NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Bangladesh

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Bangladesh

    Date：2025-03-31
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    March 31, 2025Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing from March 27 to 29. The two sides issued a joint statement on March 28 that made spurious claims in referring to the so-called “one China principle” and to Taiwan being an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly refutes these claims. MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that no claim seeking to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The government of Taiwan will staunchly safeguard national sovereignty and dignity and work with friendly and like-minded countries to protect the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, stability, and development. MOFA calls on Bangladesh to adopt an open and pragmatic stance; strengthen economic and trade cooperation and substantive relations across all domains with Taiwan; and proactively contribute to democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA strongly condemns China for unilateral provocations and repeated attempts to escalate cross-strait and regional tensions

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA strongly condemns China for unilateral provocations and repeated attempts to escalate cross-strait and regional tensions

    Date：2025-04-01
    Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

    April 1, 2025
    No. 086

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command launched joint military drills around Taiwan on April 1, under the pretext of serving as “a stern warning to and powerful deterrent against separatist forces agitating for Taiwan independence.” This marked a renewed challenge to the rules-based international order and a serious unilateral attempt to jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly denounces China and urges it to immediately halt unwarranted military provocations.
     
    China has recently conducted military intimidation and maritime gray-zone operations near New Zealand and Australia, in the South China Sea, and near the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Its relentless actions aimed at challenging the international order and undermining the regional status quo demonstrate incontrovertibly that China is a destabilizing force in the region and beyond.
     
    Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a matter of international consensus and serves the interests of all parties. However, China intractably continues to conduct military drills to intimidate Taiwan and neighboring countries, unilaterally seeking to alter the cross-strait and regional status quo. Such actions seriously undermine peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific and do not serve to improve its international image. MOFA calls on China to stop such behavior and return to norms. 
     
    As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan will work in concert with like-minded nations to jointly safeguard global and regional peace, stability, prosperity, and development. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statement by European External Action Service Spokesperson on China’s April 1 large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statement by European External Action Service Spokesperson on China’s April 1 large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-02
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 2, 2025On April 1, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) released a statement regarding China’s large-scale military drills targeting Taiwan. The statement pointed out that the drills are increasing cross-strait tensions and reiterated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of strategic importance for regional and global security and prosperity. The European Union (EU) has a direct interest in the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force or coercion. The EU calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions, which should be resolved through cross-strait dialogue.This is the third time the EEAS has expressed timely concern over China’s unilateral actions increasing cross-strait tensions. The previous two times were responses to China’s Joint Sword military exercises last year. The White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 released this March by the European Union points out that China has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities and intensifying its political, economic, military, and cyber and cognitive measures to coerce Taiwan. It emphasizes that the shifting Taiwan status quo could have profound economic and strategic consequences for Europe. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the EU’s continued demonstration of staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait through concrete action. MOFA also stresses that Taiwan, as a key country in the Indo-Pacific region and a responsible member of the international community, will continue to strengthen cooperation with the EU and other allies to safeguard freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region, uphold the rules-based international order, and together protect regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by US White House and Department of State concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by US White House and Department of State concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-02
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    April 2, 2025The United States Department of State released a statement on April 1 in which it pointed out that China was once again escalating tensions through aggressive military activities and rhetoric targeting Taiwan, and thereby jeopardizing regional security and global prosperity. The statement added that in the face of China’s intimidation tactics and destabilizing behavior, the long-standing US commitment to Taiwan and other allies and partners remained unchanged. It also reiterated US support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposition to the use of force or coercion to unilaterally alter the status quo.Moreover, in responding to media questions on April 1, the White House press secretary said that US President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, encouraged peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and reiterated US opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the White House and State Department for reiterating US support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to the use of force or coercion to change the status quo; for clearly pointing out China’s threat to Taiwan and regional security; and for noting that China’s behavior undermines the status quo. With China frequently conducting military activities and gray-zone harassment around Taiwan, the international community understands clearly that China is the troublemaker in the Taiwan Strait and globally and that it is China that is attempting to challenge the status quo. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other allied nations to jointly ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and across the Taiwan Strait, safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and defend the rules-based international order. Taiwan also calls on all countries to jointly monitor China’s gray-zone coercion of Taiwan—including military intimidation and lawfare—as well as its actions that unilaterally escalate regional tensions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tree planting days set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Two Country Parks Hiking & Planting Day events will be held in April and May.

    Jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and Friends of the Country Parks, the events will take place on April 27 at Pak Sha Wan Peninsula, Ma On Shan Country Park and May 4 at Wong Nai Tun Irrigation Reservoir, Tai Lam Country Park.

    People can enrol at the designated registration point on-site from 9am to 10.30am on the event day. Pre-registration is not required.

    Seedlings and planting tools will be provided.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Global NK Cell Therapy Clinical Trials FDA Approval Patent Market Size Report 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delhi, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Global Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy Clinical Trials, Proprietary Technologies, Collaborations and Market Opportunity Insight 2025 Report Highlights and Findings:

    • Global & Regional Market Trends By Indication
    • First NK Cell Therapy Approval Expected By 2028
    • Number Of NK Cell Therapies In Clinical Trials: >180 Therapies
    • Highest Phase For NK Cell Therapies Clinical Trials: Phase II/III
    • NK Cell Therapies Granted Fast Track and Orphan Status: > 5 Therapies
    • Global Natural Killer Cell Therapies Clinical Trials By Company, Indication and Phase
    • Insight On Recent Partnerships, Collaborations and Licensing Agreements
    • NK Cell Therapies Proprietary Technologies By Company
    • Monotherapy and Combinational Treatment Strategies

    Download Report: https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-nk-cell-therapy-nk-cell-immunotherapy-natural-killer-cell-therapy

    This Report Exclusively Examines Therapeutic Strategies That Employ NK Cells, Excluding Any Methods That Incorporate Antibody Engagers Intended To Bind To & Activate NK Cells

    Research and development activities for NK cell therapies are rapidly evolving, backed by significant advancements in immunotherapy-centric cancer treatment approaches. Unlike other immune cells, NK cells are capable of recognizing and destroying malignant cells without prior sensitization. This inherent capability makes NK cells a promising tool in cancer treatment, especially for patients who have become resistant to conventional therapies. As a result, NK cell therapies are attracting considerable attention, with several pharmaceutical companies actively involved in research and clinical trials to further develop these therapies.

    Among the most advanced candidates in the NK cell therapy pipeline is SMT-NK, an allogeneic NK cell therapy developed by SMT Bio. SMT-NK is currently undergoing a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in South Korea for the treatment of biliary tract cancer, making it the most advanced NK cell therapy candidate in development. This trial aims to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of SMT-NK when combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, comparing its efficacy to pembrolizumab monotherapy. The combination of NK cell therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab is a promising approach that seeks to enhance NK cell activity, offering potential for improved treatment outcomes in patients with biliary tract cancer, a rare and difficult-to-treat condition.

    In addition to advancements in cancer, NK cell therapies are also being explored for other therapeutic areas. Ongoing research is investigating their potential to treat autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease and dementia. This expansion into non-cancer indications highlights the broad applicability of NK cells, offering new possibilities for patients suffering from diseases that have historically been challenging to treat. The versatility of NK cell therapies underscores their importance in the future of medicine, with ongoing clinical trials and studies pushing the boundaries of their potential uses.

    The commercial landscape for NK cell therapies is growing rapidly, fueled by increasing investments in research and development, as well as regulatory support that facilitates the progression of these therapies through clinical trials. Companies are also focusing on improving manufacturing processes to meet the anticipated demand for NK cell-based treatments. Innovations in cell production technologies are crucial to ensuring that NK cells can be generated consistently and efficiently, allowing for scalable production and accessibility to a broader patient population. As these therapies continue to advance, they are expected to become a key component of modern cancer treatment regimens.

    Despite the promising potential, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of NK cell therapies. One of the main hurdles is ensuring the consistency and quality of the NK cells produced for therapeutic use, as well as optimizing their persistence and effectiveness in the patient’s body. Regulatory complexities also pose challenges, requiring careful navigation as NK cell therapies progress through clinical trials and seek approval. However, the continued collaboration between researchers, biotech companies, and larger pharmaceutical firms is driving the field forward, with the goal of overcoming these obstacles and making NK cell therapies a routine treatment option.

    In conclusion, the NK cell therapy market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by breakthroughs in scientific research and clinical development. SMT-NK stands out as the most advanced NK cell therapy candidate, undergoing late stage trials for biliary tract cancer, which highlights the significant potential of these therapies. While oncology remains the primary focus, ongoing research into non-cancer applications further demonstrates the versatility of NK cell therapies. As more data emerges from clinical trials and innovative technologies are integrated, NK cell therapies are poised to transform the treatment landscape, offering new hope for patients across a range of diseases and improving outcomes on a global scale.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property sales rise 54.7%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Land Registry logged 6,661 sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in March, up 54.7% compared with February and up 32.9% year-on-year.

    The total consideration for such agreements in March rose 61.4% from the previous month to $45.6 billion, representing a 22.1% year-on-year growth.

    Of the agreements, 5,367 were for residential units, amounting to a 67.7% increase from February and a 35.2% rise from a year ago.

    The total consideration for residential units was $38.8 billion, up 68.7% compared with February and 29.1% higher year-on-year.

    There were 393,010 land register searches last month.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: March relatively dry, mild

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    March was drier and milder than usual, with the monthly mean relative humidity at 74%, which was 8% below the norm and the fourth lowest on record for March, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

    The monthly total sunshine duration amounted to 143.8 hours, about 44% above the norm of 100 hours.

    With more sunshine, the monthly mean maximum temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius was 1.6 degrees above the norm and the 10th highest on record for March. The monthly mean temperature of 20.1 degrees and monthly mean minimum temperature of 17.7 degrees were 0.6 degrees and 0.1 degrees above their corresponding norm.

    Rainfall in the month was 38.1mm, about 51% of the norm. The accumulated rainfall in the first three months of the year was 68.4mm, which was about 54% below the norm for the same period.

    There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in March, the observatory added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Investment platform’ is fictitious

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today cautioned the public not to be taken in by a video circulating online which falsely presents the Financial Secretary promoting a so-called “Government Investment Platform”.

    Stressing that the video appears to be artificially generated, the Government said that the information contained in it is entirely fictitious and intended to deceive, and warned people not to fall for it. 

    The case has been referred to the Police Force for investigation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar Earthquake: Devastating Crisis, Immediate Response Underway

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam in Myanmar has activated its Emergency Response Team and is providing hygiene, dignity and family kits in the areas affected by the strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March.

    More than 1600 people are reported to have been killed and over 3400 people injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available from the affected regions.

    The situation in all affected regions remains dire, with survivors in urgent need of shelter, clean water, medical care, and protection. 

    First-response supplies—including hygiene kits, dignity kits, and family kits—are already being dispatched to the worst-affected areas to meet immediate needs and support survivors through this critical period.

    Oxfam is working closely with local partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible. Oxfam’s priority is to save lives, preserve dignity, and prevent further suffering among communities facing unimaginable loss.

    Rajan Khosla, Country Director of Oxfam in Myanmar, expressed profound sorrow over the devastation caused by the earthquake.

    “While Oxfam and partners are focused on providing emergency relief, the magnitude of this disaster requires a broader, coordinated global response to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. The full scale of the earthquake’s destruction is still emerging, but we need swift humanitarian assistance to help survivors begin rebuilding their lives with dignity,” Khosla said.

    A staff member from Oxfam in Myanmar, currently on the ground in Mandalay, has reported firsthand the catastrophic destruction caused by the earthquake.

    “The ground shook violently beneath my feet. Buildings around me began to collapse, and I could hear the cries of people running. It’s impossible to describe the horror and helplessness felt as I watched families desperately trying to escape the destruction. It’s a nightmare for me. People are scared, injured, and in urgent need of aid. The scale of this tragedy is beyond what we could have ever imagined,” she said.

    The National Disaster Management Committee has declared a State of Emergency across six earthquake-affected areas— Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Territory, and Bago Region.

    Recognizing the severity of the crisis, international humanitarian assistance has been requested to support the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

    Oxfam in Myanmar remains steadfast in its commitment to stand with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time. We continue to work closely with partners to deliver timely and effective aid to those most in need.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Asian Development Blog: Stronger Penalties and Timely Targets Could Make Sustainability-Linked Bonds More Effective

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    New research highlights structural flaws in sustainability-linked bonds that weaken their ability to promote meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

    Sustainability-linked bonds are gaining attention as a way to encourage companies to meet environmental goals. This matters because private sector participation is crucial to achieving meaningful progress on sustainability challenges.

    Sustainability-linked bonds contain financial incentives which encourage issuers to fulfill pre-specified targets. 

    Linking financial performance to sustainability outcomes enables the bonds to enhance issuer accountability and mitigate concerns about greenwashing. Most sustainability-linked bonds include a built-in financial penalty: if the issuer doesn’t meet certain environmental or social goals by a set date, they have to pay higher interest on the bond.

    But such financial incentives work only if they are sizable enough to influence the behavior of bond issuers. Unfortunately, evidence indicates that this is not always the case. The average penalty adds less than 12% to the interest rate. 

    Our research found that late penalties and the option for issuers to repay bonds early may weaken the impact of sustainability-linked bonds.

    The sustainability target dates of many bonds are set close to the end of the bond’s maturity. This means that only a few remaining payments are subject to the financial penalties for noncompliance. Compared to target dates that are farther away from maturity, this reduces the financial consequences of failing to meet sustainability targets.

    Private sector participation is crucial to achieving meaningful progress on sustainability challenges.

    The problem is compounded by the fact that bonds with higher step-up penalties tend to have later target dates. To improve accountability, sustainability-linked bonds should incorporate multiple interim targets throughout the bond’s life so that financial incentives remain in place throughout.

    Many of the bonds also contain call options that allow issuers to minimize or even avoid penalties altogether. Call options allow the issuer to redeem their bonds before sustainability target dates, which can effectively nullify the penalties for failing to meet the targets. 

    Sustainability-linked bonds are five times more likely to be callable than conventional corporate bonds. According to our research, 64.9% of sustainability-linked bonds are callable—meaning issuers can redeem them before maturity—compared to corporate green bonds (23.0%) and corporate non-green bonds (12.0%). 

    This suggests that issuers of sustainability-linked bonds may be more likely to retain the option of early repayment, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of these bonds in promoting long-term sustainability commitments.

    Moreover, most callable sustainability-linked bonds impose no financial penalty for early redemption even if sustainability targets are unmet, further undermining their credibility.  Applying sizable penalties if bonds are called early can thus significantly strengthen the financial incentives embedded in the bonds.

    Setting more timely sustainability target dates and imposing larger penalties for early redemption would significantly strengthen the bonds as credible and effective financial instruments for promoting sustainable outcomes. 

    Further, financial regulators should mandate the disclosure of sustainability-linked bonds structural features while external reviewers expand their scope to the financial incentives and sustainability targets.  Strengthening the bonds in this manner will strengthen their intended role of mobilizing capital for sustainable impacts. 

    As billions of dollars flow into sustainable investments, investors, regulators, and the public must demand that these tools do more than sound good on paper—they must drive real, measurable progress.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Measles alert for Western Sydney

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in greater western Sydney.
    The individual had recently returned from Vietnam, which is experiencing a large measles outbreak at present. They were not infectious while on their flight.
    People who attended the following location should watch for the development of symptoms:

    Family Doctors Berala (co-located with Berala Pharmacy and 4Cyte Pathology) – 174B Woodburn Road, Berala, on Saturday 18 January from 10am to 11:15am.

    South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said while this location poses no ongoing risk, people who visited the above location at that time should monitor for symptoms.
    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
    “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday 5 February. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.”
    “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.“Anyone born after 1965 needs to make sure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. It’s given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
    Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to 6 months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
    People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
    For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet
    ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Star Alliance: ITA Airways Set to Start Integration into Star Alliance

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

    Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

    Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

    ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

    Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance.

    “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

    Upon completing induction, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.

    About Star Alliance

    Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

    The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

    Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

    Star Alliance Press Office:

    +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com

    About ITA Airways

    ITA Airways is the Italian reference carrier. The Company is 59% owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. ITA Airways operates both passenger and cargo air transport services, providing Italy with high-quality connectivity to international destinations, supporting tourism and foreign trade, as well as domestic connectivity within the Country, also leveraging integrated mobility.

    Through strong digitization of processes to ensure the best possible experience and personalized services, ITA Airways places customer service at the core of its strategy. This is combined with a commitment to sustainability, which encompasses environmental aspects (such as a young, technologically advanced fleet to reduce environmental impact), social aspects (a strong focus on its employees and the communities in which it operates), and governance aspects (integrating sustainability into internal strategies and processes).

    For press information:

    Pietro Caldaroni, Chief Communication Officer

    Mail: media@ita-airways.com

    About Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with worldwide operations and a total of more than 300 subsidiaries and equity investments. The company’s mission is to connect people, cultures, and economies in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, safety, quality, reliability, and innovation are main priorities. The Lufthansa Group comprises the Passenger Airlines and Aviation Services segments.

    The Italian airline ITA Airways is the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, with the Group having a 41 percent stake in the airline. Now, the network carriers consist of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways. These airlines offer their customers a premium experience, with high-quality products and services. The multi-hub strategy offers passengers a comprehensive route network along with the greatest possible flexibility for their journey. Eurowings is positioned as a carrier with an exclusive focus on point-to-point traffic on European short- and medium-haul routes. The Passenger Airlines segment also includes the regional airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa City Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Discover Airlines and the equity investment in SunExpress, the joint venture with Turkish Airlines. Since the summer of 2021, Discover Airlines has complemented the Lufthansa Group’s offering in the growing segment of leisure travel.

    Aviation Services comprises the segments Logistics and MRO, as well as additional businesses, which in particular include Lufthansa Aviation Training and Lufthansa Systems.

    The Lufthansa Group is currently investing in its onboard product, with both Lufthansa’s Allegris and SWISS Senses showcasing an entirely new travel experience. Lufthansa’s Allegris can already be experienced on certain long-haul routes. The full revamp will also include lounges, ground processes, individuality, and exclusivity.

    Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines are already members of the Star Alliance.

    For press information:

    Thomas Jachnow, Senior Manager Media Relations

    Deutsche Lufthansa AG

    lufthansa-group@dlh.de

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AGA new UC guidance will reshape market access and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    AGA new UC guidance will reshape market access and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has recently released a major update to its clinical guideline for the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). The new “living” guideline strongly recommends the early use of biologics and small-molecule therapies following 5-ASA failure, a significant departure from the traditional step-up approach. It marks a turning point in UC treatment strategy, with major implications for market access, prescribing behavior, and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    As the first “living” guideline for UC, the AGA will update recommendations semiannually, allowing rapid integration of new evidence and emerging therapies. For pharmaceutical companies, this creates both opportunity and urgency: drugs that demonstrate clear clinical benefit could gain swift recognition, while those without competitive differentiation may be deprioritized in treatment algorithms.

    Sravani Meka, Senior Pharmaceutical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “This guideline places clinical efficacy front and center. It gives clinicians the confidence to initiate treatment with the most effective advanced therapies early in the disease course, rather than cycling through older, less effective options.”

    Ten agents were granted strong recommendations, including AbbVie’s upadacitinib and risankizumab, Pfizer’s etrasimod, J&J’s guselkumab, as well as legacy biologics like infliximab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab. The guideline also supports biosimilars and the use of subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab for maintenance. Meanwhile, adalimumab was downgraded to a conditional recommendation due to lower comparative efficacy marking a significant shift for one of the most widely used therapies in the past decade.

    GlobalData’s Ulcerative Colitis: Eight-Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis (March 2023) report projected the UC market across the US, EU5, Japan, and Canada to grow from $7.3 billion in 2021 to $10 billion in 2031, driven by pipeline launches and expanded use of advanced therapies.

    Meka explains: “These forecasts may need to be revised. The AGA’s new recommendations will likely accelerate uptake for newer therapies such as Rinvoq (upadacitinib), Skyrizi (risankizumab), Velsipity (etrasimod), and Tremfya (guselkumab), potentially reshaping commercial trajectories laid out in earlier forecasts.”

    The guideline may also influence payer strategy, particularly in the US, where step therapy policies have long mandated TNF-failure before newer options are covered.

    Meka concludes: “This is the clearest signal, yet that step therapy must evolve. With the AGA now endorsing multiple newer agents as high-efficacy first-line options, payers will face mounting pressure to align coverage decisions with evidence-based care.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: IceMOS Technology Closes $22 Million Series E Investment to Fund Launch of New Power Semiconductor Device Technology mSJMOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Semiconductor manufacturer, IceMOS Technology Corporation today announced it has completed Series E funding from a London-based investor, 57 Stars LLC , and earlier stage USA investors.

    The company headquartered in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan. IceMOS Technology is an industry-leading developer of next generation silicon power devices. These products, called mSJMOSTM, are developed using a novel semiconductor technology based on IceMOS Intellectual Property of which the company holds over 70 patents. The silicon-based mSJMOSTM, exhibits a new phenomenon resulting from the integration of Silicon MEMS manufacturing techniques with mature node CMOS Super-junction Power MOSFET structures resulting in power MOSFETs that deliver dramatic semiconductor energy efficiency.

    The investment, which values IceMOS at a market capitalization of $110 million USD (£85million) post money, will enable IceMOS to increase strategic manufacturing in Northern Ireland, device design capability, applications engineering, marketing and sales worldwide as it starts preparation to launch mSJMOSTM platforms.

    “Our sensing and power technologies are paving the way for more energy-efficient and CO2-saving solutions that support decarbonization,” said Dr. Samuel J. Anderson, MBE, IceMOS Technology Founder and Chairman. “Products based on this advanced technology represents a new class of semiconductors, essential to serve the efficiency demands of the massively complex market segments like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data, renewables wind and solar, electric vehicles and aerospace applications. The merging of mSJMOSTM structures and MEMS manufacturing techniques presents a revolutionary silicon-based technology that can compete with wideband gap devices at 650 Volts, 750Volts, 900Volts, and 1200Volts.”

    IceMOS will be expanding its global workforce to more than 100 employees on post funding. IceMOS is pleased to announce that Niall Lyne has accepted the position of IceMOS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Sales. Niall an Industry veteran held numerous positions with Analog Device, Inc., Intersil and more recently Renesas Electronics. In this position, he will be responsible for optimizing company objectives, operations, and revenue growth.

    The new Investors in the IceMOS Series E attended the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 which was a collaboration by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Ireland Office, and Invest Northern Ireland, which hosted around 200 investors from across the world to visit Belfast with the aim of turbocharging inward investment into all corners of Northern Ireland.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “Northern Ireland’s track record of delivering innovation, its supportive business environment, competitive operating costs and the creative ingenuity of its people make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes to start up and scale up. Northern Ireland has huge potential for significant economic growth, so it’s great to see IceMOS secure this funding as a result of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, leading to investment and job creation.”

    Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, added: “IceMOS Technology’s multi-million funding success showcases the North’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering. This investment highlights the confidence global investors have in the North and aligns with my vision to drive innovation, productivity, and technological advancement. The 2023 Investment Summit played a key role in showcasing the opportunities here and it’s encouraging to see significant outcomes like this. I look forward to seeing IceMOS continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, creating high-value jobs in West Belfast and pioneering solutions in sectors from AI to renewable energy.”

    Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars LLC: “IceMOS’ new architecture for silicon semiconductors represents break-through technology for power management systems in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers,” said Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars. “The hiring of industry veteran Niall Lyne both validates the strength and potential of its innovative products and enhances the management team to start scaling the business.” 57 Stars is the largest investor in this round of financing, having committed $7.5 million dollars. McGuire further commented: “Given the company sits squarely in our sustainability and technology focus sectors, 57 Stars invested in IceMOS out of multiple private equity funds we manage and are thrilled to be partnering with and supporting the Company at this pivotal moment for its growth and development.” 57 Stars was supported by EY on financial and tax due diligence, Tughans LLP and Purrington Moody Weil LLP on legal advisory, and SLR Consulting on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) due diligence assessment.

    Hugh Griffin, Chief Sales Officer (Eng Sub & Sensor Products) & Chief Strategy Officer, IceMOS Technology: “Building on our 2024 ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award, this investment will further strengthen our manufacturing excellence in Belfast, expand our global workforce, and deepen our export footprint—already serving hundreds of customers worldwide. As a leader in advanced semiconductor exports, we are poised to diversify markets, enhance R&D, and deliver cutting-edge solutions that solidify the UK’s position as a hub for high-tech innovation. Together with our investors and partners, we’re not just scaling operations; we’re powering a sustainable future.”

    About IceMOS Technology
    IceMOS is an equity-financed private Delaware semiconductor corporation and manufacturer of a new class of Silicon MEMS based Power MOSFETs and Sensing Device technology that serves wide-ranging applications anywhere that power efficiency and sensing matters. The company has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan.

    Company and Media Contact:
    Brenda Monaghan
    Investor Relations
    IceMOS Technology
    Email: brendamonaghan@icemostech.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c918f39-bf4f-4b25-989a-7aade69e17eb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – NTU Singapore scientists create ‘fungi tiles’ with elephant skin texture to cool buildings

    Source: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

    Proof-of-concept shows promise as a sustainable passive cooling solution

    A team of scientists led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could one day help to bring the heat down in buildings without consuming energy.

    These wall tiles are made from a new biomaterial combining fungi’s root network – called mycelium – and organic waste. Earlier research has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.

    Building on this proven insulating property, the NTU Singapore team worked with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA to add a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin. Elephants do not have sweat glands and rely on these wrinkles and crevices on their skin to regulate heat.

    In laboratory experiments, the scientists found that the cooling rate of their elephant skin-inspired mycelium tile was 25 per cent better than a fully flat mycelium tile, and the heating rate was 2 per cent lower. They also found that the elephant skin-inspired tile’s cooling effect improved a further 70 per cent in simulated rain conditions, making it suitable for tropical climates.

    The construction industry accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all energy-related emissions worldwide, so the search for eco-friendly insulation materials is critical. NTU’s Associate Professor Hortense Le Ferrand, who led the study, said mycelium-bound composites could be a promising alternative.

    Assoc Prof Le Ferrand, who holds a joint appointment at NTU’s Schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), said: “Insulation materials are increasingly integrated into building walls to enhance energy efficiency, but these are mostly synthetic and come with environmental consequences throughout their life cycle. Mycelium-bound composite is a biodegradable material that is highly porous, which makes it a good insulator. In fact, its thermal conductivity is comparable to or better than some of the synthetic insulating materials used in buildings today.

    “We worked closely with bioSEA to integrate natural design principles that can optimise its performance as a building insulator. The result is a promising proof of concept that takes us one step closer to efficient, sustainable, and cheaper passive cooling solutions in hot and humid conditions.”

    Dr Anuj Jain, the Founding Director of bioSEA explained the inspiration behind the elephant-linked innovation: “Elephants are large animals that live in hot and sometimes humid tropical climates. To withstand the heat, elephants evolved to develop a skin that is heavily wrinkled which increases water retention and cools the animal by evaporation. We were inspired by how an elephant could cool itself in hot weather without sweat glands, and tried to see how we could replicate the same cooling mechanisms of shading, trapping cool air, and increasing the surface area for water to evaporate.”

    This study, published in Energy & Buildings in February, builds on Assoc Prof Le Ferrand’s work on possible uses for mycelium-bound composites, such as for greener construction materials.

    Turning fungi into a functional material

    Mycelium-bound composites are created by growing fungi on organic matter such as sawdust or agricultural waste. As the fungus grows, it binds the organic matter into a solid, porous composite.

    For this study, the NTU scientists used the mycelium of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) – a commonly found fungus – and bamboo shavings collected from a furniture shop.

    These two components were mixed with oats and water and packed into a hexagonal mould with an elephant skin-inspired texture designed by bioSEA using computational modelling and algorithms to select the optimal design.

    The mycelium tiles were left to grow in the dark for two weeks, then removed from the hexagonal mould and left to grow in the same conditions for another two weeks.

    Finally, the tiles were dried in an oven at 48°C for three days. This final step removes any remaining moisture, prohibiting further mycelial growth.

    Elephant skin-inspired texture improves heat regulation

    Previous research has shown that mycelium-bound composites have thermal conductivity comparable to conventional building insulation materials like glass wool and extruded polystyrene.

    To assess how an elephant skin-inspired texture affects the mycelium tile’s heat regulation, the scientists heated mycelium tiles on a 100°C hot plate for 15 minutes and tracked temperature changes using an infrared camera.

    They found that the elephant skin-inspired tile absorbed heat more slowly. When its bumpy textured surface faced the heat source, its temperature increased by 5.01°C per minute, compared to 5.85°C per minute when its flat surface was exposed to heat. As a control, the scientists also heated a flat mycelium tile and found it gained 5.11°C per minute.

    To measure the tile’s cooling efficiency, the scientists heated one side at 100°C for 15 minutes, then exposed it to ambient conditions (22°C, 80% humidity) and measured temperature changes on the tile’s opposite side.

    The elephant-skin-inspired tile cooled fastest when heated from the flat side, losing 4.26°C per minute. When heated from the textured side, its flat side lost 3.12°C per minute. The fully flat control tile lost 3.56°C per minute.

    Based on these findings, the scientists recommended installing the tiles with the flat side adhered to the building façade and the textured surface exposed to external heat for optimal thermal performance (See image in Notes to Editor for how tiles could be used).

    Tiles perform better in wet weather

    To simulate the effect of rain on the tiles, the scientists heated the tiles as described earlier. While allowing them to cool, the scientists sprayed water onto the tiles at one-minute intervals over a 15-minute period.

    When misted on its bumpy side, the elephant skin-inspired tile lost 7.27°C per minute – a 70 per cent improvement compared to its performance in dry conditions.

    The scientists attributed this effect to the mycelium-bound composite’s hydrophobic nature. “The fungal skin that develops on the tile’s surface repels water, allowing droplets to remain on the surface rather than roll off immediately. This promotes evaporative cooling, increasing the cooling rate,” explained Eugene Soh, an NTU researcher and the study’s first author.

    Building on this proof of concept, the scientists are now exploring ways to enhance the tiles for real-world use, such as increasing their mechanical stability and durability or using different mycelium strains.

    The scientists are also working with local start-up Mykílio to scale up the size of the mycelium tiles and conduct outdoor tests on building façades.

    A challenge they foresee in scaling up the production of the tiles is the time needed to grow the mycelium tiles. While it requires minimal energy resources, the process takes three to four weeks.

    The scientists also expect high inertia towards using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material due to the well-established infrastructure in production, storage, and transportation of common insulating materials.

    Said Assoc Prof Le Ferrand: “We’ve developed a promising eco-friendly alternative that transforms waste into a valuable resource while rethinking conventional thermal management materials. This opens the pathway for more elephant skin-inspired designs and the use of different mycelium strains to overcome the challenges that come with using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material.”

    Notes

    The research paper titled “Biodegradable mycelium tiles with elephant skin inspired texture for thermal regulation of buildings” was published in Energy and Buildings in Volume 328, 1 February 2025, 115187

    DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.115187  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New discoveries in prehistoric culture shed light on origin of Chinese civilization

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Archaeological discoveries in many regions of China have injected new vitality into the study of Hongshan culture, an important prehistoric archaeological culture dating back roughly 5,000 to 6,000 years.

    Hongshan culture’s distribution covers three regions, which are located in the west of Liaoning Province, the north of Hebei Province and the east of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Among these, Liaoning is the core area in terms of Hongshan culture distribution and the focal region for studying this culture.

    NEW DISCOVERIES

    Multiple Hongshan culture sites were discovered in the city of Lingyuan, in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, said the provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology in March.

    The found sites are located in the Wubaiding site complex, where archaeologists from the institute conducted a systematic archaeological survey covering approximately 285,000 square meters.

    During this survey, archaeologists collected pottery shards and stone artifacts from various periods and found a total of 53 sites, among which four have been confirmed as relic sites of Hongshan culture.

    These archaeological exploration efforts have revealed the composition and spatial distribution characteristics of the relic sites, which provides detailed evidence for the study of the social norms of late Hongshan culture, said Yu Huaishi, a researcher from the institute.

    Meanwhile, in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, three new jade dragons were unearthed in 2024, marking the largest number of such artifacts to be found in recent years — offering new evidence of the brilliance of ancient Chinese civilization.

    A jade dragon, measuring 15.8 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width and 3 cm in thickness, was excavated from a stone tomb in Yuanbaoshan in Aohan Banner, the city of Chifeng in Inner Mongolia. It is the largest jade dragon ever discovered, providing valuable new insights into the study of this ancient civilization. Alongside the dragon, over 100 other jade artifacts, including rings, discs, silkworms and owls, were also found.

    Chifeng, the birthplace of Hongshan culture, has more than 700 known Hongshan sites. The discovery of the Yuanbaoshan site adds to the region’s rich archaeological heritage.

    According to Dang Yu, a researcher at the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology, the Yuanbaoshan site dates back about 5,000 years and represents a late Hongshan culture burial and ceremonial complex.

    HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

    The Niuheliang site, discovered in 1981 in the city of Chaoyang, Liaoning, represents a milestone in the study of China’s Hongshan culture. A large number of exquisite jade articles, painted pottery, stone tools and stone tombs were unearthed there.

    According to Wang Xuanlong, curator of the Niuheliang relic site museum, the Niuheliang site, centered on the temple of the goddess and surrounded by altars and stone tombs, is a large-scale prehistoric burial and religious worship site independent of the residence. It was the place where Hongshan people worshiped both their ancestors and heaven and earth more than 5,000 years ago.

    “The ruins and buildings of Niuheliang reflect the early state form of the combination of theocracy and royal power, and are important witnesses of the origins of civilization in China and even Northeast Asia,” said Guo Dashun, an expert in Hongshan culture who had previously presided over Hongshan culture excavations.

    Archaeological excavation endeavors regarding Hongshan culture reveal the continuity and unity of migration and evolution from north to south and to the Central Plains, which strongly proves that the Chinese civilization has not stopped since its birth, provides key support for figuring out the early development of Chinese civilization, and serves as the core link for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization.

    Notably, Hongshan, Lingjiatan and Liangzhu are known as the three major jade cultural centers in prehistoric China. Although more than 1,000 km apart, Hongshan culture experienced close exchanges with the Lingjiatan and Liangzhu cultures, according to Sun Jinsong, director of the Inner Mongolia regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology.

    “The jade owl of Hongshan culture and the jade eagle of Lingjiatan culture both reflect the prehistoric ancestors’ yearning and reverence for flying. The shape of the jade dragon unearthed from Liangzhu is very close to that of Hongshan culture jade carving. It is this kind of exchange and integration that eventually merged into the diversified and integrated Chinese civilization,” Sun said.

    The jade ritual system and jade culture, which originated from Hongshan culture and gradually expanded to East Asia, have become important sources of the unique cultural identity of Chinese civilization — and have profoundly influenced the etiquette system and cultural traditions of later generations.

    MODERN INHERITANCE

    The legacy of Hongshan culture continues to thrive in modern life. In the city of Chifeng, themed research activities have been organized, directly involving children by letting them make pottery and jade articles by themselves, thereby allowing them to immerse themselves in the charm of Hongshan culture. Symphonies and plays have also been staged to reveal more about this culture.

    “We will make further efforts in terms of the protection of these relics sites and the pursuit of their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with the aim of making Hongshan culture shine with new brilliance in Chifeng and to make this culture the pride and love of the people,” said Zhang Guohua, vice mayor of Chifeng.

    In the future, via the deep integration of science and technology and culture, Hongshan culture is expected to break through geographical and time boundaries, enabling it to reach a wider audience with the assistance of technologies such as digital display and virtual reality.

    At the Niuheliang national archaeological relic site park, an archaeological team is ready to continue the archaeological excavation efforts — seeking to reveal more secrets about the social organization structure, religious beliefs and economic life of Hongshan culture, while injecting new vitality into the study of ancient civilizations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump, Musk, & RFK Jr. Hollow Out HHS, Threatening Americans’ Health and Wellbeing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Trump carries out mass firings across HHS and subagencies today
    ICYMI: Murray, Former Health Department Leaders, Sound Alarm on Trump and RFK Jr. Gutting HHS
    ICYMI: Murray, DeLauro, Baldwin Demand Answers on RFK Jr.’s Plans to Gut HHS
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), responded to the Trump administration’s mass firings across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its many subagencies, which are responsible for protecting Americans’ health and delivering essential health and social services. 
    “Today, two billionaires are making good on their vow to take a wrecking ball to the Department of Health and Human Services and put Americans’ health and wellbeing at serious risk–and Republicans are letting them,” said Senator Murray. “These firings make a lot of sense if you believe measles spreading like wildfire is good–or think we should be slashing cancer research. While Republicans work to pass more tax breaks for billionaires, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. are ripping essential health services away from the American people and decimating our country’s ability to prevent outbreaks and keep families safe. There’s no two ways about it: this is the type of carelessness that gets people killed.”
    Late last week, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to unilaterally push out 20,000 HHS employees (a ~25% reduction) and to dramatically reorganize and hollow out the Department–in clear violation of annual spending laws, including the one that Congress passed and was signed into law just weeks ago. 
    On Monday, Senator Murray led a letter to Secretary Kennedy demanding more information about the sweeping, devastating plans–noting that if this administration is truly committed to transparency, as it claims to be, and is confident its drastic plans will protect Americans’ health, it should be eager to share basic information about them. Thus far, however, the administration has provided no additional details to Congress or the public about its mass firings and reorganization.
    This morning, thousands of health officials woke up to emails notifying them that they were being fired. In addition to the mass firings, HHS says it will eliminate 5 of 10 regional offices, trim 28 divisions into 15, and consolidate and move essential functions to other agencies.
    Since taking office, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. have taken a sweeping array of actions to halt HHS’ essential, lifesaving work and diminish its capacity to keep families healthy. It has systematically choked off lifesaving medical research, and just last week, Trump ripped away resources communities nationwide are using to address bird flu, measles, the fentanyl epidemic, the mental health crisis, and more. 
    FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
    The FDA protects Americans’ health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines, biologics, and medical devices–and regulating food, cosmetics, and tobacco products. 
    The Trump administration announced last week it will cut 3,500 employees at the FDA. It has now pushed out senior leaders across the agency focused on food, drug, and medical device policy, as well as the head of the Center for Tobacco Products and the head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Among the thousands of FDA staff fired by the Trump administration are experts who manage the review of new applications for drugs, vaccines, and medical devices–which will delay approval of new, potentially life-changing products that patients are counting on. Others reportedly pushed out include veterinary medicine experts working on bird flu preparedness and response, the top Type 1 Diabetes expert, and regulatory staff focused on negotiations on User Fee Agreements that fund some of FDA’s work–among many others. 
    “Americans depend on the FDA every time they sit down for a meal or pick up a prescription–but that’s no matter: Trump and Musk are hollowing out the agency and putting their health at risk. Let’s be crystal clear: there’s nothing strategic about firing thousands of people who inspect our food and ensure our prescriptions and babies’ formula are safe. While they work overtime to pass more tax breaks for themselves, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. are insisting on senseless cuts to all but destroy FDA, jeopardizing Americans’ safety and leaving patients waiting longer for lifesaving drugs to get to market,” said Senator Murray.
    CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
    CDC is charged with protecting the American people from health threats, including infectious diseases like measles and bird flu.
    The Trump administration announced plans to force out 2,400 employees at CDC. 
    Today, scores of CDC staff woke up to emails notifying them they are being fired. This includes mass reductions in force across most CDC centers, which will prevent the critical work CDC is responsible for from being carried out. Staff were fired en mass across CDC offices for domestic violence prevention, Smoking and Health, HIV prevention, Tuberculosis elimination, disability and health, childhood lead poisoning, asthma control, among many others. Trump has even reportedly fired the entire team focused on assistive reproductive technology like IVF–despite his wild claims to be the “fertilization president.”
    The Trump administration has also reportedly fired nearly two-thirds of the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff, or nearly 900 people. The Trump administration is now, for example, apparently working to shutter the CDC NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory in Washington state, firing dozens of workers today who study how to protect workers’ health and safety on the job, particularly those in fields like mining, the maritime industry, and firefighting, where workers face elevated risks.
    “Decimating the CDC is a great way to make our communities less safe and less prepared to respond quickly and effectively when diseases–like measles and bird flu–put lives and livelihoods in danger. When the next pandemic hits and America is unprepared, it will be thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans destroying our public health infrastructure. Decimating the agency that helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses is a slap in the face to workers across America–and will threaten the safety of firefighters, miners, construction and agricultural workers, and so many others while on the job,” said Senator Murray.
    NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
    NIH is the nation’s premier biomedical research agency. Each year, NIH supports biomedical research that produces life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving treatments and cures.
    The Trump administration has already pushed out top experts, scientists, and senior leadership, well over 1,100 NIH employees, and systematically choked off billions of dollars in NIH funding for new treatments and cures for devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
    Now, it is firing even more NIH scientists and staff–including veterans and more than 1,300 additional employees as of this afternoon–decimating the agency. President Trump and RFK Jr. are pushing out senior NIH leadership, including Institute and Center Directors at the Fogarty International Center (FIC), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).  
    “Since taking office, Trump has systematically worked to break the NIH–he’s taking patients’ hopes for new treatments and cures and throwing them right in the shredder. These sweeping firings at NIH will set back our efforts to discover medical breakthroughs that save lives by decades. And they won’t just delay research, they will halt clinical trials in their tracks and cut patients off from care,” said Senator Murray.
    CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS)
    CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces. 
    The agency has long been understaffed and under-resourced, including for essential functions like nursing home safety inspections and protecting Americans from surprise medical bills. Nonetheless, Trump and Musk are pushing even more people out–and jeopardizing Americans’ health care in doing so. Trump announced that 300 employees at CMS will be cut. 
    “The American people are looking to their leaders to make sure they can get quality, affordable health care–instead, two billionaires are gutting the very agency that helps over 100 million Americans get health care. Undercutting CMS is an attack on Americans’ health care–full stop. Firing the people who keep our systems running, who ensure long-term care facilities are safe, and prevent health care companies from ripping people off makes no sense and will hurt patients nationwide,” said Senator Murray.
    INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (IHS)
    IHS is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Tribes, and it is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for Tribal communities across the country. 
    IHS is already struggling to provide quality health care to 2.8 million Americans who rely on its services, and the actions being taken by the Trump administration to freeze federal hiring, reduce office space, and reduce the HHS workforce that IHS relies on are making matters worse. Chronic understaffing continues to plague the IHS, and despite some hiring exemptions for doctors and nurses, quality health care can’t be delivered without sufficient administrative personnel at HHS and at IHS hospitals and health clinics. 
    Adding to the IHS’ staffing struggles, the Trump administration is arbitrarily canceling leases that house IHS administrative offices across all service areas and its medical supply warehouse, which stockpiles and distributes critical medical supplies to all IHS hospitals and health clinics. IHS needs more resources and staffing to fulfill its mission, not less. 
    “Trump and Musk are leaving the Indian Health Service and our Tribes in the dust–freezing hiring at an already-strapped agency, canceling leases it counts on, and now, gutting essential HHS functions that enable IHS to serve patients. They are breaking government with no idea of what they are doing and no regard for who gets hurt–all while they enrich themselves,” said Senator Murray.
    SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)
    SAMHSA is charged with improving services and support available to people across the country for substance use disorder and mental health. The agency plays a leading role in tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, and it oversees the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 
    The Trump administration has announced plans to eliminate SAMHSA and collapse it into a new “Administration for a Healthy America.” But it has not provided any additional details on its illegal reorganization or how it will ensure SAMHSA’s statutorily-mandated, lifesaving functions would be carried out. Today, the Trump administration made more deep cuts to SAMHSA’s staff, which will result in the agency’s staffing levels being reduced by fifty percent since January–weakening the ability of communities to respond to the mental health and substance use crises. 
    “Just as we are finally starting to make progress getting opioid overdose deaths to trend down nationally, Trump and Musk have decided to scrap the agency responsible for our national response to the epidemic. These billionaires believe our country can afford to pay for more tax breaks for them but cannot afford to keep up the fight against the opioid epidemic. These chaotic, senseless moves will undermine federal support for all the work our communities on the frontlines are doing to tackle the opioid and mental health crises–and save lives,” said Senator Murray.
    ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (ACF)
    ACF is responsible for administering a variety of programs to help children and families thrive–including the primary federal child care grant program, Head Start, family violence prevention programs, and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), among many others. 
    Today, the Trump administration made deep cuts to the staff responsible for carrying out these programs, threatening the services and essential oversight families count on. The administration also shuttered half of the regional offices for the Office of Head Start, which are charged with ensuring Head Start services delivered to families are high-quality, without any explanation of how it will fulfill its mission and continue serving children and families without these offices or staff. Trump also gutted the Office of Community Services, which administers the LIHEAP program to help low-income individuals and families afford to heat and cool their homes and administers the Community Services Block Grant program, which helps communities nationwide fight poverty.
    “While the child care crisis crunches families’ budgets, Trump and Musk are focused on firing the very people who help make sure there are safe, affordable child care options available to families in every part of the country,” said Senator Murray. “Decimating this agency may well mean child care and Head Start centers don’t get the funding they need to keep their doors open, and shuttering regional offices will threaten families’ access to quality and reliable Head Start services. These firings will certainly risk kids’ safety–because that’s what happens when you get rid of the people who monitor centers’ care. These billionaires are ripping the rug out from under families just as they seek to give themselves more tax breaks.”
    ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING (ACL)
    ACL provides unique and critical support to help ensure seniors and Americans with disabilities can live independently and with the same opportunities as others in their communities. ACL programs improve access to health care and long-term care supports, fund essential services like congregate and home-delivered meals and respite care, and invest in essential research and innovation to better support seniors and Americans with disabilities.
    The Trump administration announced plans to eliminate ACL in clear violation of annual appropriations law that explicitly funds ACL–and has provided no additional details on how its essential, statutorily-mandated functions will continue without interruptions that seriously hurt seniors and people with disabilities.
    Today, Trump gutted ACL, firing scores of staff and leaving the administration of these critical programs in jeopardy.
    “Trump and Musk are ripping the rug out from underneath seniors and Americans with disabilities by gutting the agency that helps them get the support they need to not only live independently, but also thrive in their communities,” said Senator Murray.
    ADMINISTRATION FOR STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (ASPR)
    ASPR leads our country’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies–coordinating planning and response for when fires erupt, pathogens like COVID or bird flu emerge, and so much more.
    The Trump administration has announced that ASPR will be consolidated into CDC, and today laid off a number of staff, including staff for the Strategic National Stockpile.
    “As bird flu rages and measles spreads across the country in an outbreak with little recent precedent, apparently Donald Trump thinks it’s a good idea to destroy the very agency tasked with leading our public health preparedness efforts. Firing this staff puts our economy and our families in serious danger,” said Senator Murray.
    HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA)
    HRSA is charged with improving access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations. The agency runs critical programs to bolster the nation’s health workforce, improve maternal and child health, support high-quality care in community health centers and Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics, address rural health needs, modernize the nation’s organ transplant system, and more.
    The Trump administration has announced it plans to eliminate HRSA and collapse it into a new “Administration for a Healthy America” but has not provided any additional details on how this reorganization might work and how it will ensure HRSA’s statutorily-mandated functions will be carried out.
    Today, the Trump administration reportedly fired hundreds of staff who provide support to the nation’s 1,400 community health centers, which operate more than 15,000 sites serving millions of patients across the U.S. regardless of their ability to pay. Others fired include those working on HRSA’s maternal and child health programs, who oversee states’ block grants and operate the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to support mothers, children, and families. Staff were also fired from HRSA’s health workforce programs, where they work to engage with communities nationwide to address shortages of doctors and nurses, and provide scholarships and loan repayment for those working in high-need communities.
    “It defies logic to get rid of the people who help strengthen our nation’s health workforce, support our nation’s health centers, and work to ensure children grow up healthy. These reckless firings and thoughtless reorganization will set back efforts to improve maternal care, help Americans in rural areas get basic health services, and so much more,” said Senator Murray.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025 – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    2 April 2025

    Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). The Initial Offer Period was subsequently extended to 20 March 2025, and on 19 March 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).

    Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 2 April 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplements as published on 18 February and 19 March 2025.

    With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).

    The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer. If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.

    The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 2 May 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further).

    This will result in an adjustment of the offer price in accordance with section 6.2 of the Offer Document, such that the offer price is increased by DKK 0.50 per share to DKK 210.50.

    The increase of the offer price affects all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already given their accept of the Offer and all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who accept the Offer following publication of the Supplement. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already accepted the Offer thus do not have to take further action.

    At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank.

    In the supplement dated 19 March 2025 to the Offer Document, Nykredit announced that a preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit had information about showed that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank had been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit had information about, totalled more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.

    The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.

    Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn
    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K
    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 02, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/11

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 02, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/11

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    2 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Bharti Airtel are expanding their partnership with the deployment of Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based and Fixed Wireless Access solutions for providing a better network experience for Airtel’s growing 4G/5G customer base. The solution will help seamlessly integrate 5G and 4G technologies into a single set of servers. Nokia’s FWA will provide additional capacities for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services. Airtel will use Nokia’s automation framework to realise zero-touch service launch and efficient lifecycle management for core network functions to enhance its ability to deliver new services faster while reducing network operational costs.

    Using Nokia’s converged Packet Core solution for 5G standalone (SA) readiness, Airtel will continue its evolution toward advanced 5G and simplify its network architecture to meet the ever growing need of data while reducing network operational costs. This will help Airtel optimise its hardware footprint and reduce its cost per bit by utilising appliance-based Packet Core gateways, while maintaining the rest of the network elements in a cloud-native architecture.

    The rollout covers network automation in a multi-year deal that spans the majority of Airtel service regions across the country. The collaboration entails advancing autonomous networks by utilising GenAI for service orchestration and assurance.

    “Nokia’s innovative Packet Core deployment architecture enables critical changes to our network quality and reliability for meeting the fast-rising growth in customer data requirements. This rollout further demonstrates our longstanding success in jointly collaborating to strengthen the overall Airtel customer experience,” said Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Airtel.

    “Nokia and Airtel have a long-standing partnership and we are pleased to bolster its 5G SA readiness. Airtel’s use of Nokia’s Packet Core to build greater network agility and reliability demonstrates how we are both helping customers solve problems and furthering Nokia’s leadership position in the Core space, in India and around the world,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    Nokia’s solution provides a pre-integrated and modular server-based configuration for increased flexibility to support a wider range of business and operational deployment models. This allows Airtel to better target new customers and create new revenue streams.

    Nokia’s Packet Core solution for Fixed Wireless Access enables additional capacity for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services for the delivery of extreme bandwidth and capacity to customers.

    Nokia has an expansive core footprint in Bharti Airtel’s network and already provides several other core technologies including VoLTE (Voice over LTE), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), HLR (Home Location Register), UDM (Unified Data Management) and VoNR (Voice over New Radio), along with MANO (automated Management & Orchestration).

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. 

    About Bharti Airtel Limited
    Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka though its associate entities. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. Within our diversified portfolio, we offer passive infrastructure services through our subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd. For more details visit www.airtel.com

    Media inquiries 
    Nokia Press Office 
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com  

    Follow us on social media 
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commissioner of Police appointed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee announced today that, upon his nomination and recommendation, and in accordance with the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government has approved the appointment of Joe Chow as Commissioner of Police, and the removal of Siu Chak-yee from the post.

    Mr Chow was previously Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu begins pre-retirement leave after serving the Police Force for 36 years.

    Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said: “Mr Chow has served in the Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills.

    “I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”

    On the retirement of Mr Siu, who had been Commissioner of Police since June 2021, Mr Lee lauded his efforts in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world.

    “He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest.”

    Mr Lee added that as Commissioner of Police Mr Siu was devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to combat deception cases and other criminal activities.

    “Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency.

    “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB’s Work in Water: Overview of Water Operations

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Water is life. It quenches our thirst, powers our progress, and feeds nature.

    With countless rivers, vast oceans, and thundering storms, water can seem infinite.

    But for over 2 billion people in Asia and the Pacific, their daily relationship with water is one of struggle and hardship.

    NORIO SAITO

    Despite many achievements in Asia and the Pacific, 1.5 billion people in rural areas and 600 million more in urban areas still lack basic water supply and safely managed sanitation services. ADB is working to improve water security and resilience in the region by supporting sustainable service delivery. From 2014 to 2023, ADB committed a total of 23.5 billion U.S. dollars to the water sector across the region to benefit the lives of 654 million people.

    QINGFENG ZHANG

    The water-food-energy nexus is emerging as a critical issue in Asia and the Pacific. Agriculture is the biggest consumer of water in Asia. As of 2021, ADB has allocated 2 billion U.S. dollars to irrigation, 1 billion U.S. dollars to water-based natural resources management, and 477 million U.S. dollars to rural flood protection.

    SATOSHI ISHII

    ADB has been a long-standing partner in finding solutions for our developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific. Attaining the SDGs also means collaborating with other institutions and organizations, opening new channels for financing and encouraging public and private partnerships.

    VIVEK RAMAN

    80 percent of the wastewater generated in Asian cities is disposed of, untreated into our water bodies, making our sanitation services ineffective and more importantly our water bodies unsafe. In line with SDGs 6 and 11, ADB’s work prioritizes the provision of basic sanitation services, wastewater management, urban drainage and flood management, and solid waste management in Asia’s cities.

    YASMIN SIDDIQI

    In already arid countries like those in the Central West Asia region, water scarcity exacerbated by climate change is not only a food and water security issue but a transboundary challenge. ADB’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program, CAREC, aims to develop a climate resilient framework for member countries in Central Asia region. This will enhance knowledge and technology transfer to support improved water resources and energy management.

    NEETA POKHREL

    Every year thousands of people are displaced in fragile and conflict-affected situations and small island developing states due to water-related climate and disaster events. How can we make informed investment decisions in this challenging environment? Therefore, ADB applies flexible business processes, we encourage field presence, and we implement in-depth analytics to better understand fragility and help our clients implement these.

    FATIMA MABOR BAUTISTA

    In 2022, ADB announced the Asia and the Pacific Water Resilience Initiative, an ambition to mobilize more than 200 million financing from internal sources and external partners to leverage 10 billion climate adaptation financing for ADB water sector operations from 2021 to 2030.

    TANYA HUIZER

    The Water Financing Partnership Facility, or WFPF, supports the Asia and the Pacific Resilience Initiative in accelerating implementation of sustainable development goals. With contributions from financing partners such as the Government of Austria, Spain, and the Netherlands, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WFPF has helped ADB to do business as unusual.

    NORIO SAITO

    To achieve ADB’s vision of prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, providing sound water management and reliable services to the vulnerable is of vital importance. We at ADB are committed to seeing this vision to fruition.

    END CREDITS
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China museum to screen international science movies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China Science and Technology Museum said on Tuesday that it would launch a month-long display of 50 movies with special visual effects, to offer audiences an opportunity to engage with the world’s science-themed cinematic works.

    Running from April 8 to May 5, the screening is a part of the sci-tech section of the upcoming 15th Beijing International Film Festival.

    The films originate from 14 countries, including China, Russia, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. They cover a diverse range of topics, from nature and aerospace to frontier technology and fantasy animation.

    They will be shown on dome screens, giant screens and 4D.

    Four of the featured films will have their Asian premieres, and 21 will be shown for the first time in China during the screening, which will also include 21 classic and domestic science movies for free viewing, according to the museum.

    Other activities, such as academic salons, science education initiatives and film concerts will be held along with the film exhibition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s State Council appoints HKSAR police chief

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

    BEIJING, April 2 — China’s State Council announced on Wednesday that it has decided to appoint Chow Yat-ming as the commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, replacing Siu Chak-yee.

    The decision was made in accordance with the HKSAR Basic Law, and was based on the nomination and suggestion put forward by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, the official announcement said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kim Il Sung University is exploring the possibility of opening a representative office in Novosibirsk’s Akademgorodok

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Kim Il Sung University, the leading university in the DPRK, is exploring the possibility of opening its representative office in Akademgorodok. Currently, the leadership of Novosibirsk State University, the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the scientific and technological park of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok are actively engaged in resolving organizational issues and searching for a potential location for this representative office.

    The opening of the representative office will strengthen scientific and educational ties between North Korea and Russia, create a platform for joint research and exchange of experience in various fields of science and technology, and attract the attention of students and scientists to the educational opportunities provided by Novosibirsk.

    It is expected that this cooperation will result in joint research programs, student and teacher exchanges, and scientific conferences and seminars. This will create additional opportunities for the internationalization of education in both countries and will enhance the level of scientific research.

    — The visit of the delegation of Kim Il Sung University to Novosibirsk took place at the end of January 2025, within the framework of it, the rectors of Novosibirsk State University and Kim Il Sung University expressed confidence that the establishment of the representative office will be an important step towards the development of bilateral relations in the field of science and education. They also emphasized the importance of interaction with international partners to solve urgent scientific and technological problems facing society, – commented Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Department of Education Export at NSU.

    In addition, an agreement was reached that a partner school would be found in North Korea for WITHspecializededucationalscientific center of NSU (Physics and Mathematics School). This will allow us to jointly prepare North Korean schoolchildren for admission to Novosibirsk State University, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful study.

    The delegation of Kim Il Sung University also confirmed its intention to participate in the events of Interweek, which will be held at NSU in late April. This will open up new opportunities for the exchange of experience and knowledge between schoolchildren and teachers, and will also demonstrate interest in establishing closer academic ties between the two countries.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches Its First Top Load Washers With AI Features for Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Bespoke AI Top Load Washer, its new 25-inch, 24-inch and 21-inch capacity top load washers that will be available in global markets.1 These new models mark the first time Samsung is introducing AI technology to its top load washer category. With the three AI functions — AI Wash, AI Energy Mode and AI Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+ ) —, the new washing machines offer an intelligent, efficient and quiet washing experiences.2
     
    “We’re excited to expand our wide array of AI-driven washing technologies to the top-loading category, allowing a wider audience of various needs to benefit from a convenient washing experience,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team at Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “With features like AI Wash, AI Energy Mode and AI VRT+ , we’re delivering products that enhance the washing experience by improving fabric care, enhancing energy efficiency and making quieter operation more accessible for consumers.”
     
     
    AI Technology Delivers the Ultimate Washing Experience
    The new washing machines are equipped with Samsung’s AI Wash,3 which intelligently senses the fabric type and weight to conveniently recommend the optimal settings for each load. Based on the detected laundry conditions, the cycle uses an AI algorithm to recommend suitable settings like the water level, agitation intensity, and washing and rinsing times. For delicate items, AI Wash will gently wash to reduce wear and tear, enabling up to 25% more fabric protection.4 For heavy duty fabrics, it will ensure an even, thorough wash without residue. Additionally, users can take advantage of AI Energy Mode through SmartThings Energy,5 which will allow them to reduce energy use by up to 20%.6
     
    AI VRT+ technology ensures quieter operation while adjusting to various floor conditions. This advanced version of the VRT+ system gathers a variety of signals sensed from the washer and sends it to an AI server,7 which analyzes the type of floor the washer is placed on.8 Using an AI algorithm, the server calculates the ideal settings and ensures the washer runs with less noise and vibration during the cycle, allowing users to have a more peaceful washing experience.
     

     
     
    Efficient Performance With Ecobubble
    The new top loaders also feature Ecobubble technology, which provides more effective cleaning performance while reducing fabric damage. This technology incorporates two key components: BubbleStorm , a fan-like device which effectively dissolves detergent into a foam for quicker penetration into fabrics, and Dual Storm , a pulsator that thoroughly mixes the bubbles and clothes together. By combining these components, Ecobubble allows users to achieve a thorough wash using up to 25% less energy9 and 14% less water.10 It allows the detergent to blend into the fabric 2.5 times faster,11 and also delivers up to 20% better fabric care,12 reducing wear on clothes.
     
    And for those who need to get their laundry done quickly, the Super Speed option can wash a load in just 31 minutes,13 delivering 40% faster washing while still maintaining effective cleaning performance.
     

     
     
    Additional Features for Enhanced Performance
    The new washers also come equipped with SmartThings connectivity, enabling easy management of the washing machine remotely for more convenience. To ensure long-lasting durability and reliable performance, the Digital Inverter Motor is backed by a 20-year warranty.14
     
    Hygiene Steam and Stain Wash provide specialized cleaning solutions for exceptionally clean washing.15 Hygiene Steam uses hot water and steam to eliminate up to 99.9%16 of certain types of bacteria17 and stubborn stains18 without the need for pre-treatment. Stain Wash, on the other hand, gives the option to use either warm or hot water to remove dirt and stains effectively, and it can clean everyday marks like sweat, at 40°C.19
     
    The new top load washers will roll out across various regions over the coming months. Available in five stylish colors — Black Caviar, Deep Charcoal, Lavender Gray, White and Brushed Navy20 — these models are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers around the globe and offer powerful performance and enhanced efficiency as part of a convenient, reliable washing experience.
     
     
    1 The Bespoke AI Top Load Washer is launching in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa in 20252 Applied to WA80F******* models3 Fabric sensing uses an AI algorithm to sense three fabric types (Normal, Delicates, Towels) for loads up to 3kg. Mixed fabrics may reduce detection accuracy. Actual results may vary depending on individual use. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.4 Based on internal testing with WA80F/25, using IEC 3kg load (water level 6), comparing a normal cycle. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.5 AI Energy Modes is available on Normal, AI Wash, Super Clean, Jeans, Aqua Preserve, Towels, and Clean Wash cycles. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.6 Tested by Samsung on a WA80F/25 model with a 5kg load using AI Wash cycle and water level 6. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek. The washing cycle time may be increased when using AI Energy Mode.7 A Wi-Fi connection is required. If a Wi-Fi connection is not available, it will use the washing machine’s internal algorithm.8 Standalone installation and level adjustment required for the accurate operation.9 Tested by Samsung with WA80F/25 16kg model with Ecobubble and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble and a normal cycle without Ecobubble . Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek.10 Tested by Samsung with a 25” WA80F/25 16kg model with Ecobubble and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble and a normal cycle without Ecobubble . Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek. Water savings are 13% on 24” washers and 11% on 21” washers.11 Based on internal testing on the WA80F/25 16kg model, using Artificially Soiled Fabric (EMPA 120), compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.12 Based on the severity of washing action index of the WA80F/25 16kg model, compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.13 Based on internal testing. A Normal wash can be completed in as little as 31 minutes using Super Speed at the default settings with a 3kg load, compared to 54 minutes in a Samsung washing machine without Super Speed. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. The Super Speed cycle takes 31 minutes on 25” and 24” models, and 29 minutes on 21” models.14 As of April 2024, the 20 year parts warranty is only applicable to the inverter motor.15 This feature is not available in North America.16 Available when washing laundry loads of up to 3kg on 25” and 24” models, and 2kg on 21” models. Recommended to wash colorfast fabrics and heavily soiled laundry. Avoid clothes prone to fading or bleeding colors.17 Based on the Intertek test report on a WA80F/25 model for the Hygiene Steam cycle. Removes 99.9% of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Individual results may vary.18 Based on internal testing. The optimal temperature may vary depending on the type and condition of the dirt and stains.19 The optimal temperature may vary depending on the type and condition of the dirt and stains.20 Available colors vary by market.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Legacy of Honor and Valor: The 80th Annual Reunion of Honor & 250 Years of the Marine Corps

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    IWO TO, Japan– Veterans, families, active-duty U.S. Marines and Sailors, Japan Self Defense Force members, and U.S. and Japanese dignitaries gathered for the 80th Annual Reunion of Honor at Iwo To, Japan on March 29. The event, held on the year of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, was a memorial to the selfless service, sacrifice, and valor exhibited during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philippine, US Soldiers Conduct Mortar Training During Salaknib 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – Soldiers of the Philippine Army 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions and U.S. Army Soldiers from the Cross-Domain Effects Company (CDEC), 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment (Task Force Gimlet), 25th Infantry Division, participated in a subject matter expert exchange on mortar operations during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, on March 27, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –