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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CSL Receives Approval in Japan for ANDEMBRY® (garadacimab) Subcutaneous (S.C.) Injection 200mg Pens, a Novel Human Anti-Activated Factor XII Monoclonal Antibody for the Prevention of Acute Attacks of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

    Source: CLS Limited

    CSL Receives Approval in Japan for ANDEMBRY® (garadacimab) Subcutaneous (S.C.) Injection 200mg Pens, a Novel Human Anti-Activated Factor XII Monoclonal Antibody for the Prevention of Acute Attacks of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

    • ANDEMBRY® is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody treatment that inhibits activated Factor XII (FXIIa), the initiating factor in the HAE pathway, and offers the first pre-filled pen presentation enabling once-monthly subcutaneous administration
    • The approval is based on the results of the international pivotal Phase 3 VANGUARD trial, which included HAE patients from Japan
    • CSL is dedicated to improving the lives of those with HAE – a community that we have proudly supported for more than 40 years

    TOKYO, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CSL Behring K.K. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Izumi Yoshida) today announced that it has received manufacturing and marketing approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for ANDEMBRY® (garadacimab) Subcutaneous (S.C.) Injection 200mg Pens. The product is approved for the prevention of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and is the first pre-filled pen presentation for once-monthly subcutaneous administration for long-term prophylaxis of HAE. The approval in Japan follows additional recent approvals received in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

    ANDEMBRY is the first fully human monoclonal antibody in Japan designed to inhibit activated Factor XII (Factor XIIa), which initiates the cascade of events leading to angioedema at various sites of the body.

    “ANDEMBRY represents a major advancement in the management of hereditary angioedema, offering people living with this life-threatening condition long-term disease control through a patient-centric and convenient administration method,” said Bill Mezzanotte, MD, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, CSL. “As CSL’s first approved recombinant monoclonal antibody discovered and developed entirely by CSL, ANDEMBRY underscores our more than 40-year commitment to HAE research and treatment optimization. This milestone is the result of decades of dedication, and we extend our gratitude to the colleagues, physicians and patients who made this possible for HAE patients and CSL.”

    HAE is a rare, chronic, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening genetic disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable attacks of angioedema. Attacks are often painful and can occur in multiple sites of the body, including the abdomen, larynx, face, and extremities. HAE is designated as one of Japan’s intractable diseases under the category of “Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome.” Reports indicate that approximately 430 patients in Japan are currently diagnosed and receiving treatment. According to global data, the prevalence of HAE is estimated to be 1 in 50,000 people, suggesting there may be approximately 2,500 patients in Japan.

    The approval of ANDEMBRY is based on the efficacy and safety data from the pivotal international Phase 3 VANGUARD trial and its open-label extension study. The detailed results of the VANGUARD trial were published in The Lancet in April 2023 and the primary results of the ongoing open-label extension study were published in Allergy (October 2024). A plain language summary of the VANGUARD trial findings has also been published to facilitate understanding of patients and caregivers of the clinical trial data. This summary is accessible in multiple languages, including English and Japanese.

    “ANDEMBRY is a breakthrough therapy as the first and only treatment targeting activated Factor XII, the key initiator of HAE attacks,” said Dr. Rose Fida, Executive Director and Regional Lead, CSL R&D Japan & China. “With its novel mechanism, once-monthly subcutaneous dosing and easy-to-use pre-filled pen, ANDEMBRY is set to transform the way HAE is managed in Japan.”

    About ANDEMBRY® (garadacimab)
    ANDEMBRY (garadacimab) is a novel Factor XIIa-inhibitory monoclonal antibody (anti-FXIIa mAb) that has completed Phase 3 clinical development as a new type of once-monthly subcutaneous prophylactic treatment for attacks related to HAE, a form of bradykinin-mediated angioedema. ANDEMBRY is CSL’s first homegrown recombinant monoclonal antibody to gain approval. It was discovered and optimized by scientists at CSL’s Bio21-based research site, with formulation and manufacturing for the clinical programs completed at the CSL Broadmeadows Biotech Manufacturing Facility. ANDEMBRY uniquely inhibits the plasma protein, FXIIa. When FXII is activated, it initiates the cascade of events leading to edema formation. By targeting FXIIa, ANDEMBRY inhibits this cascade at the top as compared to other HAE therapies that target downstream mediators.

    As of February 2025, ANDEMBRY® has been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on January 14, 2025, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on January 24, 2025, and by the European Union’s European Commission (EC) on February 10, 2025.

    About “ANDEMBRY® S.C. Injection 200mg Pens”

    Trade name

    ANDEMBRY® S.C. Injection 200mg Pens

    Indications or effects

    Prevention of acute attacks of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

    Dosage and administration

    In general, administer subcutaneously the initial loading dose 400 mg of Garadacimab (Genetical Recombination), followed by 200 mg once a month for adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.

    Date of approval

    February 20, 2025

    Manufacturing and marketing

    CSL Behring K.K.

    About CSL Behring K.K.
    CSL Behring is a global leader in developing and delivering high-quality medicines that treat people with rare and serious diseases. In Japan, our core focus areas include immunology and rare diseases, hemophilia, as well as critical care and hemostasis.
    For more information, please visit https://www.cslbehring.co.jp.

    About CSL
    CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) is a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency and nephrology. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL – including our three businesses: CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor – provides lifesaving products to patients in more than 100 countries and employs 32,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest.

    Media Contact
    Valerie Bomberger, CSL
    Office: +1 610-291-5388 
    Mobile: +1 267-280-3829 
    Email: valerie.bomberger@cslbehring.com 

    In Australia: 
    Brett Foley, CSL
    Mobile: +61 461 464 708
    Email: brett.foley@csl.com.au

    Investor Relations:
    Chris Cooper, CSL
    Mobile: +61 455 022 740
    Email: chris.cooper@csl.com.au

    SOURCE CSL

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s threats on Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine and Panama revive old-school US imperialism of dominating other nations by force, after decades of nuclear deterrence

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Monica Duffy Toft, Professor of International Politics and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

    Imperialist rhetoric is becoming a mark of President Donald Trump’s second term. From asserting that the U.S. will “take over” the Gaza Strip, Greenland and the Panama Canal to apparently siding with Russia in its war on Ukraine, Trump’s comments suggest a return to an old imperialist style of forcing foreign lands under American control.

    Imperialism is when a nation extends its power through territorial acquisition, economic dominance or political influence. Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives.

    The term “empire” often evokes the Romans, the Mughals or the British, but the U.S. is an imperial power, too. In the 19th and early 20th century, American presidents expanded U.S. territory westward across the continent and, later, overseas, acquiring Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, Guam and the Philippines.

    After that, outright territorial conquest mostly ceased, but the U.S. did not give up imperialism. As I trace in my 2023 book, “Dying by the Sword,” the country instead embraced a subtler, more strategic kind of expansionism. In this veiled imperialism, the U.S. exerted its global influence through economic, political and threatened military means, not direct confrontation.

    Embracing traditional U.S. imperialism would upend the rules that have kept the globe relatively stable since World War II. As an expert on U.S. foreign policy, I fear that would unleash fear, chaos – and possibly nuclear war.

    No redrawing borders

    One of the most fundamental principles of this post-war international system is the concept of sovereignty – the idea that a nation’s borders should remain intact.

    The United Nations Charter, signed in San Francisco in 1945, explicitly bars countries from obtaining territory through force. Outright annexation or territorial takeover is considered a direct violation of international law.

    Work by the late political scientist Mark Zacher outlines how, since World War II, the international community – including the U.S. – has largely upheld this standard.

    But imperialism still shapes world politics.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is a blatant instance of imperial ambition justified by alleged historical grievances and national security concerns. Russia’s invasion set a dangerous precedent by undermining the principle that borders can’t be changed by force and that countries shouldn’t resort to aggression.

    Putin’s precedent, in turn, has raised concerns that another great power may attempt to forcibly redraw international borders.

    Take China, for example. President Xi Jinping has become increasingly aggressive toward Taiwan since 2019. If Putin’s invasion culminates with Russia successfully annexing parts of Ukraine – which the Trump administration has agreed with Russia should be part of any settlement – Xi may follow through on his threats to invade Taiwan.

    Respect for national sovereignty has made the world more stable and less violent.

    The decline of traditional imperialism after World War II led to a flourishing of independent nation-states. As former colonial powers gradually relinquished control of their holdings in the second half of the 20th century – voluntarily or after losing wars of independence – the number of sovereign countries increased dramatically. The U.N. had 51 member countries in 1945 and over 150 by 1970.

    The U.N. was founded on the idea that people of all countries should have a say in how they build their own futures. Today, 197 countries try to work together through the U.N. on a wide range of global issues, including defending human rights and reducing global poverty.

    When a major power like the U.S. openly embraces imperialist rhetoric, it further weakens the already fragile rules that keep this delicate collaboration working.

    Nonviolent imperialism

    Imperialism does not require military force. Great powers still exert influence over weaker nations, shaping their behavior through economic might and wealth, diplomacy and strategic alliances.

    The U.S. has long engaged in this form of influence. It has often pursued its imperialist agenda in what I would call a more “gentlemanly manner” than historical empires with their bloody physical conquests.

    During the Cold War, for example, the U.S. established extensive dominance over much of the globe. In Latin America and the Middle East, it used economic aid, military alliances and ideological persuasion rather than outright territorial expansion to exert its control. Russia did the same in Eastern Europe and its other spheres of influence.

    Demonstrators in Panama City insist ‘Panama Canal is Not For Sale’ following Donald Trump’s threats to seize the canal, Jan. 20, 2025.
    Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images

    Today, China excels at nonviolent imperialism. Its Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure construction project launched in 2013, has created deep economic dependencies among partner nations in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Trade and diplomatic ties between China and those regions are much closer today as a result.

    Nuclear era

    A critical distinction between imperialism past and present is the presence of nuclear weapons.

    In previous eras, great powers frequently fought wars to expand their influence and settle disputes. Countries could attempt to seize territory with little risk to their survival, even in defeat.

    The sheer destructive potential of nuclear arsenals has changed this calculus. The Cold War doctrine of mutually assured destruction guarantees that if one country launches a nuclear weapon, it will quickly become the target of nuclear counterattack: annihilation for all sides.

    Any major war between nuclear-armed nations now carries the risk of massive, potentially planetary, destruction. This makes direct conquest an irrational, even suicidal strategy rather than a calculated political maneuver.

    And it makes Trump’s old-school imperial rhetoric particularly dangerous.

    If the U.S. tried to annex foreign territory, it would almost certainly provoke serious international conflict. That’s especially true of the most strategic places Trump has threatened to “take over,” like the Panama Canal, which links 1,920 ports across 170 countries.

    These imperialist threats, even if they’re not intended as serious policy proposals, are already ratcheting up global tensions.

    Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino — a pro-American ally — has flatly ruled out negotiating with the U.S. over control of the Panama Canal. Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, says its territory of Greenland is “not for sale.” And Palestinians in Gaza, for their part, fiercely reject Trump’s plan to move all of them out and turn their homeland into a “Middle East Riviera,” as have neighboring Arab countries, which could be expected to absorb millions of displaced Palestinians.

    Rhetoric shapes perception, and perception influences behavior. When an American president floats acquiring foreign territories as a viable policy option, it signals to both allies and enemies that the U.S. is no longer committed to the international order that has achieved relative global stability for the past 75 years.

    With wars raging in the Middle East and Europe, this is a risky time for reckless rhetoric.

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

    – ref. Trump’s threats on Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine and Panama revive old-school US imperialism of dominating other nations by force, after decades of nuclear deterrence – https://theconversation.com/trumps-threats-on-greenland-gaza-ukraine-and-panama-revive-old-school-us-imperialism-of-dominating-other-nations-by-force-after-decades-of-nuclear-deterrence-249327

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s move to closer ties with Russia does not mean betrayal of Ukraine, yet – in his first term, Trump was pretty tough on Putin

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tatsiana Kulakevich, Associate Professor of Instruction in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, University of South Florida

    Traditional Russian wooden nesting dolls depict U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a gift shop in Moscow on Feb. 13, 2025. Tatyana Makeyeva/AFP via Getty Images

    The United States’ steadfast allegiance to Ukraine during that country’s three-year war against Russia appears to be quickly disintegrating under the Trump administration. President Donald Trump on Feb. 19, 2025, called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator” and falsely blamed him for the war that Russia initiated as part of a land grab in the countries’ border regions.

    Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said on Feb. 19 that Trump is trapped in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “disinformation space.”

    The intensifying bitterness comes as the U.S. and Russia started talks in Saudi Arabia, without including Ukraine, on how to end the conflict.

    The U.S. and Russia have long been adversaries, and the U.S., to date, has given Ukraine more than US$183 billion to help fight against Russia. But that funding came when Joe Biden was president. Trump does not appear to be similarly inclined toward Ukraine.

    Amy Lieberman, a politics editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Tatsiana Kulakevich, a scholar of Eastern European politics and international relations, to understand the implications of this sudden shift in U.S.-Russia policy under Trump.

    Kulakevich sees Trump’s moves that could be perceived as self-interested as instead part of a calculated strategy in preliminary discussions.

    An airplane passenger reads a Financial Times article about U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 19, 2025.
    Horacio Villalobos Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

    Can you explain the current dynamic between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia?

    People should not panic because the U.S. and Russia are only holding exploratory talks. We should not call them peace talks, per se, at least not yet. It was to be expected that Ukraine was not invited to the talks in Saudi Arabia because there is nothing to talk about yet. We don’t know what the U.S. and Russia are actually discussing besides agreeing to restore the normal functioning of each other’s diplomatic missions.

    People are perceiving the U.S. and Russia as being in love. However, Trump’s Russia policy has been more hawkish than often portrayed in the media. Looking at the record from the previous Trump administration, we can see that if something is not in the interests of the U.S., that is not going to be done. Trump does not do favors.

    He approved anti-tank missile sales to Ukraine in 2019. That same year, Trump withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, an agreement with Russia that limited what weapons each country could purchase, over Russian violations.

    In 2019, Trump also issued economic sanctions against a Russian ship involved in building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. These sanctions tried to block Russia’s direct gas exports to Germany – this connection between Russia and Germany was seen by Ukraine as an economic threat.

    Based on Trump’s talks with Russia and remarks against Ukraine, it could seem like the U.S. and Russia are no longer adversaries. How do you perceive this?

    There are no clear indications that Russia and the U.S. have ceased to be adversaries. Despite Trump’s occasional use of terms like “friends” in diplomacy, his rhetoric often serves as a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine shift in alliances. A key example is his engagement with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, where Trump alternated between flattery and threats to extract concessions.

    Even if the U.S. is meeting with Russia and the public narrative seems to say otherwise, strategically, abandoning Ukraine is not in the United States’ best interests. One reason why is because the U.S. turning away from Ukraine would make Russia happy and China happy. Trump has treated China as a primary threat to the U.S., and China has supported Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also still saying that everyone, including Ukraine, will be at the table for eventual peace talks.

    The allegations that Russia was holding some information over Trump and blackmailing him started long before this presidential term and did not stop Trump from imposing countermeasures on Russia during his first term. The first Trump administration took more than 50 policy actions to counter Moscow, primarily in the form of public statements and sanctions.

    What does the U.S. gain from developing a diplomatic relationship with Russia?

    Trump is a transactional politician. American companies could profit from the U.S. aligning with Russia and Russian companies, as some Russian officials have said during the recent Saudi Arabia talks with the Trump administration. But the U.S. could also benefit economically from the Trump’s administration’s proposed deal with Ukraine to give the U.S. half of Ukraine’s estimated $11.5 trillion in rare earth minerals.

    Zelenskyy rejected that proposal this week, saying it does not come with the promise that the U.S. will continue to give security guarantees to Ukraine.

    Historically, since the Cold War, there has been a diplomatic triangle between the Soviet Union – later Russia – China and the U.S. And there has always been one side fighting against the two other sides. Trump trying to develop a better diplomatic relationship with Russia might mean he is trying to distance Russia from China.

    A similar dynamic is playing out between the U.S. and Belarus’ authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, a co-aggressor in the war in Ukraine. Lukashenko is close with both Russia and China. The U.S. administration is looking to relax sanctions on Belarusian banks and exports of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer, in exchange for the release of Belarusian political opposition members who are imprisoned. There are over 1,200 political prisoners in Belarus. This U.S. foreign policy strategy is aimed at providing Lukashenko with room to grow less economically dependent on Russia and China.

    A worker clears snow from a cemetery in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Feb. 17, 2025. More than 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in combat since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
    Pierre Crom/Getty Images

    Is this level of collaboration between the U.S. and Russia unprecedented?

    While U.S.-Russia relations are often defined by rivalry, history shows that pragmatic cooperation has occurred when both nations saw mutual benefits – whether this relates to arms control, space, counterterrorism, Arctic affairs or health.

    Moreover, the U.S. has always prioritized its own interests in its relationship with Russia. For example, the U.S. and its allies imposed sanctions on Russia’s uranium and nickel industries only in May 2024, over two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This was due to the United States’ strategic economic dependencies and concerns about market stability if it sanctioned uranium and nickel.

    Even after Russia invaded Crimea – an area of Ukraine that Russia claims as its own – in 2014 and provided support for Russian separatists in Ukraine’s Donbass region, the U.S. and other Western countries imposed largely symbolic sanctions. This included freezing assets of Russian individuals, restricting some financial transactions and limiting Russia’s access to Western technology.

    We should also notice that Trump in January 2025 promised to sanction Russia if it does not end the Ukraine war. The U.S. still has not removed any existing sanctions, which signals its commitment to a tough stance on Russia, despite perceptions of a close relationship between Trump and Putin.

    Given Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, his tough rhetoric on Zelenskyy could be a deliberate negotiation strategy aimed at pressuring Ukraine into making greater concessions in potential peace talks, rather than signaling abandonment.

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

    – ref. Trump’s move to closer ties with Russia does not mean betrayal of Ukraine, yet – in his first term, Trump was pretty tough on Putin – https://theconversation.com/trumps-move-to-closer-ties-with-russia-does-not-mean-betrayal-of-ukraine-yet-in-his-first-term-trump-was-pretty-tough-on-putin-250359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How allies have helped the US gain independence, defend freedom and keep the peace – even as the US did the same for our friends

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

    French Gen. Jean de Rochambeau and American Gen. George Washington giving the last orders in October 1781 for the battle at Yorktown, where the British defeat ended the War of Independence. ‘Siege of Yorktown’ painting, Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images.

    Make Canada angry. Make Mexico angry. Make the members of NATO angry.

    During the first few weeks of the second Trump administration, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a lot of things about longtime allies that caused frustration and outright friction among the leaders of those countries.

    Trump and Vance indeed appear to disdain close alliances, favoring an America First approach to the world. A New York Times headline characterized the relationship between the U.S. and Europe now as “A Strained Alliance.”

    As a former diplomat, I’m aware that how the U.S. treats its allies has been a crucial question in every presidency, since George Washington became the country’s first chief executive. On his way out of that job, Washington said something that Trump, Vance and their fellow America First advocates would probably embrace.

    In what’s known as his “Farewell Address,” Washington warned Americans against “entangling alliances.” Washington wanted America to treat all nations fairly, and warned against both permanent friendships and permanent enemies.

    The irony is that Washington would never have become president without the assistance of the not-yet-United-States’ first ally, France.

    In 1778, after two years of brilliant diplomacy by Benjamin Franklin, the not-yet-United States and the Kingdom of France signed a treaty of alliance as the American Colonies struggled to win their war for independence from Britain.

    France sent soldiers, money and ships to the American revolutionaries. Within three years, after a major intervention by the French fleet, the battle of Yorktown in 1781 effectively ended the war and America was independent.

    Isolationism, then war

    American political leaders largely heeded Washington’s warning against alliances throughout the 1800s. The Atlantic Ocean shielded the young nation from Europe’s problems and many conflicts, and America’s closest neighbors had smaller populations and less military might.

    Aside from the War of 1812, in which the U.S. fought the British, America largely found itself protected from the outside world’s problems.

    That began to change when Europe descended into the brutal trench warfare of World War I.

    Initially, American politicians avoided becoming involved. What would today be called an isolationist movement was strong, and its supporters felt that the war in Europe was being waged for the benefit of big business.

    But it was hard for the U.S.to maintain neutrality. German submarines sank ships crossing the Atlantic carrying American passengers. The economies of some of America’s biggest trading partners were in shreds; the democracies of Britain, France and other European countries were at risk.

    A Boston newspaper headline in 1915 blares the news of a British ocean liner sunk by a German torpedo.
    Serial and Government Publications Division, Library of Congress

    President Woodrow Wilson led the United States into the war in 1917 as an ally of the Western European nations. When he asked Congress for a declaration of war, Wilson touted the value of like-minded allies, saying, “A steadfast concert for peace can never be maintained except by a partnership of democratic nations.” The war was over within 16 months.

    Immediately after the war, the Allies – led by the U.S., France and Britain – stayed together to craft the peace agreements, feed the war-ravaged parts of Europe and intervene in Russia after the Communist Revolution there.

    Prosperity came along with the peace, helping the U.S. quickly develop into a global economic power.

    However, within a few years, American politicians returned to traditional isolationism in political and military matters and continued this attitude well into the 1930s. The worldwide Great Depression that began in 1929 was blamed on vulnerabilities in the global economy, and there was a strong sentiment among Americans that the U.S. should fix its internal problems rather than assist Europe with its problems.

    Alliance counters fascism

    As both Hitler and the Japanese Empire began to attack their neighbors in the late 1930s, it became clear to President Franklin Roosevelt and other American military and political leaders that the U.S. would get caught up in World War II. If nothing else, airplanes had erased America’s ability to hide behind the Atlantic Ocean.

    Though public opinion was divided, the U.S. began sending arms and other assistance to Britain and quietly began military planning with London. This was despite the fact that the U.S. was formally neutral, as the Roosevelt administration was pushing the limits of what a neutral nation can do for friendly nations without becoming a warring party.

    In January of 1941, Roosevelt gave his annual State of the Union speech to Congress. He appeared to prepare the country for possible intervention – both on behalf of allies abroad and for the preservation of American democracy:

    “The future and the safety of our country and of our democracy are overwhelmingly involved in events far beyond our borders. Armed defense of democratic existence is now being gallantly waged in four continents. If that defense fails, all the population and all the resources of Europe, and Asia, and Africa and Australasia will be dominated by conquerors. In times like these it is immature – and incidentally, untrue – for anybody to brag that an unprepared America, single-handed, and with one hand tied behind its back, can hold off the whole world.”

    When the Japanese attacked Hawaii in 1941 and Hitler declared war on the United States, America quickly entered World War II in an alliance with Britain, the Free French and others.
    Throughout the war, the Allies worked as a team on matters large and small. They defeated Germany in three and half years and Japan in less than four.

    As World War II ended, the wartime alliance produced two longer-term partnerships built on the understanding that working together had produced a powerful and effective counter to fascism.

    A ‘news bulletin’ from August 1945 issued by a predecessor of the United Nations.
    Foreign Policy In Focus

    Postwar alliances

    The first of these alliances is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. The original members were the U.S., Canada, Britain, France and others of the wartime Allies. There are now 32 members, including Poland, Hungary and Turkey.

    The aims of NATO were to keep the peace in Europe and contain the growing Communist threat from the Soviet Union. NATO’s supporters feel that, given that the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s and in the Ukraine today are the only major conflicts in Europe in 80 years, the alliance has met its goals well. And NATO troops went to Afghanistan along with the U.S. military after 9/11.

    The other institution created by the wartime Allies is the United Nations.

    The U.N. is many things – a humanitarian aid organization, a forum for countries to raise their issues and a source of international law.

    However, it is also an alliance. The U.N. Security Council on several occasions authorized the use of force by members, such as in the first Gulf War against Iraq. And it has the power to send peacekeeping troops to conflict areas under the U.N. flag.

    Other U.S. allies with treaties or designations by Congress include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, three South American countries and six in the Middle East.

    In addition to these formal alliances, many of the same countries created institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States and the European Union. The U.S. belongs to all of these except the European Union. During my 35-year diplomatic career, I worked with all of these institutions, particularly in efforts to stabilize Africa. They keep the peace and support development efforts with loans and grants.

    Admirers of this postwar liberal international order point to the limited number of major armed conflicts during the past 80 years, the globalized economy and international cooperation on important matters such as disease control and fighting terrorism.
    Detractors point to this system’s inability to stop some very deadly conflicts, such as Vietnam or Ukraine, and the large populations that haven’t done well under globalization as evidence of its flaws.

    The world would look dramatically different without the Allies’ victories in the two World Wars, the stable worldwide economic system and NATO’s and the U.N.’s keeping the world relatively peaceful.

    But the value of allies to Americans, even when they benefit from alliances, appears to have shifted between George Washington’s attitude – avoid them – and that of Franklin D. Roosevelt – go all in … eventually.

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

    – ref. How allies have helped the US gain independence, defend freedom and keep the peace – even as the US did the same for our friends – https://theconversation.com/how-allies-have-helped-the-us-gain-independence-defend-freedom-and-keep-the-peace-even-as-the-us-did-the-same-for-our-friends-248839

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Orion180 Makes Key Executive Moves to Drive Product Growth and Further Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion180, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, today announced it has hired former The Hartford executive Chris DiMartino as Chief Underwriting Officer. In this role, DiMartino will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of underwriting, product development and management across its surplus and personal lines of business.

    DiMartino brings 27 years of experience in underwriting, actuarial science, and product management in commercial and personal lines P&C insurance. Prior to joining Orion180, he served as senior vice president of insurance services at AAA Northeast and held prominent leadership roles in his 20+ years at The Hartford, most recently serving as Head of Product for its $3 billion personal lines business. DiMartino is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and a licensed attorney.

    “Bringing Chris on board marks a pivotal step in our company’s evolution,” said Ken Gregg, CEO and Founder of Orion180. “His deep expertise in underwriting and product management will be critical in enhancing our portfolio as we continue to aggressively grow product lines and expand to other States.”

    Additionally, Orion180 Chief Operations Officer (COO) Ryan Jesenik has been promoted to President, Insurance. In his expanded role, Jesenik will retain his responsibilities as COO while also leading growth strategy, ensuring daily operations align seamlessly with the company’s long-term goals.

    During Jesenik’s tenure as COO, Orion180 has been named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies list for two consecutive years, and he helped grow the company to $263M in in-force premium. He also supported the company’s homeowners, FLEX, and private residential flood insurance product launches, and the release of the innovative MY180 app allowing agents to seamlessly create new quotes and manage their book of business.

    “Ryan has been instrumental in helping Orion180 become one of the fastest growing home insurance companies in the U.S.,” said Gregg. “I look forward to our continued work together, advancing our vision of offering consumers and agents greater choice and unmatched flexibility to meet their everchanging needs.”

    About Orion180
    Orion180 is a customer-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that combines proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices to provide a seamless and premier insurance experience. Orion180 operates through Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines insurance company serving Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado (Flood only), Tennessee (Flood only), Illinois (Flood only) and Arizona, and Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company offering coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Ohio. With its proprietary MY180 platform and third-party integrations, Orion180 offers unmatched efficiency and innovation, fulfilling its vision of becoming the global leader in insurance solutions while maintaining its mission to deliver superior customer experiences and a comprehensive suite of products. Connect with Orion180 on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.Orion180.com.

    Media Contact
    Ross Blume
    Fusion Public Relations
    Orion180@fusionpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DIRECTV Advertising and Magnite Enhance Live Streaming Programmatic Demand During Peak Viewing Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, and DIRECTV Advertising, a pioneer in the converged TV addressable space, are leveraging programmatic demand capabilities to unlock the full potential of live streaming advertising. Magnite and DIRECTV Advertising’s collaboration addresses significant advertising challenges in live streaming, from responding to unpredictable traffic volume to delivering diverse ad experiences.

    Earlier this year, DIRECTV Advertising announced the programmatic enablement of their satellite-connected devices. The unbridling of DIRECTV’s satellite inventory represents greater scale and access to new audiences within linear programming, high-viewership events, and live sports. There’s a clear opportunity with sports, as both viewership and traffic increase during live events, with viewership growing as much as 10X for big games. While high-profile events attract approximately 20% more net-new advertisers, about half of existing and active buyers double their bids when compared to off-peak levels. By matching programmatic demand with real-time traffic surges, DIRECTV and Magnite can effectively manage incremental supply and serve uninterrupted ads during key moments.

    With more regional sports than other pay TV providers, DIRECTV has long been a home for live sports. In early 2025, DIRECTV solidified its position as a sports leader by launching MySports, a bespoke skinny bundle aimed at reaching avid sports fans. DIRECTV is committed to giving viewers the flexibility to choose the right level of service, at the right value, based on their personal interests.

    For advertisers, purchasing live inventory has never been easier, and to further improve the experience, DIRECTV Advertising provides buyers access to rich content metadata signals. Leveraging these signals creates buying transparency and ad relevancy by allowing advertisers access to content at the network, rating, and genre-level. With DIRECTV expanding its premium TV supply, marketers now have access to incremental live sports inventory through Magnite’s platform. DIRECTV will be testing Magnite’s Live Stream Acceleration (LSA) technology, designed to help streaming publishers optimize their live inventory programmatically and surface more opportunities for advertisers.

    “We’re excited to create more opportunities for advertisers to access highly sought after live sports inventory during key demand peaks,” said Ken Ripley, VP, Growth & Marketing at DIRECTV Advertising. “One of the ways we’re delivering this is through the expansion of our programmatically enabled inventory. We’re not only doubling our marketplace supply but unlocking new and unique reach for advertisers. Together with Magnite’s tech solutions, we’re setting new precedents, and paving the way for the future of advanced programmatic execution in live CTV.”

    “By combining our technology that optimizes programmatic advertising in live CTV environments and DIRECTV’s expansive live content footprint, we’re driving better outcomes for advertisers and maintaining a high-quality viewing experience for consumers,” said Mike Laband, Group SVP, Revenue, US at Magnite. “The significant spikes in demand during live sporting events show the untapped potential that media owners should be leaning towards. It’s encouraging to see DIRECTV embracing programmatic demand and offering contextual signals to provide advertisers with more transparency.”

    About Magnite
    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

    About DIRECTV
    DIRECTV Advertising is a pioneer in the converged addressable space, delivering industry leading audience-based, digital, and innovative media solutions. Employing our decades of experience, we empower advertisers to address and engage their audience at scale while continuously measuring campaign impact against brand goals to unlock insights and optimize future campaigns. 

    Media Contact:
    Charlstie Veith
    cveith@magnite.com

    Investor Contact:
    Nick Kormeluk
    nkormeluk@magnite.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 and Annual 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On February 20, 2025, Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights

    The Partnership reported the following results as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2024:

    • Net income of $0.39 per Beneficial Unit Certificate (“BUC”), basic and diluted
    • Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”) of $0.18 per BUC
    • Total assets of $1.58 billion
    • Total Mortgage Revenue Bond (“MRB”) and Governmental Issuer Loan (“GIL”) investments of $1.25 billion

    The difference between reported net income per BUC and CAD per BUC is primarily due to the treatment of unrealized gains on the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized gains of approximately $7.0 million are included in net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Unrealized gains are a result of the impact of increased market interest rates on the calculated fair value of the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized gains and losses do not affect our cash earnings and are added back to net income when calculating the Partnership’s CAD. The Partnership received net cash from its interest rate derivative positions totaling approximately $1.3 million during the fourth quarter.

    The Partnership reported the following results for the year ended December 31, 2024:

    • Net income of $0.76 per BUC, basic and diluted
    • CAD of $0.95 per BUC

    In December 2024, the Partnership announced that the Board of Managers of Greystone AF Manager LLC declared a regular quarterly distribution to the Partnership’s BUC holders of $0.37 per BUC. The distribution was paid on January 31, 2025, to BUC holders of record as of the close of trading on December 31, 2024.

    Management Remarks

    “2024 was a challenging year from a number of different perspectives,” said Kenneth C. Rogozinski, the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer. “The conditions in the multifamily markets, both higher interest rates and operating expenses, presented challenges to our joint venture equity investments. Interest rate volatility also impacted the efficiency of some of our securitization transactions. However, we are encouraged by the opportunities that we are starting to see in 2025. The dedicated pool of capital that we have from the new BlackRock construction lending joint venture is a powerful new tool for us to serve our affordable housing developer relationship base.”

    Recent Investment and Financing Activity

    The Partnership reported the following updates for the fourth quarter of 2024:

    • Advanced funds on MRB and taxable MRB investments totaling $36.8 million.
    • Advanced funds on GIL, taxable GIL and property loan investments totaling $32.0 million.
    • Advanced funds to joint venture equity investments totaling $11.2 million.
    • Received proceeds from the sale of an MRB totaling $11.5 million.
    • Entered into the 2024 PFA Securitization Transaction representing fixed rate, matched term, non-recourse and non-mark to market debt financing totaling $75.4 million.

    In January 2025, the Partnership received proceeds from the sale of Vantage at Tomball located in Tomball, Texas, totaling $14.2 million, inclusive of the Partnership’s initial investment commitment made in August 2020. The Partnership estimates it will not recognize any gain, loss, or CAD upon sale.

    Investment Portfolio Updates

    The Partnership announced the following updates regarding its investment portfolio:

    • All MRB and GIL investments are current on contractual principal and interest payments and the Partnership has received no requests for forbearance of contractual principal and interest payments from borrowers as of December 31, 2024.
    • The Partnership continues to execute its hedging strategy, primarily through interest rate swaps, to reduce the impact of changing market interest rates. The Partnership received net payments under its interest rate swap portfolio of approximately $1.3 million and $6.5 million during the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively. From January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024, the Partnership received net swap payments totaling $12.3 million or approximately $0.53 per BUC.
    • Six joint venture equity investment properties have completed construction, with three properties having previously achieved 90% occupancy. Four of the Partnership’s joint venture equity investments are currently under construction or in development, with none having experienced material supply chain disruptions for either construction materials or labor to date.

    Earnings Webcast & Conference Call

    The Partnership will host a conference call for investors on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Partnership’s Fourth Quarter and full-year 2024 results.

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer session, participants may dial-in toll free at (877) 407-8813. International participants may dial-in at +1 (201) 689-8521. No pin or code number is needed.

    The call is also being webcast live in listen-only mode. The webcast can be accessed via the Partnership’s website under “Events & Presentations” or via the following link:
    https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=T0wdPGmd

    It is recommended that you join 15 minutes before the conference call begins (although you may register, dial-in or access the webcast at any time during the call).

    A recorded replay of the webcast will be made available on the Partnership’s Investor Relations website at http://www.ghiinvestors.com.

    About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

    Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP was formed in 1998 under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing for affordable multifamily, seniors and student housing properties. The Partnership is pursuing a business strategy of acquiring additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments on a leveraged basis. The Partnership expects and believes the interest earned on these mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership seeks to achieve its investment growth strategy by investing in additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments as permitted by its Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 5, 2022 (the “Partnership Agreement”), taking advantage of attractive financing structures available in the securities market, and entering into interest rate risk management instruments. Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP press releases are available at www.ghiinvestors.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this press release are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include, but are not limited to, phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans, or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Partnership. The Partnership cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied, or projected by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: defaults on the mortgage loans securing our mortgage revenue bonds and governmental issuer loans; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; risks associated with investing in multifamily, student, senior citizen residential properties and commercial properties; general economic, geopolitical, and financial conditions, including the current and future impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and international conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war) on business operations, employment, and financial conditions; uncertain conditions within the domestic and international macroeconomic environment, including monetary and fiscal policy and conditions in the investment, credit, interest rate, and derivatives markets; adverse reactions in U.S. financial markets related to actions of foreign central banks or the economic performance of foreign economies, including in particular China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the general condition of the real estate markets in the regions in which the Partnership operates, which may be unfavorably impacted by pressures in the commercial real estate sector, incrementally higher unemployment rates, persistent elevated inflation levels, and other factors; changes in interest rates and credit spreads, as well as the success of any hedging strategies the Partnership may undertake in relation to such changes, and the effect such changes may have on the relative spreads between the yield on investments and cost of financing; the aggregate effect of elevated inflation levels over the past several years, spurred by multiple factors including expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, higher commodity prices, a tight labor market, and low residential vacancy rates, which may result in continued elevated interest rate levels and increased market volatility; the Partnership’s ability to access debt and equity capital to finance its assets; current maturities of the Partnership’s financing arrangements and the Partnership’s ability to renew or refinance such financing arrangements; local, regional, national and international economic and credit market conditions; recapture of previously issued Low Income Housing Tax Credits in accordance with Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; geographic concentration of properties related to investments held by the Partnership; changes in the U.S. corporate tax code and other government regulations affecting the Partnership’s business; and the other risks detailed in the Partnership’s SEC filings (including but not limited to, the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

    If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, the developments and future events concerning the Partnership set forth in this press release may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and beliefs to change. The Partnership assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless obligated to do so under the federal securities laws.

    GREYSTONE HOUSING IMPACT INVESTORS LP
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     For the Years Ended December 31,
        2024     2023     2024     2023    
    Revenues:                                
      Investment income $ 20,056,000     $ 20,010,343     $ 80,976,706     $ 82,266,198    
      Other interest income   2,199,643       1,034,638       9,509,307       17,756,044    
      Property revenues   –               –       4,567,506    
      Other income   330,381       60,702       785,386       310,916    
    Total revenues   22,586,024       25,184,617       91,271,399       104,900,664    
    Expenses:                                
      Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)   –       573,255       –       2,663,868    
      Provision for credit losses (Note 10)   (24,000 )     (466,000 )     (1,036,308 )     (2,347,000 )  
      Depreciation and amortization   5,967       313,626       23,867       1,537,448    
      Interest expense   15,840,620       16,849,384       60,032,007       69,066,763    
      Net result from derivative transactions (Note 15)   (8,239,844 )     7,168,413       (8,495,426 )     (7,371,584 )  
      General and administrative   4,787,849       4,889,014       19,652,622       20,399,489    
    Total expenses   12,370,592       29,327,692       70,176,762       83,948,984    
    Other income:                                
      Gain on sale of real estate assets   –       10,363,363       63,739       10,363,363    
      Gain on sale of mortgage revenue bond   1,207,673       –       2,220,254       –    
      Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated entities   60,858       –       117,844       22,725,398    
      Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities   (1,315,042 )     (17,879 )     (2,140,694 )     (17,879 )  
    Income before income taxes   10,168,921       6,202,409       21,355,780       54,022,562    
      Income tax expense (benefit)   36,398       (1,515 )     32,447       10,866    
    Net income   10,132,523       6,203,924       21,323,333       54,011,696    
      Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion   (741,477 )     (622,590 )     (2,991,671 )     (2,868,578 )  
    Net income available to Partners $ 9,391,046     $ 5,581,334     $ 18,331,662     $ 51,143,118    
                                       
    Net income available to Partners allocated to:                                
      General Partner $ 390,766     $ 75,252     $ 479,602     $ 3,589,447    
      Limited Partners – BUCs   8,937,983       5,472,230       17,587,205       47,209,260    
      Limited Partners – Restricted units   62,297       33,852       264,855       344,411    
        $ 9,391,046     $ 5,581,334     $ 18,331,662     $ 51,143,118    
    BUC holders’ interest in net income per BUC, basic and diluted $ 0.39     $ 0.24   ** $ 0.76   * $ 2.06   **
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic   23,115,162       22,947,795   **   23,071,141   *   22,929,966   **
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, diluted   23,115,162       22,947,795   **   23,071,141   *   22,929,966   **
       
    * The amounts indicated above have been adjusted to reflect the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00417 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of March 28, 2024 on a retroactive basis.
       
    ** On July 31, 2023, the Partnership completed a distribution in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00448 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of June 30, 2023 (the “Second Quarter 2023 BUCs Distribution”). On October 31, 2023, the Partnership completed a distribution in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00418 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of September 29, 2023 (the “Third Quarter 2023 BUCs Distribution”). On January 31, 2024, the Partnership completed a distribution in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00415 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of December 29, 2023 (the “Fourth Quarter 2023 BUCs Distribution”, collectively with the Second Quarter 2023 BUCs Distribution and the Third Quarter BUCs Distribution the “2023 BUCs Distributions”). The amounts indicated above have been adjusted to reflect the 2023 BUCs Distributions on a retroactive basis.
       

    Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures – Cash Available for Distribution

    The Partnership believes that CAD provides relevant information about the Partnership’s operations and is necessary, along with net income, for understanding its operating results. To calculate CAD, the Partnership begins with net income as computed in accordance with GAAP and adjusts for non-cash expenses or income consisting of depreciation expense, amortization expense related to deferred financing costs, amortization of premiums and discounts, fair value adjustments to derivative instruments, provisions for credit and loan losses, impairments on MRBs, GILs, real estate assets and property loans, deferred income tax expense (benefit), and restricted unit compensation expense. The Partnership also adjusts net income for the Partnership’s share of (earnings) losses of investments in unconsolidated entities as such amounts are primarily depreciation expenses and development costs that are expected to be recovered upon an exit event. The Partnership also deducts Tier 2 income (see Note 23 to the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements) distributable to the General Partner as defined in the Partnership Agreement and distributions and accretion for the Preferred Units. Net income is the GAAP measure most comparable to CAD. There is no generally accepted methodology for computing CAD, and the Partnership’s computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other companies. Although the Partnership considers CAD to be a useful measure of the Partnership’s operating performance, CAD is a non-GAAP measure that should not be considered as an alternative to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, or any other measures of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.

    The following table shows the calculation of CAD (and a reconciliation of the Partnership’s net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to CAD) for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (all per BUC amounts are presented giving effect to the BUCs Distributions described in Note 23 of the consolidated financial statements on a retroactive basis for all periods presented):

        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     For the Years Ended December 31,
        2024     2023     2024     2023    
    Net income $ 10,132,523     $ 6,203,924     $ 21,323,333     $ 54,011,696    
    Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net   (6,978,561 )     9,994,292       (2,097,900 )     3,173,398    
    Depreciation and amortization expense   5,967       313,626       23,867       1,537,448    
    Provision for credit losses (1)   (24,000 )     (466,000 )     (867,000 )     (2,347,000 )  
    Reversal of gain on sale of real estate assets (2)   –       (10,363,363 )     –       (10,363,363 )  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs   466,105       710,271       1,653,805       2,461,713    
    Restricted unit compensation expense   436,052       473,127       1,891,633       2,013,736    
    Deferred income taxes   1,164       2,796       2,435       (362 )  
    Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion   (741,477 )     (622,590 )     (2,991,671 )     (2,868,578 )  
    Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner (3)   (309,858 )     (19,439 )     (309,858 )     (3,248,148 )  
    Recovery of prior credit loss (4)   (17,156 )     (17,156 )     (69,000 )     (68,812 )  
    Bond premium, discount and acquisition fee amortization, net
       of cash received    		   (90,310 )     (42,900 )     1,247,066       (182,284 )  
    (Earnings) losses from investments in unconsolidated entities   1,315,042       17,879       2,140,694       17,879    
    Total CAD $ 4,195,491     $ 6,184,467     $ 21,947,404     $ 44,137,323    
                                       
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic   23,115,162       22,947,795       23,071,141       22,929,966    
    Net income per BUC, basic $ 0.39     $ 0.24     $ 0.76     $ 2.06    
    Total CAD per BUC, basic $ 0.18     $ 0.27     $ 0.95     $ 1.92    
    Cash Distributions declared, per BUC $ 0.37     $ 0.367     $ 1.478     $ 1.46    
    BUCs Distributions declared, per BUC (5) $ –     $ 0.07     $ 0.07     $ 0.21    
       
    (1) The adjustments reflect the change in allowances for credit losses which requires the Partnership to update estimates of expected credit losses for its investment portfolio at each reporting date. In connection with the final settlement of the bankruptcy estate of the Provision Center 2014-1 MRB in July 2024, the Partnership recovered approximately $169,000 of its previously recognized allowance credit loss which is not included as an adjustment to net income in the calculation of CAD.
       
    (2) The gain on sale of real estate assets from the sale of the Suites on Paseo MF Property represented a recovery of prior depreciation expense that was not reflected in the Partnership’s previously reported CAD, so the gain on sale was deducted from net income in determining CAD for 2023.
       
    (3) As described in Note 23 to the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements, Net Interest Income representing contingent interest and Net Residual Proceeds representing contingent interest (Tier 2 income) will be distributed 75% to the limited partners and BUC holders, as a class, and 25% to the General Partner. This adjustment represents 25% of Tier 2 income due to the General Partner.
       
      For the year ended December 31, 2024, Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner consisted of approximately $310,000 related to the gain on sale of the Arbors at Hickory Ridge MRB in November 2024.
       
      For the year ended December 31, 2023, Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner consisted of approximately $3.8 million related to the gains on sale of Vantage at Stone Creek and Vantage at Coventry in January 2023 and approximately $813,000 related to the gain on sale of Vantage at Conroe in June 2023, offset by a $1.4 million Tier 2 loss allocable to the General Partner related to the Provision Center 2014-1 MRB realized in January 2023 upon receipt of the majority of expected bankruptcy liquidation proceeds.
       
    (4) The Partnership determined there was a recovery of previously recognized impairment recorded for the Live 929 Apartments Series 2022A MRB prior to January 1, 2023. The Partnership is accreting the recovery of prior credit loss for this MRB into investment income over the term of the MRB consistent with applicable guidance. The accretion of recovery of value is presented as a reduction to current CAD as the original provision for credit loss was an addback for CAD calculation purposes in the period recognized.
       
    (5) The Partnership declared a distribution payable in the form of additional BUCs equal to $0.07 per BUC for outstanding BUCs as of the record date of March 28, 2024.
       
      The Partnership declared three separate distributions during 2023 each payable in the form of additional BUCs equal to $0.07 per BUC for outstanding BUCs as of the record dates of June 30, September 29, and December 29, 2023.
       

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Karen Marotta
    Greystone
    212-896-9149
    Karen.Marotta@greyco.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT:
    Andy Grier
    Investors Relations
    402-952-1235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: The Philippines should stop gambling on the South China Sea issue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese naval and air forces warned off a Philippine C-208 aircraft that intruded illegally into Chinese territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao Tuesday. Clearly, Manila has not ceased making waves in the South China Sea.

    As Manila resorts to various means to pursue its illegal territorial claims, it is undermining peace and stability in the region. The Philippine government should put an end to its irresponsible and dangerous gamble, which may lead to geopolitical confrontation and turn the South China Sea into a conflict flashpoint.

    The Philippines plans to allow more powers from outside the region to build a military presence on its land. It has also repeatedly involved non-regional countries in its so-called joint patrols of the South China Sea. These countries talk of rules, order and freedom of navigation, yet they take actions that infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty and threaten China’s national security.

    When the roar of foreign warships overwhelms the sound of fishing boats, the Philippines’ security gamble risks hollowing out the foundations of regional peace.

    “The Philippines has no major external security threats, but has turned itself into a country that undermines regional peace and stability through a militarization carnival,” said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

    Going back on its word, the Philippines has absurdly used the deployment of the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system as a bargaining chip in discussions on the South China Sea issue. In July 2024, a Philippine Army spokesman told AFP that “it will be shipped out of the country in September or even earlier.”

    This is reminiscent of another case of Manila reneging on its promises. In 1999, Philippine military vessel BRP Sierra Madre was illegally “grounded” on Ren’ai Jiao, which is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. The Philippines repeatedly pledged that it would tow the vessel away, yet it is still there today.

    The territory of the Philippines is defined by a series of international treaties. China’s Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao fall outside of Philippine territory.

    At the heart of the disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines are the Philippines’ invasion and illegal occupation of certain islands and reefs that belong to China’s Nansha Qundao.

    When it comes to resolving these disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines’ tactics — playing the victim and launching smear campaigns — will not work. Military provocations, even in collusion with other countries, will not work either. China will resolutely counter any provocations or infringements that threaten its territorial sovereignty or maritime rights and interests.

    Peace and stability in the South China Sea serve the common interests of countries in the region and around the world. China has always been committed to resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means, and to promoting regional cooperation and development.

    The Philippines should respect the facts of history, abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and consistently and truly honor its commitment to handling its differences with China properly through dialogue and consultation. Becoming a pawn of external forces is not a feasible tactic and could put a country in a more passive position. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vaccination error being probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health today said that it is investigating and following up on an incident in which the pneumococcal vaccine was mistakenly administered to two children who were originally scheduled to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at the Tin Shui Wai Maternal & Child Health Centre (MCHC).

    The department has explained and apologised to the parents of the affected children.

    So far, there has been no adverse reaction in the children, and pediatricians have assessed that the incident would not pose a health risk to them.

    In accordance with the regular monitoring mechanism, the Tin Shui Wai MCHC reviewed the vaccination records at the end of the service session on February 17 and found that the number of vaccines administered during the session between 4pm and 5.30pm that day did not correspond to the number of vaccines that should have been administered.

    Seven children should have received the hepatitis B vaccine during the said period.

    Upon review of the number of vaccines administered, it was found that there were two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine left unused and two extra doses of the 15-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15) that were used. After double-checking the vaccine stock, it was found that two children had been incorrectly immunised with PCV15 during that period.

    A preliminary investigation revealed that the children vaccinated during that period were between one month and seven months old.

    Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP), children receive the first hepatitis B vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by the second and third doses at one month and six months of age respectively; for PCV15, the first two doses should be administered at two months and four months of age, and a booster dose should be given at 12 months of age.

    The department’s healthcare staff contacted the parents of the seven children to apologise and explain the follow-up action.

    Arrangements have also been made for paediatricians to conduct detailed examinations of the children as soon as possible, to provide them with an additional dose of hepatitis B vaccine at an appropriate time, and to complete three doses of PCV15 vaccinations in accordance with the HKCIP.

    The investigation is ongoing. A preliminary probe indicated that the incident was caused by human error.

    The department has instructed all MCHCs to strengthen the training of frontline staff to ensure that they strictly follow the internal guidelines on checking vaccine and patient information before administering vaccines, and verifying the information with the person accompanying the child for vaccination to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

    The department reiterated its sincere apology to those affected. The nursing staff involved in the incident have been suspended from vaccination duties. If any staff misconduct is confirmed, the case will be dealt with in accordance with the established procedures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.19.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Andrew “Andy” Nakahata, of San Francisco, has been appointed Chief Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. Nakahata has been Director and Western Region Head of Public Finance at TD Securities LLC since 2024. He was Managing Director and Regional Head of Public Finance for the West Region at UBS Financial Services Inc. from 2017 to 2024. Nakahata was Managing Director and Head of the West Region at the National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation from 2015 to 2017. He was Director and Co-Head of the Higher Education Group at Citigroup from 2010 to 2015. Nakahata was an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan from 2009 to 2010. He was Vice President of Public Sector and Infrastructure Banking at Goldman Sachs & Co. from 1994 to 2010. Nakahata is Treasurer of the Board of Trustees at San Francisco University High School and member of the Board of Directors of Asian Americans in Public Finance. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Wesleyan University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $186,876. Nakahata is a Democrat.

    Diane Lydon, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director and Northern California Regional Advisor at the Office of the Small Business Advocate. Lydon has been a Business Outreach Manager for the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services at the Department of General Services since 2023, where she was previously a Business Outreach Liaison from 2022 to 2023. She was Education and Training Manager at World Trade Center Northern California from 2019 to 2022. Lydon was a Sales and Business Development Manager at Heart Zones Inc. from 2015 to 2019. She was a Marketing Program Manager at Skopre from 2013 to 2015. Lydon was an Olympic Program Manager at Sportsworks Events LTD from 2004 to 2012. She is a member of the Department of General Services Toastmasters. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $123,600. Lydon is a Democrat.

    Brian Lin Walsh, of Rocklin, has been appointed Principal Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. Lin Walsh has been Director of the Administrative Services Division at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing since 2024. He was Senior Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources from 2022 to 2024, and Labor Relations Officer from 2020 to 2022. Lin Walsh was Labor Relations Manager II at the California Department of Motor Vehicles from 2014 to 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. The position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $153,492. Lin Walsh is a Democrat.

    Joseph Tuggle, of Placerville, has been appointed Warden of Folsom State Prison, where he has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024 and was Chief Deputy Administrator from 2023 to 2024. Tuggle was Acting Chief Deputy Administrator at California Medical Facility from 2022 to 2023. He held several positions at Folsom State Prison from 2000 to 2022, including Correctional Administrator, Correctional Captain, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Sergeant, and Correctional Officer. Tuggle was a Correctional Officer at Pelican Bay State Prison from 1998 to 2000. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Tuggle is a Republican.

    Kelly DeRoss, of Sacramento, has been appointed Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. DeRoss has been Labor Relations Manager II at the California Employment Development Department since 2019. She was Labor Relations Manager I at the California Department of Healthcare Services from 2015 to 2019, where she was previously Labor Relations Specialist from 2013 to 2014. DeRoss held several roles at the California Department of Public Health, including Labor Relations Analyst from 2012 to 2013, Associate Personnel Analyst from 2009 to 2012, and Staff Services Analyst from 2008 to 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Davis. The position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $141,144. DeRoss is a Democrat.

    Jennifer Haley, of Rancho Palos Verdes, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Haley has been President and Chief Executive Officer at Kern Energy since 2018, where she was previously Vice President and General Counsel from 2012 to 2018. She was an Associate at Best Best & Krieger LLP from 2007 to 2012. Haley is the Chair of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Science Center Foundation and Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Haley is registered with no party preference.

    Amelia Tyagi, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Tyagi has been a Managing Director at Sellside Group since 2024, and an Author since 2003. She was Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Business Talent Group from 2005 to 2023. Tyagi was Vice President and Co-Founder of HealthAllies from 1999 to 2001. She was a Consultant at McKinsey & Co. from 1996 to 1999. Tyagi is the Chairperson of her local chapter of Young Presidents Organization, a member of the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles, Fuse Corps, and WildAid and Chairperson Emeritus at Dēmos. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Brown University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Tyagi is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: A court has denied the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters.  NORWALK — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to a court decision…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Steve Jobs, a visionary of global scale, has been nominated to represent California on the American Innovation Coin. The coin, which will be minted by the U.S. Mint, highlights U.S. innovations and innovators, including California’s legacy…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Over the next three years, California will host the NBA All-Star Weekend, X Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX & LXI, and the LA28 Olympics & Paralympics in select regions across the state. SACRAMENTO – As the Bay Area wraps up…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China doubles down on boosting appeal to foreign investment

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

    A policy briefing on expanding high-standard opening up and ensuring foreign investment stability in 2025 is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Feb. 20 — Amid simmering global trade tensions and a surge in protectionism, China is ramping up efforts to expand high-standard opening up and reinforce its appeal to foreign investment, providing the much-needed certainty and opportunity to global businesses.

    From unveiling a comprehensive action plan to attract foreign investment to further easing market access restrictions for investment, China is leveraging its vast domestic market, dynamic innovation and long-term economic resilience to cement its status as a magnet for foreign investment.

    GREATER APPEAL

    “Foreign investment has been a witness and contributor to, as well as beneficiary of China’s reform and opening up,” Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said Thursday at a press conference.

    According to Ling, foreign-invested enterprises now contribute nearly 7 percent of China’s employment, one-seventh of tax revenue and about one-third of its imports and exports.

    Multinationals are optimistic about the long-term prospects of investing in China and have a strong willingness to expand their presence in the country, Zhu Bing, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, said at the press conference.

    Although the foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland remained subdued amid a global downturn, signs of improvement have started to emerge. FDI in the Chinese mainland in actual use totaled 97.59 billion yuan (about 13.61 billion U.S. dollars) in January, up 27.5 percent from the previous month.

    In terms of source countries, FDI from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands and Japan surged 324.4 percent, 104.3 percent, 76.1 percent and 40.7 percent, respectively, last month.

    With vast business opportunities and dynamic innovation, the Chinese market has always been a top priority for multinationals, Zhu said, adding that China, as always, welcomes businesses from all countries to continue increasing investment in China and sharing its development opportunities.

    STRONGER SUPPORT

    Despite rising trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China has stayed committed to expanding high-standard opening up and fostering a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized.

    Amid the country’s latest efforts to encourage foreign investment, a new action plan was unveiled Wednesday to stabilize foreign investment, with 20 specific measures in four aspects, including further expanding market access in various sectors and increasing efforts to promote investment.

    Among the measures, the plan will encourage foreign equity investment in China to attract more high-quality FDI in the country’s listed companies.

    The country will continue expanding its pilot programs to open up fields such as telecommunication and medical services in a timely manner. It will also lift restrictions on domestic loans for foreign-invested enterprises, allowing these firms to use domestic financing for equity investments, according to the plan.

    Since 2024, the country has introduced measures to expand opening up in sectors such as value-added telecommunications and healthcare, completely removed foreign investment access restrictions in manufacturing, and reduced nationwide foreign investment access restrictions from 31 to 29 items.

    Looking forward, Hua Zhong, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said the country would align with high-standard international economic and trade rules in areas including property rights protection, industrial subsidies, environmental standards and government procurement.

    The country is working on expanding the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment, and will release the 2025 edition as soon as possible, Hua said. He noted that the new catalog will include sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech as well as energy saving and environmental protection.

    Zhu said China would further broaden market access by shortening the negative list for investment this year, a move set to benefit all market entities, including foreign companies.

    “With these newly-introduced foreign investment policies taking effect, the ‘magnetic appeal’ of the Chinese market to foreign investment will only grow stronger,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland branches of HK, Macao banks to offer foreign currency bank card services

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

    Mainland branches of HK, Macao banks to offer foreign currency bank card services

    BEIJING, Feb. 20 — The National Financial Regulatory Administration on Thursday authorized mainland branches of Hong Kong and Macao banks to offer foreign currency bank card services.

    The bank branches are also permitted to provide RMB card services for clients other than citizens of the mainland.

    These policies will take effect on March 1.

    The move aims to promote high-standard opening-up, boost financial support for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, deepen financial cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, and improve the quality and efficiency of financial services provided by the mainland branches of Hong Kong and Macao banks.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 45-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under LAF on February 21, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on February 21, 2025, Friday, as under:

    2. Standalone Primary Dealers will be allowed to participate in this auction, along with other eligible participants.

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor (day) Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 75,000 45 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM April 07, 2025
    (Monday)

    3. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2209

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)
    Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)
    *********************************************

         Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at a media session about the Kai Tak Sports Park grand opening ceremony and arrangements for purchasing tickets to the ceremony today (February 20): Reporter: Would the Government do real-name registration to counter ticket scalping? For people from overseas, how could they tune in to the ceremony? Will there be live signal on Youtube, or any other kind of platforms? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: For overseas viewers, they can also view through the apps or through the channels of our different free TV channels, through their apps, through the arrangements. They can watch it together with Hong Kong audience at 9.30pm at home in their countries or in their areas. There is no problem.      For scalping, first of all, we are selling the tickets through URBTIX. We have, of course, a series of different arrangements to ensure that fair arrangements for ticketing will be introduced and implemented. Secondly, it is also important to remind everybody that scalping is actually illegal in respect of shows staged in Kai Tak Sports Park. I invite and I urge all viewers and supporters of the event to get their tickets through the normal channel, through the proper official channel. And if you fail to do so, it doesn’t really matter because we have arranged free TV broadcast that particular night at 9.30pm, so there is no need really for any scalping, or to support these ticketing arrangements. Reporter: What considerations have been made regarding the Government’s deficit for the budget of the ceremony? Second question is, in terms of tickets, where would the proceeds go to? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Without excluding costs, all the proceeds will go to the Community Chest of Hong Kong for charitable use. For the budget, of course, given the size of the Main Stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park and given also the involvement of quite a number of crews, staff members, given the involvement of a series of different settings, and also multi-visual and multimedia channels, we of course have included or reserved sufficient production budget for the event.           But we will also be very mindful of ensuring that we will do it very, very efficiently and effectively. And I have to give special thanks to all the participating artists, actors and performers. Most of them actually do not require us to provide special remuneration aside from the minimum (cost), for example, the make-up or hair-do, the minimum for the performance. We are really, truly grateful for their participation, for their support and for their generosity.           Let me assure everybody that we will be very, very careful to make sure that the opening ceremony would be staged with a reasonable budget. The cost is capped to a minimum, but still (the event is) spectacular and enjoyable.  (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 19:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government posts notices of land resumption and acquisition for Second Phase Development of Yuen Long South New Development Area

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government posts notices of land resumption and acquisition for Second Phase Development of Yuen Long South New Development Area
    Government posts notices of land resumption and acquisition for Second Phase Development of Yuen Long South New Development Area
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Lands Department (LandsD) today (February 20) posted resumption notices and acquisition notices in accordance with relevant ordinances to resume about 56 hectares of private land and acquire about 14.54 square metres of government land being occupied by two graves and four urns for the implementation of the Second Phase Development of the Yuen Long South New Development Area (YLS NDA).      Section 4 of the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Chapter 124), section 4 of the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance (Chapter 130), section 14 of the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Chapter 370) and section 14 of Chapter 370 as applied by section 26 of the Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Regulation (Chapter 358, Subsidiary Legislation AL) will be invoked.      The about 56 hectares of land to be resumed involves a total of 1 231 private lots. The land will revert to the Government three months from the date of the notices (i.e. May 21, 2025). The Government will release ex-gratia land compensation to the relevant land owners after the land reverts to the Government.      The abovementioned land reversion date is the date of reversion of the ownership of the land in the Government. It is not the departure deadline for the affected households and business undertakings. According to the information obtained earlier from the freezing survey, there are a total of about 200 households and about 80 business undertakings within the development boundary of the Second Phase Development of the YLS NDA. According to the project programme, they are scheduled to depart in batches from the third quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2026. The LandsD sent letters to the affected households and business undertakings in June 2023 informing them of the expected departure dates and the compensation and rehousing arrangements for their early preparation. The LandsD and its appointed Community Liaison Service Team will maintain communication with the affected households and business undertakings, and provide updated information in a timely manner. The LandsD will post notices in relevant areas about three months before the departure deadlines of the affected households and business undertakings.      The Government is handling the compensation and rehousing matters of the affected land owners, households and business undertakings at full steam, and will endeavour to arrange rehousing for or release compensation to all eligible persons before the works commence.      The YLS NDA is a southern extension of Yuen Long New Town. According to the revised Recommended Outline Development Plan released in 2020, the YLS NDA will provide about 32 900 housing units accommodating a new population of about 98 700. About 13 700 employment opportunities will also be created.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 19:37

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRIFED enters into MOUs with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia for entrepreneurship development of tribals

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    TRIFED has been taking various visionary steps towards tribal empowerment and to bring the tribal population towards mainstream empowerment. One such initiative in this direction is partnerships of TRIFED with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia to facilitate tribal businesses for elevating lakhs of tribals from the rural India to a mainstream National level.

    Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 19th February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav,’ held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in ensuring the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.

    These MoUs were exchanged by General Managers of TRIFED with Mr. Pradeep Ramachandran, Senior Vice President of Reliance Retail, Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Global CSR Head of HCL Foundation and Ms Aparna Saxena Bhatnagar, CEO of Torajamelo, Indonesia respectively in the presence of Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Managing Director, TRIFED on various aspects leading to the socio-economic development of tribal communities across the country.

    The principal objective of the MoU with Reliance Retail is to supply tribal products in bulk to Reliance Retail; this collaboration will also help to provide sustainable sourcing initiatives, branding, and promotions of tribal products.

     

    The HCL Foundation will assist in establishing long-term collaborations with tribal artisans to provide capacity building and new training to enhance the product portfolio and promotion of existing products through their various platforms.

    The collaboration with Torajamelo will assist in expanding international marketing and sales channels for Indian tribal products in Indonesia. This will not only open up new markets for Indian tribal artisans but also foster a unique cultural exchange between artisans.

    TRIFED has been organizing “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival” to provide direct market access to the tribal master craftsmen and women in large metros and State capitals. The theme of the festival is “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” which represents the basic ethos of tribal life.

    Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, has inaugurated the festival in the August presence of Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, New Delhi and other dignitaries on 16th February 2025.

    With this and several other ventures, TRIFED continues further with its efforts to enable the economic welfare of these communities and bring them closer to mainstream development.

    About TRIFED:

    * TRIFED is an organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, dedicated to the socio-economic development of tribal communities through the marketing development of tribal products.

    About Reliance Retail:

    *Reliance Retail is an Indian retail company and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. Founded in 2006, it is the largest retailer in India regarding revenue. Its retail outlets offer foods, groceries, apparel, footwear, toys, home improvement products, electronic goods, and farm implements and inputs. As of 2023, it has over 245,000 employees at 18,000 store locations in 7,000 towns

    About HCL Foundation:

    *HCL Foundation (HCLF) was established in 2011 as the corporate social responsibility arm of HCL Tech in India. It is a value-driven, not-for-profit organization that thrives in contributing toward national and international development goals, impacting the lives of people and communities through long-term sustainable programs.

    About Torajamelo:

    *TORAJAMELO aims to alleviate poverty by creating a sustainable eco-system focused on women in indigenous rural communities. TORAJAMELO is an ethical fashion lifestyle brand that showcases Indonesia’s stories to the world while catering to both B2B and B2C customers. AHANA by TORAJAMELO was established in 2023 as a movement dedicated to driving the widespread adoption of responsible consumption, enabled by locally curated sustainable brands and products.

    ****

    Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2105016) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister greets the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day. Shri Modi also said that Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich traditions and deep connection to nature. Shri Modi also wished that Arunachal Pradesh may continue to flourish, and may its journey of progress and harmony continue to soar in the years to come.

    The Prime Minister posted on X;

    “Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day! This state is known for its rich traditions and deep connection to nature. The hardworking and dynamic people of Arunachal Pradesh continue to contribute immensely to India’s growth, while their vibrant tribal heritage and breathtaking biodiversity make the state truly special. May Arunachal Pradesh continue to flourish, and may its journey of progress and harmony continue to soar in the years to come.”

     

     

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    (Release ID: 2104997) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Common biomarker for range of Cancers offers potential non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have identified some common metabolites across cancer types like pancreatic and glioma cancer that develops in the glial cells of the brain and spinal cord, suggesting their potential as universal cancer biomarkers. This offers a potential non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis as well as therapeutic strategies for cancer.  

    Aggressive cancers like pancreatic and glioma cancers often diagnosed late and having poor prognoses. Hence there is an urgent need for non-invasive, reliable cancer biomarkers to address significant gaps in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly for aggressive cancers like pancreatic and glioma, which lack early detection methods. Nano messengers (Exosomes), as carriers of tumour-derived metabolites, provide a unique opportunity to explore the tumour microenvironment (TME).

    A team of scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), including Ms. Nandini Bajaj and Dr. Deepika Sharma, have identified metabolites in exosomes derived from pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and glioma cancer cell line, offering potential universal biomarkers resulting in enhanced clinical applicability. Additionally, insights into metabolic interactions within the tumour microenvironment (TME) provide a foundation for targeted therapies.

    The researchers utilized a multi-technique approach combining Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Electron Microscopy (EM), Western Blot (WB), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), untargeted Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), providing a comprehensive characterization of exosomes, surpassing conventional single-method studies. The study advances cancer diagnostics, personalized medicine, and our understanding of cancer progression mechanisms.

    These metabolites identified highlight dysregulated pathways in the tumour microenvironment (TME), also gives insights on how the cancer progresses and enables non-invasive and precise cancer detection and therapeutic targeting.

    The research published in the journal Nanoscale can lead to targeted therapies that disrupt dysregulated metabolic pathways in tumours, enhancing treatment efficacy and potentially reducing side effects. This advancement could significantly improve patient outcomes, especially through personalized, precision medicine approaches.

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2104995) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government to Establish ‘Ambedkar Chair’ and Student Facilities at Mumbai University: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar at ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’

    Source: Government of India

    Government to Establish ‘Ambedkar Chair’ and Student Facilities at Mumbai University: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar at ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’

    Rights Must Be Balanced with Duties: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar

    Mumbai University Has Shaped India’s Legal and Social Landscape: Secretary, Ministery for Social Justice & Empowerment, Amit Yadav

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:13PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 20th February 2025

    Marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed a gathering at the ‘Samvidhan Amrit Mahotsav’ in the University of Mumbai, today. In his keynote address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to furthering the ideals of social justice, equality, and empowerment inspired by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.

    Dr. Kumar highlighted several initiatives designed to uplift the underprivileged and further Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of inclusive growth and equality. “The government will establish an ‘Ambedkar Chair’ at the University of Mumbai, similar to those in other universities, to promote research on Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions and his vision for the nation,” he stated. He further announced plans to set up two new hostels at the university to support students. Additionally, as part of the government’s initiative to assist students from marginalised communities preparing for competitive exams, a dedicated coaching center will be established at Mumbai University, following the successful implementation of similar centers in other institutions.

    In his address, Dr. Kumar also appealed to the youth of India as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, urging them to lead the way in combating substance abuse and to protect not only themselves but also their communities.

    Reflecting on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s profound connection to the University of Mumbai, where he completed his education, Dr. Kumar said, “Dr. Ambedkar’s journey from a student in this very institution to becoming the architect of our Constitution is a testament to his determination and vision for India. His work did not just provide a legal framework but envisioned a social and economic democracy that is still the guiding force behind the government’s policies.”

    The Minister noted how the Constitution not only guarantees fundamental rights but also emphasizes responsibilities. “We must recognise that while we focus on our rights, we must equally embrace our duties towards the society. This balance is essential for the true realisation of the democracy Dr. Ambedkar dreamed of,” he stated. The Union Minister concluded by reiterating Dr. Ambedkar’s belief that “political democracy is incomplete without social and economic democracy,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling these ideals.

    Secretary, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Amit Yadav, in his remarks, stated, “This event is a reminder of the powerful role Mumbai University has played in India’s legal and social evolution. One of the finest leaders this university produced was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who not only earned his degree here but also taught, leaving behind a legacy of change.”

    Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Chandrakant Patil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, Director, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Anil Kumar Patil were also present during the event. The event was attended by students and faculty of the University of Mumbai.

     

    DL/PM

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2104990) Visitor Counter : 75

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister extends greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended warm greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. Shri Modi said that the Mizo culture reflects a beautiful mix of heritage and harmony. He has also wished that Mizoram may continue to prosper, and may its journey of peace, development and progress reach even greater heights in the years to come.

    In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

    “Warm greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day! This vibrant state is known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions and the remarkable warmth of its people. The Mizo culture reflects a beautiful mix of heritage and harmony. May Mizoram continue to prosper, and may its journey of peace, development and progress reach even greater heights in the years to come.”

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    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2104992) Visitor Counter : 77

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI Avatar Creator

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Imagination into Reality

     

    AI Avatars are transforming the digital landscape, offering personalized, interactive, AI-powered digital personas that engage like human influencers across virtual spaces. As this technology evolves, AI avatars are becoming powerful tools in marketing, content creation and entertainment. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Avtr Meta Labs, invites innovators to explore the endless possibilities of AI avatars. A total of 1,251 participants have registered so far, including 102 international entrants.

     This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1 and falls under WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) Pillar 2, which is dedicated to AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse). This event will be held from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre and Jio World Gardens in Mumbai.

    WAVES is a pioneering platform aimed at advancing India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry to new levels of success. WAVES focuses on four key pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation and Films. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge aligns with the AVGC-XR pillar embracing cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and the Metaverse.

    Guidelines

     Before diving into the AI Avatar Creator Challenge take a look at these key details:

    • Participants to be minimum 18 years old and provide a valid ID for age verification.
    • The competition is open to creators worldwide, and you can submit multiple AI avatars as long as each entry is fully AI-generated with unique names and profiles.
    • By participating, you confirm that your AI avatar is an original creation and does not infringe on the rights of other real-life or AI models. Any submissions that copy the work or identity of others without consent will result in disqualification.

    Registration Process

    Participants must register for the contest exclusively through the Avtr Meta Labs website. Click the “Register Interest” button on the site and fill in your details, including your name, contact information, the concept and purpose of your AI Avatar and your location. Be sure to review all the important terms and conditions before applying. The submission deadline for the challenge is 28th February, 2025.

    Evaluation Criteria

    An expert panel will evaluate the AI Avatar Creator Challenge, assessing each entry based on key criteria. Judging will focus on the three core areas: Finesse, Technology, and Purpose.

    A points-based system will score each creator across the three categories, with each entrant given an overall score.

    Prize

    The submissions will be narrowed down to the final Top 10. The top 3 contestants will be invited to present their work at the WAVES 2025 summit, where they can showcase their projects to industry experts. The winner will receive a cash prize of INR 100,000, and all Top 10 entries will receive a certificate of participation from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

    By being named a winner or runner-up, the participant agrees to grant permission to use their AI Avatar’s imagery and associated social media channels in marketing materials, including Press/PR, paid advertising, social media, and online platforms, indefinitely.

    References:

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2104987) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STL visits Guangzhou to meet relevant Guangdong Province authorities (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, visited Guangzhou today (February 20) and met with local government officials to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

         Upon arrival, Ms Chan met with the Director of the Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, Mr Lin Feiming, and Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Mr Guo Xiangyang respectively, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission. They exchanged views on various matters, including the operation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and promoting and driving the flow of people and goods between Hong Kong and Guangdong. She also visited local transportation facilities to learn about their operations.

         Ms Chan said, “Hong Kong has always been maintaining close ties with Guangdong Province, and strives to pursue innovation in cross-boundary transport policies and promote the development of a ‘one-hour living circle’ in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in July 2023 has been well received by its citizens. As at mid-February this year, around 80 000 Hong Kong private cars have obtained valid permits for travelling to Guangdong, which means one in every six eligible private cars has joined the scheme.”

         Ms Chan expressed her gratitude for the ongoing and strong support from various units of Guangdong Province to the continuous enhancements of the scheme, providing citizens with a better and more convenient travel experience. The HKSAR Government will continue to explore with different units of the Mainland the implementation arrangements for allowing Guangdong private cars to travel to Hong Kong. The details are expected to be announced in due course.

         Ms Chan concluded her duty visit and returned to Hong Kong tonight.            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launches Digital License for Pilots

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launches Digital License for Pilots

    India becomes Second Country to Launch Electronic Personnel License (EPL) in Civil Aviation

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 3:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu today launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots, a ground-breaking initiative set to modernize and enhance the safety, security and efficiency of India’s civil aviation sector. With this advancement, India becomes the second country globally to implement this advanced system, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

    The EPL is a digital version of a personnel license that will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots. It will be securely accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application, ensuring a seamless and transparent process in alignment with the Government of India’s “Ease of Doing Business” and “Digital India” initiatives.

    The introduction of EPL follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While major global aviation leaders, are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has successfully taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.

    The Union Minister remarked, “With the unprecedented growth of India’s aviation sector, we will need approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. Pilots are the backbone of civil aviation, and with eGCA and EPL, we are leveraging innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance their comfort and employability globally, while providing real-time access to their credentials to support security operations.”

    Prior to this implementation, DGCA was issuing licenses to the Pilots in the smart card format and had issued 62000 card licenses till date. The total licenses issued in the year 2024 requiring printed cards stand at approximately 20,000 which is average of 1,667 cards per month. With the launch of EPL, the need for printed cards will be reduced in a phased manner, significantly streamlining the licensing process. Additionally, this shift will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability by reducing paper and plastic usage.

    The Minister, also highlighted other transformative initiatives for reshaping Indian aviation through digital innovation and making operations more efficient. Key advancements include the eGCA platform for streamlined licensing, the Digital Sky Platform for drones, and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations.

    The introduction of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots represents a significant milestone in establishing a globally recognized regulatory framework. It strengthens India’s position as a global leader in aviation innovation and ensuring a more robust and tamper-proof licensing system.

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    Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2104977) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CityQuest: Shades of Bharat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

    A Card Game That Brings India’s Urban Development to Life

    Introduction

    WAVES City Quest: Shades of Bharat is an innovative educational game that brings India’s urban development to life through a fun and engaging experience. Designed to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for urban planning, the game educates players on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by NITI Aayog.

    Developed by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, this card-based game allows players to compare 56 cities across India based on key development indicators such as cleanliness, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By competing to score points based on a city’s strengths, participants gain insights into urban challenges and progress while reliving the nostalgia of childhood trump card games. As of 15th February 2025, an impressive 1,920 participants have registered for CityQuest.

    City Quest: Shades of Bharat is a key component of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Taking place from 1-4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai, WAVES is a landmark platform designed to propel India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry to greater heights. WAVES is Built on four key pillars i.e. Broadcasting & Infotainment, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. This challenge falls under Pillar 2: AVGC-XR, which delves into immersive storytelling and interactive experiences. By blending technology with creativity, this pillar showcases gaming, animation, and extended reality advancements, offering industry leaders and stakeholders new frontiers to explore.

    With over 73,000 registrations, the Create in India Challenges have catalysed creativity and innovation, engaging aspiring and professional creators from diverse backgrounds.

    Eligibility and Participation Timeline

    How to Play: Rules of CityQuest

     

    • Player vs. Vishwakarma (AI): The player and Vishwakarma (AI) each receive a deck of 11 randomly shuffled cards from a total of 56 city cards.
    • Deal: At the start of the game, both players are dealt 11 face-down city cards.
    • Reveal: In each round, both the player and the AI reveal the top city card from their respective decks. The player who won the previous round chooses the comparison parameter first.
    • Compare: Each card features six parameters, such as Cleanliness, Population, and Education. The player selects a parameter to compare against the AI’s card.
    • Scoring: Earn +1 point for winning a hand, +0.5 points for a tie, and an additional +0.5 points for consecutive wins.
    • Winning the Game: After 11 rounds, the player with the highest total score is declared the winner.

     

    Prize Categories

    Leaderboard Overview

    Once the game concludes, scores are updated on a dynamic leaderboard. There are three types of leaderboards:

    References:

    Click here to see PDF.

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2104964) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Defence signs ₹697.35 Cr contracts with ACE Ltd & JCB India Ltd for procurement of 1868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Truck for Armed Forces

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with M/s ACE Limited and M/s JCB India Limited in presence of Defence Secretary Shri R K Singh for procurement of quantity 1868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Truck (RTFLT) at a total cost of ₹697.35 crore for Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Indian Navy.

    Rough Terrain Fork Lift Truck (RTFLT) is a critical equipment which will assist in various combat and logistics support tasks by avoiding manual handling of enormous number of stores and thus enhancing the operational effectiveness of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

    The present case being a Buy (Indian) case will enhance national defence equipment manufacturing capabilities. This project has immense potential of direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging MSME sector through component’s manufacturing. The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising India’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries, which will be a proud flag-bearer of ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat’.

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    SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2104951) Visitor Counter : 102

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Oost-Vlaanderen Province in Belgium suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Oost-Vlaanderen Province in Belgium suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from Oost-Vlaanderen Province in Belgium suspended
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         ​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 20) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Oost-Vlaanderen Province in Belgium, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat and eggs were imported into Hong Kong from Belgium last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Belgian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 17:25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Arrangements for purchasing tickets to KTSP Grand Opening Ceremony announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) Grand Opening Ceremony will be held at Kai Tak Stadium at 6.30pm on March 1.
          
         The Government has arranged 8 500 tickets of the Grand Opening Ceremony for sale on a first-come, first-served basis at URBTIX from 10am tomorrow (February 21). Each ticket will incur a nominal fee of $10 (handling charge included), and a maximum of two tickets can be purchased at a time. All ticket proceeds, without deducting the handling charge, will be donated to the Community Chest of Hong Kong for charity purposes.
          
         Those who successfully purchase tickets for the Grand Opening Ceremony must bring the e-voucher and identity documents to redeem physical tickets at Kai Tak Arena in KTSP on either next Thursday (February 27), Friday (February 28), or the event day next Saturday (March 1).
          
         The Government appeals to those who successfully purchase tickets to make time for redeeming them next Thursday and Friday. Audience members who redeem tickets on the day of the Grand Opening Ceremony (March 1) are advised to allow sufficient time for the ticket redemption procedures to ensure timely admission to the event.
          
         Please visit www.urbtix.hk/event-detail/13042/ for ticketing details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices by travel agency

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices by travel agency
    Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices by travel agency
    *****************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs today (February 20) arrested a male director and a female staff member of a travel agency who were suspected of having applied a false trade description in the course of providing air ticket pre-order services, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).     Customs earlier received information from members of the public that, after ordering air tickets through a travel agency, they were informed that the tickets could not be provided. A female staff member advised them to purchase the air tickets themselves, assuring them that the agency would cover the costs. However, the complainants failed to retrieve the costs, and the total amount involved was approximately $250,000.     After an investigation, Customs officers conducted an enforcement operation and arrested a 75-year-old male director and a 62-year-old female staff member of the company.      The investigation is ongoing, and the two arrested persons were held for questioning.     Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase services from reputable shops.      Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied or offered to be supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 17:05

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of two persons and injuries to two others while cleaning a septic tank in Nandigram Block of Vekutia village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal

    Source: Government of India

    NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of two persons and injuries to two others while cleaning a septic tank in Nandigram Block of Vekutia village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal

    Issues notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Purba Medinipur calling for a detailed report within two weeks

    The report is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as compensation, if any paid to the next of kin of the deceased persons

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 2:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of the media report that two persons died and two others of the same family got injured after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a septic tank in Nandigram Block of Vekutia village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal.

    The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal calling for a detailed report within two weeks.

    The report is expected to include the status of the investigation of the cases as well as compensation, if any paid to the next of kin of the deceased persons.

    According to the media report, carried on 16th February, 2025, the person who first entered the septic tank to clean it cried for help after inhaling poisonous gas. Hearing his cries, three of his family members rushed to rescue him but they also inhaled the toxic gas and lost consciousness. All four were rushed to the hospital but only two of them survived.

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    NSK

    (Release ID: 2104941) Visitor Counter : 40

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets President of Xinhua News Agency (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE meets President of Xinhua News Agency (with photo)
    CE meets President of Xinhua News Agency (with photo)
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         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the President of the Xinhua News Agency, Mr Fu Hua, at Government House today (February 20) to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government and the Xinhua News Agency. Also attending the meeting were the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, and the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu.           Mr Lee welcomed Mr Fu and his delegation to Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that the Xinhua News Agency, the country’s national news agency, is an influential world-class media organisation with a global network for news and information collection. He expressed gratitude to the Xinhua News Agency for its comprehensive coverage of Hong Kong news over the years, including major policies and measures of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and for disseminating the latest and most accurate information about Hong Kong to the world promptly and professionally, enabling overseas companies, investors, talent, and tourists to understand the actual developments in Hong Kong and to accurately recognise the city’s real and positive image.           Noting that a series of major events will be held in Hong Kong this year, Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, reinforce the city’s connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, and actively explore new economic growth points. The Hong Kong SAR Government will also continue to work with the Xinhua News Agency to tell the good stories of China and Hong Kong and enhance co-operation in publicity.      

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 17:00

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