NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Davos: DG suggests deep breaths and to “chill” over trade tensions; ministers show WTO support

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Davos: DG suggests deep breaths and to “chill” over trade tensions; ministers show WTO support

    The WEF’s annual meeting was held under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”. In her speaking engagements and interactions with heads of state, government officials and business leaders, DG Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of the WTO for the world economy and for addressing current global challenges. She also underlined the risks of further economic fragmentation and the trade opportunities arising from advancements in artificial intelligence and the green economy. In addition, she warned against escalating trade tensions, which could potentially trigger a damaging trade war.
    At an event on 21 January titled Finding Growth in Uncertain Times, she stated that trade has remained resilient despite recent crises, emphasizing that “trade will still be a source of growth.” She highlighted findings from a recent WTO study indicating the potential for double-digit trade growth if artificial intelligence tools are adopted, as they can reduce trade costs and boost productivity. DG Okonjo-Iweala also underscored the WTO’s relevance beyond the issue of tariffs, noting its role in ensuring food and product safety standards for imported goods. She cautioned against the risks of further trade fragmentation: “We’ve done simulations that show that fragmenting into two geopolitical trading blocs and adding trade policy uncertainty may lead to a real loss in global GDP in the longer term of 6.4%. This is like losing the economy of Japan and Korea combined.”
    DG Okonjo-Iweala discussed the role of trade in environmental preservation at the session Squaring the Climate-Trade Circle on 22 January.  “You can’t have the adoption of clean energy technology without trade,” she said. She also proposed that countries produce and export goods in line with their environmental comparative advantage, or the products causing the least damage in terms of carbon emissions.
    On 23 January, DG Okonjo-Iweala took part in a townhall titled Debating Tariffs alongside Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity. “It is easy to use tariffs, it is attractive as a policy tool, but I hope we have a strong analysis of what this means,” she said. When asked about potential new tariffs being discussed in the United States, the Director-General warned against a spiral of retaliation that could impact the global economy, as observed in the 1930s when raising tariffs worsened the economic crisis. “If we have tit-for-tat retaliation and we go to where we were in the 1930s, we are going to see double-digit global GDP losses. That’s catastrophic. Everyone will pay, and the poor countries will pay even more,” she stressed.
    On 24 January, the Director-General attended a ministerial gathering on WTO issues at the invitation of Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. Ministers considered the way ahead for the Organization and initial plans for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
    DG Okonjo-Iweala encouraged members to move away from “business as usual” and long-held positions. She invited them instead to advance work on the organization’s reform. “The context is changing, we must deliver, and we must modernize,” she said. According to the summary of the meeting shared by Mr Parmelin, ministers “underlined the significance of the WTO and the rules-based, transparent and predictable multilateral trading system”.  

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Authorities pass bill with sweeping controls on social media   

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 at the National Assembly, Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director of Campaigns, South Asia, said: 

    “The latest amendment to the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by the National Assembly will further tighten the government’s grip over Pakistan’s heavily controlled digital landscape, if passed by both houses of Parliament. 

    “The amendment introduces a criminal offence against those perpetrating so-called ‘false and fake information’ and imposes a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment with a fine. The vague and ambiguous framing of some elements of the offense together with a history of the PECA being used to silence dissent raises concerns that this new offence will chill what little is left of the right to online expression in the country.  

    “Presented in the absence of any consultation or debate, the amendment also expands the powers previously available to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority through the newly created Social Media Regulation and Protection Authority. These provisions grant authorities power to block and remove content based on vague criteria, which will violate the right to freedom of expression and fail to meet standards of proportionality and necessity under international human rights law. 

    The latest amendment to the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by the National Assembly will further tighten the government’s grip over Pakistan’s heavily controlled digital landscape, if passed by both houses of Parliament. 

    Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director of Campaigns, South Asia

    “These developments are in step with deployment of intrusive digital surveillance technologies and laws such as the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, that fail to incorporate any human rights safeguards. Amnesty International calls on the authorities to immediately withdraw the Bill and instead engage in a meaningful consultative process with civil society to amend PECA to bring it in line with international human rights law.” 

    Background: 

    The amendment Bill was presented in and passed by the National Assembly on 23 January 2025 and referred to the Standing Committee the next day by the Senate after backlash from opposition, media and civil society.  

    The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act passed in 2016 triggered widespread criticism from human rights organizations and activists for its potential for harmful impact on the right to freedom of expression and access to information in the country. The nine years since have confirmed these fears as journalists, human rights defenders and political opposition have been targeted under the law. Recently, the authorities have frequently imposed blanket bans on social media platforms and have blocked X, formerly Twitter, since February 2024. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 closed following crash, Waikato Expressway, Bombay

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are advised that State Highway 1, Waikato Expressway northbound is closed at Nikau Road off-ramp, following a crash involving two vehicles in Nikau Road to Mill Road area, reported at around 8.45am.

    Emergency services are in attendance, no injuries are reported at this time.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays. Check NZTA Journey Planner for updates.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced To 87 Months For Role In $50 Million Wire And Securities Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A California man was sentenced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to 87 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas for his role in a $50 million internet-enabled fraud scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Allen Giltman, 59, of Irvine, California, previously pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud.

    According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Between 2012 and October 2020, Giltman and others engaged in an internet-based financial fraud scheme, which generally involved the creation of fraudulent websites to solicit funds from investors. At times, the fraudulent websites were designed to closely resemble websites being operated by actual, well-known, and publicly reputable financial institutions; at other times, the fraudulent websites were designed to resemble legitimate-seeming financial institutions that did not exist.

    Victims of the fraud scheme typically discovered the fraudulent websites via internet searches.  The fraudulent websites advertised various types of investment opportunities, most prominently the purchase of certificates of deposit, or CDs.  The fraudulent websites advertised higher than average rates of return on the CDs to lure potential victims.

    The fraudulent websites used a variety of means to appear legitimate and to gain and maintain the trust of prospective investors, including by (a) displaying the actual names and logos of real financial institutions;  (b) purporting that the institutions were members of and/or regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, or New York Stock Exchange; (c) claiming that deposits made to the institutions associated with the fraudulent websites were FDIC insured; and (d) using FINRA and/or FDIC member identification numbers issued to real financial institutions and real FINRA broker-dealers.

    After discovering one of the fraudulent websites, victims would contact an individual via telephone or email as directed on the sites.  As alleged in the Information, this individual was Giltman.  During his communications with victims of the fraud scheme, Giltman impersonated real FINRA broker-dealers by using their names and FINRA CRD numbers.  Giltman would then provide the victims with applications and wiring instructions for the purchase of a CD.  The funds wired by the victims would then be moved to various domestic and international bank accounts, including accounts in Russia, the Republic of Georgia, Hong Kong, and Turkey.  None of the victims received a CD after wiring the funds.

    To date, law enforcement has identified at least 150 fraudulent websites created as part of the scheme.  At least 70 victims of the fraud scheme nationwide, including in New Jersey, collectively transmitted funds that they believed to be investments in the aggregate amount of at least approximately $50 million.

    * * *

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Giltman to 3 years of supervised release and ordered forfeiture of numerous assets seized from Giltman at the time of his arrest in 2020.

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously filed a civil complaint against Giltman based on the same conduct.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark.  He also thanked the SEC for the assistance provided by its Enforcement Division.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Torntore, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

    25-020                                                              ###

    Defense counsel:

    Nina Marino, Esq. and Jennifer Lieser, Esq, Beverly Hills, California

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: More UN staffers detained in Yemen, education hit by climate crisis, Nigeria aid plan

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday.

    The de facto rulers of much of the country, including the capital Sana’a, released the crew of a merchant ship who had been held for more than a year, earlier this week.

    The move raised hopes that more than 60 staff from the UN, international organizations and diplomatic missions already being held by the Houthis over the past year, might be released.

    Friday’s safety measure announced by Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, comes as the organization faces mounting security challenges in its operations in the region.

    The Houthis and the internationally-recognized Government have been fighting for control of the country in what has become a wider regional proxy war, for over a decade.

    Security measure

    “Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Mr. Harneis said.

    “To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”

    Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq elaborated on the response later on Friday, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts: “Our officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners.”

    The detentions mark a troubling escalation for humanitarian operations in Yemen, where access and security remain critical concerns.

    The UN continues to emphasise the importance of upholding the safety and neutrality of its personnel to ensure lifesaving aid reaches those in need.

    Nearly 250 million children’s schooling disrupted by climate crises in 2024

    At least 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has warned.

    Heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods and droughts are among of the dangers that have made the global learning crisis worse, new UNICEF analysis has shown.

    Coinciding with the International Day of Education, the UN agency released data showing that at least one in seven students had their schooling disrupted because of climate hazards in 2024.

    Multiple closures

    Of the 85 countries affected, 23 experienced multiple rounds of school closures and 74 per cent of all those affected students live in low and lower-middle-income countries.

    South Asia was the most affected region in 2024 with 128 million students impacted by climate-related school disruptions. East Asia and the Pacific region followed, impacting 50 million students.

    In 2024, heatwaves were the most significant climate hazard to affect schooling, concerning around 171 million students.

    Nigeria humanitarian response plan aims to help 3.6 million people: OCHA

    To Nigeria, where UN aid teams have launched a humanitarian appeal which again focuses on the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the Bay states -where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability continue to blight communities’ wellbeing.

    OCHA, the UN aid coordination office, said that the target this year is to reach 3.6 million people in the northeast with health services, food, water, sanitation and hygiene.

    Nutrition for children is also part of the $910 million appeal, along with support for protection, education and other basic services.

    Funding challenge

    To absorb declining global funding, OCHA insisted that the Nigeria plan aims to make scarce resources go further, by supporting those delivering assistance locally more directly – and by shifting to cash and voucher assistance where possible.

    A key part of the aid appeal includes prevention work to lessen the impact of floods and disease outbreaks.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 12 Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Business Email Compromise Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 12-count indictment alleging conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering against 12 individuals for defrauding multiple victims in a nationwide scheme.

    The indictment alleges that the defendants listed below were involved in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded the victims out of millions of dollars. These types of fraud target both companies and individuals.

    • Demani Jawara Bosket, 50, of Saluda
    • Nkem Ajoku 55, of Pflugerville, Texas
    • Walter Clayron Ruff Jr., 51, of Gaston
    • Tanya Lawshawn Bosket, 51, of Saluda
    • Jahbir Rolando Fowle, 45, of Charlotte, North Carolina
    • Anthony Jerome Savage, 46, of Charlotte, North Carolina
    • Micheal Raymond Bevans-Silva, 38, of Savannah, Georgia
    • Carlise Raymion Roland, 32, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Daniel Alexander Edwards, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Danny Heard II, 41, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Raymone Tyshay Scott Sr., 48, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Jamian Joshaun Butler, 45, of Jacksonville, Florida,

    The perpetrators of these types of frauds typically employ the use of “spoofed” emails that appear to be the genuine email address of a legitimate business or banking institution. In reality, the email address is a slight variation of the true email address, and the victim is instead communicating with perpetuators of the scheme.

    The indictment alleges that the defendants accessed the victims’ computer systems to monitor email communications for potential financial transactions and bank transfers.  The defendants used this information to identify the victims’ points of contact, financial accounts, communications, and business practices. The defendants then used spoofed emails to impersonate internal personnel, business partners, vendors, or other interested parties. The defendants would then initiate payments or direct financial transfers to bank accounts they controlled. The defendants then shared and intermixed the stolen funds between their own bank accounts, before sending a portion of the money out of the country. The defendants are alleged to have victimized multiple individuals and businesses, including construction companies, private equity firms, title companies, and law firms in South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Japan.

    The defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and fines of $1,000,000. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. before the Honorable Paige J. Gossett.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lothrop Morris and T. DeWayne Pearson are prosecuting the case. 

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As thousands of firefighters work around the clock to combat the ongoing Southern California fires, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to expand access to federal support for families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last year.
    Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that families of firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program. The bill would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer. 
    “Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line without a second thought to protect California communities from the devastating Southern California fires,” said Senator Padilla. “When they sacrifice their lives or face severe disabilities due to service-related cancers, we have a shared duty to help get their families back on their feet.”
    “Our first responders risk everything for us – from the front lines of wildfires to the unseen lines of duty that keep our communities safe. When they lose their lives to service-related cancers, their families deserve the full measure of support they’ve earned. No one who has lost so much should be left to face hardship alone,” said Senator Schiff.
    “As we are seeing in California and throughout the country, our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m working with Senator Cramer to ensure that firefighters get the support they deserve. Our bipartisan legislation will honor the memory and sacrifice of St. Paul Fire Department Captain Mike Paidar and so many others who risk their lives in service of their communities.”
    “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Senator Cramer. “The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not bear these burdens alone.”
    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who are killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
    This Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The bill is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought relentlessly to get Southern Californians desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Additionally, Padilla introduced a package of critical bipartisan bills to strengthen fire resilience and rebuilding efforts, including legislation to permanently increase wildland firefighter pay.
    Last week, Padilla delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation. He also questioned Secretary of the Interior nominee Doug Burgum and Budget Secretary nominee Russell Vought on their support for fire aid, securing their commitment to not politicize disaster relief resources or funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Capital, Inc. Reports Annual and Quarterly Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CORYDON, Ind., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: FCAP), the holding company for First Harrison Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $11.9 million, or $3.57 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $12.8 million, or $3.82 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

    Net interest income after provision for credit losses increased $894,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Interest income increased $6.9 million when comparing the two periods due to an increase in the average tax-equivalent yield(1) on interest-earning assets from 3.96% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.49% for the same period in 2024. Interest expense increased $5.7 million as the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased from 1.11% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 1.73% for the same period in 2024, in addition to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities from $809.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $850.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. As a result of the changes in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) increased from 3.16% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 3.20% for the same period in 2024. Refer to the accompanying average balance sheet for more information regarding changes in the composition of the Company’s balance sheet and resulting yields and costs from the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Based on management’s analysis of the Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on loans and unfunded loan commitments, the provision for credit losses increased from $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was due to loan growth during the period, the increase in nonperforming assets during the year described later in this release, as well as management’s consideration of macroeconomic uncertainty. The Bank recognized net charge-offs of $173,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $469,000 for the same period in 2023.  

    Noninterest income increased $24,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to increases in gains on the sale of loans and service charges on deposit accounts of $133,000 and $59,000, respectively. These were partially offset by the Company recognizing a $374,000 loss on equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to a $207,000 loss during the same period in 2023.

    Noninterest expenses increased $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. This was primarily due to increases in professional fees, compensation and benefits, and other expenses of $663,000, $536,000 and $260,000, respectively, when comparing the two periods.   The increase in professional fees is primarily due to increased costs associated with the Company’s annual audit and fees being accrued for the Company’s ongoing core contract negotiations. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to standard increases in salary and wages as well as increases in the cost of Company-provided health insurance benefits. The increase in other expenses included a $90,000 increase in the Company’s support of local communities through sponsorships and donations, a $64,000 increase in check and debit card fraud losses, $30,000 in increased dues and subscriptions, and $25,000 in increased expenses related to employee training and education.

    Income tax expense decreased $32,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 resulting in an effective tax rate of 15.6% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 14.9% for the same period in 2023.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

    The Company’s net income was $3.3 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.1 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

    Net interest income after provision for credit losses increased $822,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. Interest income increased $1.6 million when comparing the periods due to an increase in the average tax-equivalent yield(1) on interest-earning assets from 4.20% for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 4.64% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Interest expense increased $693,000 when comparing the periods due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 1.51% for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1.76% for the fourth quarter of 2024, in addition to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities from $821.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 to $859.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. As a result of the changes in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) increased from 3.11% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 to 3.33% for the same period in 2024. Refer to the accompanying average balance sheet for more information regarding changes in the composition of the Company’s balance sheet and resulting yields and costs from the quarter ended December 31, 2023 to the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Based on management’s analysis of the ACL on loans and unfunded loan commitments, the provision for credit losses increased from $308,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 to $346,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.   The Bank recognized net charge-offs of $24,000 and $89,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Noninterest income increased $103,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.   The Company recognized increases in gain on sale of loans, service charges on deposit accounts, and an increase in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance policies of $56,000, $29,000, and $15,000, respectively, when comparing the two periods. These were partially offset by a $21,000 decrease in ATM and debit card fees. In addition, the Company recognized a $104,000 loss on equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to a $121,000 loss during the same period in 2023.

    Noninterest expense increased $567,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to increases in professional fees, compensation and benefits, and occupancy and equipment expenses of $239,000, $162,000, and $66,000, respectively. The increase in professional fees is primarily due to increased costs associated with the Company’s annual audit and fees being accrued for the Company’s ongoing core contract negotiations. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to standard increases in salary and wages as well as increases in the cost of Company-provided health insurance benefits. The increase in occupancy and equipment expenses is primarily due to increased depreciation expense and facility repairs.

    Income tax expenses increased $206,000 for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This was due primarily to the finalization of estimates associated with the Company’s investment in solar tax credit producing facilities during 2024. As a result, the effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was 17.3% compared to 13.3% for the same period in 2023.

    Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2024 and 2023

    Total assets were $1.19 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $1.16 billion at December 31, 2023. Total cash and cash equivalents and net loans receivable increased $67.2 million and $16.8 million, respectively, from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, while securities available for sale decreased $48.0 million during the same period. Deposits increased $41.2 million from $1.03 billion at December 31, 2023 to $1.07 billion at December 31, 2024.   The Bank had no borrowed funds outstanding at December 31, 2024 compared to $21.5 million in borrowings outstanding through the Federal Reserve Bank’s BTFP at December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets (consisting of nonaccrual loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and foreclosed real estate) increased from $1.8 million at December 31, 2023 to $4.5 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the nonaccrual classification of two commercial loan relationships totaling $2.6 million. Loans in the relationship are secured by a variety of real estate and business assets.

    The Bank currently has 18 offices in the Indiana communities of Corydon, Edwardsville, Greenville, Floyds Knobs, Palmyra, New Albany, New Salisbury, Jeffersonville, Salem, Lanesville and Charlestown and the Kentucky communities of Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington and Lebanon Junction.

    Access to First Harrison Bank accounts, including online banking and electronic bill payments, is available through the Bank’s website at http://www.firstharrison.com. For more information and financial data about the Company, please visit Investor Relations at the Bank’s aforementioned website. The Bank can also be followed on Facebook.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “could” and “should,” and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts nor guarantees of future performance; rather, they are statements based on the Company’s current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance.

    Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; competition; the ability of the Company to execute its business plan; legislative and regulatory changes; the quality and composition of the loan and investment portfolios; loan demand; deposit flows; changes in accounting principles and guidelines; and other factors disclosed periodically in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this press release, the Company’s reports, or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Contact:
    Joshua Stevens
    Chief Financial Officer
    812-738-1570

    (1) Reconciliations of the non–U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) measures are set forth at the end of this press release.

     
    FIRST CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
    OPERATING DATA 2024   2023   2024   2023
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)              
                   
    Total interest income $ 13,192     $ 11,639     $ 50,471     $ 43,605  
    Total interest expense   3,784       3,091       14,681       9,017  
    Net interest income   9,408       8,548       35,790       34,588  
    Provision for credit losses   346       308       1,449       1,141  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   9,062       8,240       34,341       33,447  
                   
    Total non-interest income   1,934       1,831       7,656       7,632  
    Total non-interest expense   7,047       6,480       27,828       26,028  
    Income before income taxes   3,949       3,591       14,169       15,051  
    Income tax expense   684       478       2,216       2,248  
    Net income   3,265       3,113       11,953       12,803  
    Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest   3       3       13       13  
    Net income attributable to First Capital, Inc. $ 3,262     $ 3,110     $ 11,940     $ 12,790  
                   
    Net income per share attributable to              
    First Capital, Inc. common shareholders:              
    Basic $ 0.97     $ 0.93     $ 3.57     $ 3.82  
                   
    Diluted $ 0.97     $ 0.93     $ 3.57     $ 3.82  
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   3,347,043       3,345,910       3,346,161       3,347,341  
                   
    Diluted   3,347,321       3,345,910       3,346,161       3,347,341  
                   
    OTHER FINANCIAL DATA              
                   
    Cash dividends per share $ 0.29     $ 0.27     $ 1.12     $ 1.08  
    Return on average assets (annualized)   1.10 %     1.09 %     1.02 %     1.12 %
    Return on average equity (annualized)   11.33 %     13.67 %     10.97 %     14.03 %
    Net interest margin   3.26 %     3.03 %     3.14 %     3.08 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   3.33 %     3.11 %     3.20 %     3.16 %
    Interest rate spread   2.81 %     2.61 %     2.69 %     2.77 %
    Interest rate spread (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   2.88 %     2.69 %     2.76 %     2.85 %
    Net overhead expense as a percentage of average assets (annualized)   2.38 %     2.26 %     2.38 %     2.28 %
                   
      December 31,   December 31,        
    BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 2024   2023        
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 105,917     $ 38,670          
    Interest-bearing time deposits   2,695       3,920          
    Investment securities   396,243       444,271          
    Gross loans   640,480       622,414          
    Allowance for credit losses   9,281       8,005          
    Earning assets   1,119,944       1,083,898          
    Total assets   1,187,523       1,157,880          
    Deposits   1,066,439       1,025,211          
    Borrowed funds   –       21,500          
    Stockholders’ equity, net of noncontrolling interest   114,599       105,233          
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of gross loans   1.45 %     1.29 %        
    Non-performing assets:              
    Nonaccrual loans   4,483       1,751          
    Accruing loans past due 90 days   –       –          
    Foreclosed real estate   –       –          
    Regulatory capital ratios (Bank only):              
    Community Bank Leverage Ratio (2)   10.57 %     9.92 %        
                   
    (1) See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for additional information relating to the calculation of this item.
    (2) Effective March 31, 2020, the Bank opted in to the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework. As such, the other regulatory ratios are no longer provided.
                   
     
    FIRST CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
                     
        For the Year ended December 31,
        2024   2023
            Average
    		       Average
        Average   Yield/   Average   Yield/
        Balance Interest Cost   Balance Interest Cost
    (Dollars in thousands)                
    Interest earning assets:                
    Loans (1) (2):                
    Taxable   $ 624,193   $ 37,974   6.08 %   $ 582,465   $ 33,153   5.69 %
    Tax-exempt (3)     9,805     377   3.84 %     8,144     249   3.06 %
    Total loans     633,998     38,351   6.05 %     590,609     33,402   5.66 %
                     
    Investment securities:                
    Taxable (4)     333,195     6,918   2.08 %     358,860     5,635   1.57 %
    Tax-exempt (3)     121,947     3,329   2.73 %     147,667     4,236   2.87 %
    Total investment securities     455,142     10,247   2.25 %     506,527     9,871   1.95 %
                     
    Federal funds sold     45,563     2,357   5.17 %     19,512     989   5.07 %
    Other interest-earning assets (5)     6,473     294   4.54 %     7,078     285   4.03 %
    Total interest earning assets     1,141,176     51,249   4.49 %     1,123,726     44,547   3.96 %
                     
    Non-interest earning assets     28,479           20,140      
    Total assets   $ 1,169,655         $ 1,143,866      
                     
    Interest bearing liabilities:                
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 433,495   $ 6,086   1.40 %   $ 447,895   $ 4,652   1.04 %
    Savings accounts     230,353     810   0.35 %     255,126     917   0.36 %
    Time deposits     156,534     6,331   4.04 %     91,423     2,672   2.92 %
    Total deposits     820,382     13,227   1.61 %     794,444     8,241   1.04 %
                     
    FHLB Advances     1,736     99   5.70 %     6,084     340   5.59 %
    BTFP Advances     27,918     1,355   4.85 %     8,632     436   5.05 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities     850,036     14,681   1.73 %     809,160     9,017   1.11 %
                     
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                
    Non-interest bearing deposits     203,699           236,471      
    Other liabilities     7,046           7,056      
    Total liabilities     1,060,781           1,052,687      
    Stockholders’ equity (6)     108,874           91,179      
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,169,655         $ 1,143,866      
                     
    Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)   $ 36,568         $ 35,530    
    Less: tax equivalent adjustment       (778 )         (942 )  
    Net interest income     $ 35,790         $ 34,588    
                     
    Interest rate spread       2.69 %       2.77 %
    Interest rate spread (tax equivalent basis) (7)     2.76 %       2.85 %
    Net interest margin       3.14 %       3.08 %
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) (7)     3.20 %       3.16 %
    Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities       134.25 %       138.88 %
                     
    (1) Interest income on loans includes fee income of $727,000 and $961,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Average loan balances include loans held for sale and nonperforming loans.
    (3) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the federal marginal tax rate of 21%.
    (4) Includes taxable debt and equity securities and FHLB Stock.
    (5) Includes interest-bearing deposits with banks and interest-bearing time deposits.
    (6) Stockholders’ equity attributable to First Capital, Inc.
    (7) Reconciliations of the non-U.S. GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this press release.
                     
     
    FIRST CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
                     
        For the Three Months ended December 31,
        2024   2023
            Average
    		       Average
        Average   Yield/   Average   Yield/
        Balance Interest Cost   Balance Interest Cost
    (Dollars in thousands)                
    Interest earning assets:                
    Loans (1) (2):                
    Taxable   $ 627,125   $ 9,748   6.22 %   $ 608,688   $ 9,018   5.93 %
    Tax-exempt (3)     11,339     123   4.34 %     8,079     63   3.12 %
    Total loans     638,464     9,871   6.18 %     616,767     9,081   5.89 %
                     
    Investment securities:                
    Taxable (4)     314,345     1,739   2.21 %     352,377     1,521   1.73 %
    Tax-exempt (3)     121,445     838   2.76 %     139,865     996   2.85 %
    Total investment securities     435,790     2,577   2.37 %     492,242     2,517   2.05 %
                     
    Federal funds sold     72,271     867   4.80 %     13,765     194   5.64 %
    Other interest-earning assets (5)     6,884     78   4.53 %     6,386     69   4.32 %
    Total interest earning assets     1,153,409     13,393   4.64 %     1,129,160     11,861   4.20 %
                     
    Non-interest earning assets     30,640           16,953      
    Total assets   $ 1,184,049         $ 1,146,113      
                     
    Interest bearing liabilities:                
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 437,573   $ 1,535   1.40 %   $ 427,832   $ 1,413   1.32 %
    Savings accounts     224,311     159   0.28 %     239,355     146   0.24 %
    Time deposits     185,112     1,936   4.18 %     122,163     1,104   3.61 %
    Total deposits     846,996     3,630   1.71 %     789,350     2,663   1.35 %
                     
    FHLB Advances     –     –   –       16,321     232   5.69 %
    BTFP Advances     12,621     154   4.88 %     15,402     196   5.09 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities     859,617     3,784   1.76 %     821,073     3,091   1.51 %
                     
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                
    Non-interest bearing deposits     202,008           227,613      
    Other liabilities     7,294           6,415      
    Total liabilities     209,302           234,028      
    Stockholders’ equity (6)     115,130           91,012      
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,184,049         $ 1,146,113      
                     
    Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)   $ 9,609         $ 8,770    
    Less: tax equivalent adjustment       (201 )         (222 )  
    Net interest income     $ 9,408         $ 8,548    
                     
    Interest rate spread       2.81 %       2.61 %
    Interest rate spread (tax-equivalent basis) (7)     2.88 %       2.69 %
    Net interest margin       3.26 %       3.03 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (7)     3.33 %       3.11 %
    Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities       134.18 %       137.52 %
                     
    (1) Interest income on loans includes fee income of $210,000 and $180,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Average loan balances include loans held for sale and nonperforming loans.
    (3) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the federal marginal tax rate of 21%.
    (4) Includes taxable debt and equity securities and FHLB Stock.
    (5) Includes interest-bearing deposits with banks and interest-bearing time deposits.
    (6) Stockholders’ equity attributable to First Capital, Inc.
    (7) Reconciliations of the non-U.S. GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this press release.
                     
                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED):
                   
    This presentation contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management uses these “non-GAAP” measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures allow for better comparability with prior periods, as well as with peers in the industry who provide a similar presentation, and provide a further understanding of the Company’s ongoing operations. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. The following table summarizes the non-GAAP financial measures derived from amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures with the comparable GAAP financial measures.
                                   
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    (Dollars in thousands)              
    Net interest income (A) $ 9,408     $ 8,548     $ 35,790     $ 34,588  
    Add: Tax-equivalent adjustment   201       222       778       942  
    Tax-equivalent net interest income (B)   9,609       8,770       36,568       35,530  
    Average interest earning assets (C)   1,153,409       1,129,160       1,141,176       1,123,726  
    Net interest margin (A)/(C)   3.26 %     3.03 %     3.14 %     3.08 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (B)/(C)   3.33 %     3.11 %     3.20 %     3.16 %
                   
    Total interest income (D) $ 13,192     $ 11,639     $ 50,471     $ 43,605  
    Add: Tax-equivalent adjustment   201       222       778       942  
    Total interest income tax-equivalent basis (E)   13,393       11,861       51,249       44,547  
    Average interest earning assets (F)   1,153,409       1,129,160       1,141,176       1,123,726  
    Average yield on interest earning assets (D)/(F); (G)   4.57 %     4.12 %     4.42 %     3.88 %
    Average yield on interest earning assets tax-equivalent (E)/(F); (H)   4.64 %     4.20 %     4.49 %     3.96 %
    Average cost of interest bearing liabilities (I)   1.76 %     1.51 %     1.73 %     1.11 %
    Interest rate spread (G)-(I)   2.81 %     2.61 %     2.69 %     2.77 %
    Interest rate spread tax-equivalent (H)-(I)   2.88 %     2.69 %     2.76 %     2.85 %
                                   

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Colleagues Reintroduce FARM Act to Add Ag Secretary to CFIUS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, to permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.

    “Our foreign adversaries are buying up American farmland and threatening American food security,” said Senator Hoeven. “We must have stronger supervision of foreign investments that affect the American food supply, and this bill will help achieve that by adding the Agriculture Secretary to CFIUS. This is a logical step to protect our essential food infrastructure and ensure North Dakota and our country remains a leader in agriculture.”

    “Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,” said Senator Tuberville. “These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.” 

    “Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,” said Senator Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”

      Joining Hoeven, Tuberville and Fetterman in reintroducing this legislation are Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sentence for Illegal Re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND –Eulises Yobani Rafael-Garcia, age 28, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to  the felony charge of illegal re-entry.

    Rafael-Garcia, who has been in custody since his arrest on April 5, 2024, was sentenced to time served and ordered transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

    According to documents in the case, Rafael-Garcia was previously removed from the United States three times and has a prior conviction for misdemeanor illegal entry.  Additionally, during the investigation, Rafael-Garcia admitted to having previous ties to drug-trafficking organizations.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and assistance from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the United States Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Oscar Valdivia-Salas, age 35, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a felony charge of Illegal Reentry, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Valdivia-Salas was sentenced to 10 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

    According to documents in the case, Valdivia-Salas has a previous felony conviction for Illegal Reentry out of the Western District of Missouri and was removed from the United States in 2018.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Linkage Global Inc Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Linkage Global Inc (“Linkage Cayman”, or the “Company”), a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Total revenues decreased by approximately 19.19% from USD12.73 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD10.29 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
    • Our new fully managed e-commerce operation services that was launched in April 2024, generated USD3.28 million in revenue.
    • Gross profit increased by approximately USD2.31 million, or 123.91%, from USD1.86 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.17 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
    • Net loss decreased by USD0.21 million, or 32.69%, from USD0.65 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.44 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

    Mr. Zhihua Wu, Chairman and CEO of the Company, commented: “For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, total revenues decreased by about 19.19% from USD12.73 million in 2023 to USD10.29 million, primarily attributable to the decrease of cross-border sales. Specifically, cross-border revenues fell by USD4.11 million, with our Japanese subsidiary experiencing a 53.12% decline. This was largely driven by yen depreciation, which raised prices in Japan and resulted in a decline in consumers’ purchasing power. It was also exacerbated by the depreciation of the Japanese yen against U.S. dollars.”

    “Our integrated e-commerce services saw a rise of USD1.67 million, thanks to our new fully managed e-commerce operation services, which generated USD3.28 million in revenue. However, digital marketing revenues plummeted from USD1.53 million to USD0.31 million because Google updated agreements with more stringent criteria for incentives. In order to cope with the change of policies from Google, we actively engaged in direct and indirect cooperations with other social platforms, such as TikTok and Facebook.”

    “Our gross profit increased by USD2.31 million or 123.91% to USD 4.17 million, largely due to the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%.”

    “Looking ahead, while we faced challenges in fiscal year of 2024, our expansion in integrated e-commerce positions us for future growth. We remain committed to enhancing partnerships, optimizing operations, and exploring new market opportunities. These strategies will help us navigate market fluctuations and achieve sustainable growth in the coming years.”

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Revenues

    Total revenues decreased by approximately USD2.44million, or 19.19%, from approximately USD12.73 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD10.29 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, primarily attributable to the decrease of cross-border sales.

    Our breakdown of revenues by revenue streams for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is summarized below:

        For the Years Ended September 30,
    		  
        2024     2023  
        USD     USD  
    Cross border Sales     6,476,939       10,587,053  
    Integrated E-commerce services     3,812,742       2,146,286  
    Fully managed e-commerce operation services     3,280,002       —  
    Digital marketing services     312,180       1,527,247  
    Others     220,560       619,039  
    Total revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339  
     

    Our breakdown of revenues by geographic areas for the years ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 is summarized below:

        For the Years Ended September 30,
    		  
        2024     2023
    		  
        USD     USD
    		  
    Japan     4,101,865       8,749,200  
    Hong Kong     3,612,126       1,987,182  
    China     2,575,690       1,996,957  
    Total revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339  
     

    Revenues from cross-border sales fell by USD 4.11 million, or 38.82%, from USD10.59 million in 2023 to USD6.48 million in 2024. Our Japanese subsidiary, EXTEND, accounted for USD 4.10 million or 39.86% of total revenues, but saw a 53.12% decline. This drop was primarily due to the yen’s depreciation, which increased prices and reduced consumer purchasing power for non-essential 3C electronic products. The decrease was also exacerbated by the depreciation of the Japanese yen against U.S. dollars. The average exchange rate also worsened, dropping from $1=¥138.93 in 2023 to $1=¥150.33 in 2024, respectively, resulting in a decrease of 8.20%.

    Revenues from integrated e-commerce services rose by USD1.67 million or 77.64%, from USD2.15 million to USD3.81 million, driven by a new fully managed e-commerce operation generating USD3.28 million.

    Revenues from digital marketing services dropped to USD0.31 million due to stricter Google incentive policies and a 40.76% decline in merchant numbers. To adapt, we are partnering with platforms like TikTok and Facebook while expanding our e-commerce services.

    Revenues from training, consulting, and TikTok agent services decreased by USD0.40 million or 64.37%, from USD 0.62 million to USD 0.22 million.

    Cost of Revenues

    Cost of revenues decreased by 43.68% from approximately USD10.87 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD6.12 million for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit increased by approximately USD2.31 million, or 123.91%, from USD1.86 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.17 million for the year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable by the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%. The high gross profit margin is mainly due to the low cost, which was mainly composed of the salaries of the operation personnel.

    Gross profit margin of cross-border sales increased from 7.82% for the year ended September 30, 2023 to 13.99% for the year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was mainly due to that the depreciation of the Japanese yen has led to a rise in prices of goods in Japan.

    Gross profit margin of integrated e-commerce related services increased from 48.10% for the year ended September 30, 2023 to 85.52% for the year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable by the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses increased from USD2.43 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.24 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 74.49%. This increase was primarily attributable to the increases in our general and administrative expenses, offsetting the decreases in selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.

    Other income/(expenses), net

    Other non-operating income increased from USD0.01 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.02 million for the year ended September 30, 2024. Investment income increased by 2003.35% from USD2,119 for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD44,570 for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    Income taxes

    Income tax (expenses) /benefits decreased by USD0.65 million, from USD0.06 million of tax benefit for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.59 million of tax expenses for the year ended September 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily attributable to net profit for the year ended September 30, 2024, and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

    Net (loss)

    As a result of the foregoing, net loss decreased by USD0.21 million, or 32.69%, from USD0.65 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.44 million for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    About Linkage Global Inc

    Linkage Global Inc is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operations of its own. Linkage Cayman conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. As a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, through its operating subsidiaries, the Company has developed a comprehensive service system comprised of two lines of business complementary to each other, including (i) cross-border sales and (ii) integrated e-commerce services. For more information, please visit http://www.linkagecc.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “assesses,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s annual reports on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    WFS Investor Relations Inc.
    Connie Kang, Partner
    Email: ckang@wealthfsllc.com

    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        As of September 30,  
        2024       2023  
        USD  
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents     2,000,732         1,107,480  
    Accounts receivable, net     6,302,696         2,011,047  
    Inventories, net     66,331         679,732  
    Deferred offering costs     —         1,076,253  
    Deposits paid to media platforms     482,650         3,717,773  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     2,689,581         1,053,687  
    Short-term loan to third party     410,000         —  
    Total current assets     11,951,990         9,645,972  
                     
    Non-current assets                
    Property and equipment, net     85,807         158,642  
    Deferred tax assets     —         149,129  
    Right-of-use assets, net     653,730         624,945  
    Other non-current assets     —         54,825  
    Total non-current assets     739,537         987,541  
    TOTAL ASSETS     12,691,527         10,633,513  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable     624,723         1,142,667  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     236,813         309,986  
    Short-term debts     32,810         —  
    Current portion of long-term debts     428,702         535,226  
    Contract liabilities     533,625         530,488  
    Amounts due to related parties     314,544         1,413,604  
    Lease liabilities – current     231,978         187,214  
    Convertible bonds     964,865         —  
    Income tax payable     1,017,619         581,235  
    Total current liabilities     4,385,679         4,700,420  
                     
    Non-current liabilities                
    Long-term debts     839,560         1,996,326  
    Lease liabilities – noncurrent     441,504         439,854  
    Total non-current liabilities     1,281,064         2,436,180  
    Total liabilities     5,666,743         7,136,600  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)                
                     
    Shareholders’ equity                
    Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.00025 per share; 200,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 21,500,000 and 20,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively) *     5,375         5,000  
    Additional paid in capital     5,591,596         1,549,913  
    Statutory reserve     11,348         11,348  
    Retained earnings     1,613,217         2,052,553  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (196,752 )       (121,901 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     7,024,784         3,496,913  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     12,691,527         10,633,513  
     
    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, 2023 AND 2022
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        For the years ended
    September 30,    		  
        2024     2023     2022  
        USD  
    Revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339       22,028,303  
    Cost of revenues     (6,123,025 )     (10,872,484 )     (18,323,802 )
    Gross profit     4,166,656       1,860,855       3,704,501  
                             
    Operating expenses                        
    General and administrative expenses     (3,506,075 )      (1,373,695 )     (1,047,552 )
    Selling and marketing expenses     (434,856 )      (595,804 )     (812,062 )
    Research and development expenses     (302,280 )      (588,108 )     (628,350 )
    Gain from disposal of property and equipment     —       125,804       193,191  
    Total operating expenses     (4,243,211 )     (2,431,803 )     (2,294,773 )
    Operating (loss)/profit     (76,555 )      (570,948 )     1,409,728  
                             
    Other income/(expenses)                        
    Investment income     44,570       2,119       8,402  
    Impairment loss from equity investment     —       (60,046 )     —  
    Interest income/(expenses), net     160,685       (102,360 )     (79,455 )
    Other non-operating income     21,644       14,557       113,658  
    Total other income/(expenses), net     226,899       (145,730 )     42,605  
                             
    Income/(loss) before income taxes     150,344       (716,678 )     1,452,333  
    Income tax (provision)/ benefit     (589,680 )     63,950       (385,958 )
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
                             
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
    Other comprehensive income                        
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     (74,851 )     (15,524 )     (57,722 )
    Total comprehensive (loss) /income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (514,187 )     (668,252 )     1,008,653  
                             
    Earnings per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders                        
    Basic and Diluted*     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     0.05  
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding                        
    Basic and Diluted*     21,175,342       20,000,000       20,000,000  
    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, 2023 AND 2022
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        For the years ended
    September 30,    		  
        2024     2023     2022  
        USD  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                  
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
                             
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash (used in) /provided by operating activities:                        
    Effect of exchange rate changes     (226,846 )     —       —  
    Allowance for credit loss     958,584       116,428       —  
    Depreciation and amortization     86,911       83,226       81,625  
    Amortization of lease right-of-use assets     224,451       180,464       —  
    Share of profit from long-term investment     —       (2,119 )     (8,402 )
    Disposal gain from property and equipment     —       (125,804 )     (193,191 )
    Inventory write-downs     11,858       19,981       21,282  
    Deferred tax expenses/(benefits)     148,239       (160,402 )     80,519  
    Long-term investment impairment     —       60,046       —  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
    Accounts receivable, net     (5,023,387 )     36,738       (910,221 )
    Other non-current assets     —       —       (61,039 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current asset, net     1,870,567       (3,871,930 )     (520,377 )
    Inventories, net     601,543       (359,859 )     (78,455 )
    Accounts payable     (517,944 )     624,347       (11,703 )
    Contract liabilities     3,137       84,680       371,639  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     (37,987 )     (25,816 )     152,448  
    Amounts due from related parties     —       34,552       (40,098 )
    Amounts due to related parties     446,469       139,772       946,379  
    Tax payable     436,384       113,597       272,148  
    Operating lease liabilities     (178,037 )     (178,341 )     —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities     (1,635,394 )     (3,883,168 )     1,168,928  
                             
    Cash flow from investing activities                        
    Purchase of property and equipment     —       (12,137 )     (481,391 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment     —       1,745,094       1,265,217  
    Proceed from withdrawal of long-term investment     44,570       93,574       —  
    Provide short-term loan to third party     (410,000 )     —       —  
    Purchase of long-term investments     —       —       (40,098 )
    Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities     (365,430 )     1,826,531       743,728  
                             
    Cash flow from financing activities                        
    Proceeds from issuance of Class A ordinary shares upon the completion of IPO     5,356,417       —       —  
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds     999,957       —       —  
    Payment of service fees for convertible bonds     (351,000 )     —       —  
    Proceeds from short-term debts     133,044       —       160,391  
    Proceeds from long-term debts     —       1,238,592       1,167,861  
    Repayments of short-term debts     (101,778 )     (107,963 )     (280,692 )
    Repayments of long-term debts     (1,325,703 )     (1,918,181 )     (1,001,815 )
    Proceed of interest-free loan from related parties     3,031,467       —       —  
    Repayments of loans to a related party     (4,593,092 )     —       —  
    Capital contribution from shareholder     —       1,430,612       —  
    Payments for deferred offering costs     (273,287 )     (1,041,447 )     —  
    Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities     2,876,025       (398,387 )     45,745  
    Effect of exchange rate changes     18,051       (123,887 )     (51,067 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     893,252       (2,578,911 )     1,907,334  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year     1,107,480       3,686,391       1,779,057  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year     2,000,732       1,107,480       3,686,391  
                             
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                        
    Income tax paid     2,050       150,124       33,291  
    Interest expense paid     48,607       65,901       57,776  
                             
    Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:                        
    Obtaining right-of-use assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities     209,652       805,409       N/A  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Announces Subcommittee Assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced his subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. He will serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Subcommittee on Seapower, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps planning, operations policy, and programs. He will also serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women’s Issues. Kaine previously served as Chair of both subcommittees in the 118th Congress.
    “I’m excited to serve as Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower and SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. The United States is facing a growing number of global challenges, and both of these subcommittees are critical to ensuring we can tackle them head-on. China is far outpacing U.S. shipbuilding production, and one of my top priorities this year as Seapower Ranking Member is to make reforms to address construction and maintenance delays and get our naval programs back on track. As Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I’m also excited to work with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including on priorities like how to address migration, counter narcotics smuggling, and advance democratic institutions and the rule of law across the hemisphere. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both subcommittees.”
    In addition to the Subcommittees on Seapower and Western Hemisphere, Kaine will serve as a member of:
    Subcommittee on Readiness Management Support (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism (SFRC)
    Subcommittee on the State Department and USAID Management, International Operations and Bilateral International Development (SFRC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tricia Wachtendorf, Professor of Sociology and Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

    Neighbors fill and pass a bucket of pool water to help extinguish a spot fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    As wildfires swept through neighborhoods on the outskirts of Los Angeles in January 2025, stories about residents there helping their neighbors and total strangers began trickling out on social media.

    Accounts of Hollywood stars clearing streets for emergency vehicles to get through and raising money for fire victims were widely circulated. But there were many other examples of less-famous people helping older neighbors to safety, and even showing up with trailers to evacuate horses.

    Businesses, including fitness centers, opened their facilities so evacuees could shower or charge their phones. Organizations that routinely work with homeless populations quickly mobilized their members to help ensure people living on the streets and in camps could get to secure, safe locations away from the fires and hazardous air quality.

    Disasters, by definition, overwhelm local resources, making civilian responders like these essential. Sixty years of research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and by others examining the social aspects of disaster has repeatedly shown effective disaster management requires mobilizing community resources far beyond official channels.

    Often the response happens through local groups that form in response to a clear need in the community and with shared skills and interests. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in Los Angeles.

    Civilians helping often number in the thousands

    The number of those who step up to help during disasters varies by event, but it can be tremendous.

    Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers worked with the Red Cross on the response. That same year, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged more than 1 million person-days of activity, a measure of the number of people times the hours they contributed.

    People use garden hoses to try to prevent homes from catching fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors as the wind blew burning embers into neighborhoods.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    In an in-depth study of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, we interviewed local residents who used their retired fireboat to pump water for the firefighters at ground zero. Operators of tug, ferry and tour boats in and around New York City immediately responded to quickly evacuate 500,000 people in the area from danger. In fact, the majority of the boats involved belonged to private companies. Other volunteers queued evacuees and organized supplies and rides to get people home.

    Over 900 people, most acting in unofficial capacities, were awarded medals or ribbons for their efforts in just the marine response after the World Trade Center attack.

    A survey of residents after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake found that nearly 10% of local residents volunteered in the first three weeks of the response. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, in California, a survey of residents in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties found that two-thirds of the public were involved in response activities.

    Local businesses are often quick to help in disasters. Greg Dulan, center, who runs a soul food restaurant and food truck, hands out hot meals to wildfire evacuees at a church in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025.
    Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    However, much of the work local residents contribute during and after disasters goes unaccounted for in official reports.

    There is no mechanism to quantify the full extent to which a neighbor or a complete stranger helps someone flee from peril. Yet when people are trapped and minutes count, research shows it is family, friends and neighbors who are already on the scene and are most likely to save lives. It’s often everyday citizens who also take on immediate tasks such as debris removal. Providing a phone, a car, a place to do laundry, or a little bit of elbow grease can fill a gap and let firefighters and other formal responders focus on critical operations.

    Getting the right help to where it’s needed

    Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

    The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help. Their arrival can actually pose challenges for the disaster response.

    When too many people show up, or when people try to operate outside their areas of expertise, they can put themselves and others at further risk. Communities often need supplies, but unsolicited goods of the wrong kind or at the wrong time can create more problems than they solve.

    Local groups such as the Pasadena Community Job Center organize volunteers to send them where help is requested. This group is removing debris from streets in Pasadena, Calif., in the wake of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025.
    Zoë Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    So, what can you do to best support these local efforts?

    Making a financial contribution to a trusted disaster response or local organization can go a long way to providing the support communities actually need. Organizations such as the American Red Cross or Feeding America, or local community-based groups that routinely work in the area, are often best suited to help where it’s needed the most.

    Skilled help will be needed for the long term

    Also, remember that disasters don’t end when the emergency is over. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires face years of confusing and frustrating recovery tasks ahead.

    Offering help after the immediate threat has passed – particularly skilled help, such as experience in construction or expertise in managing insurance and FEMA paperwork – is just as important.

    For example, after fires in 1970 destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Diego area, local architects, engineers and contractors donated their time and skills to help people rebuild. Their work was coordinated by a local architect and member of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure projects were assigned to reputable volunteers.

    As we recognize the important ways that neighbors and strangers helped those around them, the broader community can support wildfire victims by responding to offering the right help as recovery needs emerge. Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.

    Tricia Wachtendorf receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Arnold Ventures Foundation.

    James Kendra receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    – ref. Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response – https://theconversation.com/amid-la-fires-neighbors-helped-each-other-survive-60-years-of-research-shows-how-local-heroes-are-crucial-to-disaster-response-247660

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Tuberville, and Colleagues Introduce the FARM Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act. 
    The FARM Act will permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies, a move to prevent improper foreign interference and disruption to the U.S. agriculture industry.
    “Food Security is National Security, it’s high time that we start recognizing this before it is too late,” said Senator Marshall. “The Secretary of Agriculture needs a seat at the table to help the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States vet foreign agricultural investments like land. This committee currently does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry, the FARM Act changes that.”
    “Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,” said Senator Tuberville. “These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.”
    “Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,” said Senator John Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”
    Two previous AG secretaries under Democrat administrations have expressed support for making the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of CFIUS. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) reintroduced the bipartisan, companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 
    “America’s agricultural industry is no exception to the increasing national security threats our country faces,” said Rep. Jackson. “Biden’s failed leadership allowed unchecked foreign influence, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, to interfere with and attempt to control our food supply chain. Representing Texas’s top agricultural-producing district, I am committed to ensuring our nation’s food production remains free from foreign manipulation. This is why I am proud to reintroduce the FARM Act, putting America first and ensuring that our agricultural industry remains robust, secure, and free from foreign interference. Thank you to Senator Tuberville for leading companion legislation in the Senate, and we hope this bipartisan legislation, which is crucial to our food security, will move forward quickly to President Trump’s desk.” 
    Read the bill HERE.
    BACKGROUND:
    Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate AG Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.
    According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.
    CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses. 
    Specifically, the FARM Act would:
    add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member to CFIUS;
    protect the U.S. agriculture industry from foreign control through transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or agreements; designate agricultural supply chains as critical infrastructure and critical technologies,
    and require a report to Congress on current and potential foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural industry from USDA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Australian Secretary of the Department of Defence visits U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, meets with Australian Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty at USINDOPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2025.

    The U.S. and Australia share an unbreakable alliance and a partnership focused on mutual strategic interests supporting stability, prosperity, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

    USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

    -30-

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kapolei Woman Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Programs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU, Hawaii – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that on January 23, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a twelve-count indictment against Phoebe Trinh, also known as Phuong Trinh Ngoc Vo, 31, of Kapolei, Hawaii, charging Trinh with nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance.

    The charges in the indictment pertain to both the unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs. In 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created the PUA program to provide emergency unemployment payments to certain workers whose livelihoods were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but who were ineligible for traditional state unemployment insurance benefits.

    The indictment alleges that Trinh submitted a false claim for unemployment insurance benefits to the Hawaii Department of Industrial and Labor Relations (DLIR) using its website, and that she repeatedly falsely certified under penalty of law that she was unemployed and not receiving income, despite knowing that her certifications were false, in order to receive benefit payments that she was not entitled to receive.

    The indictment further alleges that Trinh also submitted a claim to the Hawaii DLIR for PUA benefits on behalf of another individual, using that individual’s personal identifiable information, including name and social security number, without that individual’s knowledge and consent, in order to obtain  additional benefit payments to which she was not entitled. Trinh then allegedly repeatedly certified to Hawaii DLIR that the individual remained eligible for PUA benefit payments in order to receive the payments, without the individual’s knowledge and consent. The indictment alleges that Trinh directed Hawaii DLIR to transmit the benefit payments that were intended for the individual to her own bank account.

    According to the indictment, Trinh fraudulently obtained at least approximately $36,265 in unemployment insurance and PUA unemployment benefits to which she was not entitled.

    Each of the wire fraud counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Each of the aggravated identity theft counts carries a sentence of two years in prison. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 866-720-5721 or online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

    This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025

    Source: Government of India

    India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025

    Union Cabinet minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil delivers keynote address

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 3:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Pavilion at World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos hosted a global discussion titled “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” The high-profile session organised at the backdrop of showcasing best practices adopted by the mission, highlighted India’s transformative achievements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), emphasizing their critical role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.

    Shri C. R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, delivered the keynote address, presenting India’s journey in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). These initiatives have been pivotal in improving sanitation coverage and providing safe drinking water to millions of rural households.

    Shri C. R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti stated, “This marks a significant milestone, demonstrating to the world that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is not only deeply committed to water conservation but is also driving a transformative revolution in this critical sector. Through large-scale efforts, the nation has significantly strengthened its water resources, setting a global benchmark for sustainable water management. Addressing water scarcity as a universal challenge, further aggravated by climate change, overpopulation, and overuse, calls for strengthened international cooperation and collective action.”

    The Hon’ble Minister further added, “Over the years, we have made remarkable progress in ensuring access to safe drinking water for rural India. In 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) only 17% of rural households had functional tap water connections. However, today, a staggering 79.66% of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission have access to safe drinking water. This transformation is not just about providing water but also about changing lives—rural India is now saving 55 million hours per day on fetching water, enabling increased workforce participation and productivity, especially from women.”

    The World Economic Forum provides a platform for the ministry to showcase India’s groundbreaking initiatives in WASH innovation and climate resilience, emphasizing efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to WASH services.

    The Swachh Bharat Mission and JJM demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale, government-led initiatives in improving sanitation and water access. During the keynote address the Hon’ble Minister highlighted, “Through the focus on sanitation, the scheme has not only empowered women but also ensured their safety. According to WHO, the efforts made in the last decade towards improving sanitation have averted the deaths of 3 lakh children under the age of five.” Moreover, India’s focus on community engagement, behaviour change, and leveraging technology provides a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

    The keynote address was followed by two insightful panel discussions. The Water Panel, on the topic “Bringing Global Impact in Water Sustainability,” featured distinguished global experts, including from the NMCG, UNICEF and WaterAid, and shared innovative approaches and strategies for advancing global water sustainability.

    The Sanitation Panel, centred on the topic “Innovation in Global Health Through Sanitation,” brought together esteemed panelists from the Gates Foundation, Riseberg Ventures, BCHAR, Capgemini and actor and policy advocate Shri Vivek Oberoi who discussed the theme, highlighting groundbreaking innovations in sanitation and their impact on global health.

    The panel discussion at the India Pavilion spotlighted India’s WASH innovations and their significance in addressing global sustainability challenges, aiming to promote dialogue on public-private partnerships, technology-driven solutions, and strategies for scaling successful models globally.

    Discussions focused on India’s scalable models for sustainable water management, climate-resilient practices, and public-private collaborations. Key achievements, such as the elimination of open defecation, construction of over 95 million toilets under SBM, and widespread household tap water connections under JJM, have established India as a global leader in WASH initiatives.

    These efforts have transformed lives by improving health, education access, and economic opportunities through enhanced hygiene, sanitation, and reduced time spent fetching water. These achievements align with the broader goals of the World Economic Forum to foster collaborative solutions for climate action and water sustainability. The WEF emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly those focused on water and sanitation. Tackling the global water crisis, which threatens health, food security, economic growth, and biodiversity, requires collaborative action. India’s experience provides insightful lessons to inform and strengthen global WASH strategies.

    The session concluded with actionable insights and participant commitments, reaffirming India’s key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

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    Dhanya Sanal K

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IWAI sets up new Regional Office at Varanasi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    IWAI sets up new Regional Office at Varanasi

    Aims to streamline IWT activities in Uttar Pradesh

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 1:58PM by PIB Delhi

    For effective implementation of Inland Water Transport (IWT) activities in National Waterway-1 (NW-1), River Ganga, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has upgraded its existing sub-office at Varanasi to a full-fledged Regional Office on January 23, 2025. The decision is aimed at streamlining IWAI projects and related works in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

    IWAI, presently has five regional offices in Guwahati (Assam), Patna (Bihar), Kochi (Kerala), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Kolkata (West Bengal). It will now have its sixth regional office in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

    The Varanasi regional office with its sub-office at Prayagraj will oversee works in 487-kilometre stretch from Majhua to Varanasi MMT (Multi-Modal Terminal) and further up to Prayagraj, apart from other NWs in Uttar Pradesh.

    Implementation of the World-Bank supported Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) will be one of its key priorities. JMVP is aimed at the capacity augmentation of River Ganga, i.e., NW-1 through various river conservancy works like bandalling and maintenance dredging in addition to already constructed MMT at Varanasi to promote cruise tourism and smooth cargo movement along the waterway. Three Multi-Modal Terminals – one each at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia along with an Inter-Modal Terminal at Kalughat and a new navigational lock at Farakka in West Bengal have been built under JMVP to facilitate easy navigation along River Ganga. Besides, 60 community jetties are being built along NW-1 in four states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal – to facilitate local commuters, small and marginal farmers, artisans and fishermen communities. With its new Regional Office in place, all these activities will be monitored and executed more efficiently.

    There are about 30 rivers in Uttar Pradesh, of which ten have been declared as National Waterways. The Varanasi Regional Office of IWAI shall look after development works not only on River Ganga but its various tributaries and other national waterways in Uttar Pradesh. These include rivers like Betwa, Chambal, Gomti, Tons, Varuna and parts of Gandak, Ghaghra, Karamnasa and Yamuna rivers.

    IWAI’s Varanasi Regional Office will also be coordinating with the State IWT Authority set up for development of waterways in Uttar Pradesh.  

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South. Other than NW-1, the Authority is presently working towards capacity augmentation of NW-2, NW-3 and NW-16, in the country – by means of developing IWT terminals, fairways through end-to-end dredging contracts, navigational aids like night navigation facility, navigational locks among others.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT signs MoU with a private firm to promote startup ecosystem in manufacturing sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 12:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a MoU with the Bhaane Group, a subsidiary of Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd, the largest manufacturer of apparel. This collaboration will launch incubation programs for startups specialising in manufacturing, along with other production areas and foster relationships with international startup ecosystems. This is part of government’s thrust on promoting new manufacturing entrepreneurs in the country.

    Through its extensive experience, the private firm will support upcoming startups by providing access to market insights. The firm will facilitate them to create a holistic understanding of the workings of foreign markets, along with guidance on operational knowledge throughout the startup lifecycle.

    Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “This collaboration serves a greater good – to nurture a thriving entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen India’s manufacturing landscape. By facilitating connections between startups and established players like Bhaane Group, we foster a mutually beneficial environment where innovation flourishes and Indian businesses achieve global success.”

    Anand Ahuja, CEO and Co-Founder of Bhaane Group said, “Global brands are eyeing investing in Indian startups, as it is one of the leading players in the South Asian market. DPIIT’s mission with Start Up India aligns with our outlook to foster innovation and global competitiveness among Indian startups.”

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    Abhisekh Dayal/Asmitabha Manna

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Karpoori Thakur is the Messiah of Social Justice, says Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Karpoori Thakur is the Messiah of Social Justice, says Vice-President

    Karpoori Thakur initiated the era of equality, breaking centuries-old stagnation and opening doors to vast opportunities for a large population, says VP

    Karpoori Thakur was a Statesman who made visionary decisions, says VP

    Karpoori Thakur never promoted dynastic politics, says VP

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 1:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today stated that Shri Karpoori Thakur was the Messiah of Social Justice, and he implemented reservations, opening vast opportunities for a large population.

    While addressing the memorial event held on the 101st birth anniversary of Shri Karpoori Thakur in Samastipur, Bihar, the Vice-President said, “The great son of India, Shri Karpoori Thakur is the messiah of social justice. In a short span of time, Shri Karpoori Thakur wrote a new history of social and political transformation. He broke centuries-old stagnation and opened the doors of immense possibilities for a large population. He was the great man who started the new era of equality. He dedicated his life to those on the margins of society, who were ignored by all.”

    While highlighting the exemplary character of Shri Karpoori Thakur, the Vice-President further stated, “To understand what an ideal personality is, we must look at the life of Shri Karpoori Thakur. His sacrifice, his dedication, and how he never promoted dynastic politics. He was a national leader who rose above caste, religion, and class, focusing on equality and promoting development. Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur left a distinct mark on the country by advancing social justice. In a difficult and challenging environment, he completed his college education. A man who never accumulated any wealth and dedicated his entire life to the public.”

    Highlighting the farsightedness of Shri Karpoori Thakur, Shri Dhankhar said, “Karpoori Thakur was a ‘Statesman!’ He thought about both present and future. He implemented reservations without caring about opposition. This was a new chapter. As the honorable Agriculture Minister mentioned, he ended the compulsion of English and promoted the use of Hindi in government offices. He faced ridicule for it. Now, we realize how farsighted he was. He was the first Chief Minister in the country to focus on education, and the first to make schooling up to matriculation free in the state.”

    Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Minister of Rural Development, Government of India, Dr. Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flags-off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System’ from New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi on January 24, 2025. SANJAY is an automated system which integrates the inputs from all ground and aerial battlefield sensors, processing them to confirm their veracity, preventing duplication and fusing them to produce a Common Surveillance Picture of the battlefield over secured Army Data Network & Satellite Communication Network. It will enhance battlefield transparency and transform the future battlefield through a Centralised Web Application which will provide inputs to Command & Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army Decision Support System.

     

     

    The BSS is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cutting-edge analytics. It will monitor the vast land borders, prevent intrusions, assess situations with unparalleled accuracy and prove to be a force multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance. This would enable commanders to operate in both conventional & sub-conventional operations in a Network Centric Environment. Its induction will be an extraordinary leap towards data and network centricity in the Indian Army.

     

     

    SANJAY has been indigenously & jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) creating a conducive ecosystem towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ as a follow up to the Indian Army’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption’. These systems will be inducted to all operational Brigades, Divisions & Corps of the Indian Army in three phases w.e.f. March to October of 2025, which has been declared as ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This system has been developed under the Buy (Indian) category at a cost of Rs 2,402 crore.

     

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and other senior officials of MoD & BEL were present on the during the flagging-off ceremony.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Second meeting of the BIMSTEC expert group on Cyber Security Cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 11:48AM by PIB Delhi

    The National Security Council Secretariat, Government of India organized Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Cyber Security Cooperation on 21 January 2025 in New Delhi. The First BIMSTEC Experts Group Meeting on Cyber Security was also hosted by India in 2022 at New Delhi.

    The main objective of this BIMSTEC Expert Group meeting is to formulate the Action Plan which will bolster coordination and collaboration amongst the BIMSTEC Member States for strengthening the Cyber Security in the use of ICTs. This Action Plan will cover the mechanisms for the exchange of cyber related information, cybercrime, protection of critical information infrastructures, cyber incident response and international developments related to cyber norms. This Action Plan has been proposed to be implemented within the time frame of 5 years.

    Some significant exchanges have taken place during the second meeting, which are building BIMSTEC CERT-TO-CERT cooperation mechanism, Cybercrime Cooperation Framework amongst the Law Enforcement agencies and capacity building programmes on cyber security in the region. Among various presentations, India also presented about its Initiatives of Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) on “Cyber Hygiene for school children”.

    The Meeting agreed that implementation of the Action Plan will be a major step towards strengthening cyber security cooperation in BIMSTEC.  By taking these steps, BIMSTEC countries can work together to create a more secure and resilient cyber space in the region.  

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM Shri Narendra Modi congratulates H.E. Mr. Micheál Martin on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Ireland

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 11:38AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today congratulated H.E. Mr. Micheál Martin on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Ireland.

    In a post on X, Shri Modi said:

    “Congratulations @MichealMartinTD on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Ireland. Committed to work together to further strengthen our bilateral  partnership that is based on strong foundation of shared values and deep people to people connect.”

     

     

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    MJPS/SR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International solar conference celebrates 125 years of solar physics research in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 11:34AM by PIB Delhi

    More than 200 solar physicists from India and abroad have come together in Bengaluru this week to discuss research in areas like Solar magnetism, Solar-stellar connection and space weather at an international conference. 

    The conference on ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ has been organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The Observatory has been providing invaluable insights into the Sun’s behaviour and its impact on Earth through its repository of photographic images, and was the harbinger of the birth of solar astrophysics in the country.

    DST Secretary, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, spoke about initiatives like the digitization of KSO’s historic records, IIA’s significant contribution to Aditya-L1 mission through the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph, and underlined upcoming ventures like the National Large Solar Telescope proposed to be built at Merak, on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh, through a video message. He said that the efforts promise to open new frontiers of discovery in solar astrophysics.

    Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former ISRO Chairman, and the chair of the Governing Council of IIA, while highlighting the efforts of the solar physics group at IIA during his address at the inaugural, pointed out that ISRO has all the capabilities to help the solar physics research from space and challenged the community to come up with ideas for new instruments that ISRO can launch.

    “This conference celebrates the birth and growth of solar astronomy and solar physics in the country. With experts from across the world, it will discuss all aspects of the Sun as well as space weather”, said Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

    Prof. Siraj Hasan, former Director IIA, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director IIST Trivandrum, and other eminent solar astronomers of IIA spoke about the history of solar research in India and the legacy of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The international perspectives of the Observatory were presented by Prof. John Leibacher from the National Solar Observatory, USA who is also a former member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of IIA. He emphasized that the KSO is a rare and scientifically unique facility in the world that exemplified studying the entire Sun as a system, and mentioned the international solar community’s strong support for the initiation of the National Large Solar Telescope as well, at a session conducted by the chairperson of the Solar Physics group of IIA and of the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC), Prof. S.P. Rajaguru.

    The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, a cornerstone of Indian astronomy, established in 1899, has been at the forefront of solar research. The observatory’s unique location, coupled with its state-of-the-art equipment, has enabled it to make significant contributions to our understanding of sunspots, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena.

    The conference is being organized as a testament to KSO’s enduring legacy, between 20–24 January 2025. With a vibrant scientific program put together by the international Scientific Organizing Committee of 20 eminent solar astronomers, with leads from the Solar Physics group of IIA, leading solar physicists from around the globe are discussing the latest advancements in the field and exploring the connections between solar and stellar phenomena. It has attracted 205 participants, half of them being students and a third from outside India.

    With themes like Solar magnetism over long time scales, Solar magnetism in high resolution, Energetic phenomena, Solar-stellar connection, and Heliosphere and space weather, the conference features a diverse program of presentations, discussions, and poster sessions, allowing participants to share their latest findings, exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and strengthen international cooperation. A number of talks were also on new and upcoming solar astronomy facilities, including the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh.

    Apart from the various talks, posters and discussions scheduled for the remainder of the week, a public talk on the sun by Prof. Nat Gopalswamy from NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, USA, is being hosted at CHRIST University on 23rd January at 5 PM. This talk is aimed primarily at students and is open to the general public.

    Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, Govt. of India, addressing the inaugural session.

    Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman ISRO, and Chairperson of IIA Governing Council, addressing the inaugural session.

     

     Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of Indian Institute of Astrophysics, addressing the audience.

     Group photo of the participants of the Conference, with the KSO 125 logo.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus – P10_TA(2025)0002 – Wednesday, 22 January 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Belarus,

    –  having regard to the Council conclusions on Belarus of 12 October 2020 and 19 February 2024 and to the European Council conclusions on Belarus of 21 and 22 October 2021,

    –  having regard to the statements by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 1 August 2024 on the release of a number of political prisoners, and of 26 February 2024 on the parliamentary and local elections, and to the statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU of 8 August 2023 on the third anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections,

    –  having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international human rights instruments to which Belarus is a party,

    –  having regard to the report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of 25 March 2024 on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath,

    –  having regard to the resolution of the General Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) of 12 June 2023 concerning the measures recommended by the Governing Body under article 33 of the ILO Constitution on the subject of Belarus,

    –  having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas the 30-year authoritarian rule of Aliaksandr Lukashenka in Belarus has been characterised by systematic repression of political opponents and dissent, including the enforced disappearance of Lukashenka’s critics; whereas since the fraudulent presidential election of August 2020, the illegitimate Lukashenka regime, with Russian support, has systematically repressed political activists, civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, artists, religious leaders, trade unionists and other groups in Belarus and abroad, arbitrarily detaining tens of thousands of people;

    B.  whereas following the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the subsequent brutal crackdown, the EU and many of its democratic partners did not recognise the results of the elections or Aliaksandr Lukashenka as legitimate leader and President of Belarus;

    C.  whereas according to the Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’, over 1 250 political prisoners remain detained in Belarus in conditions that put their lives at risk, and many of these prisoners are in fragile health; whereas several political prisoners have died in custody, four of them in 2024 alone; whereas political prisoners face torture, denial of medical care, restricted access to visits from lawyers and family members, and solitary confinement; whereas since the summer of 2020, 3 697 people have been recognised as political prisoners; whereas in 2024 alone, over 8 800 cases of politically motivated persecution were documented, including arrests, detentions, dismissals and other forms of repression targeting political prisoners, their families and lawyers, activists, journalists, priests, doctors, returning Belarusians and others;

    D.  whereas multiple international organisations, including the OHCHR, have documented systematic human rights violations in Belarus, including torture, arbitrary detentions, imprisonment or other forms of severe deprivation of physical liberty, enforced disappearances, persecution on political grounds and suppression of freedoms, which amount to crimes against humanity under international law; whereas in September 2024, Lithuania referred the situation in Belarus to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate certain crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenka regime;

    E.  whereas the illegitimate Belarusian regime plans to hold sham presidential elections on 26 January 2025, with Lukashenka seeking a seventh term; whereas Belarus’ Central Election Commission has registered Lukashenka and four other pro forma ‘candidates’; whereas the current presidential election campaign is being conducted in an environment of severe repression which fails to meet even the minimum standards for democratic elections; whereas democratic candidates are barred from participating, media freedom is heavily restricted, voters face intimidation, and the absence of independent election observation further undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process;

    F.  whereas both the parliamentary and local elections held on 25 February 2024 and the upcoming sham presidential election scheduled for 26 January 2025 exemplify the regime’s disregard for democratic norms as elections in Belarus are tightly controlled, with all candidates pre-approved by authorities, democratic parties eliminated and voters offered no real choice; whereas the election campaign has been marked by the detention of individuals involved in the 2020 presidential campaigns of other candidates and a clear readiness to harshly suppress dissent;

    G.  whereas according to the Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’, at least 360 people were detained between July and September 2024, and many democratic leaders, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ales Bialiatski, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Pavel Seviarynets, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Mikalai Statkevich and others remain imprisoned; whereas at least eight political prisoners are currently detained incommunicado;

    H.  whereas the Lukashenka regime has stepped up pressure on the staff of Western diplomatic missions accredited in Belarus as well as other foreigners; whereas Mikalai Khila, a local member of staff of the EU delegation to Belarus, was apprehended by the Belarusian KGB in front of the EU delegation office, held in pre-trial detention from April 2024 and sentenced, in December 2024, to four years of imprisonment; whereas he has been listed as a political prisoner by the Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’; whereas two Japanese citizens were recently detained on trumped-up charges of ‘agent activities’;

    I.  whereas Lukashenka pardoned over 200 political prisoners in 2024 in an attempt to lift some Western sanctions; whereas political arrests continue despite these pardons, with at least 1 721 individuals convicted on political charges in 2024 alone;

    J.  whereas the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus has long been embedded in the Lukashenka regime’s government structure and is thought to play a significant role in organising the falsification of election results;

    K.  whereas the Belarusian regime employs anti-extremism laws to obstruct media outlets, whereby most independent media have been labelled as ‘extremist’, with at least 45 media representatives detained, around 400 in exile and others facing harassment and mistreatment; whereas independent media, such as Belsat TV, Charter 97, Nexta, Radio Racyja, Radio Svaboda, Nasha Niva and others, play a crucial role in providing essential information and serving as a platform for democratic voices; whereas the Belarusian authorities employ surveillance, online censorship and disinformation, escalating digital authoritarianism and undermining the prospects for free and fair elections in 2025; whereas Belarusian propagandists regularly spread disinformation about EU Member States and their officials and suppress access to information;

    L.  whereas more than 500 000 Belarusians have been forced to flee the country since 2020, with some continuing to face persecution from the Lukashenka regime, including through trials in absentia, threats from the security forces and pressure on relatives, confiscation of property and other restrictions;

    M.  whereas under Lukashenka, more than 250 people sentenced to death have been executed; whereas Belarus remains the only country in Europe and Central Asia to retain the death penalty, with its scope expanded in 2022 to include vaguely defined acts of terrorism and in 2023 to include ‘treason against the state’;

    N.  whereas repressive measures in Belarus have increasingly targeted religious freedom, with the recent adoption of the law on freedom of conscience and religious organisations posing a serious threat to the rights and existence of religious communities; whereas this crackdown has also targeted religious leaders, as seen in the recent sentencing of Catholic priest Reverend Henrykh Akalatovich to 11 years in prison on fabricated high treason charges, the first such case against Catholic clergy in Belarus;

    O.  whereas the Lukashenka regime has proven to be instrumental to Putin by providing Russian forces with access to Belarusian territory from which to mount the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; whereas the Lukashenka regime commits crimes against Ukrainian children, including hosting re-education camps for political indoctrination and militarisation; whereas it assists attempts by Russia and others to destabilise the EU and undermine European aspirations among the EU’s neighbours, notably by weaponising migration at the EU’s borders and legitimising Bidzina Ivanishvili’s autocratic regime in Georgia;

    P.  whereas the EU has imposed targeted sanctions on Belarus in response to the fraudulent 2020 elections, systematic human rights violations, and Belarus’s complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including trade restrictions and sanctions on 287 individuals, among them Lukashenka, and 39 entities;

    Q.  whereas the Lukashenka regime, with Russian assistance, circumvents some of these sanctions through preferential market access and the use of Russian infrastructure; whereas reports indicate that BelAZ, a sanctioned Belarusian producer of trucks, circumvents sanctions by disassembling trucks in Belarus and shipping the parts to the EU for reassembly under different brand names;

    1.  Reiterates its non-recognition of the election of Aliaksandr Lukashenka to the post of President of Belarus; considers the current regime in Belarus to be illegitimate, illegal and criminal; reaffirms its unwavering support for the Belarusian people in their pursuit of democracy, freedom and human rights;

    2.  Denounces the lack of freedom, fairness and transparency ahead of the so called presidential elections in Belarus and calls for the EU, its Member States and the international community to categorically reject the upcoming elections in Belarus and the run-up campaign as a sham, as they do not meet minimum international standards for democratic elections; calls for the EU, its Member States and the international community to continue not to recognise the legitimacy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president after 26 January 2025, and calls for free and fair elections to be held in Belarus;

    3.  Deplores the ongoing grave violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus, which have further intensified in the run-up to the so-called presidential elections; condemns the systematic repression in Belarus, which includes arbitrary arrests, torture, harassment, ill-treatment of detainees, persistent impunity and a structural lack of respect for due process and fair trials; reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained in Belarus for their political views, alongside compensation and the restoration of their rights; demands an end to the repression of political opponents and the Belarusian public;

    4.  Reiterates its calls on the Belarusian authorities to respect detainees’ rights, provide medical care and grant access to lawyers, families, and international organisations;

    5.  Expresses grave concern about the situation of political prisoners, including Maria Kalesnikava, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Ales Bialiatski, Mikalai Statkevich, Mikalai Khila, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Maksim Znak, Viktar Babaryka, Ihar Losik, Andrzej Poczobut, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Uladzimir Matskevich, Marfa Rabkova, Uladzimir Labkovich, Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Volha Brytsikava, Aliaksandr Kapshul, Yana Pinchuk, Mikalai Bankou, Andrei Navitski, Henrykh Akalatovich, Uladzimir Kniha Dmitry Kuchuk, Pavel Seviarynets and others, many of whom are facing severe health issues without access to proper medical care, and are enduring isolation, ill treatment and torture;

    6.  Considers the arrest and sentencing on politically motivated charges of Mikalai Khila, a local staff member of the EU Delegation in Minsk, a breach of diplomatic practices towards the EU; calls for the EU and its Member States to swiftly develop a credible response;

    7.  Commends the resilience of Belarusian civil society and democratic forces; reiterates its solidarity with the people of Belarus and its support for their legitimate aspirations for a democratic and European future; expresses solidarity with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society organisations in their efforts to establish a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Belarus; remains committed to working with democratic forces, civil society and independent media to the benefit of the people of Belarus;

    8.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to investigate human rights abuses in Belarus and to support accountability measures, including through universal jurisdiction; calls for the EU and its Member States to investigate, on the basis of universal jurisdiction, the crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenka regime in Belarus and on EU territory and, following Lithuania’s example, to refer the situation in Belarus to the International Criminal Court for investigation to the extent possible, and to consider the establishment of an international tribunal to prosecute the crimes of the Lukashenka regime; calls on the Member States to allow Belarusian lawyers expelled by the regime to practise on EU territory in order to provide legal assistance to persecuted Belarusians;

    9.  Highlights the invaluable work carried out by human rights defenders and civil society representatives in Belarus in monitoring, documenting and reporting the grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity that are taking place in the country, in order to ensure subsequent accountability and justice for the victims;

    10.  Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to support political prisoners and their families, including by demanding proof of political prisoners’ whereabouts, requesting their release, simplifying the procedures for those fleeing Belarus to obtain visas and identity documents, and providing rehabilitation and other types of support; calls on the EU Delegation and the Member State embassies in Belarus to continue observing and monitoring the trials of all political prisoners;

    11.  Stresses the importance of protecting exiled Belarusians from persecution by the Lukashenka regime, and of granting them opportunities to legally stay and work in the EU; calls for the EU and its Member States to raise the issue of abuse of international arrest warrants within Interpol and calls on the countries concerned not to extradite Belarusian citizens who have fled the regime and will face persecution upon their return to Belarus;

    12.  Deplores the fact that repressive measures in Belarus have expanded to include attacks on religious freedom, through the adoption of the law on freedom of conscience and religious organisations, which grossly violates the fundamental right to freedom of religion, conscience and belief; urges the Lukashenka regime to immediately halt the persecution of religious communities and churches;

    13.  Calls for the continuation of EU support for Belarusian democratic forces, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; reiterates the need to support Belarusian democratic forces, civil society, students, journalists, leaders of trade unions, exiled professionals and others by providing them with visas, scholarships, grants and networking opportunities; encourages the representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus to maintain and promote unity;

    14.  Denounces the Lukashenka regime’s complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and condemns its deliberate subordination of Belarus to Russia in a so-called union state encompassing political, geopolitical, economic, military and cultural spheres; reiterates the need to contribute to strengthening Belarusian national identity and the Belarusian language, and to combat the distortion and manipulation of Belarusian history by the Lukashenka regime as well as by the Kremlin and its proxies;

    15.  Urges the EU and its international partners to broaden and strengthen sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for the repression in Belarus and for Belarus’s participation in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, while closing sanctions loopholes and addressing the main sources of income financing the regime, such as exports of potash and other fertilisers; calls for the EU to sanction Belarusian entities and individuals responsible for the forced labour of political prisoners, as well as the goods produced using such forced labour;

    16.  Urges the EU and international partners to immediately identify, freeze, and find legal pathways for seizing assets of the Belarusian leadership and related Belarusian entities involved in the Russian war effort, as well as assets of entities and individuals leading Lukashenka’s so-called election campaign, including the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, such as Yury Sianko, Hanna Varfalameyeva and Valery Kursevich; calls on EU and Western companies to cease their activities in Belarus;

    17.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to continue raising the situation in Belarus in all relevant international organisations, in particular the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the UN and its specialised bodies and the ILO, with the aim of enhancing international scrutiny of the human rights violations and international action on the situation in Belarus; calls on the Member States to ensure continued documentation and accountability for international crimes committed by the Lukashenka regime, strengthen the OHCHR’s examination of the human rights situation in Belarus by providing full support to the UN Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus and by preserving the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus to monitor ongoing human rights violations;

    18.  Denounces the illegal transfer of several thousand children, including orphans, from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine to so-called recreational camps in Belarus, where they are subjected to Russification and indoctrination; strongly condemns the involvement of the Belarus Red Cross in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children;

    19.  Strongly condemns the Lukashenka regime’s weaponisation and instrumentalisation of migration to destabilise neighbouring EU Member States through orchestrated irregular flows, violating human rights, exploiting vulnerable individuals and threatening regional stability; calls for the EU and its Member States to work on a coordinated response to counter this hybrid threat while protecting EU external borders and protecting the rights and safety of vulnerable individuals;

    20.  Urges Belarus to commute all death sentences, impose a moratorium on capital punishment and move towards its permanent abolition;

    21.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the relevant EU institutions, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Government of Japan, representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces and the Belarusian de facto authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: 仙境传说：初心 Received an ISBN Code by Chinese Government

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, today announced that 仙境传说：初心, a mobile MMOARPG game, received an ISBN code by Chinese government disclosed on January 21, 2025.

    仙境传说：初心 marks the first ISBN in 2025 as Ragnarok IP titles following Ragnarok Origin (Chinese title 仙境传说：爱如初见), and Ragnarok X: Next Generation (Chinese title 仙境传说：新启航) in 2023, Ragnarok Online (Chinese title: 仙境传说起源) in February 2024, Ragnarok Dawn, (tentative English title) (Chinese title: 仙境传说：破晓) in June 2024 and Ragnarok: Rebirth (Chinese title: 仙境傳說：重生) in December 2024.

    仙境传说：初心 is a mobile MMOARPG game that sets in a new world play after the Ragnarok. The game features seamless map with no boundaries between regional borders, enabling smooth gameplay environment. In addition, full 3D open-field environment and weather system enhance play experience. The game also introduces customizing characters with 2D rendering texture and diverse material expression and dynamic combat experience with enhanced action and impact. 仙境传说：初心 was introduced in G-Star 2024 as ‘Project Abyss (tentative title)’ and was praised for its high-quality graphic, diverse content exploration and skill combination system.

    Gravity said “As expectations were shown during the G-Star 2024 to 仙境传说：初心 from users, we are planning to introduce high quality, large-scale game. We look forward to your continued interest and support.”

    [Gravity Official Website]
    http://www.gravity.co.kr

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————

    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7801

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Arab States: Joint effort w/ UN to improve lives across Arab region – Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in maintaining international peace and security.

    ———————–

    “This critical and long-awaited agreement offers a ray of hope,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, as the UN Security Council convened to discuss the Middle East’s fragile ceasefire and broader regional issues.

    Today’s (23 Jan) meeting comes in the wake of a recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, a development Khiari described as providing “much-needed relief for Palestinians in Gaza and for the hostages reunited with their loved ones.”

    While acknowledging the progress, Khiari emphasized the need for sustained international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. “The League has always supported the Palestinian people, including through its efforts to rally international support for a ceasefire. A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path to ensuring peace, security, and coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

    The discussion also touched on the broader regional context, with Khiari noting, “The situation in the Middle East remains fragile and several key conflicts continue unabated.” He highlighted opportunities for positive change, referencing the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and developments in Syria.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oivGzIPia-I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emotions and the law under the spotlight in new research project Understanding where emotions have received legal attention and the reasons behind it is the focus of a new research project involving the School of Law.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Photo credit: Katrin BolovstovaUnderstanding where emotions have received legal attention and the reasons behind it is the focus of a new research project involving the School of Law.
    ‘A History of Hurt Feelings and the Law’ will explore when, why and in what contexts people have sought legal redress for injured feelings from the 1750s through to the modern day.
    The four-year study will focus on Scotland, a small jurisdiction with a long and rich history of compensating for hurt feelings. It will combine approaches from law, history of emotions, medical history and legal history, charting how injured feelings have been identified, defined and addressed by courts.
    Dr Alice Krzanich, along with lead investigator Professor Chloë Kennedy at the University of Edinburgh and Professor Katie Barclay from Macquarie University, Australia, will work on the project following a £372,000 funding grant from the Leverhulme Trust.
    The project will explore how socially and culturally-informed ideas of selfhood, wellbeing, dignity and respect have shaped legal processes and examine how class, race and gender have affected litigation and legal decision making.
    “I am hugely excited to be undertaking this project”, says Dr Krzanich. “In law, we often focus on pecuniary remedies and the financial cost of illegal or offensive behaviour. This project though is a chance to consider how the law responds – both now and historically – to more intangible harm in the form of grief, stress, heartbreak, fright or anger. It will thus make an important contribution to the rich and ever evolving field of law and emotions.”
    The project will start in May this year and the team will include a Post-doctoral Research Fellow.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India inaugurated projects developed by Karimnagar Smart City

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India inaugurated projects developed by Karimnagar Smart City

    Karimnagar Smart City is implementing 50 projects worth ₹ 1,117 cr, out of which they have already completed 36 projects worth ₹ 233 cr.

    53 Smart Classrooms developed in the govt schools in Karimnagar, social infrastructure for students developed in 23 govt schools.

    Over 1 lakh metric tons of legacy waste processed under the Karimnagar Smart City

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs visited Karimnagar Smart City on 24th January and inaugurated 4 prominent projects working in the sector of education, solid waste management and social infrastructure.

    Projects Inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister

    • Development of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium: This ₹22 crore project includes a commercial complex, renovation of the indoor hall, modern toilets, parking area, and landscaping, providing an inclusive space for recreation and sports.
    • Multi-purpose School Park: Spread over 5.96 acres, this ₹12.35 crore park has a walking track, musical fountain, and recreational facilities, providing a vibrant public space for families.
    • 24×7 Water Supply: This ₹18 crore initiative has introduced a new water distribution network in the Housing Board Colony, increasing efficiency and accessibility in water management for residents.
    • Social Infrastructure in Schools and smart classrooms in govt schools: Renovations carried out at a cost of ₹9.20 crore, such as construction of toilet blocks, compound walls, borewells, and sports facilities, ensure a better learning environment for students in 27 govt schools. Also, smart classrooms developed in 53 govt schools in Karimnagar to enhance the learning methodology in the city.

    Karimnagar Smart City has implemented 50 projects worth ₹1,117 crore. Of these, 36 projects worth ₹884 crore have been completed, and 14 projects worth ₹233 crore are under implementation. These initiatives contribute to key areas such as smart mobility, water supply, sanitation, and social infrastructure. These projects from Karimnagar Smart City are multi-sectoral projects working towards enhancing the ease of living for the citizens. Under the mission, various multi-sectoral projects were developed such as projects worth ₹ 480 cr in Smart Mobility, ₹ 402 cr in Water Supply and Sanitation, etc.

    Smart classrooms have been developed in 53 government schools, and improved infrastructure and sports facilities have been provided in 27 schools. These efforts ensure a modern learning environment for students and empower them with e-learning tools. Over 1 lakh metric tons of legacy waste has been processed under the bio-mining project, reflecting the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium has been transformed into a world-class sports facility, with structures including cycle tracks, skating rinks, basketball courts and parking areas, among others.

    Many officials from the Smart City and the Director, MoHUA was also present during the inauguration.

    Launched in 2015 Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance the ease of living in our 100 cities and strengthen our economy through ease of doing business. These projects will play an important role in the sustainable development of our cities. These 100 smart cities are constantly making efforts to use technology for better urban management.

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    JN/ SK

    (Release ID: 2095823) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –