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Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI China: Summit of the Future reaches consensus on UN updates to address challenges

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Philemon Yang, president of the General Assembly of the United Nations, speaks at the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Summit of the Future opened at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York on Sunday, with the adoption of a Pact for the Future, as well as its annexes the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, which cover a broad range of themes including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations and the transformation of global governance.

    The Pact for the Future is the UN’s master plan for tackling challenges that lie ahead for humanity, with 56 “actions” covering everything from peacekeeping to the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence. The pact underlines the “increasingly complex challenges” to world peace, notably the threat of nuclear war, with the document reiterating the UN’s core tenets.

    The pact promises to accelerate efforts to attain the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim for the eradication of extreme poverty by 2030, an intensified battle against hunger, promotion of gender equality and education. Most of the objectives were set in 2005, but are far from being realized. Against that backdrop, and with poor countries particularly mobilized for change, the pact especially calls for “reform of the international financial architecture.”

    What UNGA president says?

    “We stand at a crossroads of global transformation, facing unprecedented challenges that demand urgent, collective action,” Philemon Yang, president the UN General Assembly, said at the opening segment of the two-day summit. “From conflict and climate change to the digital divide, from inequalities to threats against human rights, together, we all face profound challenges. Yet, alongside these challenges, there is hope,” because challenges come along with opportunities.

    The Pact for the Future represents the world body’s pledge not only to address immediate crises, but lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order, for all peoples and nations, he said, adding that the commitments embodied in the pact and its annexes reflect the collective will of UN member states to promote international peace and security, invigorate implementation of the SDGs, foster just and inclusive societies, and ensure that technologies always serve the common good of humankind.

    “The Summit of the Future is a call to action. We must shape our future to protect ourselves and our planet Earth,” said the president. “Action that recommits us to the principles of international law, the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the promise of the United Nations Charter to save future generations from the pain of war.”

    The world body’s mission is to eradicate poverty in all its forms, tackle inequalities, and promote peace and security, tolerance and respect for diversity, and the summit offers a historic opportunity to ensure that progress is shared equitably across all nations and communities everywhere, he said.

    “We have an obligation to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation, in order to prepare the future of humankind. It is also important that we reproduce our human successes across generations all the time,” noted the president. “Let us continue our efforts to reform and strengthen global institutions that support peace, security, sustainable development, and financial stability.”

    What UN secretary general says?

    “I called for this summit to consider deep reforms to make global institutions more legitimate, fair and effective, based on the values of the UN Charter,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the meeting. “I called for this summit because 21st century challenges require 21st century solutions: frameworks that are networked and inclusive; and that draw on the expertise of all of humanity … our world is heading off the rails — and we need tough decisions to get back on track.”

    Conflicts are raging and multiplying, from the Middle East to Ukraine and Sudan, with no end in sight, he said, adding that the world’s collective security system is threatened by geopolitical divides, nuclear posturing, and the development of new weapons and theaters of war, while resources that could bring opportunities and hope are invested in death and destruction.

    “In short, our multilateral tools and institutions are unable to respond effectively to today’s political, economic, environmental and technological challenges. And tomorrow’s will be even more difficult and even more dangerous,” noted the secretary general, stressing that things are changing fast but the world’s peace and security tools and institutions, as well as its global financial architecture, reflect a bygone era.

    Technology, geopolitics and globalization have transformed power relations and the world is going through a time of turbulence and a period of transition, he addressed the meeting. With the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, pathways are opened to new possibilities and opportunities — a breakthrough on peace and security reforms to make the Security Council more reflective of today’s world is promised.

    These three landmark agreements are a step-change toward more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism, said Guterres, noting that their implementation will prioritize dialogue and negotiation, end the wars tearing the world apart, and reform the composition and working methods of the Security Council. “To rebuild trust, we must start with the present and look to the future. People everywhere are hoping for a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity.”

    What Summit of the Future Means?

    In 2020, the United Nations turned 75 and marked the occasion by starting a global conversation about hopes and fears for the future. This was the beginning of a process that would eventually lead, four years later, to the convening of the Summit of the Future, a major event this September, just before the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.

    The summit was conceived at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a perception at the UN that countries and people pulled apart instead of cooperating to face this global threat.

    “We were really confronted with the gap between the aspirations of our founders, which we were trying to celebrate at the 75th anniversary, and the reality of the world as it is today,” said Michele Griffin, the policy director of the summit.

    UN member states tasked Guterres to come up with a vision for the future of global cooperation. His answer to their call was “Our Common Agenda,” a landmark report with recommendations on renewed global cooperation to address a host of risks and threats, and a proposal to hold a forward-looking summit in 2024.

    The event consists of sessions and plenaries based around five main tracks — sustainable development and financing; peace and security; a digital future for all; youth and future generations; and global governance — and other topics that cut across all of the work of the UN, including human rights, gender equality and the climate crisis.

    The immediate outcome is the finalized version of the Pact for the Future, with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations as annexes, all of which were adopted by member states during the summit on Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas announces its new three-year strategic plan: Elevate27

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Regulated information • Inside information

    Ageas announces its new three-year strategic plan: Elevate27

    Today, Ageas announces its next 3-year strategic plan, Elevate27, for the period 2025-2027. As the name suggests, it is about taking the Group’s strong performance to the next level, building on Ageas’s unique growth profile and strong long-term track record, and the experience it has garnered over the years. A new chapter in Ageas’s journey, Elevate27 is a plan for sustained profitable growth and accelerated progress in key areas of strength, that respond to the needs of the ageing population and SMEs, with the ambition to extend the Group’s leadership in technical insurance and operational excellence while future-proofing distribution capabilities and enriching the customer experience.

      ”As the world continues to change at speed, we will need to stay agile and alert. This is why our focus is on what comes next. That means always asking ourselves – can we do better? Or can we do more? That’s what excites us about Elevate27. It is about further elevating our performance as a Group, building on our strengths, embracing technological advancements where they add value, to deliver on evolving expectations of our stakeholders and on their hopes and dreams for the future. We’ve successfully delivered and outperformed in the past and we’re ready to do so again.”
      Hans De Cuyper, CEO Ageas
    ELEVATE27 COMMITMENTS  
    AS A BUSINESS AND TO INVESTORS. Target by end 2027
    Average earnings per share growth 6% to 8%
    Holding Free Cash Flow EUR 2.2+ billion
    Shareholder Remuneration EUR 1.9+ billion (Progressive Dividend per Share)
    TO CUSTOMERS  
    Delivering the best customer experience Top quartile NPS scores across all our markets
    TO EMPLOYEES  
    Employee NPS Top quartile
    Women in senior and middle management 40%
    TO SOCIETY  
    Products 35+ % of GWP from products that stimulate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
    ESG Ratings Top quartile with 3 out of 6 rating agencies we actively engage with

    Over the past three years, we have successfully executed our Impact24 growth strategy, delivering on most targets we have set. This was achieved through strong commercial progress and robust operational performance, enabling us to meet our commitments to investors regarding earnings per share and dividend growth, while meeting Net Operating Result guidance. Besides our operational and financial achievements, we are increasingly recognised for our dedication to non-financial goals, as evidenced by improved scores from ESG rating agencies and various recognitions we received such as TOP Employer and the Platinum ECOVADIS label (AG Insurance). We also advanced well on our commitments to customers and employees, as reflected in our high NPS and eNPS scores. As we near the end of our three-year strategic plan, we are confident that we will successfully deliver on Impact24, providing the Group a solid foundation to start Elevate27.

    Elevate27 is built on three strategic drivers: driving profitable growth, leading in technical insurance and operational excellence to sustain and improve margins, and future-proofing distribution and enriching customer experience.

    By focusing on three strategic drivers, we aim to leverage the Group’s strengths to elevate our performance in the coming years. Elevate27 will follow two dynamics: continuing what we already excel at and accelerating our efforts in areas where we see new potential to generate additional value for our stakeholders. Central to this strategy will be our increased emphasis on our People and Tech, Data & AI capabilities at the level of the Group, which will enable us to deliver on our ambitions.

    Our actions are guided and influenced by a commitment to sustainability, long-term thinking, and our partnership DNA.

    Drive profitable growth

    Leveraging our strong presence in Life and Non-Life throughout Europe and Asia, and the successful launch of a fully-fledged Reinsurance arm that provides a solid cash and diversification engine, we will continue to focus on market segments that align with our core competencies, and that open up new opportunities to create and accelerate profitable growth moving forward. We will further accelerate the development of our offering to SMEs, which is already a significant part of our portfolio and where the market is expected in time to outgrow the retail market. We will also accelerate the provision of our solutions for an ageing population, a market opportunity seen in all markets in which Ageas is active, by capitalising on our strong position in the Life market and experience in the over 50 customer segment.

    Lead in technical insurance and operational excellence

    Ageas has a strong track record in terms of technical insurance and operational excellence and wants to grasp the opportunity to maintain and also elevate its leadership in that respect. Taking a lead in these areas, including making use of the new opportunities offered by Technology, Data and AI, ensures attractive margins for the business and intrinsically offers customers an efficient and seamless service.

    To achieve leadership in technical insurance and operational excellence, we will continue to invest in our systems and processes, supporting at the same time our partners in their own digital (transformation) journeys. We want the operational aspect of delivery to be invisible to the customer, the ultimate beneficiary, and to add value to our employees. We want to maintain our financial discipline and strong risk culture, allowing us to sustain and improve our margins. And we want to step up group empowered synergies by leveraging assets and expertise across the entities, demonstrating the power of the Group in this specific area.

    And finally, we have a strong expertise in Data & AI. We want to put these technologies to work for us – adding value but in a disciplined and controlled way, allowing us to better serve our customers, and making insurance more accessible and inclusive.

    Future-proof distribution and enrich customer experience

    In a distribution landscape that is continuously changing, we remain committed to working through all distribution channels that allow us to best reach our customers and gain access to new types of customers.

    By leveraging on our strong partnership model and new possibilities offered by AI, we want to develop innovative propositions and services for customers by combining the data insights and expertise of Ageas and our partners. With full confidence in our traditional distribution partners – Banks, Agents and Brokers – we will pay special attention to jointly enhancing our digital capabilities. At the same time, and in the context of continued diversification, we will further accelerate our engagement with digital B2B2C sales platforms.

    In Impact24 we have successfully implemented solutions designed to provide the best experience for customers focusing on CX Culture, Customer Journey Management and Tech & Data, giving the Group the capabilities to develop a leading on- and offline customer experience, while promoting greater efficiency. This will continue to be our primary focus. We aim to advance even further by reinventing the way we interact with customers across different channels and platforms by innovating our client-interaction model, prioritising self-service solutions and automated customer assistance, and investing in hyper-personalised services.

    Leveraging on two critical assets to deliver on our plan: ‘People’ and ‘Tech, Data & AI’

    Through Elevate27 we will reconfirm the commitment we made to our people to deliver a Great place to Grow, both today and for future, and we will take optimal advantage of the opportunities offered by Tech, Data & AI to meet our ambitions. We have put in place high-quality data management and established a pipeline of over 300 AI initiatives group-wide that under Elevate27 will be fully deployed.

    The rapid evolutions in these areas require us to act fast as a Group to maintain a leading position. By harnessing the collective strength of the Group, we can offer our entities and partnerships access to essential resources and skills, generate economies of scale, increase our speed-to-market and adopt the most effective approaches and methodologies, that benefit all.

    As a prerequisite to delivering on the drivers of Elevate27, we will continue to invest in our technological capabilities, such as ensuring our IT architecture is open and composable to easily integrate with partners and increase our speed to market. Furthermore, we will accelerate the adoption of new Data and (Gen)AI solutions where they add value, as their integration in areas such as Pricing, Underwriting and Product Development, Claims Processes, Fraud Management & Customer Journeys will become even more prominent moving forward.

    Sustainability and Long-term thinking as guiding principles

    As a true supporter of the lives of all our stakeholders, our dedication to sustainability and adopting a long-term perspective will continue to underpin our actions. Leveraging 200 years of solid business experience along with recent successes and learnings from Impact24, we will further strengthen our group-wide efforts in sustainability and long-term thinking.

    A targeted performance

    As a true stakeholder driven company, we hold ourselves accountable for delivering on our promises by 2027. This translates to setting clear financial and non-financial targets that allow us to measure our progress over time.

    For investors and our business in general, we have set out a range of targets that demonstrate the strength of our balance sheet, our financial performance, and our ability to drive profitable growth and attractive returns, providing confidence in the sustainability of our investment case in the long term. Our commitment to create value is reflected in 3 financial targets:

    • Average earnings per share growth: 6% to 8%
    • Holding Free Cash Flow: EUR 2.2+ billion
    • Shareholder Remuneration: EUR 1.9+ billion (Progressive Dividend per Share)

    For customers, we aim to be recognised for excellence at every interaction. To underscore our commitment to delivering the best customer experience, we will strive to reach top quartile NPS scores across all our markets.

    For our partners, we want to be the partner of choice both for our traditional partners and new types of partnerships and will closely monitor and actively address partnership feedback at local level.

    For our employees we want to be recognised as a Great place to Grow. This commitment is demonstrated through two specific targets:

    • Employee NPS: top quartile
    • 40% women in senior and middle management

    For society we continue to place sustainability at the heart of our business, influencing decisions about products, investments, and emissions, with external acknowledgment of our ESG initiatives.

    • Products: 35+ % of GWP from products that stimulate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
    • ESG ratings: top quartile with 3 out of 6 rating agencies we actively engage with.

    INVESTOR DAY WEBCAST

    23 September 2024 – 17:00 CET (16:00 UK Time)
    Audio webcast via https://ageaspresents.com/aid2024/live

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Victoire Grux 
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55 
    Email: victoire.grux@capgemini.com 

    Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    • 69% of executives say that anticipating stricter future regulations is a key driver of sustainability initiatives, up from 57% last year
    • Nearly two thirds say geopolitics is driving a slowdown in their sustainability investments
    • Six out of ten are concerned that their organization’s sustainability efforts might appear insincere to the public, up from only 11% in 2023.

    Paris, September 23, 2024 – Organizations continue to make progress in their sustainability initiatives, despite facing geopolitical challenges. Regulation and technology are proving to be a vital part of this progress, with two thirds of executives agreeing that their organization will never be able to achieve its sustainability goals without climate tech. This is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘A world in balance 2024: Accelerating sustainability amidst geopolitical challenges’, which tracks advancements in organizations’ environmental and social sustainability over the last three years. The third edition of the report highlights marked improvements in circularity, sustainable design, measurement, water stewardship, biodiversity, and sustainability skilling, despite shortfalls in tackling Scope 3 emissions and consumer skepticism.

    Collectively, organizations are ramping up their efforts to meet their sustainability targets, and their maturity in adopting sustainable practices has increased steadily since 2022. 84% of executives this year say their organization is on target to meet its carbon emissions goals; less than a tenth say they are behind. As organizations look to minimize their impact on the environment, progress is particularly visible in terms of circularity, sustainable product design, measurement, and water management. For instance, nearly three quarters of executives say that recycling products is a core aspect of their manufacturing strategy, up from 53% in 2022, while over two thirds said they were redesigning products to remove fossil fuel feedstock sources, up from less than half in 2022. In addition, three-quarters of executives have implemented a water-stewardship program, up from 55% in 2022.

    In late 2023, executives were planning to increase investments in sustainability this year. However, companies have not followed through: average annual investment in sustainability initiatives and practices now stands at 0.82% of total revenue, down from 0.92% in 2023.

    “This year’s report shows sustainability projects continuing to build momentum in 2024 despite current headwinds,” said Cyril Garcia, Capgemini’s Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility and Group Executive Board Member. “Business leaders have the power and the responsibility to steer us towards a more sustainable economy. Water stewardship, biodiversity preservation, and circular practices are now established as key business imperatives. Executives are being very pragmatic, and CO2reduction must now be translated into cost savings. We continue to see sustainability efforts bolstered by new climate tech innovations and regulations. The best way to build trust and credibility with consumers is by demonstrating tangible outcomes and planning for a future with sustainability at its heart.”

    Consumers unconvinced about progress
    Consumers want to see corporations going even further and demand transparency. The report finds three-quarters of consumers expecting corporations to play a larger role in reducing GHG emissions in 2024. Furthermore, even as organizations ramp up sustainability initiatives, consumers are more skeptical than ever about corporate sustainability, as more than half believe that organizations are greenwashing their sustainability initiatives, up from 33% in 2023.

    Geopolitics and regulations impacting corporate sustainability initiatives
    Executives pointed to climate-related regulations as a key driver of sustainability projects. A full three-quarters of executives believe that sustainability regulation is necessary to achieve global climate goals, and nearly two thirds even agree that without regulation, their organization would not have launched many environmental sustainability initiatives.

    Globally, 73% of executives agree that the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is honing sustainability measurement and tracking capabilities. However, organizations continue to fall short in terms of reporting on sustainability initiatives, especially on Scope 3 emissions. Among organizations required to report for CSRD in 2025, just over a third say that they are prepared to report Scope 3 downstream emissions next year, while 86% are prepared for Scope 1.

    Meanwhile, tensions such as US-China relations, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the European energy crisis, are leading to disruption to supply chains and business operations, and uncertainty around government funding. This year, nearly two thirds of executives pointed to geopolitics as an increasing consideration in sustainability investments, and 69% are concerned about the impact of the uncertain US political scene. This is felt across countries, but Swedish executives are most concerned (75%), compared with 71% of US executives and 59% of executives in India.

    To access the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/sustainability-trends-2024

    Methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 2,152 executives employed at 727 organizations, each with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, across 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific and in 12 industries and sectors, in June and July 2024. Executives surveyed were director level and above and 50% were from corporate functions, such as strategy, sustainability, sales, and marketing; 50% were from value chain functions, such as product design, R&D, procurement, and logistics. The Institute also surveyed 6,500 consumers over the age of 18 across the 13 countries and conducted interviews with 12 senior sustainability executives at leading organizations globally.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was recently ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts. 

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/ 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 350 Students of Samsung Innovation Campus certified in Future-Tech Skills at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University in Presence of Shri Yogi Adityanath, Honourable Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung India’s flagship CSR initiative, the ‘Samsung Innovation Campus,’ (SIC) has concluded its Coding & Programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) courses for 350 students in Gorakhpur at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. The students were handed over certificates of completion by the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath at a ceremony held at the University premises. This initiative reiterates the brand’s commitment to being a strong partner of the country and working alongside the government in its mission to skill India and power #DigitalIndia.
     
    Senior Samsung executives and representatives from the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), which collaborated in training and mentoring the students were also present during the occasion. A total of 350 students were awarded certificates across various future-tech domains, including 150 in Coding & Programming, 100 in Artificial Intelligence, 50 in Big Data, and 50 in Internet of Things (IoT).
     
    Samsung will train 3500 students across India as part of this programme in 2024. At the conclusion of the 2024 programme top performers of Samsung Innovation Campus will be awarded a cash prize of INR 1 lakh and will have the chance to visit Samsung’s facilities in Delhi/NCR. During these visits, they will have the opportunity to engage with and receive mentorship from Samsung’s leadership team. Not just that, the national course toppers will also receive exciting Samsung products, including Samsung Galaxy Buds and Samsung Galaxy Smartwatches.
     
    “Samsung has been in India for around 29 years now and Uttar Pradesh has been a hub for manufacturing and research-led initiatives for Samsung during this time. We are a committed partner to the growth story of both India and Uttar Pradesh. Through Samsung Innovation Campus, our flagship CSR programme, we are committed to the mission of educating the youth of the nation in future-tech skills, which will strengthen our vision of powering Digital India,” said Mr. JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
     “Skill development of the youth is a key priority of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. We welcome this initiative by Samsung that will impart employment-oriented future-tech skills to our students. Samsung has been a strong partner of Uttar Pradesh for many years, and this programme will further strengthen our bond,” said Shri Yogi Adityanath, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
     
     “This collaboration reinforces the shared vision of equipping India’s youth with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. It is heartening to see the programme expand and reach a vast pool of young talent across the country, including those in remote areas. Through this initiative we want to empower the youth and create opportunities for them in domains like Coding & Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Internet of Things,” said Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India.
     
    Samsung Innovation Campus offers in-depth training across four key technology areas — AI, IoT, Big Data, and Coding & Programming. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects and soft skills training aimed at boosting their employability. The AI course participants undergo 270 hours of theory training followed by 80 hours of project work, while those enrolled in IoT and Big Data courses receive 160 hours of theory training and complete 80 hours of project work. Participants in the Coding & Programming course complete 80 hours of training and take part in a hackathon.
     
    The programme covers eight educational institutions across four states. In the northern region, training centres are established in Lucknow and Gorakhpur, besides two in Delhi NCR. In the southern region, which includes Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, training centres are located in Chennai and Sriperumbudur, in addition to two in Bengaluru.
     
    During the programme, participants will continue to receive instructor-led blended classroom and online training. Youth enrolled for the programme will undergo classroom and online training and complete their hands-on capstone project work in their selected technology areas in AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding & Programming.
     
    They will also be imparted soft skills training to enhance their employability. The participants are being mobilized through ESSCI’s training and education partners across India. The approach includes a combination of offline and online learning, immersive hackathons and capstone projects, as well as expert mentorship provided by Samsung employees.
     
    During 2023, Samsung Innovation Campus successfully trained 3000 students in future-tech courses. Samsung’s involvement in this initiative underscores its commitment to nation building through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in India. It complements Samsung’s other CSR endeavours, including Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Through these initiatives, Samsung aims to empower future leaders of India by providing them with the necessary education and skills to drive meaningful change.
     
    With the global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Samsung Electronics is committed to provide education to young people around the world to empower the leaders of tomorrow. Read more stories on Samsung Electronics’ CSR efforts on our CSR webpage http://csr.samsung.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s meetings in New York

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    In the margins of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, held a series of meetings today with representatives from the innovation sector, and in particular with the CEO of Google-Alphabet group, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Motorola, Greg Brown, and the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman.

    The meetings focused on global technological and IT development prospects, with particular reference to artificial intelligence, the opportunities to be seized and the risks to be prevented.

    The different groups’ plans to invest in Italy were also discussed, along with initiatives that can be taken to boost Italy’s competitiveness in the most high-tech sectors, also given its strategic position in the centre of the Mediterranean, in particular by leveraging Italian excellence in higher education and research.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New smartphone skin cancer app could save lives An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.” Professor Peter Murchie

    The app will help people previously treated for melanoma examine their skin regularly to reduce anxiety and help catch any recurrence of the disease.
    A built-in AI chatbot will enable users to upload high quality images and information about worrying skin changes, so concerns can be quickly triaged and dealt with by human healthcare professionals.
    The project, led by the University of Aberdeen, has already successfully trialled a tablet app called ASICA with a group of patients who had previously been successfully treated for melanoma.
    Around 120 melanoma survivors used the app for a year to regularly check their skin and then send photos and text about any areas of concern to a specialist doctor for review.
    The app was found to be effective, leading to quicker resolution of concerns and reducing anxiety for users. However, some users struggled to maintain monthly skin checks and provide high-quality text and images for the specialists to review.
    The new funding will go towards developing an enhanced smartphone version of the ASICA app with an integrated AI chat bot which will better support users to check their skin monthly.
    Professor Peter Murchie, Chair in Primary Care and lead of the Academic Primary Care Research Group at the University of Aberdeen, said:
    “Melanoma can return, and we know the quicker recurrence is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.
    “If melanoma survivors check their total skin once per month, they are more likely to spot recurrence or if a new melanoma has appeared. They can then get medical attention at the earliest stage.
    “We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.
    “AI will never replace the need for human healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancer but can be of great support and reassurance for patients and in directing them to healthcare professionals when needed.”
    Each year around 17,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK*. With around 2,400 people in the UK sadly losing their lives to the disease annually, finding new ways to tackle the disease is vital**.
    Primary teacher, Adele Hughes, from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, welcomed the project. The mum of two was diagnosed with melanoma just a month before her 40th birthday.
    After six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy, Adele has now been cancer free for three years, but lives with the awareness that the cancer could return and has regular surveillance scans and check-ups every six months at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen.
    Adele said: “This project represents a fantastic initiative for individuals like myself who have experienced melanoma and continually navigate the possibility of its recurrence.
    “This app not only aims to relieve anxiety by providing access to professional healthcare support when necessary, but it also holds the potential to save numerous lives. Its proactive approach could significantly enhance the well-being of those affected by this condition.”
    Dr Catherine Elliott, Director of Research at Cancer Research UK, said:
    “We are delighted to support this innovative research which aims to use emerging technologies to ensure the best possible future for those who have already experienced the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis.”
    The new app will be developed and tested with up to 50 melanoma survivors and around 20 healthcare professionals.
    The study team would like to hear from people in region who have been treated for melanoma in the last five-years and healthcare professionals interested in taking part. They can get in touch via asica@abdn.ac.uk to find out more.
    In future it’s hoped the project could be developed further to create a deep learning-based computer-assisted decision (CAD) model to support nurse triage.
     
    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Interparliamentary meeting in Neuchâtel: artificial intelligence at the heart of the debates

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland

    09/23/2024

    ​On the occasion of the 61st annual meeting of the offices of the parliaments of French-speaking Switzerland, Bern and Ticino, delegations bringing together around seventy people were received in Neuchâtel on 20 and 21 September 2024 for a reception, visits and a working seminar. The discussions focused in particular on the theme of artificial intelligence and its impact on parliamentary activity.

    As a reminder, the offices constitute the executive committees of the parliaments. Bringing together representatives of the different political groups as well as the functions of presidency and vice-presidency, these bodies ensure the administrative management of the Grand Councils as well as various missions set by law such as the allocation of objects to the committees, the setting of the agenda of the sessions, or the representations.

    Every year, the offices of the Latin cantons meet for two days. This year, it was the turn of the Neuchâtel parliament to host the event. On Friday, September 20, the delegations were received at a friendly reception in the city of Neuchâtel during which Neuchâtel’s heritage and local products were honored. On this occasion, Mr. Jonathan Gretillat, municipal councilor, sent a message on behalf of the municipal authorities. On Saturday, September 21, the participants were received at the Château de Neuchâtel by the President of the Grand Council, Ms. Mary-Claude Fallet, and by the President of the Council of State, Ms. Florence Nater. With the contribution of experts in the field, the parliamentarians discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on parliamentary activity.

    The President of the Grand Council of Neuchâtel noted in her introduction to what extent “parliaments, pillars of democracy, are faced with immense challenges in the face of rapid technological developments”, while exploring existing solutions to assert “their role as regulatory bodies, capable of protecting citizens while promoting positive and democratic innovation”. The way in which AI could facilitate parliamentary work by automating certain administrative tasks, synthesizing information or allowing better promotion of parliamentary debates among citizens was also discussed.

    As in previous editions, this visit allowed for rich and useful exchanges on the practices and realities of cantonal parliaments, in a fine spirit of intercantonal understanding.

    BodyRight

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Virgin Atlantic Turns to FLYR for Ancillary Revenue Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the airline industry, today announced that Virgin Atlantic, Britain’s only Five Star Global Airline, is using FLYR Ancillary Revenue Management to automate and optimize revenue for seating. Virgin Atlantic has been leveraging FLYR for the last 18 months, establishing a dynamic pricing model that responds to a range of variables including route, seat zone, and traveler demand – increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

    A leading airline with customer experience at its core, Virgin Atlantic has been an innovator since its founding in 1984. Back then, Virgin Atlantic was a tiny airline with big aspirations to shake things up – and they have done just that every step of the way. Holding the imagination of the traveling public, Virgin Atlantic is always seeking new ways to elevate and optimize the travel experience for its fleet that serves 30-plus destinations across 4 continents, and more than 5 million annual passengers.

    Realizing that the opportunities to innovate start long before check-in, Virgin Atlantic began searching for a solution to optimize ancillary revenue for seating. With limited data on variably-priced ancillary purchases and a range of aircraft and cabin configurations, Virgin Atlantic needed a flexible, data-driven solution that could optimize seat pricing and availability, while ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for every passenger.

    Virgin Atlantic turned to FLYR to automate and optimize ancillary revenue for seating using deep learning, an advanced form of artificial intelligence. Virgin Atlantic has experienced more than 10 percent uplift in seating revenue with FLYR’s dynamic, AI-based optimization for seats.

    “Providing the best experience possible for our passengers is core to everything we do at Virgin Atlantic,” said Juha Jarvinen, CCO, Virgin Atlantic. “We are ecstatic with the revenue uplift we have seen using FLYR already, in addition to the optimized offerings and experience we continue to provide for our passengers.”

    Insights from FLYR have allowed Virgin Atlantic to better understand the customer seat needs for each route, as well as the interdependencies between seats, ticket prices, and other ancillaries. With FLYR’s comprehensive Ancillary Revenue Management, Virgin Atlantic now has the flexible solution needed to optimize the passenger experience.

    “At the heart of our partnership with FLYR is a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We’ve appreciated their forward-thinking, data-driven approach to ancillary revenue management and total offer optimization over the last 18 months. Going from a static pricing system to a dynamic, near-automatic one that is powered by machine learning feels like a leap into the future, and we’re excited to explore what else is possible with FLYR,” said Dominic Kennedy, SVP, Revenue Management, Distribution and Holidays, Virgin Atlantic.

    “Our collaboration with Virgin Atlantic has been immensely rewarding and is a testament to the value that FLYR can unlock,” said Alex Mans, Founder and CEO, FLYR. “Virgin Atlantic has always been intent on innovation, and we’re excited to have helped them gain another competitive edge by offering a dynamic, AI-based pricing strategy for ancillary products and services. We’re thrilled with the results Virgin Atlantic is already experiencing with Ancillary Revenue Management and look forward to continuing to innovate together.”

    About FLYR
    FLYR is a technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry – eliminating legacy constraints to enable real-time decision making and create the experiences travelers seek. Cloud native, FLYR leverages technologies including deep learning, an advanced form of AI. FLYR is helping airlines and hospitality businesses around the globe improve revenue performance, reduce cost, and modernize their e-commerce experience. Learn more at flyr.com.

    About Virgin Atlantic
    Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.

    Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

    Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In March 2024, Virgin Atlantic welcomed Wendy Darling, the 11th delivery of 12 A350s, and Ruby Rebel, the 5th of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

    Media contact:
    Christie Engelbrecht
    media@flyr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Innovative concept featuring app and portal hosted on AWS Cloud provides real-time data on stock quality and levels

    Paris, France – September 23, 2024 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security, today announces it has developed and implemented a cellar management application designed by Selartag® based on a unique and innovative concept for identifying and tracking wine bottles. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) hybrid architecture, the solution provides reliable, real-time data for users such as winery owners, winemakers, sommeliers and restaurants, helping them to optimize their sales through simplified, more efficient inventory management. Eviden is an AWS Premier Partner.

    Drawing on its expertise in digital solutions, consulting and cloud management, Eviden worked closely with Selartag to develop their cellar management solution. The solution consists of smart labels, a smartphone application, a web portal and an inventory tracking and management system – hosted on AWS hybrid architecture.

    Each wine bottle is equipped with an intelligent, forgery-proof label automatically identified with RFID technology, either by using a hand-held mobile reader or via the physical checkpoint at the cellar entrance. The data on the label is communicated to the Selartag application (mobile app and online via PC), aiding customers in their inventory management and business decisions and outcomes.

    With this new application, Selartag can provide its customers with real-time, reliable data on their stock quality and levels, and the ability to complete inventories in less than an hour, compared to several days previously. Selartag customers include renowned sommeliers, as well as the owners of large cellars in Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet bistros.

    Julien Giraud, Head of Cloud & Data at Eviden, Atos Group said, “The combination of Eviden’s expertise in digital solutions and cloud management coupled with Selartag’s unique concept helps accomplish next-level data efficiencies for Selartag’s customers, whose reputation is well established in some of the most elite wine and restaurant communities. What we’ve accomplished here is a key example of a turnkey, cloud-based solution that from manufacturing to consumption, generates better performance across the value chain, to the benefit of the business. The data obtained through improved product visibility and security will bring Selartag’s customers greater reliability and increased margins, unlocking possibilities for further growth and innovation.”

    Hervé Lemaire, Founder and President, Selartag said, “Working with Eviden, we have been able to create and implement an innovative, reliable application for our customers to locate, track and record wine stocks, as well as limit errors and authenticate the quality of their bottles of wine. This solution extends the excellence of customers’ table-side, white-glove service to the full value chain landscape that supports their business. Eviden’s end-to-end expertise in AWS services and product offerings and project management is what creates a differentiated solution for our customers to receive real-time data and efficiencies, enabling for them an advantage against competitors.”

    This project with Selartag is testament to over 12 years of business and technological collaboration between Eviden (Atos Group) and AWS, which was reinforced last year through a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to deliver a multi-faceted program of solutions, consultancy and innovation support to help customers quickly access critical expertise for cloud and AI transformation projects and increase their time to value.

    ***

    About Eviden1

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 47,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 92,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laura Fau | laura.fau@eviden.com | +33 (0) 6 73 64 04 18

    1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion. Eviden is a registered trademark.
    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Asian Development Blog: Beyond Growth: How AI Can Reshape Economies for Ecological Sustainability

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Amid converging crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the urgency of reimagining our economic systems has never been greater. Artificial Intelligence offers a unique opportunity to rethink how we manage resources and align economic activities with environmental sustainability.

    For decades, global economic policy has been driven by the relentless pursuit of GDP growth, often at the expense of environmental and social well-being. This growth-centric model has spurred overexploitation of natural resources, driven deforestation, depleted oceans, and contributed significantly to global climate change.

    These issues underscore a fundamental flaw: the assumption that economic growth can continue indefinitely without hitting ecological limits.

    Economic activities frequently externalize environmental costs, treating them as side effects rather than central concerns.

    For instance, standard agricultural practice has long prioritized short-term yield maximization, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and monoculture cropping. While this boosts immediate output, it leads to soil degradation, water depletion, and loss of biodiversity, ultimately threatening the long-term sustainability of food production and security.

    Artificial Intelligence has the potential to disrupt these outdated models by supporting the transition to circular and regenerative economies.

    Unlike the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” a circular economy seeks to minimize waste by reusing and recycling resources. AI can play a critical role in optimizing these processes—enhancing supply chains, extending product lifecycles, and reducing waste.

    Imagine AI algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to optimize supply chain logistics, reducing waste and inefficiencies.

    In manufacturing, AI can aid in designing products that are easier to repair, reuse, or recycle, aligning with circular economy principles. This shift not only lowers the environmental footprint but also reduces costs, providing economic incentives for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

    Artificial Intelligence has the potential to disrupt outdated economic models by supporting the transition to circular and regenerative economies.

    In agriculture, AI can revolutionize practices through precision farming, which allows farmers to make data-driven decisions about how to manage their crops and resources. AI systems can provide real-time information on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop needs, enabling farmers to use water and fertilizers more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.

    Precision farming optimizes resource usage, directing them exactly where required, thereby bolstering food security, safeguarding natural habitats, and strengthening resilience against climate change.

    AI’s potential extends beyond industrial efficiency to direct environmental protection. An inspiring example is the use of AI-powered wind farms that can detect when migratory birds are passing through and temporarily shut down turbines to prevent collisions.

    Such innovations highlight how AI can be a force for harmonizing human activities with the natural world, advancing both renewable energy goals and biodiversity conservation.

    AI can also be a game-changer in reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Autonomous drones equipped with AI can plant trees in deforested areas, monitor their growth, and even identify and respond to threats such as wildfires or illegal logging.

    These efforts are crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery, and the overall health of ecosystems. Using AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of reforestation can make significant strides in reversing some of the damage caused by decades of environmental neglect.

    AI should be deployed to support systemic changes that align economic activities with ecological limits. Take, for example, how AI can streamline the incorporation of renewable energy into national grids, balance energy demand with greater precision, and minimize waste.

    Harnessing predictive analytics, AI guarantees that renewable energy is accessible at the right moments and places, facilitating a seamless shift to a low-carbon economy.

    As we navigate the AI revolution, we are like guardians of highly intelligent toddlers—curious, rapidly growing, and absorbing information at an unprecedented rate. Just like young children, these AI systems will mature based on the values, knowledge, and principles we instill in them today.

    If we feed them the right data—balanced, ethical, and grounded in the principles of sustainability and equity—they can grow into powerful allies for a sustainable future. The choices we make now will echo for generations to come, determining if AI becomes a force for good that nurtures the delicate balance of our natural world.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Statement regarding intention to fundraise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    23 SEPTEMBER 2024

    NORTHERN 3 VCT PLC

    STATEMENT REGARDING INTENTION TO FUNDRAISE

    Northern 3 VCT PLC (“the Company”) is pleased to announce that, subject to having the requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals, it intends, in conjunction with Northern Venture Trust PLC and Northern 2 VCT PLC (together with the Company known as the “Northern VCTs”), to launch a joint prospectus offer of new ordinary shares for subscription in the 2024/25 tax year (“the Offer”). It is envisaged that the Offer will seek to raise up to £6 million for the Company, with a total fund-raising of up to £36 million across the Northern VCTs.

    Full details of the Offer will be contained in the prospectus which is expected to be published in January 2025.

    Enquiries:

    Sarah Williams / James Sly, Mercia Fund Management Limited – 0330 223 1430

    Website: www.mercia.co.uk/vcts

    Neither the contents of the Mercia Asset Management PLC website, nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Mercia Asset Management PLC website (or any other website), are incorporated into, or form part of, this announcement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar Condemns Biden Administration for Allowing Oil Companies to Finance Maduro Regime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) convened a hearing to condemn American and European oil companies for continuing to conduct business with the Maduro regime, even after its attempt to steal the 2024 presidential election.

    “In Venezuela, a cruel contradiction has unfolded. Maduro has intensified his brutality through jail and death since July 28th,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “In the meantime, unfortunately, American and European oil companies led by Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom have now increased their pumping and their profits—directly fueling the tyrannical machinery of oppression. Shame on them!”

    Chairwoman Salazar began her hearing by describing the current human rights situation in Venezuela, where the dictator Nicolas Maduro has unleashed an unprecedented wave of repression against the opposition and regular civilians in the weeks following the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election. She identified a key weakness in the Biden-Harris Administration’s policy towards the Maduro regime: Allowing American oil companies to continue operating in Venezuela without complaint. Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom are the four companies with the largest licenses to operate within Venezuela.

    Salazar began her line of questioning by asking the top Biden-Harris State Department official on Venezuela Kevin Sullivan why his agency renewed Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela 33 days after Maduro lost the election on July 28, 2024. Sullivan insisted that the decision comes down ultimately to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Salazar reminded Sullivan that OFAC only issues policy at the direction of the State Department, so any independence in their decision-making process is simply wrong. Chairwoman Salazar also indicated that by allowing these companies to continue operating in Venezuela, the Maduro regime will retain the financial support it needs to continue its repression against the Venezuelan people.

    Next, Chairwoman Salazar asked Mr. Sullivan about the 50 companies who applied for licenses to operate in Venezuela more broadly. After deflecting and referring the Congresswoman to OFAC again, Salazar made the case that by allowing these companies to operate in Venezuela without repercussions from the U.S. government, the United States is sending a weak and ambiguous message to the international community that what Maduro is doing is ultimately acceptable. Furthermore, Chairwoman Salazar asked about the possibility that the State Department will pause these licenses. Sullivan responded that the possibility is always there as a matter of policy, but again said it was still under review.

    Chairwoman Salazar continued her opening line of questioning by asking about the Biden-Harris Administration’s refusal to recognize Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela. Sullivan responded that Gonzalez is definitely the victor in the Venezuelan elections, and that the U.S. government has called on Nicolas Maduro to release the results showing these results. Salazar reminded the State Department that anything short of recognition will be seen as a lack of support for the opposition in the eyes of the Maduro regime.

    Salazar closed her opening remarks by asking the leading officials on human rights and aid at the State Department and USAID, Mr. Enrique Roig and Mr. Greg Howell, respectively, about the impact this major policy weakness will have on migratory flows. 4 million Venezuelans said they would leave their country if the dictator Maduro refuses to hand over power. This will strain resources in neighboring South American countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador, and add to the growing national security crisis at the United States’ southern border. Salazar received no response other than that the U.S. government is working with those South American governments to strengthen their capacity to receive these migrants.

    Chairwoman Salazar ended the hearing by emphasizing the need for bipartisan support for the Venezuelan opposition at this crucial hour.

    To watch the full hearing, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowering artisans and enhancing India’s position in the global textile industry main focus of Ministry of Textiles in first 100 days of government

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 2:34PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the Government’s transformative vision for the textiles sector, the Ministry of Textiles has focused on strengthening the sector’s contribution to India’s socio-economic progress, empowering artisans, and enhancing India’s position in the global textile industry during the first 100 days of this Government. Below are some of the key highlights:

     

    1. 10th National Handloom Day Celebration

    On August 7, 2024, the Ministry of Textiles celebrated National Handloom Day, raising awareness about the handloom industry’s pivotal role in India’s economy. The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar conferred 5 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 17 National Handloom Awards.

     

    Various activities were organized across the country to promote handlooms, with participation from State Governments, Weaver Service Centres, and various educational and handloom institutions. These included a social media campaign through the My Gov portal, a Special Sourcing Show (B2B) in Varanasi by the Handloom Export Promotion Council, and the “Know Your Weaves” event at the Crafts Museum, which raised awareness among 9,000 Delhi school students.

    Additionally, the Virasat exhibition of handloom products was held at Handloom Haat and Delhi Haat, with expos and awareness activities in colleges. Institutions like NIFT and Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs) also organized thematic displays, weaving demonstrations, panel discussions, quizzes, and fashion presentations.

     

    2. Skilling Programme in 100 Handloom & Handicrafts Clusters

    On July 27, 2024, the Ministry launched the ‘Bunkar and Karigar Utthan Upskilling Programme’ to enhance technical and soft skills among artisans and handloom weavers. So far, 3,600 artisans and weavers have benefited, with certificates and toolkits distributed to improve their craft and market competitiveness. The initiative is aimed at fulfilling the current demand & design needs of the market.

     

    3. ‘Shilp Didi Mahotsav 2024’

    Launched on August 22, 2024, the ‘Shilp Didi Mahotsav 2024’ empowered 100 women artisans known as Shilp Didis from 72 districts across 23 states. Through this fortnight long initiative, women artisans were provided marketing opportunities at Dilli Haat, INA, fostering economic independence and entrepreneurship among women artisans.

     

    4. Textile Gallery Inauguration at Crafts Museum

    On August 8, 2024, the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated a new Textile Gallery at the Crafts Museum, showcasing India’s rich handloom and handcrafted textile heritage. The gallery features around 28,000 handmade artifacts, with 150 displayed items reflecting the country’s vibrant cultural legacy.

      

     

    5. Eri Sericulture Promotional Project in Gujarat

    In a major boost to sustainable agriculture, the Ministry launched the Eri Sericulture Promotional Project on August 9, 2024, aimed at encouraging 500 castor-growing farmers to adopt Eri culture. This initiative has so far educated 100 farmers and aims to provide an additional income stream for farmers in Gujarat, leveraging the state’s abundant castor plants.

     

     

    6. Startups in Technical Textiles

    On September 6, 2024, the Ministry approved 12 startup proposals under the component for Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) initiative under National Technical Textiles Mission. Support up to ₹50 lakhs per startup is provided under the Scheme. These startups focus on innovative fields such as composites, medical textiles, smart textiles, and sustainable textiles, driving job creation and reducing dependency on imports.

     

    7. New Pricing Methodology for Jute Sacking Bags

    In a landmark decision on August 28, 2024, the Government approved a new pricing methodology for jute sacking bags based on Tariff Commission study report, which will provide better pricing to jute mills. This move benefits around 4 lakh jute mill workers and 40 lakh farmer families engaged in jute cultivation, primarily in West Bengal.

    This would facilitate jute mills for investment in the jute industry for modernization and diversification. The decision is aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic jute production and protecting the environment through the use of biodegradable and renewable jute.

     

    8. VisioNxt Fashion Trend Insight and Forecasting System

    On September 5, 2024, the Ministry launched VisioNxt, a pioneering fashion trend insight and forecasting system using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). This initiative aims to support weavers, manufacturers, startups, and retailers by providing accurate trend forecasts, thus strengthening India’s position in the global fashion industry.

      

    VisioNxt has developed a comprehensive Web Portal, a bilingual Fashion Trend Book available in both Hindi and English, and a detailed Taxonomy E-book. These tools are designed to be easily accessible and provide valuable insights and trends that can help industry professionals stay ahead in the dynamic world of fashion.

     

    9. Curtain Raiser of Bharat Tex 2025

    On September 4, 2024, the Ministry unveiled the website and brochure for Bharat Tex 2025, a mega global textile event promoting India as a sourcing and investment destination. Over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from 110 countries, and more than 120,000 visitors are expected to participate, making it one of the largest global textiles shows.

       

    The event aims to build on the tremendous success of its last edition in 2024. Centered around the themes of resilient global value chains and textile sustainability, this year’s show promises to be even more dynamic and engaging. It is expected to attract top policymakers, global CEOs, international exhibitors, and buyers from around the world, making it an even more vibrant and influential platform than the first edition.

     

    10. International Conference on Technical Textiles

    From September 6-7, 2024, the Ministry organized an international conference that brought together industry leaders, researchers, state governments, line Ministries and international stakeholders to discuss the future of technical textiles. This conference aimed at promoting indigenous products and developing new markets for technical textiles in both domestic and export segments.

    The direct engagement and exhibition of products provided valuable insights into the requirements for technical textiles and the availability of indigenous products. Additionally, participating State Governments informed participants about their investment policies and incentive structures. This initiative is expected to stimulate market growth in new application areas and open up new avenues for exports, further enhancing the industry’s development.

    These achievements highlight the Ministry of Textiles’ commitment to revitalizing India’s textile sector, fostering innovation, and improving the livelihoods of artisans and weavers across the country.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry achieves 100 days target with the launch of Ideas4LiFE portal for inviting ideas related to products and services for inducing behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry achieves 100 days target with the launch of Ideas4LiFE portal for inviting ideas related to products and services for inducing behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles

    Ministry’s #Ideas4LiFE Initiative Gains Momentum with 46.5 million Impressions, 13.5 million Reach, and Over 1000 Ideas Submitted on Portal

    Ideas4LiFE Ideathon Covers Seven Key Themes Aligned with Mission LiFE: Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, and More

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 2:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, launched the Ideas4LiFE portal on 29th July 2024 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi for inviting innovative ideas related to products and services, which induce behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles.

    The portal ‘Ideas4Life.nic.in’, created in partnership with UNICEF YuWaah, will allow participants to submit their ideas and innovations online. The winning ideas under each of the seven themes of Mission LiFE will be recognized and awarded with attractive prizes for individuals as well as for institutions.

    Further, an event aiming to inspire innovative environmental solutions, at IIT Bombay, was organised on 31st Aug’24 in collaboration with the State Environment Department, Government of Maharashtra. Therein Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the extension of deadline for idea submission in Ideas4LiFE from 15th September to 15th October 2024.

    Partnerships with key educational bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to strengthen the initiative’s presence in academic institutions, encouraging students, faculty, and researchers nationwide to contribute innovative ideas toward sustainable living has been made.

    The UGC, AICTE, IITs, and various educational institutions nationwide will play a key role in promoting the Ideas4LiFE Ideathon among students, researchers, and the academic community. They are encouraged to contribute innovative, citizen-focused ideas and technologies that promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. The Ideathon encompasses seven themes aligned with the Mission LiFE: Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, E-Waste Management, Minimizing Single-Use Plastics, Embracing Sustainable Food Practices, and Fostering Healthy Lifestyles.

    The Ministry is also propagating the ideas4LiFE initiative through social media outreach on #Ideas4LiFE.  As on date appx 3300 registrations and 1000 ideas have been received at the Ideas4LiFE portal. Social Media Outreach of the #Ideas4LiFE shows that there are 46.5 million impressions and 13.5 million reach.

    It is planned to further amplify the reach of campaign by having meetings with UGC/AICTE/ Department of Education/ State Governments etc. After the culmination of the challenge, innovative ideas will be evaluated by a jury to announce shortlisted and winning ideas. These ideas will not only be recognized with attractive prizes but will also be part of a national repository of innovations. These can be nurtured, scaled, and implemented by various stakeholders, including government bodies and private entities.

    *****

    NB/GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSIR-NIScPR, CSIR-CFTRI, UBA, and VIBHA organised Two day “Technology Showcasing and Networking Meet”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 11:32AM by PIB Delhi

    CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), in collaboration with CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), jointly organized a two-day “Technology Showcasing and Networking Meet of CFTRI Food and Millet Technologies” at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru from 19-20 September 2024. This event showcased CSIR-CFTRI’s innovative food technologies aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods. As a pioneer in food science research, CSIR-CFTRI focuses on food processing, post-harvest technology, food safety, and nutraceuticals. Their technological advancements encompass a wide range of food products, including cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish.

    The primary objective of the event was to showcase and demonstrate the food technologies developed by CSIR-CFTRI for the benefit of stakeholders from rural areas of the country and how these technologies can be utilized to create livelihood opportunities in rural areas and promote sustainable development; to identify key challenges in food processing and agricultural productivity, and strategies to foster economic growth and food security in rural areas. The event also aimed to provide a platform where these innovations can be demonstrated to a wide range of stakeholders from all over the country, including industry professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and members from rural communities to exchange ideas for application of CSIR-CFTRI Technologies in rural areas for achieving collaborations, encouraging technology adoption, technology transfer and commercialization that can benefit both the food industry and promote sustainable development. The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI; Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR; Shri Sam Cherian, Chairman and Managing Director, Schevaran Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mysuru; Prof. Virendra Kumar Vijay, National Coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA); Dr P. K Singh, Project Director UBA; Shri N.P Rajive, Executive Director Vibha Vaani; and Dr Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.

    The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of more than 100 participants from all across the country. It commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI. In her address Dr. Singh highlighted that during its initial years, CSIR-CFTRI tried to address the challenge of malnutrition along with the hidden micro malnutrition in the country. She talked about the important CSIR-CFTRI technologies like infant food from buffalo milk, parboiling of rice technologies, spice and oil technologies, automation technologies for traditional food like dosa machine, idli machine, vada machine, chapatti machine, biodegradable leaf cup machine and highlighted the efforts on nutraceutical research and aiming to filling the gap of skilled manpower in the food industry through MSc course on Food technology being run in CSIR-CFTRI. She also underscored that the need of skilled manpower for wheat milling industry are being fulfilled by the CSIR-CFTRI’s International School of Milling Technology course being run by CSIR-CFTRI. CSIR-CFTRI is recognized as the nodal food laboratory for food testing in India and working with FSSAI (regulatory body in testing) and developed about 550 test to test foods.

    Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR discussed the background of CSIR- NIScPR’s on-going collaboration with UBA and VIBHA for creating livelihood and business opportunities in rural India using CSIR Technologies. She also highlighted to reverse the migration from rural to urban through creating opportunities in the rural areas itself for sustainable development. And how UBA and VIBHA networking is helping to identify the stakeholders in rural areas. She also highlighted various success stories taken place under this joint initiative.

    Prof. Virendra Kumar Vijay provided the overview of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and its collaboration with CSIR. He also highlighted the ongoing UBA initiative towards rural development.

    Project Director of UBA, NCI New Delhi Prof. P. K. Singh, in his address, mentioned about the Subject Expert Groups working in UBA and their contributions. He also highlighted the support given by UBA to implement ideas generated by stakeholders.

     Shri NP Rajive, Executive Director, Vibha Vani highlighted the event as a beginning point in identifying the technological needs of the people which can be solved through technologies available with CSIR. He also highlighted of how Vibha Vani can help in upscaling and speeding up the implementation of CSIR-CFTRI technologies at grass-root level. Dr. Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR discussed about the importance of the efforts being made jointly by these organizations to create livelihood opportunities in rural areas by using CSIR technologies. Shri Sam Cherian, Chairman and Managing Director, Schevaran Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mysuru highlighted the CSIR-CFTRI’s efforts and contributions for food industry, food security and foot sustainability in the country.

    In the Technical session, Dr. Ashutosh Inamdar highlighted the various research activities being carried out at CSIR-CFTRI and its translation for the benefit of stakeholders through promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, start-up ecosystem development and collaboration & partnership.

    Day two of the event began with the networking session moderated by Sh. Aashish Inamdar, where participants interacted with technology developer scientists to identify specific opportunities for CSIR-CFTRI Technology deployment. The panellists involved from CSIR- CFTRI were Dr. Umesh Hebbar H, Dr. Pradeep Singh Negi, Dr Meera M S, Dr. Attar Singh Chauhan, Dr P V Suresh, Dr Pushpa S Murthy, and Dr Ashutosh Inamdar. They highlighted various technologies developed by CSIR-CFTRI in the areas of fruits and vegetable, grain, traditional food, meat processing, making value added products using pepper, turmeric, ginger spices etc. Dr Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR highlighted the CSIR efforts towards livelihood creation through S&T intervention in rural areas.

    An interactive session moderated by Dr. Raghvendra C K, was also organised with the representatives from banking sector Government agencies responsible for implementing various Government schemes in the area of agriculture. They discussed about the funding schemes available for technology adaptation, and establishing enterprises and start-ups in the area of agriculture. The panellist involved in the discussion included Shri Chandra Kumar from KAPPEC Karnataka, Shri Chandrashekhar from Medikere; Shri Saiyad Rizvi from Union Bank of India and Shri Krishnamurti from State Bank of India, Mysuru. They talked about funding schemes like PFME, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), and Retail Asset Credit Centre (RACC) and other short term and long term funding schemes for establishing unit.

    ***

    AG

    (Release ID: 2057733) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Harnessing the benefits of AI | Summit of the Future | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Artificial Intelligence is shaping our world in unprecedented ways, and its power, scalability, and potential for good is still evolving. But without effective guardrails, AI could become a major threat to our collective future.

    The Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024) at the United Nations in New York is an is an opportunity for world leaders to agree on ways to harness AI for the benefit of humanity. Together, we can pave the way for #OurCommonFuture.

    Learn more: un.org/summit-of-the-future

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWabGQ8f3p0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender
    Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (September 23) that, after months of preparation with full effort since the Chief Executive put forward in the Policy Address last October the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute (GBAICTI) in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (i.e. the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park), the GBAICTI is anticipated to come into full operation in the fourth quarter of this year at the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital in the Hetao area upon completion of the construction of its temporary office and biobank therein. The GBAICTI plans to move into one of the wet laboratory-enabled buildings, which is expected to complete construction later in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem in a proactive manner.     The HHB established the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute Limited in the second quarter of this year and designated the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong through an open tender process in the third quarter to operate the GBAICTI. The Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute Limited is wholly owned by the Government to oversee the work of the operator and effectively supervise the operations of the GBAICTI.     Clinical trials are an important process in translating basic research on drug and medical device innovation into marketing authorisation and clinical application. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has high-quality healthcare professions, and a considerable amount of high-quality research data generated by local clinical trials over the years has been widely recognised by drug regulatory authorities both on the Mainland and abroad. The GBAICTI will serve as a one-stop clinical trial support platform to co-ordinate and integrate clinical trial resources in Hong Kong’s public and private sectors, including universities, the Hospital Authority and private healthcare facilities, to give impetus to the development of clinical trials on all fronts.     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The establishment of the GBAICTI in the strategic location of the Hetao area can combine the strengths of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and leverage the development positioning of the Hetao Area for technology innovation and institutional innovation as well as the related cross-boundary facilitation measures, to provide multinational pharmaceutical enterprises, Mainland innovative biopharmaceutical enterprises, hospitals and research institutions with more efficient services, encouraging them to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong and the GBA, thereby expediting the translation of research results. We hope that this will attract more pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises within and outside Hong Kong to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong to further enhance the city’s capacity, recognition and status in terms of clinical trials and support a progressive transition to a primary evaluation approach for drug registration in Hong Kong.”     The National 14th Five-Year Plan has expressed clear support to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. The Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone promulgated by the State Council in August last year also indicated clear support for the co-ordinated development of the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park under the “one zone, two parks” model to promote the innovative application of cutting-edge biomedical technologies. The GBAICTI in the Hong Kong Park and the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Centre in the Shenzhen Park will join forces to synergise the development of clinical trials, drive co-operation among the clinical trial networks of the HKSAR and the Mainland (the GBA in particular), and at the same time co-ordinate clinical trial work of both places to comply with national and international standards.     The GBAICTI will formulate work plans on initiatives including talent training, optimisation of processes and collaboration in the GBA. Details will be announced in due course.

     
    Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024Issued at HKT 18:01

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Meets with UAE Assistant Minister Lana Nusseibeh

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:‎

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs for the United Arab Emirates to discuss necessary actions to more effectively respond to the catastrophic humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Millions of kids are poisoned by lead every year. We have a plan to save them.

    Source: USAID

    By Administrator Samantha Power and Open Philanthropy CEO Alexander Berger
    Washington Post

    Ten years ago, when residents of Flint, Mich., were exposed to toxic levels of lead in their drinking water, 1 in 20 children in the city had elevated blood lead levels that placed them at risk for heart disease, strokes, cognitive deficits and developmental delays – health effects that residents still grapple with to this day. It was only after activists rallied, organized and advocated relentlessly that national attention focused on Flint, and officials committed nearly half a billion dollars to clean up Flint’s water.

    Today, there is a lead poisoning crisis raging on a far greater scale – and hardly anyone is talking about it.

    In low- and middle-income countries, home to more than 1.5 billion of the world’s children, 1 in 2 children has elevated levels of lead in their blood. That’s 10 times the rate of poisoning at the height of the crisis in Flint. The Center for Global Development estimates that the damage lead is causing to children’s brains accounts for 20 percent of the education gap between high- and low-income countries. All told, every year, lead poisoning is estimated to cost the global economy more than $1 trillion and claims at least 1.5 million lives – more than annual deaths from HIV and malaria combined.

    Yet the yearly global funding for tackling lead poisoning in developing countries totals just $15 million – the cost of a single 60-second ad at the Super Bowl, and a small fraction of what is spent on diseases with similar health burdens.

    CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL OP-ED IN THE WASHINGTON POST

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Announces New Partners to the Women in the Digital Economy Fund Ahead of New Funding Rounds

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID is announcing two new partners, Reliance Foundation and The UPS Foundation, to the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), which works to close the gender digital divide, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience. WiDEF was launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in March 2023.

    Reliance Foundation will provide up to $10 million through three funding rounds for innovative initiatives to bridge the gender digital divide in India, doubling the available WiDEF funding in the country and supporting the 2023 G20 Leaders commitment to halve the digital gender gap by 2030. Additionally, Reliance Foundation will support learning through development of knowledge products, dissemination of promising practices and other tools, and bolster measurement and learning for all India grantees. The UPS Foundation provided $1 million to WiDEF to identify, directly fund, and accelerate evidence-based, proven solutions to close the gender digital divide.

    WiDEF is a joint effort between USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation managed by the GSMA Foundation, CARE, and the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership. Since the official launch of WiDEF in March 2024, the Fund has identified promising and effective approaches to closing the gender digital divide, and recently announced the list of semifinalists for the first round of funding. In addition to the $50.5 million previously announced by USAID, WiDEF partners Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Government of the Republic of Korea, Microsoft, Reliance Foundation, and the UPS Foundation committed $32.6 million in funding. 

    Building on the success of the Fund, Women in the Digital Economy Initiative partners from governments, private sector companies, foundations, civil society, and multilateral organizations have pledged more than $1.01 billion to accelerate gender digital equality.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE to Develop Cooperation with Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Van Minh Thiau, Nikita Anisimov

    © Higher School of Economics

    On September 20, a delegation from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) visited the Higher School of Economics. Rector Nikita Anisimov and President of the Academy Van Minh Chau discussed promising areas of cooperation in education and science. Heads of departments and areas of the HSE presented the opportunities that the university provides to international students and scientists.

    Welcoming the guests of honor, Nikita Anisimov recalled that Vietnam is a priority partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. Bilateral relations are developing successfully, and it is the only country in Southeast Asia that Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited six times.

    The rector emphasized that the university has the necessary competencies for effective cooperation with the academy and its institutes in each of the areas in demand in Vietnam. In June of this year, on the sidelines of the state visit of the President of Russia to Vietnam, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the Institute of Mathematics of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, as well as an additional agreement to it.

    Nikita Anisimov spoke about the Higher School of Economics, emphasizing that it is the only Russian university included in the top 35 young universities in the world. HSE students demonstrate outstanding success in international programming and mathematics competitions.

    The rector focused on the attractiveness of HSE for international students (the university has over 5,000 students from more than 100 countries), cooperation with RAS institutes, publications in leading scientific journals, and developments in the field of AI. In conclusion, he noted that this year, more than 50 HSE students are studying Vietnamese.

    In turn, Professor Van Minh Chau thanked the rector for the warm welcome and shared his impressions of the tour of the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard, organized for the Vietnamese delegation in anticipation of the meeting. He noted that, like other members of the delegation, he was impressed by the development indicators of the HSE University presented in the report, as well as the close ties between the university and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Van Minh Chau spoke about the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. It was established in 1975, immediately after the end of the war, and now consists of about 40 divisions – departments, institutes, centers, and two universities. The academy is subordinate to the government of the country, conducts both fundamental and applied research, and develops new technologies. Among the key areas are biotechnology, ecology, computer science and AI, space research.

    The President of VANT reported that, like Nikita Anisimov, he is a graduate of Moscow State University (he graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry and specializes in biochemistry). He expressed hope that the Academy and HSE will establish cooperation and one of its formats will be joint educational programs, when a student studies alternately in Russia and Vietnam.

    From the Russian side, the meeting was attended by heads of the scientific block and deans.

    First Vice-Rector, Director ISSEK HSE University Leonid Gokhberg in his speech focused on the socio-economic research of the HSE, as well as research in the field of science; Director of Scientific Projects Sergey Garbuk focused on the development of AI technologies and their implementation in various industries.

    The deans spoke about the potential of their faculties Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology Alexander Tonevitsky, Dean Faculty of Computer Science Ivan Arzhantsev, Dean Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technologies Nikolay Kurichev. Ivan Arzhantsev also noted that as a teacher with 30 years of experience, he has experience teaching students from Vietnam. “As a rule, they have outstanding mathematical abilities and are very hardworking,” he said.

    Summing up the negotiations, Van Minh Thiau proposed to prepare a general agreement on cooperation between the two organizations, which would then be supplemented by annexes on cooperation between faculties and institutes. He also invited Russian colleagues to visit Vietnam.

    “Vietnam is a wonderful country, and I am glad that we will expand our cooperation. Science is the most important part of the life of any university, and today our university has become a little stronger because such wonderful scientists have come to visit us,” concluded Nikita Anisimov.

    At the end of the meeting, he presented the President of VANT with a book about Russian science, art and culture, written by HSE professors, and Van Minh Chau presented the Rector of HSE with a painting depicting the first building of the academy.

    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.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/scene/965535206.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCR News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate from O‘ahu Community Correctional Center

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCR News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate from O‘ahu Community Correctional Center

    Posted on Sep 20, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 19, 2024

     

    Missing Work Furlough Inmate from O‘ahu Community Correctional Center

     

    HONOLULU — O‘ahu Community Correctional Center work furlough inmate Bobby M. Cotton failed to return to OCCC Module 20 from his job-seeking pass. He was supposed to return by 5 p.m. today, Sept. 19, 2024. Sheriffs and the Honolulu Police Department were notified.

     

    Cotton, 51, is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, approximately 177 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He is serving time for second-degree robbery. He now faces an additional escape charge when he is found. An escape charge is a Class C felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison, if convicted.

     

    Cotton is a community custody inmate in the work furlough program with pass privileges. Community custody is the lowest classification status.

     

    Anyone with information on Cotton’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or state Sheriffs at 808-586-1352.

     

     

    ###

     

     

     

     

     

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Architecture Branch Chief Selected as New State Historic Preservation Administrator

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Architecture Branch Chief Selected as New State Historic Preservation Administrator

    Posted on Sep 20, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 20, 2024

    ARCHITECTURE BRANCH MANAGER SELECTED AS NEW STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMINISTRATOR

     (HONOLULU) – Jessica Puff has been chosen to lead the DLNR State Historical Preservation Division (SHPD), succeeding Dr. Alan Downer who retired earlier this year.

    Since October 2022, Puff has served as the SHPD Architecture Branch Chief. She  previously worked at SHPD as an Architectural Historian from June 2014 to August 2017. Throughout her tenure as Branch Chief, Jessica had a broad range of responsibilities including oversight of the management of the Hawai‘i and National Historic Register programs, the state and federal historic tax credit programs, as well as reviewing state and federal projects that have the potential to affect historic and cultural resources. Previously she worked in the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and was a graduate student instructor at the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. She continues as a PhD candidate at the university, working on a doctorate in Architecture.

    “Jessica has 15 years of broad experience and at DLNR has had increasing job responsibilities, including serving as SHPD Acting Administrator when needed,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “She’s been closely involved with county and federal officials working to inventory and restore historic structures and properties damaged during last year’s Lahaina wildfires. While she may have challenging issues ahead of her, the selection committee believed that Jessica has the professional and personal skills to coordinate the three branches, History and Culture, Archaeology, and Architecture to meet those challenges.”

    In addition to her professional and academic accomplishments Puff is a published author; has documented oral histories with numerous architects and has been an invited speaker at numerous symposia and conferences.

    Puff said, “I’m honored and humbled to lead the SHPD team. Our mission is to preserve and sustain Hawaii’s history, which provides us with an ever-lasting connection and responsibility to care for the past and those who came before us. I look forward to my continued work with staff and leadership of each of the three branches to ensure the cultural resources, historic properties, and great stories of Hawaii are preserved and protected.”

    Puff begins her new role Monday, Sept. 23.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Jessica Puff in Lahaina (Sept. 26, 2023):

    https://vimeo.com/1008964912

    Photograph – Jessica Puff

    Photograph – Puff in Lahaina

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Announces Winners of Smart Awards 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released the list of winners of its esteemed Smart Awards 2024 event, recognizing the top performers within the scope of a year in the crypto space across 5 categories. The event was held in collaboration with Bitget’s data provider — 0xScope, which ensured a transparent and fair winner selection process. 

    The highly anticipated Bitget Smart Awards 2024, which took place on September 12, concluded with the announcement of the lucky winners who outperformed the rest of the crypto market in the course of their trading activities on the platform. The prestigious online event, accompanied by a runner-up social media campaign, recognized the exceptional contributions of select individuals to the development of the crypto industry.

    The winners were dispersed across the following categories:

    • Smart Trader
    • Rising Star
    • Trading Maestro
    • Memecoin God
    • Elite Picker

    The Bitget team congratulates the winners and runners-up, as well as all those who have contributed to the development of the crypto industry through their engagement in it and the Bitget Smart Awards 2024.

    The event was hosted by two of Bitget’s outstanding KOL investors – Chris, Founder of Satoshi Stacker and SSventures, and Ran Neuner, Host of CNBC’s Crypto Trader and Founder of Crypto Banter. Among the guest presenters was also Co-founder and CEO of 0xScope – Phillip Torres.

    “We are delighted to have held this event and seen it through on such a high level of both presentation and involvement on the part of our wonderful audience. It is extremely gratifying to see the winners in their respective categories recognized for their contributions to the industry. We are certain that this will become a tradition and Bitget is sure to honor year-over-year,” as Gracy Chen, the CEO of Bitget, commented on the closing of the event.

    The collaboration with 0xScope as part of the event was meant to underscore the crucial role the company is playing in the organization of the selection process and the overall operation of the Bitget exchange. The data insights provided by 0xScope helped ensure that the awards reflected the best in crypto trading performance and identify the winners.

    The extensive advertising of the event on social media via hashtagging and the high level of engagement from the global crypto community were reflected in the success of the live ceremony, which is available on YouTube. The vibrant visuals and captivating speeches alone are reason enough to watch the ceremony through from start to finish.

    Bitget is committed to continuing the tradition in the coming years and intends to follow up with the winners to highlight their future successes. Audiences and traders alike are encouraged to stay tuned for future events and invite all users to participate in the ongoing #TradeSmarter campaign on social media by sharing their own “smart trading” experiences and stories. Six standout participants will be selected by Bitget to receive special rewards, with details of the event to be released in the near future.

    About Bitget
    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 30 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).

    For more information, readers can visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    Contact

    PR
    Media
    Bitget
    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Force and Technological Singularity

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    This week, as part of the first ever Modernising Policing week, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) will shine a light on the areas being explored to transform law enforcement nationally.

    Today, we present “Thin Digital Line”, an innovative new podcast series led by Exception, the innovative Digital Transformation specialist, and former Deputy Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police and NPCC Drugs Lead, Jason Harwin KPM.

    This six-episode series (which is now available across all major podcast platforms) explores how emerging technologies and data could shape British policing, discussing the impact of digital advancements on the future of law enforcement.

    Each episode features in-depth discussions between Jason and senior leaders from NPCC and forces, offering unique insights into the transformative potential for policing.

    Jason Harwin KPM, host of Thin Digital Line, added

    “This series is not just about predicting the future, but also about preparing for it. We are entering an era where AI, digitisation, and cyber will revolutionise the way the service operates. It’s essential that we start this dialogue now, to ensure that policing continues to evolve alongside society. Through these conversations with distinguished colleagues from the NPCC and various forces, we hope to shed light on how policing is adapting to these fast-emerging trends.”

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC chair and guest on Thin Digital Line, added:

    “The Thin Digital Line series offers valuable insights into the ways in which policing could navigate an increasingly digital world. It offers a glimpse into our digital priorities, explores how our approach is already being shaped by digital advancement and looks at how we might adapt our service ahead of the year 2045.”

    Episode one features Gavin Stephens QPM, and Tony Blaker QPM, Digital, Data and Technology Coordination Committee Chief of Staff. It explores the concept of technological singularity and its implications for policing, delving into how advancements in AI and automation could transform the future of law enforcement, including the roles of human officers versus machines.

    You can listen to it here:

    As part of the first ever Modernising Policing week, the NPCC will shine a light on the areas being explored to transform law enforcement nationally. Throughout the week you will see updates from the teams working to transform policing, from those working in data, facial recognition, AI, and more. We will also be highlighting the work of our partners, such as the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser and academia, taking place to drive change and propel policing in to the 21st century. 

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair said: 

    “This week we are hosting the first ever Modernising Policing week to celebrate some of the efforts to innovate locally, regionally and nationally. 

    “It’s important we recognise the contribution that our staff and officers are making in areas like developing Artificial Intelligence, automation, improving data and driving real change in policing. 

    “We know that technological developments will be the single biggest driver of reform in policing in the coming years and embedding new technologies is the only way we can hope to continue delivering the service the public deserves and expects.”

    You can find out more about the teams working in this area on our website: Modernising Policing (npcc.police.uk)

    Confirmed Podcast platforms that will be broadcasting Thin Digital Line include:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: LVT Launches New Command Center to Drive Immediate Informed Action for Security Teams

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (GSX, Booth #1815)LVT (LiveView Technologies, Inc.), the leader of customizable mobile security and cloud-native software solutions, today unveiled its next-generation Command Center—the culmination 100s of hours spent shadowing and collaborating with security operations teams—designed to give security operators unrivaled control over their video security systems. The 8-year-old proven VSaaS solution, now available in beta, was rebuilt from the ground up to empower personnel with unparalleled efficiency and effective incident management capabilities, including a new user experience that reduces the time needed to make informed response decisions.

    “For nearly a decade, LVT’s Command Center has given security leaders who want to leverage the power of cloud-native software services unmatched situational awareness. Our new Command Center experience provides an even more seamless, reliable, and highly effective system built to stay ahead of the evolving security landscape while leveraging the globally scalable, lower cost of ownership, and dynamic power of cloud compute,” said Steve Lindsey, LVT CTO. “Security teams are often hampered by solutions that restrict them from taking real-time action; failing to deliver timely alerts and provide the essential information to inform an effective response at any moment, day or night.”

    The LVT Command Center was designed using extensive market research and customer feedback, which highlighted the acute need for sophisticated, AI-integrated security management solutions. New and enhanced features that provide customizations to manage complex enterprise environments at scale include:

    • Instant video playback: Access and stream recorded videos with no delay, improving decision-making processes and enabling more accurate and effective responses.
    • View and manage multiple camera views: Watch cameras from multiple units for a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of incidents.
    • Intelligent prioritization: Configure the Command Center to prioritize alerts and decide what notifications they receive, such as marking potential assaults as high priority and animals as low priority.
    • In-depth analytics: Classify incidents and quickly review incidents within a category classification to understand how those situations were resolved.
    • Incident history: Review responses, find training opportunities, and optimize future responses through a new timeline view that shows exactly what happened during an incident across LVT Units, including security personnel actions.

    Customers can access the beta Command Center today, with general availability in Q4 2024. Future enhancements will include new AI capabilities and intuitive automatic alerts. Customers can contact their LVT representative in order to join the Command Center beta.

    Visit LVT at GSX Booth #1815, and learn more at www.lvt.com.

    About LVT
    LVT (LiveView Technologies, Inc.) is a leader in life safety and security and the premier developer and manufacturer of mobile, solar powered and cellular-connected surveillance solutions and software. Headquartered in American Fork, UT, LVT’s enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is used by retailers, critical infrastructure and utilities, construction projects, warehouse and distribution centers, and more. LVT is proud to be made in the USA and manufactured in Utah. For more information, visit www.lvt.com.

    Media Contacts:
    Matthew Deighton
    LiveView Technologies
    media@lvt.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms and Riot Announce Settlement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Andrés Finkielsztain Steps Down from Board –
    – Bitfarms Appoints Amy Freedman to Board of Directors –
    – Board to Nominate an Independent Director for Election at Special Meeting –
    – Standstill Agreement Through 2026 Annual Meeting –

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated March 8, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario and BROSSARD, Québec and CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF) (“Bitfarms” or the “Company”), a global leader in vertically integrated Bitcoin data center operations, and Riot Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) (“Riot”), an industry leader in vertically integrated Bitcoin (“BTC”) mining, today announced that Bitfarms and Riot have entered into a settlement agreement (the “Agreement”) in advance of the Special Meeting of Bitfarms Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) currently scheduled for November 6, 2024, which will now be held virtually.

    Under the terms of the Agreement:

    • Andrés Finkielsztain has stepped down from Bitfarms’ Board of Directors (the “Board”).
    • Bitfarms has appointed Amy Freedman to its Board and the Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee of the Board, effective immediately.
    • Riot has agreed to withdraw its June 24, 2024 requisition, as amended, and to accept customary standstill provisions through the Bitfarms 2026 Annual Meeting, with certain exceptions.
    • At the Special Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve an expansion of the Board from five members to six members, to elect an independent director nominated by the Board to serve as the sixth member of the Board, and to ratify the Company’s July 24, 2024, shareholder rights plan. Riot has agreed to vote in favour of these matters.
    • The Company has provided Riot with certain rights (subject to certain exceptions) to purchase shares of the Company provided Riot holds 15% or more of the outstanding common shares of the Company.

    As a result of the agreement to nominate an additional director for election at the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be delayed, but in no event will it be held later than November 20, 2024. The Company will update its shareholders on the timing of the Special Meeting as soon as it can.

    Brian Howlett, Independent Chairman of the Board, said “The Bitfarms Board is committed to effectively overseeing the execution of the Company’s strategic plan as we work to position Bitfarms to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. Additionally, we recognize the importance of refreshment and having the right mix of skills, experience and diversity, and we are always open to adding qualified candidates with valuable insights and perspectives to strengthen our Board. We are pleased to reach this agreement with Riot, which we believe is in the best interests of all Bitfarms shareholders.”

    Mr. Howlett continued, “On behalf of the Board and the entire company, I thank Andrés for his invaluable contributions to Bitfarms over the last four years. He brought great insights to the boardroom with his extensive knowledge of the financial and crypto industry. We wish him well in his future endeavors. We look forward to leveraging Amy’s extensive experience advising public companies as the Board works together to enhance shareholder value.”

    Ben Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer of Bitfarms, said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Riot and look forward to turning our full attention to executing our growth strategy. We remain focused on diversifying the business beyond Bitcoin mining into exciting and synergistic new areas like energy generation, energy trading, heat recycling and other high value revenue streams like HPC/AI.”

    Jason Les, Chief Executive Officer of Riot, said, “This agreement represents a significant step to advance shareholder value creation at our respective companies and we are pleased to have reached this constructive resolution with Bitfarms. As Bitfarms’ largest shareholder, we look forward to supporting a reconstituted Bitfarms Board and continued engagement with management.”

    A copy of the Agreement will be filed on Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and will be posted to the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Amy Freedman

    Amy is a corporate governance and public capital markets expert with over 25 years of experience. She is currently an advisor to Ewing Morris and Co. Investment Partners, an alternative asset manager with both equity and credit strategies. In her role, Amy spearheads the fund’s engagement investment opportunities. Previously, she was CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, a leading shareholder services and advisory firm specializing in strategic and defensive advisory, governance advisory, proxy and voting analytics and investor communications. Ms. Freedman has spent over 15 years in capital markets as an investment banker with global firms including Stifel Financial Corp. and Morgan Stanley.

    Ms. Freedman is currently a director on the boards of Mandalay Resources Corporation (TSX: MND, OTCQB: MNDJF), Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (ISE: IRES) and American Hotel Income Properties REIT (TSX: HOT.UN, HOT.U). She holds an MBA and a JD from the University of Toronto.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin mining data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development situated in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    About Riot Platforms, Inc.

    Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s leading Bitcoin-driven infrastructure platform. Our mission is to positively impact the sectors, networks and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows Riot to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.

    Riot, a Nevada corporation, is a Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure company focused on a vertically integrated strategy. Riot has Bitcoin mining operations in central Texas and electrical switchgear engineering and fabrication operations in Denver, Colorado.

    For more information, visit www.riotplatforms.com.

    Cautionary Statement 

    Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the strength and positive outcome of board of director renewal, the date of the Special Meeting, the merits and potential of the Company’s growth plan and diversification strategy, other growth opportunities and prospects, statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company and the maximization of shareholder value, are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company and Riot, as applicable, at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, various risks relating to the operations and business of the Company, the future performance, liquidity and financial position of the Company and Riot, and uncertainties as to timing of the Special Meeting or the outcome. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to (i) the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov), including the MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 7, 2024 and the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 filed on August 8, 2024, and (ii) Riot’s filings with the SEC, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” of Riot’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024, and the other filings Riot has made or will make with the SEC after such date, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Although the Company and Riot have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contacts:

    For Bitfarms:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Innisfree M&A Incorporated
    Gabrielle Wolf / Scott Winter
    +1 212-750-5833

    Laurel Hill Advisory Group
    1-877-452-7184
    +1 416-304-0211
    assistance@laurelhill.com

    For Riot:

    Phil McPherson
    303-794-2000 ext. 110
    IR@Riot.Inc

    Media Contacts:

    For Bitfarms:

    U.S.: Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
    Dan Katcher or Joseph Sala
    +1 212-355-4449

    Québec: Tact
    Louis-Martin Leclerc
    +1 418-693-2425
    lmleclerc@tactconseil.ca

    For Riot:

    Longacre Square Partners
    Joe Germani / Dan Zacchei
    jgermani@longacresquare.com / dzacchei@longacresquare.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Johnson C. Smith University Selects Enterprise Networking Innovator Nile to Power its Campus-Wide Network

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nile, the pioneer of a new breed of enterprise network solutions aimed at securing organizations from cyberattacks and automating daily operations, today announced that Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a leading Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has selected the Nile Access Service to replace its existing wired and wireless LAN solution across its entire campus. The institution selected Nile’s solution due to its unique performance guarantees for availability, coverage, and capacity, its AI-powered “as-a-Service” architecture that automates network lifecycle management, and its native campus zero trust security that prevents lateral movement attacks such as ransomware.

    “Our number one goal in IT is to deliver a satisfying experience for our student body. That means handling their needs for high-performance connectivity, but also ensuring they’re secure as well,’” said John Norris, CIO, JCSU. “As we considered a refresh, I knew I needed a partner as much as a new solution. I have an amazing staff, but considering everything we had to deliver in implementing a new network, including security, performance, and reliability, whatever we selected had to augment my current resources, not create new demands. Nile nailed it on all fronts.”

    Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, JCSU is a premier professional liberal arts HBCU with thousands of students and faculty that require reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity. Its existing hardware-centric managed wireless network had aged significantly, and its vendors were no longer providing support despite their unpredictably high licensing costs. A potential increase from 5% to 30% in those costs, often without notice, was cause for concern, along with making budgeting a challenge. Additionally, students and faculty were both very vocal about the network’s poor performance. On top of these issues, the previous solution had no modern security component, something critical to the overall health and safety of the student body and the university network.

    JSCU quickly turned to Nile to address all of these demands. Nile delivered high-performance, secure wired and wireless LAN connectivity across the entire campus, including student, faculty, and administrative buildings, as well as outdoor campus settings.

    • Performance Guarantees – Prior to Nile, JCSU’s students regularly complained about the network’s performance, particularly for high-demand applications like gaming. With an on-campus eSports league, performance quickly became a top priority for ensuring student satisfaction. What’s more, faculty regularly expressed concerns about students’ ability to deliver work assignments. Thanks to Nile’s industry-first performance guarantees for availability, coverage, and capacity, Nile was the only vendor to ensure high-performance connectivity for the entire campus.
    • Built-in Campus Zero Trust Security—Nile is the only vendor to offer per-device isolation and the elimination of lateral movement attacks, such as ransomware, from Day 1, with no configuration or professional services required. This capability was critical with the number of services that JCSU offers, both on-premises and in the cloud.
    • Network Observability and Management Automation – Augmenting JCSU’s existing IT staff and providing 24/7 visibility into the system’s overall health was essential in selecting Nile for its network refresh. Nile’s extensive sensor network and AI-based automation doesn’t just identify problems; it proactively solves many of them without human intervention, all while providing IT leadership with granular insight into the network’s overall health.
    • Nile’s “as-a-Service” Model and overall TCO – With a predictable payment model, instead of massive upfront costs for a hardware-centric network architecture, JSCU’s team was more easily able to get the budget for this project approved. This also meant that IT no longer had to worry about unpredictable licensing costs or the next hardware upgrade/refresh cycle. All of those costs are included in their subscription fee. That’s why Nile delivers the industry’s best Total-Cost-of-Ownership (TCO).

    “The predictability, reliability, and security of the Nile Access Service make it ideal for higher education settings,” said Surbhi Kaul, Nile’s vice president, Customer Experience. “These organizations are often challenged by budget, availability of certain IT skills, and resource management issues, but still need to deliver a solid foundation of connectivity for students, faculty, and administration alike. At Nile, we’re proud to make that possible for historical campuses like JCSU.”

    About the Nile Access Service

    The Nile Access Service is powered by a new approach for securing enterprise networks that combines built-in zero trust security for the campus, cloud native software delivery, AI, and automation with a high-performance wired and wireless LAN in an “as-a-Service” offering. The Nile Access Service was built from the ground up to prevent lateral movement cyber attacks while completely automating the network lifecycle management process. This complete service offering is a comprehensive package including hardware and software components, 24/7 support, and zero upfront capital expense, all of which are backed by the industry’s only performance guarantees for availability, coverage, and capacity.

    To learn more about the Nile Access Service, visit https://nilesecure.com/solutions/nile-access-service

    About Nile

    Nile is disrupting the enterprise network market by building natively secure connectivity that modernizes IT operations with a new AI networking architecture, delivering enterprise networks entirely as a service. For the first time in the industry, the Nile Access Service integrates zero trust security and offers performance guarantees for connectivity, coverage, and availability. With Nile, IT organizations close the gap between their digital aspirations and legacy realities with superior connectivity that reduces the burden on critical IT resources. For more information, visit nilesecure.com/solutions/nile-access-service.

    Media Contacts:
    Nichols Communications for Nile
    Jay Nichols
    +1 408-772-1551
    jay@nicholscomm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. (OTCQX: AMNF), an international food manufacturer, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

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

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

    Douglas R. Nichols, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are excited to elevate our company stock to the OTCQX tier that demonstrates our confidence in our financial strength and ability to continue to deliver strong shareholder value.  Our hope is that this upgrade will broaden the awareness of our company’s unique and leading position in the food sector, and provide greater opportunities for investors to participate in our success. This elevation also demonstrates the board’s commitment to enhance our corporate government practices.”

    About Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc.
    Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. is an international food company that manufactures and markets frozen Italian specialty food items such as pestos, sauces and filled pastas to the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets. In addition to a classic Basil Pesto Armanino offers other flavors such as Cilantro, Dried Tomato & Garlic, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Southwest Chipotle, Artichoke, Roasted Garlic, Chimichurri, Harissa, Bolognese and Alfredo sauce. Armanino’s organic line includes classic Basil Pesto. Armanino Foods also offers cheese shakers, frozen pastas, meatballs, and prepared meals.

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

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

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

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

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Outbrain announces repurchase of remaining 2.95% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Outbrain Inc. (NASDAQ: OB), a leading technology platform that drives business results by engaging people across the Open Internet, announced today that it has repurchased all of the remaining $118 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2.95% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Convertible Notes”) via a privately negotiated repurchase agreement with Baupost Group Securities, L.L.C., the sole holder of the Convertible Notes. The Company paid, including accrued interest, $109.7 million in cash representing a discount to par value of approximately 7.5%. As a result, Outbrain will record a pre-tax gain of approximately $8.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.

    Following the closing of the transaction, Outbrain has repurchased the entire principal balance of $236 million of the Convertible Notes, with no remaining debt on the balance sheet and approximately $128 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities, when adjusting the balance as of August 31, 2024 for the repayment. Outbrain repurchased the initial $118 million principal amount of the Convertible Notes in April 2023.

    “Our ability to generate cash and our strong balance sheet has enabled the opportunistic repurchase of the remaining balance of Convertible Notes, which is also in anticipation of the expected closing of the Teads acquisition. We believe this transaction strengthens our balance sheet, increasing our net cash balance as we maintain ample liquidity to support our future growth,” said Jason Kiviat, Outbrain’s CFO.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any of the Convertible Notes described herein or any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of the Convertible Notes or any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements generally relating to possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives and statements relating to the transaction to acquire Teads (“Transaction”). You can generally identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “foresee,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions or are not statements of historical fact. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our expectations and projections regarding future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to: overall advertising demand and traffic generated by our media partners; factors that affect advertising demand and spending, such as the continuation or worsening of unfavorable economic or business conditions or downturns, instability or volatility in financial markets, and other events or factors outside of our control, such as U.S. and global recession concerns, geopolitical concerns, including the ongoing war between Ukraine-Russia and conditions in Israel, supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, labor market volatility, bank closures or disruptions, and the impact of challenging economic conditions, political and policy uncertainties with the approach of the U.S. presidential election, and other factors that have and may further impact advertisers’ ability to pay; our ability to continue to innovate, and adoption by our advertisers and media partners of our expanding solutions; the success of our sales and marketing investments, which may require significant investments and may involve long sales cycles; our ability to grow our business and manage growth effectively; our ability to compete effectively against current and future competitors; the loss or decline of one or more of our large media partners, and our ability to expand our advertiser and media partner relationships; conditions in Israel, including the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and other terrorist organizations, may limit our ability to market, support and innovate on our products due to the impact on our employees as well as our advertisers and their advertising markets, our ability to maintain our revenues or profitability despite quarterly fluctuations in our results, whether due to seasonality, large cyclical events, or other causes; the risk that our research and development efforts may not meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technology market; any failure of our recommendation engine to accurately predict attention or engagement, any deterioration in the quality of our recommendations or failure to present interesting content to users or other factors which may cause us to experience a decline in user engagement or loss of media partners; limits on our ability to collect, use and disclose data to deliver advertisements; our ability to extend our reach into evolving digital media platforms; our ability to maintain and scale our technology platform; our ability to meet demands on our infrastructure and resources due to future growth or otherwise; our failure or the failure of third parties to protect our sites, networks and systems against security breaches, or otherwise to protect the confidential information of us or our partners; outages or disruptions that impact us or our service providers, resulting from cyber incidents, or failures or loss of our infrastructure; significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates; political and regulatory risks in the various markets in which we operate; the challenges of compliance with differing and changing regulatory requirements; the timing and execution of any cost-saving measures and the impact on our business or strategy; our ability and the time required to consummate the Transaction; our ability to successfully integrate Teads’s operations, technologies and employees and to recognize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction, including the expectation of enhancements to our services, greater revenue or growth opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings; the potential impact of the announcement or pendency of the Transaction on ongoing business operations and relationships, including our ability to maintain relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and others with whom we do business; the amount of costs, fees, expenses and charges relating to the Transaction; the initiation or outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted following the announcement of the Transaction; and the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as an indication of future performance. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur, and actual results, events, or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation and do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About Outbrain

    Outbrain (Nasdaq: OB) is a leading technology platform that drives business results by engaging people across the Open Internet. Outbrain predicts moments of engagement to drive measurable outcomes for advertisers and publishers using AI and machine learning across more than 8,000 online properties globally. Founded in 2006, Outbrain is headquartered in New York with offices in Israel and across the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America.

    For more information, visit https://www.outbrain.com.

    Media Contact

    press@outbrain.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    IR@outbrain.com

    (332) 205-8999

    The MIL Network –