on international good practices and examined case studies.
    Strengthening the application of extended confiscation mechanisms ensures that crime does not go unpunished and that the recovery of illegal assets is effective, while extended confiscation is a powerful mechanism in disrupting criminal activity as it allows authorities to confiscate assets beyond those that are direct proceeds of crime.
    In his opening remarks, Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania emphasized the critical role of asset recovery in combating organized crime and corruption. “Through this workshop, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of extended confiscation and asset recovery processes, strengthen institutional collaboration and provide participants with practical tools to enhance their efforts in combating transnational organized crime,” he said.
    Prosecutor General Olsian Çela highlighted that support to the asset recovery efforts in Albania is a further step in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Co-operation signed between his Office and the OSCE.
    The workshop was conducted as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE Region,” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: SHIELD V: Over 3.4 million pills seized in Operation Targeting Counterfeit Medicines

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no 3/2025
    PDF version 

    Over 3.4 million pills have been seized as part of Operation SHIELD V, in which the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has played an essential coordinating role.  This annual operation targets the misuse and distribution of counterfeit medicines, doping substances, illegal food or sports supplements, and counterfeit COVID-19 medical supplies. 

    In its fifth consecutive year, OLAF facilitated the efforts of the Member States customs authorities in ensuring the integrity of the European market. The coordinated actions of the customs authorities resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit goods, including: 3,4 million pills, over 59.000 packages (sachets, sprays, packs, pens), 1,510 vials (ampoules, flasks) and 272 pieces of medical devices. 

    Joint Effort across 14 Member States

    Operation SHIELD V included the active involvement of customs authorities from 12 EU Member States, namely Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. This collaborative effort was further supported by relevant rights holders, ensuring that counterfeit goods were accurately identified and swiftly intercepted. 

    “Traffickers recklessly jeopardise people’s health to turn a quick profit, a reality we cannot ignore. To protect European citizens, cooperation is essential. By combining efforts, OLAF, Europol, and national customs authorities have safeguarded European consumers from dangerous health products,” said Ville Itälä, Director General of OLAF. 

    Operation SHIELD continues to exemplify the importance of coordinated action in tackling illegal activities that endanger public health and undermine legitimate businesses. OLAF’s role ensures that these threats are met with a unified and effective response, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of citizens across the European Union.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, pleaseleave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Children’s Mile set to return to War Memorial Park

    Source: City of Coventry

    The highly anticipated Children’s Mile is returning to Coventry’s War Memorial Park this summer.

    The event is set to offer thousands of local school children an exciting opportunity to get active and enjoy the outdoors.

    This inclusive event that will take place on Sunday 22 June features a fully accessible, one-mile route designed to encourage participation from students, teachers and staff from schools across Coventry.

    With 1000’s of students expected to take part, the Children’s Mile promotes a fun and supporting environment where participants can choose to walk, jog, or run the route at their own pace.

    Each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a certificate to celebrate their achievement.

    By encouraging schools, families and the local community to come together, the Children’s Mile encourages healthy habits while showcasing the importance of staying active and enjoying one of Coventry’s beautiful parks.

    Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that the Children’s Mile is returning this summer. This event is open to all young people across the city.

    “Initiatives like this are fantastic for our young people, offering an inclusive opportunity to get active while exploring the city’s fantastic War Memorial Park.

    “I’m excited to see as many schools as possible participating in this year’s mile and helping to inspire a love for physical activity as we prepare for yet another fantastic summer of sport in Coventry.”

    Coventry’s School Games Organisers, Danny Kingham and Stuart Davoile, added: “We’re incredibly excited for this year’s Children’s Mile. Our goal is to have more schools than ever participate in this fantastic initiative, which is open to all primary schools all over the city.

    “We encourage students and staff at our schools to join in and take part in the one-mile route. We also want to see as many parents and supporters there as possible, cheering on the children.”

    Detailed entry information and the registration system will be available after February half-term.

    If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at covsport@coventry.gov.uk.

    Stay up to date with information on Coventry Children’s Mile over on the Sport Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –