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Blog

  • MIL-OSI: Voters Express Growing Concerns About Deepfake Technology Ahead of 2024 Elections: Global Survey Reveals Rising Fears

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, a new survey by Regula, a global leader in identity verification solutions, reveals growing voter concerns about hyper-realistic fake content. Many respondents worry that deepfakes could manipulate public opinion, undermine trust in the media, and jeopardize the integrity of election results.

    Given the evolution of AI-generated content into highly sophisticated tools of deception, voters and institutions feel uncertain about the upcoming wave of fake news.

    Image: Regula’s Deepfake Trends study reveals growing fears as deepfakes threaten to distort our perception of reality

    Key highlights from the new “Deepfake Trends 2024” survey include:

    • 33% of U.S. respondents say the media is most at risk from deepfakes, fearing fake news reports and interviews that could mislead the public.
    • 28% of Americans and 34% of Germans worry that deepfakes could directly manipulate political elections, spreading fabricated content designed to influence voter behavior.
    • In Mexico, a stunning 48% of people believe their media is vulnerable to deepfake corruption, the highest among surveyed nations.
    • The threat isn’t limited to elections—35% of U.S. respondents fear that AI-generated content could disrupt courtrooms with fake evidence, a concern shared by 27% of Germans.
    • Interestingly, for Singapore, which recently passed a law banning digitally manipulated content of candidates during elections, the largest concern about deepfakes lies in Healthcare. 35% of respondents worry that deepfakes could impersonate medical professionals or spread false medical advice, potentially leading to harmful health outcomes.
    • In the United Arab Emirates, the biggest concern (34% of respondents) is the use of deepfakes to create fake social media posts, messages, or videos, which could damage personal reputations and relationships.

    “We’ve reached a tipping point where voters and institutions alike can no longer trust what they see or hear. Deepfakes are becoming so sophisticated that we must equip ourselves with the tools and skills needed to detect and combat this new wave of disinformation. It’s crucial to remember that when overwhelmed by information, we often switch to autopilot, making us more vulnerable to manipulation. That’s why building digital literacy is essential—always question what you see, double-check before sharing, and protect your personal data. Strengthen your online security and stay informed on the latest AI developments—this is how we safeguard ourselves,” says Henry Patishman, Executive VP of Identity Verification Solutions at Regula.

    Find more insights on deepfake fraud and businesses in the survey report. Read the full version on our website.

    *The research was initiated by Regula and conducted by Sapio Research in August 2024 using an online survey of 575 business decision-makers across the Financial Services (including Traditional Banking and FinTech), Crypto, Technology, Telecommunications, Aviation, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement sectors. The respondent geography included Germany, Mexico, the UAE, the US, and Singapore.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at http://www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:

    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fcf6b3b-4ff4-404b-b2be-b36d7925a403

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: FTC Solar to Supply Approximately 1GW of Projects for Sandhills Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, and Sandhills Energy (“Sandhills”) announced today that FTC will be supplying its innovative 1P Pioneer trackers for 1 gigawatt of projects over three sites.

    The projects include a 448-megawatt project in Burt County, Nebraska, a 320-megawatt project in Cass County, Nebraska, both about 50 miles outside of Omaha, and the previously announced 225-megawatt project in Butler County, Nebraska.

    “We’re pleased to have selected FTC Solar for these key projects, based on their innovative and differentiated 1P tracker technology and strong support of our objectives,” said Eric Johnson, President of Sandhills Energy. “The high-density design is a major benefit for our projects. These three projects are expected to be among the largest to be built in Nebraska, supporting the growth of renewables in our home state. FTC has proven to be a very strong partner for us.”

    Yann Brandt, FTC Solar’s President and CEO, commented, “We’re looking forward to supporting these projects with our Pioneer 1P tracker and continuing to grow our relationship with Sandhills Energy. Market interest in Pioneer continues to grow, driven by key features such as its fast assembly time, high energy density, reduced pile count, and shorter embedment depth.”

    Tracker delivery in support of these projects is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and continue into the fourth quarter of 2026.

    The aggregate value of these projects was included in the contracted portion of the backlog disclosed on August 8, 2024.

    About FTC Solar Inc.
    Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a leading provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

    Sandhills Energy, LLC
    Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company based in Nebraska and Iowa. Founded in 2012, the company has extensive commercial, municipal and utility generation experience from project identification through development, engineering, construction, and operations. Sandhills Energy is rapidly expanding its presence across the Midwest and beyond to support its multi-gigawatt renewables development pipeline.

    FTC Solar Investor Contact:
    Bill Michalek 
    Vice President, Investor Relations 
    FTC Solar
    T: (737) 241-8618
    E: IR@FTCSolar.com

    Sandhills Energy Contact:
    Raphael Martinez
    Director, Business Relations
    Sandhills Energy
    T: (219) 895-1028
    E: rmartinez@sandhillsenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  In addition, this press release contains statements about third parties and their commercial activity.  We have not independently verified or confirmed such statements and have instead relied on the veracity of information as provided to us by such third parties related to such statements.  You should not rely on our forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities because of several factors, including those described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained therein. FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: 4BIO Capital leads oversubscribed $28.4 million Series A financing of March Biosciences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    March Bio is rapidly advancing its innovative autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, MB-105, in development for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphoma.

    Series A was led by 4BIO Capital and Mission BioCapital with participation from KdT Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, Volnay Therapeutics, Modi Ventures, and Mansueto Investments.

    London, United Kingdom, 23 October 2024 – 4BIO Capital (“4BIO” or “the Group”), an international venture capital firm unlocking the treatments of the future by investing in advanced therapies and other emerging technologies, today announces that it has led a $28.4 million (£21.9 million) Series A Financing round of March Biosciences (“March Bio” or the “Company”).

    4BIO led the oversubscribed round alongside Mission BioCapital with participation from new investors KdT Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, Volnay Therapeutics, Modi Ventures and Mansueto Investments and existing investors TMC Venture Fund, Cancer Focus Fund and Small Ventures.

    Since its inception as a spinout of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital), March Bio has rapidly advanced its innovative autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, MB-105, in development for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphoma. MB-105 is specifically engineered to overcome major hurdles related to T-cell targeting by overcoming T-cell fratricide while maintaining high potency against CD5 positive tumor cells. MB-105 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and durable remissions in relapsed T-cell lymphoma patients in a Phase 1 clinical trial at Baylor College of Medicine, with plans to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial in early 2025. Proceeds from the financing will support the Phase 2 clinical development of MB-105 to expand on this data with optimized manufacturing processes.

    Owen Smith, Partner of 4BIO Capital, said, “For far too long, T-cell cancers have been an innovation desert with patients facing a dismal prognosis. March Bio’s innovative autologous CAR-T approach brings patients new hope. MB-105 is specifically engineered for relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphomas and I am delighted that this targeted approach combined with the incredible team led by Sarah is moving rapidly into Phase 2 to bring this exciting new treatment to patients. We are honored to be a co-lead investor in March Bio and to help support the company as it continues in its mission to bring transformative therapies to those in urgent need.”

    Sarah Hein, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of March Biosciences, added, “This oversubscribed financing enables us to advance our first-in-class CAR-T therapy, MB-105, into a Phase 2 trial for T-cell lymphoma – an indication with an exceptionally poor prognosis and few treatment options. With the support and confidence of 4BIO and all of our investors, we are not only advancing our lead program but also expanding our pipeline, underscoring our commitment to delivering best-in-class therapies to patients that can change the treatment paradigm for these challenging cancers.”

    Owen Smith of 4BIO Capital and Cassidy Blundell of Mission BioCapital will be joining March Bio’s Board of Directors. The financing will also provide resources for the ongoing development of undisclosed pipeline products, as well as for general corporate proceeds.

    – End –

    Contacts

    4BIO Capital +44 (0) 203 427 5500
    info@4biocapital.com
       
    ICR Consilium
    Amber Fennell, Kris Lam, Jonathan Edwards
    +44 (0)20 3709 5700
    4biocapital@consilium-comms.com

    About 4BIO Capital

    4BIO Capital (“4BIO”) is an international venture capital firm focused on investing in advanced therapies, including genomic medicines and other emerging technologies, to unlock the treatments of the future. 4BIO’s objective is to invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space. For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn and X @4biocapital and visit http://www.4biocapital.com.

    About March Biosciences

    Houston-based March Biosciences, launched from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital), is dedicated to addressing challenging cancers unresponsive to current immunotherapies. Its lead asset, MB-105, is a CD5-targeted CAR-T cell therapy currently in Phase 1 trials in patients with refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia, with promising signals of efficacy and safety to date. A Phase 2 trial is expected to begin next early year. The company has raised over $50M to date, inclusive of this current financing and support from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and the NIH SBIR program. Learn more at http://www.march.bio.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore Sets Up a State-of-the-Art Linguistics Lab focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Jointly with Garden City University, Bangalore

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung R&D Institute India – Bangalore (SRI-B) has collaborated with Garden City University (GCU), Bangalore to set up a ‘Samsung Student Ecosystem for Engineered Data (SEED) Lab’, providing students and faculty an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of AI/ML and data engineering.
     
    At the lab, students and faculty members of GCU will get hands-on experience through joint projects on emerging cutting-edge tech areas such as Natural Language Understanding, Speech and Text recognition and Machine Learning, with senior engineers at SRI-B.
     
    Samsung has already launched four SEED labs – two each in Karnataka and in Tamil Nadu (VIT- Vellore & VIT- Chennai) earlier, engaging more than 400 students in AI and data-related projects.
     
    “We’re at a time when technology is evolving faster than ever. We are collaborating with the local ecosystem where we strive to develop talent and upskill Indian engineers / linguists, to not only make them industry-ready, but also become the game changers of the future. Our strategic partnership with Garden City University will further advance our efforts and explore new opportunities in creating innovative products for India”, said Mohan Rao Goli, Chief Technology Officer, SRI-B.
     
    The Lab at GCU plans to leverage the capabilities of Linguists in executing AI and Multi-lingual, data-centric projects by building an end-to-end pipeline for data, which includes Text/Speech Data generation in global languages, engineering (curation, labelling, and more), data management and archival.
     
    “Collaboration with industries is crucial for universities to produce the workforce and innovators of the future. Our partnership with Samsung through the SEED (Student Ecosystem for Engineered Data) program aligns perfectly with the ethos of Garden City University. I am confident that this collaboration will greatly benefit our students while also strengthening Samsung’s industry-academia relationships. This marks a significant step forward for both parties”, shared Dr. Joseph V.G., Chancellor, Garden City University.
     
    The SEED Lab, which is a collaborative initiative between SRI-B and GCU for 5 years, is spread across 1,500 sq ft. In its initial phase, the Lab has been equipped with state-of-the-art Infrastructure for the Students to collaborate with Samsung in generating datasets. The lab also has a robust backend infrastructure to store, process, and archive large volumes of data, and can accommodate about 30 people.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Kanak leader Christian Tein’s jailing in France overturned in new legal twist

    Asia Pacific Report

    France’s Supreme Court has overturned a judgment imprisoning pretrial in mainland France Kanak pro-independence leader Christian Tein, who is widely regarded as a political prisoner, reports Libération.

    Tein, who is head of the CCAT (Field Action Coordination Unit) in New Caledonia was in August elected president of the main pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).

    He has been accused by the French authorities of “masterminding” the violence that spread across New Caledonia in May.

    The deadly unrest is estimated to have caused €2.2 billion (NZ$3.6 billion) in infrastructural damage, resulting in the destruction of nearly 800 businesses and about 20,000 job losses.

    In this new legal twist, the jailing in mainland France of Tein and another activist, Steve Unë, was ruled “invalid” by the court.

    “On Tuesday, October 22, the Court of Cassation in Paris overturned the July 5 ruling of the investigating chamber of the Noumea Court of Appeal, which had confirmed his detention in mainland France,” reports NC la 1ère TV.

    “The Kanak independence activist, imprisoned in Mulhouse since June, will soon have to appear before a judge again who will decide his fate,” the report said.

    Kanak activists’ cases reviewed
    The court examined the appeal of five Kanak pro-independence activists — including Tein – who had challenged their detention in mainland France on suspicion of having played a role in the unrest in New Caledonia, reports RFI News.

    This appeal considered in particular “the decision by the judges in Nouméa to exile the defendants without any adversarial debate, and the conditions under which the transfer was carried out,” according to civil rights attorney François Roux, one of the defendants’ lawyers.

    “Many of them are fathers, cut off from their children,” the lawyer said.

    The transfer of five activists to mainland France at the end of June was organised overnight using a specially chartered plane, according to Nouméa public prosecutor Yves Dupas, who has argued that it was necessary to continue the investigations “in a calm manner”.

    Roux has denounced the “inhumane conditions” in which they were transported.

    “They were strapped to their seats and handcuffed throughout the transfer, even to go to the toilet, and they were forbidden to speak,” he said.

    Left-wing politicians in France have also slammed the conditions of detainees, who they underline were deported more than 17,000 km from their home for resisting “colonial oppression”.

    Another legal twist over arrested Kanaks . . . Christian Tein wins Supreme Court appeal. Image: APR screenshot Libération

    Total of seven accused
    A total of seven activists from the CCAT separatist coalition are accused by the French government of orchestrating deadly riots earlier this year and are currently incarcerated – the five in various prisons in France and two in New Caledonia itself.

    They are under investigation for, among other things, complicity in attempted murder, organised gang theft with a weapon, organised gang destruction of another person’s property by a means dangerous to people and participation in a criminal association with a view to planning a crime.

    Two CCAT activists who were initially imprisoned have since been placed under house arrest in mainland France.

    Tein, born in 1968, has consistently denied having incited violence, claiming to be a political prisoner.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christian Hamann, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The Gauteng City-Region, which has long been South Africa’s economic engine, is in decline. The region contributes about 35% of the country’s total economic output, and is home to more than 15 million people, about 25% of the country’s population of 62 million people.

    Many in the province have come from far and wide hoping to “make it” in the land of opportunity. Yet both the media and the public raise critical questions about its future amid decaying infrastructure, poor delivery of basic government services, and a steady uptick in violent crime.

    New research from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) reveals that development outcomes in the province are declining. The GCRO is an independent institute that produces research and analysis to inform decision making and policy in the Gauteng City-Region. It is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, and organised local government (Salga-Gauteng).

    The GCRO constructs a multidimensional index of wellbeing that combines 33 variables into one measure, known as the Quality of Life Index, from survey data that has been collected every two to three years since 2009.

    This includes measures of health, safety, life satisfaction, socio-economic status, public services, satisfaction with government, and social and political participation. The latest index (2023/24) shows that quality of life in Gauteng has fallen to its lowest level ever since the survey began in 2009. This suggests that the wellbeing of many households has been compromised by the complex and interconnected global challenges, known as the polycrisis, that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The composition of the GCRO Quality of Life Index. GCRO Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24)

    Many of these challenges are linked to the local governance crisis, characterised by unstable political party coalitions. The interaction of complex crises amplifies harmful effects, profoundly affecting quality of life.

    A governance crisis emerged in South Africa in the wake of state capture, marked by a stark decline in the provision of quality public services. So, the government has struggled to shield citizens from the worst impacts of the polycrisis. Households face an acute convergence of global and local crises, reflected in health, economic instability, societal unrest, climate challenges, and rising safety concerns.

    The research

    The 7th Quality of Life Survey involved 13,795 adult residents of Gauteng. Respondents were randomly sampled in every ward of the province. Data was collected by a team of fieldworkers from 28 August 2023 to 16 April 2024. The data is made freely available, and is used by government, academics and civil society. The findings inform policy and strategic planning by government entities across the Gauteng City-Region.

    The latest survey results paint a complex picture about the quality of life in Gauteng. Some of the most significant findings which relate to the challenges that household face, and the ways people respond to challenges, are highlighted below. The list of crises includes concerns about public service delivery, satisfaction with government, safety, poverty, and overall quality of life.

    Unreliable service delivery

    Basic services in Gauteng are characterised by interruptions to supply, inadequate coverage and quality problems. While most residents have access to water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal, satisfaction with these levels has declined substantially since the previous survey in 2020/21.

    The latest survey shows that only 61% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation, only 60% perceived their water as always clean, and only 64% were satisfied with their refuse removal. These are all lower than in the past when satisfaction ranged between 70% and 75%. The impact, for example, is that those who do not have weekly refuse removal are more likely to dump their rubbish in public spaces or burn it – causing various environmental challenges.

    Gauteng households use various resources at their disposal to deal with the impacts of unreliable services. For instance, one in seven households (15%) are now generating some or all their own electricity, compared to 4% in 2017/18. This is partly related to the unreliability of electricity provision, and growing efforts to gain independence from the “grid”. But the unreliability and cost of electricity have varied impacts, depending on household income.

    Declining satisfaction with government

    Only a fifth (21%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of the national government. A similar proportion (22%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of provincial and local governments. Satisfaction for all these spheres has declined by between 15 and 20 percentage points since 2017/18.

    The effect of dissatisfaction with government is increasing disengagement. Just over half of respondents (54%) felt that politics was a waste of time, and 57% said that South Africa was a failed state. When the survey was conducted, before the 2024 provincial elections, 21% of respondents said they were not planning to vote. Thus, government dissatisfaction and disengagement helps to understand the low voter turnout during the elections.

    Poverty

    While poverty rates measured in 2023/24 have improved from their peak during the pandemic, the recovery is partial. Sixteen percent of respondents lived below the food poverty line of R760 per month (about US$43). This remains higher than pre-pandemic levels (it was 12% in 2017/18). It shows that a large portion of Gauteng’s households have struggled to meet their basic needs for a long time.

    South Africa’s welfare systems remain a lifeline for many households. The proportion of respondents that benefited from any kind of social grant (including child support and old age pensions has increased steadily from 30% in 2011 to just over 50% in 2023/24.

    Low-income households are also less likely to recover from shocks because they lack financial safety nets, and cannot afford to replace public services with costly private alternatives.

    Safety concerns

    Another kind of problem experienced by respondents is insecurity as a result of crime and violence. A fifth of respondents (21%) said that they had been the victim of crime in the last year. This was a two percentage point increase from 2020/21, when lockdowns reduced crime levels. The proportion of respondents who said that the crime situation had worsened was also higher (increasing from 43% in 2020/21 to 48% in 2023/24).

    Much larger proportions of respondents felt unsafe in their homes, and when walking in their neighbourhood in the daytime or at night. For example, in 2023/24, 81% of respondents felt unsafe walking in their area at night, compared to 75% in 2020/21. The effect is that 62% of respondents in 2023/24 were dissatisfied with the security services provided by the government, compared to 54% in 2020/21.

    Overall quality of life is lower

    Overall, in the latest index quality of life reached its lowest point yet since the index was first calculated. The 2023/24 value was calculated at 59.5 out of 100, compared to 61.4 in 2020/21 and a high of 63.9 in 2017/18.

    GCRO Quality of Life Index changes over time. GCRO Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24)

    Most of the dimensions declined, suggesting that the wellbeing of many households has been adversely affected by the interplay between the governance crisis and the polycrisis. Households’ ability to navigate these challenges is strongly shaped by inequality, which remains very high.

    The 2023/24 quality of life report shows that the Gauteng City-Region grapples with a series of wicked problems. Public and private sector leaders, along with civil society, need to assess the current situation and collaborate on innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life of all residents in the City-Region.

    Shannon Arnold, a junior researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, contributed to the research and this article.

    – Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey
    – https://theconversation.com/quality-of-life-continues-to-slide-in-south-africas-key-economic-province-gauteng-new-survey-241714

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese high-tech zones collaborate to boost AI industry innovation

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 23 — Eleven major high-tech zones in China have jointly established a collaborative network to promote innovation in the country’s AI industry, China Science Daily has reported.

    A conference on the establishment of this network held early this week in Beijing revealed that the newly-founded network features 11 major high-tech zones nationwide, including Beijing’s Zhongguancun, also dubbed China’s “Silicon Valley,” and those in the cities of Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Qingdao, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Xi’an, according to the report published on Tuesday.

    Wu Jiaxi, deputy director of the planning department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, expressed hope that the collaborative innovation network would cultivate fertile ground for AI innovation in China — via an open and inclusive approach.

    High-tech zones are the core carriers and major hubs for AI development in China, and they have become a significant force in AI innovation, said Wu.

    He also emphasized the importance of building a community for AI innovation and development through shared benefits, as well as deepening the domestic AI industry layout through an innovation-driven model.

    During the conference, network participants announced the Zhongguancun Initiative, which aims to accelerate the development of AI technologies in areas such as chips, algorithms and models.

    The Zhongguancun Initiative also seeks to establish a comprehensive innovation and entrepreneurship service system for the entire AI industry chain and to build mechanisms for the exchange of technology, industry, capital and talent.

    The initiative encourages the establishment of open AI platforms to maximize the sharing of AI development achievements and seeks the active participation of high-tech zones in the formulation of international and national standards.

    Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of strengthening data security and privacy protection, as well as providing regular supervision and regulatory services for AI platform companies, to ensure the traceability and reliability of AI technologies.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Over 15,000 charity organizations registered in China

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 23 — China has over 15,000 registered charity organizations, a three-fold increase compared to five years ago, the country’s Ministry of Civil Affairs announced Wednesday.

    A total of 2,062 charitable trusts have been registered with the government, 15 times the figure from five years ago, the ministry said at a press conference.

    From 2018 to 2020, the critical period of China’s poverty eradication campaign, the country’s charity organizations spent approximately 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) annually on poverty alleviation, especially on supporting people living in poverty in the country’s less-developed areas, according to the ministry.

    Since 2023, nearly 6 billion yuan worth of charitable donations have been raised to aid people affected by earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters across the country, the ministry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: China to formulate action plan for manufacturing industry’s green, low-carbon development

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

    China to formulate action plan for manufacturing industry’s green, low-carbon development

    BEIJING, Oct. 23 — China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will formulate an action plan for green and low-carbon development of the manufacturing industry, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

    The move aims to promote comprehensive green transformation in economic and social development, Tao Qing, spokesperson of the MIIT, told a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

    The MIIT will also continue to promote research, development, innovation and industrialization of key technologies in the fields of integrated circuits, industrial software, artificial intelligence and satellite internet, and cultivate and develop emerging industries and future-oriented industries, said Tao.

    The ministry will expedite the cultivation of leading enterprises in the industrial ecosystem and improve the whole-cycle cultivation system for small and medium-sized enterprises that feature specialization, refinement, uniqueness and innovation.

    The spokesperson also highlighted establishing a national system for nurturing unicorn enterprises — and nurturing a group of quality enterprises specializing in digital economy.

    Zhao Zhiguo, the MIIT’s chief engineer, said at the same press conference that the ministry will cultivate and promote the low-altitude economy, accelerating the development of low-altitude logistics, urban and intercity air transportation, and the low-altitude cultural and tourism industries.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Xi advocates high quality development of greater BRICS cooperation

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

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 23 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on BRICS countries to work for high quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.

    In a speech addressing the 16th BRICS Summit, Xi said the ongoing BRICS summit has decided to invite a number of nations to become partner countries. He hailed the decision as another important development in the course of BRICS development.

    Xi called on BRICS members to build the multilateral mechanism into a major venue of solidarity and cooperation for the Global South and a vanguard force for global governance reform.

    He called on the BRICS members to build BRICS for peace and act as guardians of common security, urging the BRICS countries to uphold the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, to work for de-escalation of the Ukraine crisis as soon as possible.

    Xi called on the BRICS members to build BRICS for innovation and act as pioneers for high-quality development.

    He called on BRICS members to build green BRICS and be practitioners of sustainable development, noting that China is willing to leverage its own advantages to expand cooperation with BRICS countries in green industries, clean energy and green minerals.

    Xi also called for building a BRICS for justice and leading the reform of the global governance system, calling on BRICS members to conform to the general trend of the rise of the Global South, and actively respond to the call of countries to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

    The group should advance the process of expanding membership and establishing partner countries, and enhance the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance, said Xi.

    Xi said the urgency of reforming the international financial architecture is becoming increasingly prominent in the current situation.

    He also called for strengthening the New Development Bank and urged BRICS countries to take the lead in promoting a better alignment of the international financial system with the changing dynamics of the global economy.

    Xi urged BRICS countries to advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilizations.

    China will establish 10 overseas learning centers in BRICS countries in the next five years to provide training opportunities for 1,000 education administrators, teachers and students, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Liam Payne: the death of a favourite celebrity can be painful – but collective grief can help

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Carr, Reader in Education with Psychology and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath

    One of my (Sam’s) earliest memories is from 1980, when John Lennon was tragically assassinated. I vividly recall my mother’s reaction upon hearing the news – she put down the phone, overwhelmed with grief.

    Her connection to Lennon, someone she’d never met, was deeply personal. This moment, even though I was only three years old, left a lasting impression and showed me how profound these attachments can be. For my mother, Lennon wasn’t just a famous figure. He represented a significant part of her life and emotions.

    If you’re a One Direction fan, you may be feeling a similar kind of grief over the tragic death of band member Liam Payne. Some fans have described Payne’s loss as akin to “losing a family member” or feeling like they’ve “lost a big part of their childhood”.

    This collective mourning illustrates how deeply ingrained celebrities can become in our lives, not just as entertainers, but as symbols of our personal experiences and memories.

    Olivia, 23, tried to describe her sense of loss to a BBC reporter:

    It was my first feeling of being in love, my first feeling of crushing on a boy, of being excited about boys. I kissed the posters every night. We all did. It felt like you were part of the best club in the world and it’s a huge part of why we bonded together.

    This form of attachment is known as a parasocial relationship, an emotional connection formed with someone who is unaware of the bond. Unlike personal relationships, where both parties contribute to the connection, parasocial relationships allow fans to project idealised traits onto celebrities, unchallenged by reality.

    In this way, celebrities often represent aspirational versions of ourselves or embody significant aspects of our identity. When they die, the emotional experience of grief is not just about the person, but about losing part of that imagined connection.


    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    • Chadwick Boseman: why the death of someone young can be harder to handle

    • How to know when it’s time to start therapy

    • Manifesting has a dark side – there are problems with believing our thoughts have so much power


    The death of a beloved celebrity shatters something that feels deeply meaningful, and can leave you grappling with an emotional void. The loss is not just of a public figure, but of a personal connection that may have shaped your identity and sense of belonging.

    This profound sense of grief is often also shared. Following Payne’s sudden death, fans have gathered worldwide, from the UK to the Philippines and Argentina, to sing and mourn at vigils for the star. A similar phenomenon was also observed in September, when Harry Potter fans raised wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando. They were paying tribute to Maggie Smith, who played the popular character Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, following her death aged 89.

    Collective grief is a common reaction when an influential figure dies. These shared acts of mourning are not only socially significant but also have the power to foster empathy, transforming collective pain and public emotion into meaningful memories of social solidarity and communal strength.

    While fans will mourn their star regardless of age, there’s a stark contrast between the deaths of Smith and Payne. Smith’s passing is generally viewed as a “good” death, marking the end of “a true legend”, while Payne’s death at 31 is seen as “a bad, sad ending”. The way that we grieve celebrities is often connected to their age. When Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died in 2020 aged 43, it shattered many fans’ sense of hope for the future.

    For many Payne fans, the singer was their “first love”. Falling in love with celebrities, as psychoanalysts like Aldo Carotenuto have argued, elicits a projection of idealised fantasy that becomes interwoven with our vision of the future. This temporal aspect of fandom is rooted in our sense of narrative identity, through which we view life as a continuing book. The death of a young star can powerfully disrupt this plot and leave you grappling with an unresolved chapter in your own story.

    One Direction fans often call themselves “directioners”. Losing a core member of the group has led some directioners to feel this identity is now threatened or altered. The disruption to your sense of identity following the death of a young celebrity that you grew up alongside can be profound. It signifies not only the loss of a cherished part of your past but also serves as a painful reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of life.

    This reality can force you to confront your own mortality, highlighting the finite nature of existence. In times of collective mourning, people reflect on their own lives and aspirations while cherishing the memories and legacies of those they admired.

    Moving forward without them

    Despite the deep pain of grieving, fans often engage in what grief experts call “continuing bonds” – an effort to maintain a connection with the celebrity through memories, tributes or ongoing engagement with their work.

    This bond helps to reestablish a sense of order, providing emotional continuity even in the face of loss. The bonds we form with celebrities are often more meaningful than they first appear. Sociologist Jackie Stacey has examined how memories tied to celebrities can profoundly shape and sustain a sense of meaning throughout our lives.

    From a life course perspective, early experiences with a favourite star can become deeply embedded in your identity, acting as enduring sources of comfort, inspiration and self-expression.

    Though his life has been cut short, the memories and inspiration Payne provided will continue to live on among his fans. As directioners gathered outside the Buenos Aires hotel where he passed away, they sang One Direction songs, including the poignant line: “This is not the end.”

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Liam Payne: the death of a favourite celebrity can be painful – but collective grief can help – https://theconversation.com/liam-payne-the-death-of-a-favourite-celebrity-can-be-painful-but-collective-grief-can-help-242039

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: How different people around the world understand democracy – and why it matters

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Williamson, Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford

    Most people in most countries say they want to be governed democratically. Because democracy’s appeal is so powerful, governments and political leaders everywhere claim to be supporters of democracy.

    Take China, for instance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ruled for decades under a single-party system, a system that contrasts sharply with traditional definitions of democracy. Democratic systems emphasise competitive elections for key leaders, strong protections for political rights and constraints on executive power.

    Yet, ask members of the CCP and they will probably tell you that their governance is democratic because it responds to the preferences of the Chinese public. In their view, what makes a democracy is not elections, liberties and constraints. Rather, strong and unencumbered political leaders can govern well and give the people what they want.

    How do people understand democracy? If people around the world hold dramatically different views of what democracy means – or even adhere to understandings of democracy that reflect a more authoritarian style of government – then democracy’s apparent global appeal may not mean very much in practice.

    Researchers have long been interested in how people from different countries and backgrounds understand democracy. But it’s a complex issue and previous studies have found it difficult to determine what people really mean when they say they want to be governed democratically. In a new article published in Science, we use an experiment administered via surveys in Egypt, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the US to bring fresh evidence to this debate.

    We presented survey respondents with paired profiles of hypothetical countries. These profiles randomised nine factors reflecting different theories of how people understand democracy. For instance, we presented respondents with information about the countries’ elections, varying whether they were free and fair, biased, or not held at all.

    We also randomised whether political rights were protected or repressed, and whether the executive respected the powers of the legislature and courts or not. These three attributes reflect traditional concepts of democracy.

    We also included attributes of the hypothetical countries that reflect alternative understandings of democracy. Some claim that democracy means a political system capable of producing substantial changes that benefit citizens broadly. So we varied whether economic equality in the country is higher or lower. We also adjusted whether social equality between genders is better or worse. And we randomised how much influence technocratic experts wield over policy decisions.

    Others argue for a more authoritarian model of democracy in which unconstrained leaders give the people what they want in exchange for their obedience. To reflect this view, we gave information about how often the countries’ political leaders follow the majority’s preferences. We also varied whether people obey the government or not.

    After reviewing the country profiles, respondents were asked to determine which hypothetical country was more democratic. Analysing which attributes influenced respondents’ choices more strongly gives us insights into how they understand what democracy means.

    Reasons to be cheerful

    Our results indicate that the traditional definition of democracy is widely accepted. Across the six diverse countries in our sample, respondents were much more likely to perceive countries as democratic when elections were free and fair and political rights were strongly protected.

    This prioritisation of elections held across the board. People felt that way regardless of their individual characteristics such as gender, educational attainment, political ideology, age, minority status and attitudes toward geopolitics.

    This finding implies some reasons to be optimistic about support for democracy. It suggests that when people say they want democratic governance, many mean competitive elections and protected liberties. This agreement is important. It makes it more likely that enough people will recognise – and potentially push back – against attempts by anti-democratic political leaders to subvert democratic governance.

    Reasons for caution

    But our findings also highlight points of caution. First, institutional checks and balances were less central to how our respondents understood democracy. This suggests that political leaders may be able to increase their grip on power more easily by undermining the influence of the legislature and courts.

    And anti-democratic politicians can still claim to be democratic by deceptively arguing that they prioritise these elements of the political system, while actually undermining them. A prominent example is former US president Donald Trump. In 2020, Trump tried to overturn his election loss by falsely asserting it had been rigged against him.

    Even in outright authoritarian countries, rulers often use controlled elections as “evidence” of their democratic character. In Egypt, for instance, the autocratic president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi declared after winning his rigged 2023 election that he would continue to build “a democratic state that protects its citizens”.

    Many people may see through such claims, but autocrats can sometimes build support by using elections to present themselves as democrats – even when they are not free and fair.

    While many people reject outright authoritarian notions of what democracy means, factors other than elections and liberties also influence their understanding of democratic governance. In our study, countries were often believed to be more democratic when they delivered good outcomes – for example, by providing higher gender or economic equality.

    Gender equality was the only attribute in the experiment which came close to elections and liberties in its ability to shape perceptions of which countries were more democratic. Because gender equality is inherently desirable and is associated with democracy, some autocrats have successfully engaged in “genderwashing”. They’ve done this by (often nominally) reforming women’s rights to reduce pressure for more competitive elections and protected political rights.

    Finally, just because people generally agree on what democracy means does not necessarily mean they will continue to support it. If democracies fail to perform effectively or represent their citizens well, people may be persuaded to accept more authoritarian models of governance.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How different people around the world understand democracy – and why it matters – https://theconversation.com/how-different-people-around-the-world-understand-democracy-and-why-it-matters-241617

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: How advertising jingles influence our buying choices (and why we can still sing them decades later)

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kelly Jakubowski, Associate Professor in Music Psychology, Durham University

    Matthew Nichols1/Shutterstock

    Even if we haven’t heard them for many years, familiar songs often stick with us for life. We can often recall every lyric to songs we learned as kids or albums we idolised as teenagers. But beyond music we’ve purposely chosen to listen to or learn, one type of music seems to stick with us without any effort: the jingle.

    Jingles have a long history in the advertising industry. The first known radio jingle in the UK – Have You Tried Wheaties? – was launched in 1926. Jingles have since become a major feature of our everyday lives.

    Recent market research found that several of the ten most recognisable jingles for UK adults dated back three or even four decades. While comparison site Go Compare topped the list, Mars’ “work, rest and play” jingle (axed in the mid-1990s) and even Shake ‘n’ Vac “put the freshness back” (1980) are still buzzing about in the heads of those polled.

    So why do these songs stick with us? And what effect does this have on what we buy?

    Jingles become memorable in different ways. Some advertisers use familiar songs, which are inherently easier to remember, in a new context. For instance, the Go Compare jingle uses the traditional song Over There and couples it with the comic visual element of an over-the-top opera singer. The “Just one Cornetto” campaign (launched in 1981) similarly takes a classical melody (O sole mio) and tweaks it to sell ice cream.

    Other jingles make use of musical elements that make them likely to become “earworms” – those tunes that get stuck in our heads whether we like them or not. In research examining a large collection of pop music, my team found that songs that were likely to become earworms had upbeat tempos, often in the range that would make a person want to dance along. Many jingles, such as “Do the Shake ‘n’ Vac” and “I feel like Chicken Tonight” fit this pattern.

    Indeed, other research has shown that when people either move or sing along to catchy songs, they are more likely to subsequently experience these songs as earworms. It has also been found that having an earworm for a song you have recently learned means you will remember that song better later on.

    Lyrics can also play an important role in the memorability of a song or product. The alliterative lyrics of “Maybe it’s Maybelline” ensure that even a consumer who has never heard of this brand will easily recall its name the next time they are in the shop.

    Links to other times in our life

    It’s not just features of the music that give jingles such a stronghold in our memories. Music tends to be closely associated with the contexts in which we’ve heard it. That is, it often becomes closely entwined with autobiographical memories from our lives.

    Hearing a jingle from our childhood can therefore bring back memories not just of hearing that song, but the living room we grew up in, and the feeling of sitting around the TV with family watching together. Jingles therefore can be a strong trigger of nostalgia.

    Research has shown that the period when we are around ten to 25 years old tends to be remembered most vividly. Music cues are also best at tapping into memories of this period, which is known as the “reminiscence bump”.

    In line with this, the same consumer research also revealed different recognition rates for jingles across age groups. For instance, for millennials, McDonalds’ “I’m lovin’ it” ranked number two in the top-recognised jingles list and “Maybe it’s Maybelline” came in at number five.

    More than 40 years on, plenty of Brits will still be able to sing along.

    Some brands also explicitly aim to merge this nostalgic element with staying on trend. Maybelline has recently reinvented its jingle, incorporating dance music elements to appeal to gen Z audiences while retaining features of the classic 1990s jingle that connects millennials to their youth.

    So does writing a memorable jingle help to sell a product? In short, yes. Research that examined choices of two products from the same category (for example, cameras) showed that products coupled with a familiar tune were more likely to be chosen than those coupled with an unfamiliar tune.

    However, liking the music also independently affected product choice. In particular, music that participants really disliked tended to put them off choosing a product even if the tune was familiar. This suggests that advertisers do need to carefully consider the musical preferences of their target market over and above simply writing catchy tunes.

    Music has a strong hold on our memories. The same features that help us to learn the alphabet through music or transport us back to the first dance at our wedding also mean we are able to effortlessly recall which cleaning product promises that washing machines live longer.

    Kelly Jakubowski consults for Maybelline (L’Oréal Groupe). She receives research funding from The Leverhulme Trust and AHRC.

    – ref. How advertising jingles influence our buying choices (and why we can still sing them decades later) – https://theconversation.com/how-advertising-jingles-influence-our-buying-choices-and-why-we-can-still-sing-them-decades-later-241162

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: AIRBORNE CADENCE! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : DMD

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Cadence

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3uc7jRpZcs

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government to take part in Nordic Council Session in Reykjavik

    Source: Government of Sweden

    When the Nordic Council holds its 76th Session in Reykjavik on 28–31 October, the focus will be on peace and security in the Arctic and Nordic regions.

    “In light of Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO and Russia’s war in Ukraine, it has become all the more important to discuss security and defence issues in a Nordic context. Our cooperation and collective defence of democracy and everyone’s right to live in peace and freedom are now more important than ever,” says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

    The Nordic Council Session will cover issues such as how the Nordic countries can best guarantee peace and security in the Nordic and Arctic regions.

    During the week, ministers will attend separate meetings with the Nordic Council and together with their Nordic counterparts. Discussion topics for the prime ministers’ meeting will be organised crime, migration and an integrated Nordic region without border barriers.

    An N5 meeting between the foreign ministers will also take place in conjunction with the Nordic Council Session. In 2024, Sweden has been acting Coordinator of the N5, an informal Nordic cooperation format for foreign and security policy issues. The Nordic ministers for culture will also meet during the week.

    During the Session, the Nordic Council of Ministers will present the programme of the forthcoming Finnish Presidency of the Council.

    Representing the Swedish Government are Mr Kristersson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz and Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand.

    On Tuesday, the Nordic prime ministers and foreign ministers will hold joint press conferences.

    Friday 25 October is the final day for journalists to apply for accreditation. Follow the link below under Shortcuts.

    A detailed programme for the week of the Session is available on the Nordic Council website, where parts of the programme will also be live-streamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 23 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update further education: 23 October 2024

    HTML

    ESFA Update academies: 23 October 2024

    HTML

    ESFA Update local authorities: 23 October 2024

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Action The further education workforce data collection is now open
    Information Targeted retention incentive applications are now open
    Information National professional qualification targeted support funding 2023 to 2024 allocations
    Information Further Education Condition Data Collection 2
    Information 16 to 19 and adult revenue funding allocations for 2024 to 2025
    Reminder Final funding claim submission for 2023 to 2024 by Friday 25 October 2024

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Targeted retention incentive applications are now open
    Information National professional qualification targeted support funding 2023 to 2024 allocations
    Information 16 to 19 and adult revenue funding allocations for 2024 to 2025
    Information New digital format for the general annual grant statement
    Information Academy trust management accounting good practice guide
    Information PE and sport premium allocations and conditions of grant for 2024 to 2025 academic year
    Events and webinars Mock trial – risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only
    Events and webinars Academy finance professionals national power hour with guest speaker Minister McKinnell

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Action The further education workforce data collection is now open
    Information National professional qualification targeted support funding 2023 to 2024 allocations
    Information Copyright licences for schools
    Information 16 to 19 and adult revenue funding allocations for 2024 to 2025
    Information Update on the 2024 autumn term early years data collection
    Information PE and sport premium allocations and conditions of grant for 2024 to 2025 academic year
    Reminder Final funding claim submission for 2023 to 2024 by Friday 25 October 2024
    Events and webinars Mock trial – risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isle of Wight the most successful area with Warmer Homes scheme 23 October 2024 Warmer Homes

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    A government funded scheme allowing eligible Island residents to apply for free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient has been the most successful in our region.

    Upgrades are worth up to £38,000 per household and could include insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels which can be installed for free, saving households thousands of pounds in the future. The eligibility criteria includes,

    • You use electric, oil or LPG to heat your home, not mains gas
    • Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G (Warmer Homes can help you find out if you’re not sure).
    • You have a household income of £36,000 or under, or you or you receive a means-tested benefit.

    The Isle of Wight Council was among a group of 23 local authorities to successfully bid for £41.4 million in government funding. The money comes from the Home Upgrade Grant and aims to help lower income households whose home is not very energy efficient and not heated by mains gas.

    Councillor Phil Jordan, council leader, said: “We are really pleased that eligible Isle of Wight residents have taken up the Warmer Homes scheme more than anywhere else in the southern region. This is testament to the work we have done to ensure that those who can claim this help have been targeted. We have produced a campaign to included social media and radio ads as well as working closely with our partners to promote the scheme to those eligible residents.’’

    He continues ‘’Improving energy efficiency in homes is a key issue. Energy bills are a major concern for many households so anything that can be done to reduce these costs is vital. Making homes more energy efficient at the same time helps to reduce carbon emissions across the Island.”

    Katherine Shadwell, Project Manager, AgilityEco said: “We are proud to be supporting the Isle of Wight Council with their delivery of the Warmer Homes scheme. Since 2023, the Warmer Homes scheme has supported Isle of Wight residents with a range of fully funded energy-saving home improvements to help keep their homes warm and their energy bills low. Since the Warmer Homes scheme has been introduced to the Island, we have supported over 120 homes with over £2.5 million of fully funded energy-saving measures.”

    The scheme has now been extended by a further month and the application deadline for residents is now the end of November (31/11/2024).

    More information can be found on the Isle of Wight Council website by visiting The Warmer Homes programme

    You can also call the freephone number on 0800 038 5737 or email: retrofit@warmerhomes.org.uk for further information and guidance.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Libraries consultation proposes revised opening hours

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Wednesday, 23rd October 2024

    Following feedback from the final phase of the libraries consultation, it was highlighted there was a need for more equitable hours. Therefore, we are now proposing a revision of option 4.

    The revision of option 4 is directly based on input from responses during the final phase consultation, which closed last month. We now want to hear your thoughts on this revised option 4 and the proposed hours for each library.

    We welcome everyone who lives, works and study in Birmingham to share your thoughts and comments on the revised option 4 model. Share your comments on the revised proposals here before 11.59pm 3 November 2024.

    The revised option 4 model will be presented to Cabinet for their decision in January 2025. Final decisions will not be made until after the Cabinet meeting and results will be shared in advance across the council’s channels.

    To find more information about the revised proposal visit the library consultation page.

    Paper forms will also be available at all Birmingham Libraries.

    Comment can also be sent via email to LibrariesPublicConsultation@birmingham.gov.uk

    Useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Representatives of the Don youth gathered at the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 23, the Second Forum of Don Youth “Don Land – Your Future” was held at the State University of Management. It was organized by the ROO “Fellowship of Rostovites “Donskaya Stanitsa” in Moscow with the support of the State University of Management.

    The forum was opened by the honorary chairman of the Zemlyachestvo, adviser to the mayor of Moscow, professor of the department of state and municipal management of the State University of Management Vladimir Zotov, who congratulated those gathered on the new meeting:

    “You came here and gathered together – this is a holiday. We are all united by love for our small homeland. Special thanks to the State University of Management, which is hosting us within its walls for the second time. This is one of the best management universities in Russia. This year it turned 105 years old, it has a huge potential of scientific schools, a powerful base and a convenient campus. Today we will talk about the profession and education, share experiences, tell about our first steps and give advice.”

    State Duma Deputy from Rostov Oblast Larisa Tutova addressed the audience with a welcoming speech:

    “I understand that many people who come to Moscow see a career that is not connected to their native region. But I want us to think about our homeland even when we are here and perhaps return there. The authorities of the Rostov region do a lot for young people, provide favorable conditions to start a career, it is enough to remember the unique program “Mortgage for excellent students”, which operates in our native region. We are fellow countrymen, and we must help each other, wherever we are. Strength is in unity, and wealth is in diversity.”

    Advisor to the rector’s office of the State University of Management, member of the Rostov community Sergei Chuev noted the importance of love for one’s native land.

    “The State University of Management was chosen as the venue for our forum for a reason. There are employees from the Rostov Region here, many students, it was here that the Governor of the Rostov Region Vasily Golubev studied and it was here that he met his wife. Even now I have not become a Muscovite, I position myself as a Rostovite in Moscow. The State University of Management is ready to train and find future jobs in different regions of the country, and today the employers gathered here will show that there is life after the Moscow Ring Road,” shared Sergey Vladimirovich.

    Also on stage were veterans of the community, the president of the Moscow regional branch of the International Police Association, police lieutenant general Ivan Sardak and the general director of MP Svyaz, Volgodonsk Telecom LLC in 1993-2011 Nikolai Sungurov, who shared their experience of professional activity and once again emphasized that “the small homeland is the most sacred thing.”

    The meeting program continued with a plenary session entitled “Young Specialists – the Core of Regional Development” and a job and internship fair, where Rostov enterprises such as PJSC UAC, OJSC Pipe Metallurgical Company, JSC Doraerodorstroy, JSC Russian Helicopters, and PJSC KB Center-Invest were represented.

    At the end of the meeting, the participants were presented with certificates and a group photo was taken.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.10.2024

    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 –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Care home abuse concerning

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today said it is highly concerned about a suspected abuse of service users by a staff member at a residential care home for persons with disabilities, and has taken follow-up action upon notification of the case. 

    The residential care home for persons with disabilities and the organisation concerned have been requested to conduct a thorough investigation and submit improvement plans to avoid similar incidents from happening again, and to protect service users’ well-being.

    In August, the care home in question submitted special incident reports to the SWD’s relevant licensing office stating that a male staff member was suspected of having abused two service users while on duty.

    The care home made a report to Police and terminated that staff member’s employment. The man was arrested by Police and legal proceedings are underway.

    The SWD took immediate follow-up action upon the notification, which involved an unannounced inspection at the care home, and a request for the operator to handle the incident seriously, as well as suitably follow up on the emotional and welfare needs of the two victims and their families.

    To express deep concern over the incident, the Labour & Welfare Bureau and the SWD met the operator’s Council of Management and managers to get a briefing on the handling of the incident.

    The SWD also issued a warning letter to the operator, requiring a detailed investigation report and the implementation of improvement measures to ensure proper care and protection for the service users.

    The measures include a manpower review, enhancement of management officers’ supervision on the care home’s operation, provision of strengthened guidance and training for frontline staff, and persistent supervision over staff members’ work ethics.

    The SWD noted that the operator has formed an independent review committee to look into its measures to protect service users.

    Additionally, the SWD hosted a sharing session on October 9 for management officers and staff of all care homes on protecting residents from being abused. It will keep providing relevant training to care home staff.

    It has also strengthened the requirement on care homes’ monitoring and review of CCTV to further safeguard the well-being of the service users.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you are eligible for disaster assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) you may receive additional FEMA funds within the grant to help you take specific mitigation measures to make your home stronger and more durable. Why the additional funds? Because mitigation works! Mitigation is an action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to hazards. It is part of FEMA’s commitment to make communities more resilient to disaster.In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration may increase an approved disaster loan by twenty percent of the verified loss for mitigation improvements.Homeowners who suffer losses from a presidentially-declared disaster and apply for FEMA assistance will be informed if they qualify for Home Repair Assistance that provides for: Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage. Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid flood damage. FEMA believes that incorporating proven techniques which make buildings more resistant to disaster can lessen the cost of restoring the property and shorten the time survivors are out of their homes.  If you are interested in learning more about mitigation techniques, you can refer to a FEMA brochure, “Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards, Jan. 2013.” (https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-mitigation-ideas_02-13-2013.pdf ) The brochure covers hazards from drought and earthquake to flood and wildfire.Whatever technique you choose, remember to get the proper permits required in your locality, and to build back safely, up to local codes and professional standards.                                                                                          ###                                                                                             FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
    erika.osullivan
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 12:02

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: In Estonia NATO Secretary General visits a multinational battlegroup protecting the Eastern Flank

    Source: NATO

    During his first trip to the Eastern Flank of the Alliance since taking office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Estonian President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, and visited Allied troops at Tapa Army Base.

    After touring the military base with President Karis on Wednesday (October 23), the Secretary General thanked the personnel there – from Estonia and the UK, France and Iceland – for their service. “You are one of eight NATO battlegroups stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, backed by the full weight of NATO’s fighting forces in all domains. Land, air, sea, space and cyberspace. Every hour of your vigilance reinforces our collective defence,” he said.

    On Tuesday (October 22), during meetings with President Karis and Prime Minister Michal, the Secretary General praised Estonia for its significant investments in defence and its support for Ukraine.

    “By spending over 3% of your GDP on defence, Estonia is truly leading by example. And I know you intend to invest even more in our shared security in the coming years,” he said. Mr Rutte added that all Allies need to invest more “in order to meet our capability targets.” 

    Estonia is among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, having provided over 500 million euros of military aid since 2022.

    “Today we discussed how to bolster our support for Ukraine, now, through the difficult winter ahead, and also for the long-term,” said the Secretary General.  He emphasised that Allies are working hard to deliver on the commitments made at the Washington Summit in July, “including a new command to coordinate security assistance and training for Ukraine, and our financial pledge of at least 40 billion euros in 2024.”

    During his visit, the Secretary General also met with students from Tallinn University and paid his respects at the Memorial of the Victims of Communism.

    Since joining NATO in 2004, Estonia has made significant contributions to the collective defence of the Alliance. It hosts NATO’s UK-led multinational battlegroup in Tapa, NATO’s Baltic Air Policing at Ämari Air Base, a new regional hub for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ:BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Company continues to maintain its strong capital position and access to liquidity. We executed on our share repurchase program and increased our tangible book value to $14.74 per share.”

    Mr. Nesci also noted, “Deposit growth continued in the third quarter. Increases in our construction and commercial and industrial portfolios drove loan growth during the third quarter as we remain focused on growing our commercial portfolio. Credit quality remained strong highlighted by a 17% improvement in non-performing loans. Our 84 basis point allowance for credit losses now covers non-performing loans by over 2.5 times.”

    Highlights for the third quarter of 2024:

    • Deposits increased $7.5 million to $1.32 billion compared to the prior quarter.
    • Uninsured deposits to third-party customers totaled approximately 12% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024.
    • Interest income for the quarter was $21.5 million, an increase of $240 thousand, or 1.1%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Interest expense for the quarter was $12.4 million, an increase of $726 thousand, or 6.2%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Net interest margin decreased 14 basis points from the prior quarter to 1.82%.
    • Provision for credit losses of $248 thousand was primarily due to the increase in unused lines of credit partially offset by releases of provision for loans of $5 thousand and for securities of $11 thousand.
    • Book value per share was $14.76 and tangible book value per share was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • 521,685 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase plans at a weighted average share price of $10.52 per share.

    Loans

    The Company continues to focus on diversifying its lending portfolio by growing its commercial portfolios. While total loans decreased by $9.7 million during the first nine months of 2024, our construction portfolio increased by $19.7 million and our commercial real estate portfolio increased by $9.2 million, of which $7.1 million was on owner-occupied properties. In addition, our consumer and other loans increased by $7.7 million as we took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a consumer loan participation at an attractive rate with credit enhancements. The residential and multifamily portfolios decreased by $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively.

    The details of the loan portfolio are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Residential   $ 516,754   $ 526,453   $ 540,427   $ 550,929   $ 567,384
    Multifamily     666,304     671,185     671,011     682,564     689,966
    Commercial real estate     241,711     241,867     244,207     232,505     236,325
    Construction     80,081     71,882     63,052     60,414     45,064
    Junior liens     24,174     23,653     22,052     22,503     22,297
    Commercial and industrial     14,228     12,261     13,372     11,768     9,904
    Consumer and other     7,731     83     56     47     50
    Total loans     1,550,983     1,547,384     1,554,177     1,560,730     1,570,990
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     13,012     13,027     13,749     14,154     13,872
    Loans receivable, net   $ 1,537,971   $ 1,534,357   $ 1,540,428   $ 1,546,576   $ 1,557,118
                                   

    Deposits

    As of September 30, 2024, deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million, or 5.93%, from December 31, 2023, mostly due to the increases of $104.6 million in time deposits partially offset by decreases in savings, non-interest bearing deposits and NOW and demand accounts of $21.8 million, $5.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company’s strategy is to focus on attracting the full banking relationship of small- to medium-sized businesses through an extensive suite of deposit products. While there is strong competition for deposits in the northern New Jersey market, we were able to increase customer deposits during the quarter. Brokered deposits remain unchanged since year end 2023.

    The details of deposits are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Non-interest bearing deposits   $ 22,254   $ 24,733   $ 25,342   $ 27,739   $ 23,787
    NOW and demand accounts     357,503     368,386     373,172     361,139     378,268
    Savings     237,651     246,559     250,298     259,402     278,665
    Core deposits     617,408     639,678     648,812     648,280     680,720
    Time deposits     701,262     671,478     642,372     596,624     572,384
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904   $ 1,253,104
                                   

    Financial Performance Overview:

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024

    Net interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 as the increase in interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities outpaced the increase in interest received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 14 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased five basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased nine basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets increased by $20.9 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $29.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest income decreased $149 thousand primarily due the absence of the gain of $123 thousand on the sale of REO property, which was recorded in the second quarter.

    Non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest expense increased $52 thousand primarily driven by increases in professional fees, data processing expense and FDIC insurance premiums of $190 thousand, $77 thousand and $42 thousand, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $329 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses and $32 thousand in occupancy and equipment.

    Income tax expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023

    Net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was largely due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which outpaced rates received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 35 basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 54 basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $32.6 million and average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $4.1 million. Average FHLB advances decreased by $48.3 million, while average interest-bearing deposits increased by $44.1 million.

    Non-interest expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $13.3 million, an increase of $873 thousand driven by increases of $666 thousand, $167 thousand and $126 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses, professional services and occupancy and equipment expenses, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $61 thousand in data processing and $27 thousand in FDIC insurance premiums.

    Income tax expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023

    Net interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Net interest income was $28.1 million, a decrease of $4.6 million.
    • Net interest margin decreased 28 basis points to 1.90%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 39 basis points to 4.30% while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 78 basis points to 2.93%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $39.1 million and average interest-bearing deposits increased by $37.0 million.
    • Average borrowings decreased by $43.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest income increased $141 thousand primarily due to the gain on the sale of REO property during the second quarter of 2024.

    Non-interest expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $39.7 million, an increase of $705 thousand.
    • Compensation and benefits expense increased by $938 thousand and occupancy and equipment costs increased by $474 thousand. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $475 thousand and $224 thousand for data processing expense and fees for professional services, respectively.

    Income tax expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Balance Sheet Summary:

    September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023

    Cash and cash equivalents:

    • Cash and cash equivalents increased $30.1 million to $76.1 million.

    Securities available-for-sale:

    • Securities available-for-sale increased $7.0 million to $290.8 million due to the decrease in unrealized losses of $7.8 million. The favorable impact of the change in the unrealized loss position was partially offset as maturities, calls and paydowns outpaced purchases during the period.

    Other investments:

    • Other investments decreased $2.1 million due to a decrease in FHLB stock as a result of a reduction in FHLB borrowings.

    Total loans:

    • Total loans held for investment decreased $9.7 million to $1.55 billion.
    • Residential loans and multifamily loans decreased $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in construction loans of $19.7 million, commercial real estate loans of $9.2 million and consumer loans of $7.7 million to further diversify our loan portfolio.
    • The Company purchased a consumer loan participation of $8.0 million and residential loans totaling $7.8 million during the third quarter.

    Deposits:

    • Deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million from December 31, 2023. This was largely the result of a $104.6 million increase in certificate of deposits.
    • Core deposits (defined as non-interest bearing checking, NOW and demand accounts and savings accounts) represented 46.8% of total deposits, compared to 52.1% at December 31, 2023.
    • Brokered deposits totaled $125.0 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    • Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits to third-party customers were $159.6 million, or 12% of total deposits, at the end of the third quarter.

    Borrowings:

    • FHLB borrowings decreased $49.0 million to $348.5 million as deposit growth outpaced asset growth.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $255.7 million of additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and $78.2 million of other unsecured lines of credit.

    Capital:

    • Shareholders’ equity decreased $16.3 million to $339.3 million. The decrease was primarily driven by the repurchase of shares, including net shares, at a cost of $14.4 million. Additionally, the year-to-date loss, partially offset by favorable changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, also contributed to the decrease.
    • Tangible equity to tangible assets was 16.50% and tangible common equity per share outstanding was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • The Bank’s capital ratios remain above the FDIC’s “well capitalized” standards.

    Asset quality:

    • As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.84%.
    • The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $248 thousand for the third quarter of 2024 and a net release of provision for credit losses of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, there was a provision of $264 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments, offset by a release of $5 thousand in the ACL for loans and $11 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there was a release of $1.1 million in the ACL for loans and $36 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities, offset by a provision of $94 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments. The release was driven by the impact of the economic forecasts for the key drivers of our loan segments partially offset by an increase in off-balance-sheet commitments.
    • Non-performing loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.33% of total loans compared to $5.9 million, or 0.38% of total loans at December 31, 2023.
    • Net charge-offs were $11 thousand and $36 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
    • Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans was 252.86% at September 30, 2024 compared to 239.98% at December 31, 2023.

    About Blue Foundry

    Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call covering Blue Foundry’s third quarter 2024 earnings announcement will be held today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). To listen to the live call, please dial 1-833-470-1428 (toll free) or +1-404-975-4839 (international) and use access code 725750. The webcast (audio only) will be available on ir.bluefoundrybank.com. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

    Contact:
    James D. Nesci
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    BlueFoundryBank.com
    jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
    201-972-8900

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain current assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase in the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement and change our business strategies; competition among depository and other financial institutions; adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyber-attacks; the inability of third party providers to perform as expected; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related there to; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; our ability to retain key employees; the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; and changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                     
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited)
        (Dollars in Thousands)
    ASSETS                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76,109   $ 60,262   $ 53,753   $ 46,025
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     290,806     297,790     265,191     283,766
    Securities held to maturity     33,119     33,169     33,217     33,254
    Other investments     18,203     17,942     17,908     20,346
    Loans, net     1,537,971     1,534,357     1,540,428     1,546,576
    Real estate owned, net     —     —     593     593
    Interest and dividends receivable     8,386     7,882     8,001     7,595
    Premises and equipment, net     30,161     30,858     31,696     32,475
    Right-of-use assets     24,190     24,596     24,454     25,172
    Bank owned life insurance     22,399     22,274     22,153     22,034
    Other assets     13,749     16,322     30,393     27,127
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities                
    Deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     348,500     342,500     342,500     397,500
    Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance     9,909     9,875     9,368     8,929
    Lease liabilities     25,870     26,243     26,081     26,777
    Other liabilities     12,845     10,081     8,498     11,213
    Total liabilities     1,715,794     1,699,855     1,677,631     1,689,323
    Shareholders’ equity     339,299     345,597     350,156     355,640
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                             
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
             
        Three months ended   Nine months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest income:                    
    Loans   $ 17,646     $ 17,570     $ 16,728     $ 52,408     $ 48,778  
    Taxable investment income     3,850       3,686       3,339       11,150       9,663  
    Non-taxable investment income     36       36       106       108       329  
    Total interest income     21,532       21,292       20,173       63,666       58,770  
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits     9,712       9,132       7,034       27,257       16,361  
    Borrowed funds     2,733       2,587       3,263       8,332       9,686  
    Total interest expense     12,445       11,719       10,297       35,589       26,047  
    Net interest income     9,087       9,573       9,876       28,077       32,723  
    Provision for (release of) credit losses     248       (762 )     (717 )     (1,049 )     (597 )
    Net interest income after provision for (release of) credit losses     8,839       10,335       10,593       29,126       33,320  
    Non-interest income:                    
    Fees and service charges     272       296       291       897       833  
    Gain on sale of loans     —       —       —       36       159  
    Other income     115       240       78       441       241  
    Total non-interest income     387       536       369       1,374       1,233  
    Non-interest expense:                    
    Compensation and employee benefits     7,306       7,635       6,640       22,490       21,552  
    Occupancy and equipment     2,230       2,262       2,104       6,684       6,210  
    Data processing     1,412       1,335       1,473       4,134       4,609  
    Advertising     87       52       85       211       234  
    Professional services     813       623       646       2,166       2,390  
    Federal deposit insurance     236       194       263       629       599  
    Other     1,183       1,114       1,183       3,410       3,425  
    Total non-interest expense     13,267       13,215       12,394       39,724       39,019  
    Loss before income tax expense     (4,041 )     (2,344 )     (1,432 )     (9,224 )     (4,466 )
    Income tax expense     —       —       —       —       —  
    Net loss   $ (4,041 )   $ (2,344 )   $ (1,432 )   $ (9,224 )   $ (4,466 )
    Basic loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding                    
    Basic     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  
    Diluted (1)     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  

    (1) The assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units had an antidilutive effect on diluted earnings per share due to the Company’s net loss for the 2024 and 2023 periods.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
         
        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Performance Ratios (%):                    
    Return on average assets     (0.79 )     (0.47 )     (0.56 )     (0.57 )     (0.27 )
    Return on average equity     (4.68 )     (2.71 )     (3.23 )     (3.25 )     (1.55 )
    Interest rate spread (1)     1.29       1.43       1.40       1.33       1.48  
    Net interest margin (2)     1.82       1.96       1.92       1.84       1.94  
    Efficiency ratio (3) (4)     140.04       130.73       134.19       128.41       120.98  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     121.37       122.28       122.50       122.93       123.05  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)     16.50       16.88       17.25       17.37       17.07  
    Book value per share (5)   $ 14.76     $ 14.70     $ 14.61     $ 14.51     $ 14.27  
    Tangible book value per share (4)(5)   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49     $ 14.24  
                         
    Asset Quality:                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 6,691     $ 5,898     $ 6,139  
    Real estate owned, net     —       —       593       593       593  
    Non-performing assets   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 7,284     $ 6,491     $ 6,732  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%)     0.84       0.84       0.88       0.91       0.88  
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans (%)     252.86       209.84       205.48       239.98       225.97  
    Non-performing loans to total loans (%)     0.33       0.40       0.43       0.38       0.39  
    Non-performing assets to total assets (%)     0.25       0.30       0.36       0.32       0.33  
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period (%)     —       —       —       —       0.01  

    (1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Efficiency ratio represents adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
    (4) See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    (5) September 30, 2024 per share metrics computed using 22,990,908 total shares outstanding.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Three Months Ended,
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                                    
    Loans (1)   $ 1,548,962   $ 17,646   4.53 %   $ 1,550,736   $ 17,570   4.56 %   $ 1,577,173   $ 16,728   4.21 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     181,596     1,186   2.60 %     167,219     960   2.31 %     170,326     840   1.96 %
    Other investment securities     173,008     1,527   3.51 %     175,394     1,688   3.87 %     194,953     1,507   3.07 %
    FHLB stock     17,666     406   9.15 %     17,223     447   10.44 %     21,047     456   8.60 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     61,507     767   4.96 %     51,290     627   4.92 %     51,884     642   4.91 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,982,739     21,532   4.32 %     1,961,862     21,292   4.37 %     2,015,383     20,173   3.97 %
    Non-interest earning assets     61,787             56,826             58,042        
    Total assets   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 598,048     1,925   1.28 %   $ 611,931     1,955   1.28 %   $ 684,228     2,123   1.23 %
    Time deposits     688,570     7,787   4.50 %     655,755     7,177   4.40 %     558,252     4,911   3.49 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,286,618     9,712   3.00 %     1,267,686     9,132   2.90 %     1,242,480     7,034   2.25 %
    FHLB advances     347,076     2,733   3.13 %     336,742     2,587   3.09 %     395,359     3,263   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,633,694     12,445   3.03 %     1,604,428     11,719   2.94 %     1,637,839     10,297   2.49 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     23,421             25,076             25,540        
    Non-interest bearing other     43,713             41,061             44,628        
    Total liabilities     1,700,828             1,670,565             1,708,007        
    Total shareholders’ equity     343,698             348,123             365,418        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Net interest income       $ 9,087           $ 9,573           $ 9,876    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.29 %           1.43 %           1.48 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.82 %           1.96 %           1.94 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024   2023
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                        
    Loans (1)   $ 1,551,734   $ 52,408   4.50 %   $ 1,571,204   $ 48,778   4.15 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     169,765     3,022   2.37 %     174,742     2,789   2.13 %
    Other investment securities     177,455     4,867   3.65 %     197,522     4,523   3.06 %
    FHLB stock     18,335     1,345   9.77 %     21,343     1,106   6.93 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     54,810     2,024   4.92 %     46,363     1,574   4.54 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,972,099     63,666   4.30 %     2,011,174     58,770   3.91 %
    Non-interest earning assets     59,245             56,762        
    Total assets   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                        
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 608,677   $ 5,816   1.27 %   $ 753,419   $ 6,350   1.13 %
    Time deposits     654,639     21,441   4.36 %     472,866     10,011   2.83 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,263,316     27,257   2.87 %     1,226,285     16,361   1.78 %
    FHLB advances     352,544     8,332   3.15 %     395,800     9,686   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,615,860     35,589   2.93 %     1,622,085     26,047   2.15 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     24,992             23,092        
    Non-interest bearing other     42,120             44,572        
    Total liabilities     1,682,972             1,689,749        
    Total shareholders’ equity     348,372             378,187        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Net interest income       $ 28,077           $ 32,723    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.37 %           1.76 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.90 %           2.18 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the table below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Blue Foundry’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Blue Foundry’s financial results. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Blue Foundry strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    Net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the provision for credit losses and income tax expense, while pre-provision net revenue does not.

        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Pre-provision net revenue and efficiency ratio:                
    Net interest income   $ 9,087     $ 9,573     $ 9,417     $ 9,196     $ 9,876  
    Other income     387       536       451       572       369  
    Total revenue     9,474       10,109       9,868       9,768       10,245  
    Operating expenses     13,267       13,215       13,242       12,543       12,394  
    Pre-provision net loss   $ (3,793 )   $ (3,106 )   $ (3,374 )   $ (2,775 )   $ (2,149 )
    Efficiency ratio     140.0 %     130.7 %     134.2 %     128.4 %     121.0 %
                         
    Core deposits:                    
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670     $ 1,311,156     $ 1,291,184     $ 1,244,904     $ 1,253,104  
    Less: time deposits     701,262       671,478       642,372       596,624       572,384  
    Core deposits   $ 617,408     $ 639,678     $ 648,812     $ 648,280     $ 680,720  
    Core deposits to total deposits     46.8 %     48.8 %     50.2 %     52.1 %     54.3 %
                         
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093     $ 2,045,452     $ 2,027,787     $ 2,044,963     $ 2,101,055  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible assets   $ 2,054,793     $ 2,045,066     $ 2,027,314     $ 2,044,406     $ 2,100,411  
                         
    Tangible equity:                    
    Shareholders’ equity   $ 339,299     $ 345,597     $ 350,156     $ 355,640     $ 359,149  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
                         
    Tangible equity to tangible assets     16.50 %     16.88 %     17.25 %     17.37 %     17.07 %
                         
    Tangible book value per share:                    
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
    Shares outstanding     22,990,908       23,505,357       23,958,888       24,509,950       25,174,412  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49       14.24  

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Around 40,000 litres of illegal alcoholic beverages seized under OLAF’s lead

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    The European Anti-Fraud Office coordinated an action that led the EU Member States’ and Norwegian customs authorities to seize around 40,000 litres of illicit alcoholic beverages. The targeted action is part of operation OPSON XIII, the global initiative coordinated alongside Europol to tackle food fraud and ensure the safety of food and beverages across Europe. 

    The operation, which ran from December 2023 to May 2024, focused on identifying and removing counterfeit and substandard food and drinks from markets while disturbing the criminal network behind these illicit products. 

    As in previous years, OLAF led a targeted action focused specifically on illicit alcoholic beverages. The operation revealed sophisticated schemes aimed at infiltrating the EU market with products of inferior quality – mostly beer, homemade alcohol and wine. Fraudsters used deceptive packaging, falsified documents and false labels to sell these products to consumers. 

    The OLAF coordinated action involved customs authorities from 15 Member States and one non-EU country: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Slovakia. 

    More information on Operation OPSON XIII is available in Europol’s press release.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: “We managed to hold a real hackathon, when there is no pre-defined pipeline on how to get a solution”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    From October 13 to 20, the HSE University held a hackathon “HSE AY Assistant Hakk: Pothon”, organized Faculty of Computer Science And Center for Artificial Intelligence HSE. 89 student teams from the country’s leading universities competed for prizes.

    The challenge asked participants to use LLM and other machine learning algorithms to create an AI assistant that would help student programmers and developers solve Python problems by understanding where an error was made in their code and offering step-by-step explanations and recommendations for fixing it without explicitly providing the corrected code.

    The competition lasted seven days, five of which were held online on the DS Works platform from the cloud technology provider Cloud.ru. The opening and final days were held in the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard.

    16 teams that were among the top ranking teams based on the quantitative metrics obtained for their solution were allowed to defend their projects.

    The jury included experts from the Center for Artificial Intelligence,Sber’s basic department “Financial technologies and data analysis”, teachers of the Faculty of Computer Science and the projectDate Culture.

    The victory was won by the team “MISIS Computer” from the University of Science and Technology MISIS. The second place was taken by the team MMG from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. The bronze was won by the team Selling Pandas, consisting of first-year students of the program“Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” HSE Faculty of Computer Science. The winners received cash prizes of 250,000, 200,000 and 150,000 rubles, respectively.

    Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Sergey Roshchin and Head of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Alexey Masyutin awarded the winners and shared their opinions on the hackathon.

    Sergey Roshchin

    — The Higher School of Economics is developing in order to respond to the challenges that occur in technology, business processes and various spheres of human life. The big digital world is a new reality in which we must learn to live and interact with artificial intelligence technologies. That is why we are actively building education so that absolutely all of our students, regardless of their field of study, master digital competencies. The Higher School of Economics is a recognized leader in training personnel in the field of AI. But we are going further and setting ourselves more ambitious goals, including automating routine tasks related to the development of AI technologies. We chose the hackathon format because it allows students to test and prove themselves by solving important and new problems. The competition participants spent a whole week developing a solution, and during this time, I am sure, they managed not only to find a worthy solution, but also to gain experience and develop their human capital. And the results obtained are a contribution to our digital future.

    Alexey Masyutin

    — “HSE AI Assistant Hack: Python” is unique in that it combines several important areas of HSE:teaching digital skills to students of all disciplines Andcreation of AI assistants, including in the educational process.

    This time we managed to hold a real hackathon, when there is no pre-defined pipeline on how to get a solution.

    Participants had the opportunity to adapt language models to help the student step-by-step understand the problem while writing code, rather than simply providing a ready-made solution.

    Based on the results of the defenses, variants were proposed with enrichment with synthetic data, and with advanced aroma engineering, and with RAG approaches, and even with additional LLM training. This exceeded our expectations.

    We intend to use the best solutions for implementation in HSE Smart LMS and provide an AI assistant for both students and teachers when learning Python.

    The teams that won prizes also shared their impressions.

    First place – the team “MISIS Computer”

    — The hackathon was really cool, our team has a lot of experience participating in hackathons, and we know firsthand what a quality organization is. This hackathon had a really great organization, a good leaderboard, clear metrics and, most importantly, active organizers and experts who promptly answered questions and were in touch. Special thanks to Maxim — for his openness and cool expertise on the task. The results of the hackathon will not pass by HSE, the organizers are going to implement the best solutions in the university systems. Thanks to the organizers, experts and participants for such an interesting competition! We will be back!

    Second place – MMG team

    — Our team took part in the hackathon with great pleasure. We were especially pleased that it was technical and research-based, without a business component, and that the task was very relevant and in demand. Despite the fact that for most of us such a deep dive into working with LLM was the first time, we successfully coped with it, mastered new technologies and gained valuable experience.

    It was an honor for us to represent the Financial University at this event. We would like to express special gratitude to the organizers for their constant support. They quickly resolved any difficulties that arose and were always in touch, which created comfortable conditions for work. We are glad that we were able to take part in this hackathon and take such a high place!

    Third place – Selling Pandas team

    — This was our first hackathon, which essentially consisted entirely of using fine-tuning LLMs (large language models). It was not easy, but it is precisely such competitions that bring the most pleasure, when you need to create a solution in a limited time in a practically new area for you.

    By the end of the hackathon, we didn’t even want it to end, as there were still ideas that we hadn’t managed to implement. We were also very pleased with the organization of the hackathon: they always provided clear information and promptly answered all questions. We are very happy that we managed to take the prize place.

    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 –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: National tourist routes unite 50 regions of the country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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    October 23, 2024

    Rostov Region. Ethnographic tourist route “Big Cossack Circle”

    October 23, 2024

    Helipad. Samara

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    Garibaldi Castle. Samara Region

    October 23, 2024

    Azov Historical, Archaeological and Paleontological Museum-Reserve

    October 23, 2024

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    October 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Altai Krai. Turquoise Katun

    As part of the implementation of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, the Government, together with the regions, is actively developing the tourism infrastructure, opening new national routes and making travel around the country even more exciting and comfortable. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    “Development of tourism infrastructure is a complex task that the Government is solving on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. Thanks to the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, we are increasing the availability of recreation for Russians and creating new routes. Traveling around Russia is safe, accessible and comfortable. Today, 56 national routes unite 50 regions, allowing travelers to see interesting sights of our country. In this way, we are popularizing domestic tourism, revealing the potential of the regions,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko added that national routes run through all federal districts, and the leader in their number is the North-West, where 16 routes have received national status.

    Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov spoke about the advantages of new national tourist routes.

    “National tourist routes are the result of the work of regional teams, a unique and ready-made tourist product. Each route is based on a verified set of tourist services that allow travelers to immerse themselves deeply in the history and culture of the territory in a short time, learn about its ethnographic and gastronomic features. For regions, this is not only an opportunity to declare themselves, but also an additional tool for promoting and attracting tourists, as well as an opportunity to receive funds from the national project for the development of infrastructure. For travelers, this is a guarantee of high quality, thoughtfulness and often greater accessibility of the trip,” said Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The Association of Tour Operators of Russia noted that the main goal of such routes is to ensure that tourists are absolutely confident in their comfort and the optimal price-quality ratio while traveling around the country.

    “Assigning the status of a national tourist route is a quality mark, a guarantee of its compliance with the highest requirements formulated in the decree of the Government of Russia. Each national tourist route has its own specifics, and a tourist can choose the most interesting destination for themselves. All NTMs are logistically thought out, have ready-made recommendations on where to stay and stay, are safe and comfortable. When choosing a trip along each route, a tourist can either use the services of tour operators or go independently. Descriptions and programs of national tourist routes can be found on a special page of the national tourism portal “Puteshestvoem.rf”, – clarified the executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia Maya Lomidze.

    The leader in the number of national tourist routes is the Leningrad Region, where the routes “History and Secrets of Medieval Vyborg” have been developed, as well as interregional routes – “Gosudareva Doroga”, which unites the sights of the Moscow, Tver, Leningrad and Novgorod Regions, and “Energy of Ladoga”, which passes through the Leningrad Region and Karelia and received a new status in October.

    “Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe, the cleanest, many rivers flow into it, and only one flows out. It was here that Russian statehood was born, famous monasteries are located, which are a stronghold of spirituality. The unique nature of Lake Ladoga – the Karelian Isthmus, kames and eskers, skerries and numerous bays – all this is united by one route. For the region, the emergence of another national tourist route is very important in terms of regulating the tourist flow, positioning in the tourist geography of Russia. Thanks to the emergence of another national tourist route, the tourist flow to the region can grow annually from 5 to 10%. The plans include the development and promotion of NTM in the Russian and foreign markets,” said Olga Golubeva, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Culture and Tourism of the Leningrad Region – Head of the Tourism Department.

    Among the routes that received a new status in October are “The Secret North: from Arkhangelsk to Solovki,” which allows travelers to get acquainted with the history and traditions of the Russian North and visit the Solovetsky Archipelago, as well as the ethnographic tourist route through the Rostov Region “The Great Cossack Circle,” which offers an immersion in the traditions of the Cossacks.

    According to a study by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the most popular routes among organized tourists were the Grand Tour “All of Karelia”, as well as “Stories and Secrets of Medieval Vyborg”, “Zhigulevskie Weekend”, “Hello, Altai” and “Arkhangelsk – the Arctic Begins Here”.

    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 –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/23/2024, 10:22 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZYFB8 (KrasYarKr14) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/23/2024

    10:22

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/23/2024, 10:22 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 104.98) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 549.12 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the RU000A0ZYFB8 (KrasYarKr14) security were changed.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74219

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/23/2024, 10:26 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZYLQ4 (Gazpnf1P5R) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/23/2024

    10:26

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/23/2024, 10:26 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 103.01) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1087.79 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the RU000A0ZYLQ4 (Gazpnf1P5R) security were changed.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74220

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/23/2024, 10:33 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A109SK6 (MTS 1P-27) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/23/2024

    10:33

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/23/2024, 10:33 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.39) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1134.03 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the RU000A109SK6 security (MTS 1P-27) were changed.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74221

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/23/2024, 10-41 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the rollover rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/23/2024

    10:41

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/23/2024, 10:41 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -1.06 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 85.64%) of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74225

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 24, 2025
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