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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Nine Individuals Sentenced to 378 Combined Years in Federal Prison for Running Armed Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    EVANSVILE- 29 defendants have been sentenced to a combined 378 years in federal prison for their roles in a large methamphetamine and fentanyl drug trafficking organization that operated in Southern Indiana.

    According to court documents, between January 2020 and November 2021, the following 29 individuals conspired together to distribute a total of nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamine and over three kilograms of fentanyl. This investigation led to the seizure of over 80 pounds of methamphetamine, over 560 grams of fentanyl, and $240,000 in United States currency.

    Jeramey Smith served as the leader of the drug trafficking operation. Smith began obtaining multiple pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine from Julian Green in early 2020 until April of 2021 when he changed his source of supply to a cartel linked individual based in Houston, Texas. In June of 2021, Smith was robbed of a large amount of cash and was unable to pay his supplier for the lost product. Smith resorted back to Green to obtain the crystal methamphetamine.

    DeJarnett was one of Smith’s top methamphetamine customers, often purchasing up to 20 pounds at a time. After Smith obtained the methamphetamine from either Green or his Mexican source of supply, he then distributed the methamphetamine to mid -level distributors in Indianapolis and Evansville.   

    In September 2021, Smith branched out to also begin selling large quantities of fentanyl-laced pills. Smith would obtain fentanyl powder from Markey and/or Moore, who would then press the powder into pills. Smith then used his same distributors to distribute the fentanyl throughout Southern Indiana. Law enforcement seized an automated pill press during the course of the investigation. Smith also used violence and intimidation to further his drug business by having his distributors robbed of their drug proceeds at gun point.

    Additionally, several members of the drug trafficking used firearms to protect themselves and their profits. In total, law enforcement officers seized over 30 firearms from the defendants during court-authorized searches at multiple locations in Indianapolis and Evansville.

    The charges and sentences are described below:

    Defendant Charge(s) Prison Sentence
    Jeramey Smith, 35
    Indianapolis, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery

    240 months (20 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Julian Green, 36

    Indianapolis, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    210 months (17.5 years)

    Indianapolis, IN

    Hannah Kissel, 28

    Indianapolis, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    97 months (8 years)

    3 years supervised release

    Jordan Wilson, 41

    Evansville, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    216 months (15.7 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Timothy Rice, 35

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    204 months (17 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Archilles Johnson, 40

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Deonte Howard, 36

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Julie Hunt, 37

    Petersburg, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    60 months (5 years)

    3 years supervised release

    Torrance Mimms, 34

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Keisha Jewell, 40

    Princeton, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    108 years (9 years)

    3 years supervised release

    Davion Hays, 38

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    144 months (12 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Jason Mitchell, 43

    Henderson, KY

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    204 months (17 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Denny Taylor, 49

    Princeton, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Aaron Hardiman, 42

    Princeton, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

    120 months (10 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Roman Wills, 43

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Michael Sanders, 48

    Owensboro, KY

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    168 months (14 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Gregory Snyder, 62

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    36 months (3 years)

    4 years supervised release

    Joshua Gahagan, 41

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Gregory Markey, 35

    Indianapolis, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    168 months (14 years)

    5 years supervised release

    L.C. Moore, II, 31

    Indianapolis, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

    120 months (5 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Dominique Baquet, 31

    Indianapolis, IN

    		 Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery

    57 months (4.7 years)

    3 years supervised release

    Antonio DeJarnett, 36

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    264 months (22 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Ryan Pinkston, 42

    Evansville, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Felon in Possession of Ammunition

    240 months (20 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Robert Embry, 46

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    60 months (5 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Becky Edwards, 39

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    120 months (10 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Edward Meredith, 59

    Evansville, IN

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    120 months (10 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Joshua Wilson, 33

    Evansville, IN

    		 Use of a Communication Facility with the Intent to Commit or Facilitate the Distribution of Methamphetamine

    30 months (2.5 years)

    No supervised release

    Tabitha Seabeck, 32

    Henderson, KY

    		 Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    180 months (15 years)

    5 years supervised release

    Zachary Addison, 42

    Evansville, IN

    Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    300 months (25 years)

    5 years supervised release

    “The members of this conspiracy will spend decades in federal prison for pumping pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl onto our streets,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Drug use devastates so many families and kills hundreds of Hoosiers every year. That’s why we will work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle armed organizations trafficking in deadly drugs. The sentences imposed in this case demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting the public from these dangerous criminals.”

    “Dismantling a major drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing multi-hundred-pound quantities of methamphetamine and kilogram quantities of fentanyl onto the streets of Indiana was a big win for law enforcement. Because of the exceptional collaborative efforts by law enforcement, we were able to achieve this remarkable outcome,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon. “This investigation was a wonderful victory for all Hoosiers and sends a crystal-clear message to major drug dealers we will continue working together with our partners to dismantle their illicit operations.”   

    “This sentencing is a significant victory in the relentless fight against the trafficking of deadly drugs and underscores the FBI’s commitment to pursue those who wreak havoc on our communities through their illegal drug trade,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who endanger public safety and contribute to this crisis are held accountable.”

    “I would like to thank the dedicated Evansville Police Officers and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as our federal partners in the DEA and US Attorney’s Office for their roles in getting these individuals off our streets. The manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl have brought death and destruction to our communities and have done irreversible damage to families in the worst way possible. This community will not tolerate that kind of behavior and illegal activity, and we will use every resource available to us to stop it and put dealers behind bars.”

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Evansville Resident Office, with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force, DEA Indianapolis and Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force providing valuable assistance. The sentenced were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.

    Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Wheatley and Jeremy Kemper, who prosecuted this case. 

    According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

    One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Fraudster Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $3 Million and Five Indianapolis Homes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    EVANSVILLE— James Henley, 35, of Greenwood, Indiana, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, two counts of money laundering, and eight counts of wire fraud. Henley has also been ordered to pay $1,887,426.63 in restitution.

    According to court documents, over the course of three years, Henley orchestrated multiple large and complex fraud schemes, resulting in a total loss of $2,927,758.95 to individual homeowners, an Indiana attorney, a bank, and ten state governments. As part of his fraud schemes, Henley registered five fake businesses (OnTrack Real Estate Solutions, LDI Investments Corp, Lucario Investments, 317 Traffic, and Henley Real Estate Solutions) with the states of Indiana and Kentucky, claiming to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for most of them. None of the businesses were legitimate. Instead, Henley used the businesses to mask his identity, make his schemes appear more credible, and launder the stolen money.

    Henley’s schemes are broken down as follows:

    COVID-19 Fraud:

    Between May 2020 and March 2021, James Henley, his wife Jameka Henley, and his associate Jimmie Bickers used the stolen personally identifiable information of 76 real individuals to submit 120 unemployment insurance applications to ten states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the applications were approved, the trio used 65 unemployment insurance debit cards to make purchases at retailers and withdraw cash at ATMs in the Evansville and Indianapolis areas. The states paid a total of $1,119,426.63 in unemployment benefits in connection with the group’s fraudulent applications.  In July 2020, Henley used funds withdrawn from ATMs to buy a Chevrolet Camaro for $22,801.

    Bickers and Jameka Henley have been formally charged for their roles in this scheme but have not pleaded guilty.

    Home Title Fraud:

    Between December 2021 and May 2023, Henley stole five homes in Indianapolis by filing fraudulent deeds with the Marion County Recorder’s Office. Through the filings, Henley claimed that the homeowners had sold their homes to his fake businesses, but, in reality, he had never even spoken with the homeowners.  Unbeknownst to the victims, Henley filed these fraudulent deeds and then sold the homes for significantly less than their market value, pocketing more than $260,000 in profits.

    Henley also attempted to steal and sell an additional 14 homes in Indianapolis and Evansville.  With one exception, the individuals who bought the homes from Henley took possession and ultimately kept the homes.

    For one homeowner, the property Henley stole was her childhood home. She purchased the home while her mother was in the hospital with the hope that, when her mother’s condition improved, her mother would be able to live out her remaining years in the house.

    Mortgage Fraud:

    In November 2021, an associate of Henley’s purchased a home in Indianapolis, using a mortgage loan from a bank.  In April 2022, Henley filed a fraudulent document with the Marion County Recorder’s Office to make it seem as if the mortgage loan had been paid off, when it had not been paid. Henley then filed a deed naming himself a joint owner of the home. Henley and his associate subsequently sold the property for $255,000, pocketing all the proceeds, even though the bank should have received the majority of the funds.

    Auto Loan Fraud:

    In March 2023, Henley purchased a Dodge Durango in Indianapolis for $71,479, using an auto loan from Everwise Credit Union. A few months later, in June 2023, Henley purchased a Chevrolet Silverado in Plainfield for $54,270, using a second loan from Everwise Credit Union.

    In October 2023, Henley connected a JPMorgan Chase bank account to his auto loans, via Everwise’s online payment portal.  Henley falsely represented that the Chase account belonged to Jimmie Bickers, and that he had authority to make payments on his loans using funds from the Chase account.

    The Chase account was actually an Indiana attorney’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA), which is a highly regulated bank account used by lawyers to hold client funds.  The interest earned on IOLTA accounts is used to fund grants for nonprofit groups that promote pro bono and access to justice programs. Henley did not have the attorney’s permission to access or withdraw funds from the IOLTA account.

    Between October and November 2023, Henley used the IOLTA account to make two payments, totaling $98,000, toward his auto loans.

    Henley has prior felony convictions for financial crimes, including theft, forgery, and fraud.

    “James Henley went to great lengths to coordinate exceptionally greedy, complex schemes that exploited hard-working families and state government programs,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Undeterred by prior felony convictions for the same conduct, this defendant stole over a million dollars, wreaking financial and logistical havoc on hundreds of victims. The Department of Justice will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of fraud and seek prosecution as appropriate.”

    “James Henley filed fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims in the names of identity theft victims in order to receive UI benefits to which he was not entitled. He enriched himself by defrauding a program that was intended to assist struggling American workers during an unprecedented global pandemic,” said Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “We and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program.”

    “This lengthy prison sentence sends a clear message: individuals who attempt to exploit and commit financial crime and identity theft will be brought to justice,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation and our fellow law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the integrity of our financial institutions and will continue to hold criminals like James Henley accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “This case should serve as a powerful reminder that individuals with a history of financial crimes will face significant consequences when they demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and continue to exploit and deceive others for personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold those who perpetuate such offenses accountable and protect the public from those who manipulate the system for their own benefit.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office Homeowner Protection Unit investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew B. Brookman.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller, who prosecuted this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID‑19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID‑19  can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Lion Copper and Gold Corp. to Present at the Metals and Mining Virtual Investor Conference February 13th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lion Copper and Gold Corp. (CSE:LEO), focused on The Yerington Copper Project, today announced that John Banning, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, will present live at the Metals and Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 13th, 2025

    DATE: February 13th
    TIME: 11:00 AM ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/3WOG3zt
    Available for 1×1 meetings: February 12-13

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Lion Copper and Gold Provides a Yerington Copper Project Pre-Feasibility Study Update
    • Lion Copper and Gold Receives US$5 Million Additional Nuton Funding

    About Lion Copper and Gold Corp.

    Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based company advancing its flagship copper assets in Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton, a Rio Tinto venture. The Company’s goal is to develop the Yerington Copper Project so as to achieve the lowest footprint copper production. We believe this can be accomplished by applying the Nuton technology and through proactive engagement with the local communities and Indian Tribes to earn our social license to operate a world-class copper mine in Mason Valley.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Lion Copper and Gold Corp.
    John Banning
    Chief Operating Officer and Vice President
    775 471 3685
    jbanning@lioncg.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: US additional duty rejected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong disapproval of the imposition of additional 10% duty on Hong Kong products set out in the Federal Register notice of the US Customs & Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, and the temporary suspension of inbound postal items containing goods from Hongkong Post by the US Postal Service.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government said the US’ imposition of additional duty on Hong Kong products ignores the basic fact that Hong Kong is a separate customs territory, which is recognised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and clearly stipulated in the Basic Law Article 116.

    It highlighted that Hong Kong has been a staunch supporter of rule-based multilateral trading system, maintaining constructive and mutually beneficial trade relations with trading partners all over the world, including the US.

    As a founding member of the WTO, the Hong Kong SAR has all along been upholding the principle of free and unimpeded trade. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly opposes any attempts to undermine the city’s reputation and erode its status as a separate customs territory.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government urged the US to take urgent action to rectify the notice as well as lift the suspension of accepting inbound postal items containing goods from Hongkong Post as a matter of priority.

    It emphasised that if the US does not rectify its wrongdoing, the Hong Kong SAR Government will take all possible actions to defend the city’s legitimate interests, including considering taking up the matter in the WTO.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Double Your Deposit and Get $50 Bonus with 100x Leverage Crypto Trading at BexBack – No KYC!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the price of bitcoin once again trading below $100,000, many analysts believe it will enter a long period of high volatility. Holding spot positions may not continue to generate profits in the short term. BexBack Exchange is stepping up its efforts to provide traders with irresistible preferential packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and a 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d7570e1-dd49-41f2-bb56-fdde6bb57717

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b704fe83-5d72-424f-8e4d-faedb85932fd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1489dbf-1cba-4388-8bb7-dd56cd0dd96f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3653b677-5659-44e3-b40f-346380acd8ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RealtyX Revolutionizes Real-World Asset Finance (RWAfi) with End-to-End Tokenization and Yield Optimization Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RealtyX, an innovative Real-World Asset Finance (RWAfi) platform, is poised to transform the real estate and financial landscape by offering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that goes beyond simple tokenization. Backed by strategic partnerships with leading RWA players and selected for the prestigious Hong Kong Cyberport Incubation Program, RealtyX is preparing for its highly anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE) in February.

    Unlocking the Full Potential of RWAfi

    Tokenization has long been heralded as the future of real estate and alternative assets, but RealtyX is taking the concept to the next level. Rather than focusing solely on asset digitization, RealtyX provides a holistic financial ecosystem that enhances liquidity, enables seamless trading, and optimizes yield for investors.

    RealtyX’s platform integrates automated passive earning mechanisms and DeFi composability, allowing users to generate consistent returns while ensuring accessibility and transparency in real-world asset investments. By streamlining complex real estate processes, RealtyX delivers a frictionless experience for both investors and asset owners, increasing overall market efficiency.

    “RealtyX was built with a singular vision: to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and decentralized finance in a way that is seamless, scalable, and rewarding for all stakeholders. Our goal is to offer more than tokenization— we are redefining the entire financial ecosystem around real-world assets,” said [Executive Name], [Title] at RealtyX.

    Strategic Partnerships with Industry Leaders

    RealtyX’s commitment to innovation is underscored by its partnerships with top-tier RWA projects and DeFi leaders. These partnerships enable RealtyX to offer superior liquidity, capital efficiency, and enhanced financial instruments for users. Some of its key industry allies include:

    • Plume Network – A blockchain optimized for real-world assets, ensuring scalable and secure transactions.
    • IX Swap – A DeFi-based exchange that enhances secondary market liquidity for tokenized assets.
    • Polytrade – A liquidity infrastructure provider supporting DeFi and real-world asset integration.
    • Defactor – A leading RWA protocol focused on providing enterprise-grade financial solutions.

    By collaborating with these major players, RealtyX ensures that its users gain access to high-quality infrastructure, cutting-edge DeFi tools, and diversified investment opportunities.

    RealtyX Joins Hong Kong’s Cyberport Incubation Program

    In recognition of its groundbreaking approach, RealtyX has been selected for the Hong Kong Cyberport Incubation Program, a highly competitive initiative known for supporting some of the most innovative Web3 and fintech startups. Cyberport alumni include Animoca Brands and Certik, both industry giants in their respective fields.

    Through this program, RealtyX will gain access to world-class mentorship, funding opportunities, and a vast network of investors and innovators. Cyberport’s backing further solidifies RealtyX’s reputation as a trailblazer in the RWAfi space and positions it for rapid global expansion.

    Utility-Backed TGE: RealtyX Prepares for Token Generation Event

    RealtyX is gearing up for its Token Generation Event (TGE) in February, introducing the RX token, a utility-backed asset designed to fuel the RealtyX ecosystem. Unlike speculative digital assets, RX serves a critical role in the platform, offering:

    • Exclusive platform access – RX token holders will unlock premium features and investment opportunities.
    • Governance participation – Token holders will have a voice in key decision-making processes.
    • Staking and rewards – RX stakers can earn passive income through yield optimization mechanisms.

    The TGE will provide early adopters with a unique opportunity to be part of the RealtyX ecosystem from its inception, with further details set to be announced soon.

    RealtyX’s Vision for the Future of RWAfi

    RealtyX is dedicated to pioneering the future of Real-World Asset Finance by building a trusted and efficient platform that seamlessly integrates blockchain technology with real estate investments. Since its inception, the platform has already achieved significant milestones, including:

    • Successful tokenization of the first real estate property (RST) in Dubai.
    • Ongoing rental income distribution to RST holders.
    • Launch of a thriving secondary market for on-chain property transactions.
    • Winning the WOW Summit Startup Competition.
    • Acceptance into the SpringX Move Accelerator program.

    With a strong foundation and unwavering commitment to bridging traditional finance with the Web3 economy, RealtyX is set to redefine how real-world assets are tokenized, managed, and monetized.

    Stay Updated

    To learn more about RealtyX and its game-changing approach to Real-World Asset Finance (RWAfi), visit www.realtyx.co.

    For the latest updates on the upcoming TGE, follow RealtyX on X (Twitter): https://x.com/RealtyX_DAO.

    About RealtyX

    RealtyX is a next-generation Real-World Asset Finance (RWAfi) platform, designed to seamlessly integrate real estate and DeFi. With a focus on tokenization, liquidity solutions, and yield optimization, RealtyX empowers investors with enhanced access to real-world assets. Recognized for its innovation and strategic industry partnerships, RealtyX continues to lead the charge in bringing tangible value to blockchain-based finance.

    For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or further details, contact partnership@realtyx.co

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by RealtyX. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6799bba8-3cfa-46c4-a57d-5877e8cdddf6

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3597b473-34fd-45d4-9eab-f5e561058632

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6215eb83-0127-48cf-a5ab-599c7359affe

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is Trump’s preferential treatment of Russia shifting? Because there’s nothing in it for him

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    When Donald Trump assumed power in the United States for a second time, it was initially assumed that it didn’t bode well for Ukraine.

    During his first term, Trump maintained questionable connections to Russia. Furthermore, his claim that he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a day — with Russia still occupying much of Ukraine — led many analysts to believe that any such policy would favour the Russians.



    Read more:
    Can Trump deliver on his promise to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

    These fears, at least so far, have not come to pass. In Trump’s inaugural address, many of the items he highlighted on the campaign trail figured prominently.

    Noticeably absent, however, was Ukraine. When it comes to Trump’s “America First,” philosophy, Ukraine and Russia have seemingly lost significance.

    Strategy of distraction

    Trump, with his bombastic nature, dominates the media cycle. His proclamations, social media statements threats and insults occur with such regularity that it’s difficult for anyone to keep pace.

    Just as one news item comes into focus, a new comment or ultimatum overtakes it.

    In many ways, this works to Trump’s advantage. People can be too distracted by the latest outlandish statement to pay close attention as Trump pursues his ambitious domestic policy goals. Lost in the media turmoil of Trump’s executive orders, tariff threats and heightened deportation campaign has been a shift on Russia and Ukraine.

    Ukraine, for Trump, is a secondary concern. His priorities, first and foremost, are domestic and aimed at remaking America.

    As such, rather than being driven by any foreign policy goals, Trump’s engagement with Ukraine and Russia will be determined by how he perceives he can benefit domestically in return. His calculations, in this regard, appear to have shifted.

    Complicated relationship with Ukraine

    Trump’s relationship with Ukraine during his first term was, to put it mildly, difficult. His infatuation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Russia’s open disdain for Ukraine, caused him to largely ignore the country.

    When he did pay attention to Ukraine, it was as part of an effort to acquire information to damage his presumed political rival, former president Joe Biden. This effort resulted in Trump withholding aid from Ukraine unless it acquiesced to his demands.

    Trump’s position on Ukraine, however, has shifted over time. His antagonistic relationship with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has seemingly improved.

    While there are still tension points, most notably when Zelenskyy visited Pennsylvania during the U.S. presidential election campaign, Trump has moderated his comments on his Ukrainian counterpart. Ukraine’s purchase of American equipment and ammunition, furthermore, supports Trump’s focus on domestic production.

    Lastly, Trump has expressed interest in accessing Ukraine’s rare earth metals. China currently dominates the rare earth metal market, which puts the U.S. at a disadvantage due to the minerals’ importance for future technological innovation. That means Trump has a stake in Ukraine’s future.

    These developments don’t mean the relationship is perfect. Instead, Trump is unlikely to be a burden to Ukraine, and this development is in part due to his declining view of Putin.

    Trump/Putin relationship

    The initial assumption of many analysts when Trump came to power again was that he would immediately favour Putin. The close relationship between the two is well-documented, and has been open to considerable speculation as to why Trump courted such favour with Putin in his first term.

    Trump, however, has upped his rhetoric against Russia since assuming the presidency. First, he threatened Putin with additional economic sanctions. Second, he stated that he would like OPEC to increase oil production and therefore inhibit Russia’s war effort by undermining its primary source of revenue.

    Why the pivot? It likely goes to the core foundation of Trump’s persona: he likes winners. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia and Putin have displayed considerable weakness in execution during the war. The Russian military, once feared globally, has largely proven to be a paper tiger.

    While Russia still has several advantages in the war, it is only doing so by leveraging its future. According to Trump, Russia is in “big trouble” in terms of its economic woes. Trump is not alone in this view. Analysts, as well as perhaps Putin himself, recognize the serious challenges facing the Russian economy.

    It’s not just economically that Russia has leveraged its future. To avoid straining the Russian people, Putin has reached a deal with North Korea, which is providing soldiers for the war against Ukraine.



    Read more:
    Amid the West’s wavering aid to Ukraine, North Korea backs Russia in a mutually beneficial move

    Furthermore, Russia has deepened ties with Iran in exchange for Iranian drones.

    What Putin has provided North Korea and Iran in exchange for these soldiers is unclear. That said, Russia can only provide any technological exchanges for these soldiers and drones one time, as once shared, the same technology cannot be part of other arrangements. This reality limits Russia’s influence in the years ahead.

    The new art of the deal?

    Trump, almost certainly, wants to make a peace deal on Ukraine. It would burnish his reputation as a statesman while simultaneously demonstrating American strength and influence to the world at a minimal cost to the U.S.

    The terms of that deal, however, have shifted in the face of Russian weakness.

    That’s why it’s not surprising that the mercurial Trump has pivoted his stance on Russia. Until Russia can display the strength that Trump thought it possessed, he’s unlikely to do the Russians any favours in the future.

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

    – ref. Why is Trump’s preferential treatment of Russia shifting? Because there’s nothing in it for him – https://theconversation.com/why-is-trumps-preferential-treatment-of-russia-shifting-because-theres-nothing-in-it-for-him-248365

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Expands Insurance Solutions Group with the Hire of Joe Metzger as Managing Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, is pleased to announce that Joe Metzger has joined the firm as a Managing Director in its Insurance Solutions Group, as the firm continues to expand its capabilities to meet the insurance industry’s unique investment needs.

    Mr. Metzger brings nearly two decades of financial services and insurance industry experience, including prior roles at Guardian Life and TIAA-CREF. He has a distinguished track record at the intersection of insurance and alternative investments, including sourcing, structuring, and executing transactions between insurance carriers and alternative asset managers.

    “We are excited to welcome Joe to our team,” said Michael Sacks, Chairman and CEO of GCM Grosvenor. “His extensive experience and proven success in unlocking value for insurers will be instrumental in advancing our capabilities and providing partnership opportunities that can meet the unique needs of our insurance clients.”

    GCM Grosvenor’s Insurance Solutions Group offers customized and turnkey alternative investment solutions tailored to the unique needs of global insurance companies. The team employs a broad range of innovative strategies to deliver capital-efficient products and opportunities.

    For more information about GCM Grosvenor and its Insurance Solutions Group, please visit www.gcmgrosvenor.com/insurance-solutions.

    About GCM Grosvenor

    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform. GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

    Media Contact

    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck
    H/Advisors Abernathy (on behalf of GCM Grosvenor)
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rapid GenAI Application Adoption Drives New Era of Application and Infrastructure Modernization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nutanix study reveals that GenAI is changing organizations priorities, with security and privacy being a primary concern

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, today announced the findings of its seventh annual Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) survey and research report, which measures global enterprise progress with cloud adoption. This year’s report sheds light on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) adoption, investment priorities, and benefits along with key challenges organizations face to meet the demands of these emerging workloads.

    As GenAI application adoption and implementation move at a blazing pace, the ECI uncovered that while the majority of organizations have already implemented a GenAI strategy, implementation targets vary significantly. Organizations are eager to leverage GenAI for productivity, automation, and innovation, but they also face critical hurdles in the form of data security, compliance, and IT infrastructure modernization. Further, 90% of respondents expect their IT costs to rise due to GenAI and modern application implementation. But promisingly, 70% of organizations expect to make a return on their investment from GenAI projects over the next two to three years.

    “Many organizations have reached an inflection point with GenAI implementation and deployment,” said Lee Caswell, SVP, Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix. “This year’s ECI revealed key trends that we’re hearing from customers as well, including challenges with scaling GenAI workloads from development to production, new requirements GenAI creates for data governance, privacy, and visibility, and integration with existing IT infrastructure. To successfully unlock ROI with GenAI projects, organizations need to take a holistic approach to modernizing applications and infrastructure and embrace containerization.”

    Key findings from this year’s report include:

    • Application containerization is the new infrastructure standard. Nearly 90% of organizations report that at least some of their applications are now containerized, and this number is expected to grow with the rapid adoption of new application workloads like GenAI. Simply put, 94% of respondents agree that their organization benefits from adopting cloud native applications/containers. This approach to infrastructure and application development should be considered the gold standard for delivering seamless, secure access to data across hybrid and multicloud environments.
    • GenAI application adoption and implementation continue at a rapid pace. Over 80% of organizations have already implemented a GenAI strategy with only 2% of organizations admitting that they have not started planning their GenAI strategy. That said, implementation targets vary significantly. Most organizations believe GenAI solutions will help improve their organization’s levels of productivity, automation, and efficiency. Meanwhile, real-world GenAI use cases gravitate towards customer support and experience solutions today. However, organizations aspire to apply GenAI solutions to cybersecurity and data protection workloads in the near future.
    • GenAI adoption will challenge traditional norms for data security and privacy. 95% of respondents agree that GenAI is changing their organization’s priorities, with security and privacy being a primary concern. Over 90% of organizations say data privacy is a priority for their organization when implementing GenAI solutions. Clearly, organizations understand that security and privacy are critical components of GenAI success. However, a staggering 95% of respondents still believe their organization could be doing more to secure its GenAI models and applications. Security and privacy will remain a major challenge for organizations as they seek to justify the use of emerging, GenAI-based solutions and ensure that they adhere to traditional security norms, as well as new requirements for data governance, privacy, and visibility.
    • Infrastructure modernization to support GenAI at scale. Running cloud native applications at enterprise scale requires an infrastructure that can support the necessary requirements including security, data integrity and resilience. Emerging GenAI applications are no exception to this rule. Almost all respondents (98%) face challenges when it comes to scaling GenAI workloads from development to production. In fact, the #1 challenge organizations face when scaling GenAI workloads from development into production is integration with existing IT infrastructure. As a result, IT Infrastructure was chosen as the #1 area of investment needed to support GenAI.
    • GenAI solution adoption requires changes to technology and people. 52% of respondents say their organization needs to invest in IT training to support GenAI. Similarly, 48% of respondents believe their organization needs to hire new IT talent to support GenAI. There is no denying organizations face acute skills shortages and competition for GenAI-related talent. The good news? Many teams will embrace the challenge to adopt AI-related competencies and skills organically, as part of normal work. This year’s survey shows that 53% of respondents believe advancements in GenAI will provide them with an opportunity to become an AI expert.

    For the seventh consecutive year, Nutanix commissioned a global research study to learn about the state of global enterprise cloud deployments, application containerization trends, and GenAI application adoption. In the Fall of 2024, U.K. researcher Vanson Bourne surveyed 1,500 IT and DevOps/Platform Engineering decision-makers around the world. The respondent base spanned multiple industries, business sizes, and geographies, including North and South America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific-Japan (APJ) region.

    To learn more about the report and findings, please download the full seventh Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Index, here.

    About Nutanix
    Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running applications and managing data, anywhere. With Nutanix, companies can reduce complexity and simplify operations, freeing them to focus on their business outcomes. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is trusted by companies worldwide to power hybrid multicloud environments consistently, simply, and cost-effectively. Learn more at www.nutanix.com or follow us on social media @nutanix.

    © 2025 Nutanix, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutanix, the Nutanix logo, and all Nutanix product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of Nutanix, Inc. (“Nutanix”) in the United States and other countries. Other brand names or marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s). This press release is for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes a warranty or other binding commitment by Nutanix. This release contains express and implied forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and are instead based on Nutanix’s current expectations, estimates and beliefs. The accuracy of such statements involves risks and uncertainties and depends upon future events, including those that may be beyond Nutanix’s control, and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by such statements. Any forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Nutanix assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise any of such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CFEC Releases Results of October 2024 Foreign Exchange Volume Survey

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Canadian Foreign Exchange Committee (CFEC) released today the results of its October 2024 semi-annual survey of foreign exchange volumes in Canada. The purpose of the survey is to provide information on the size and structure of the foreign exchange and foreign exchange derivatives markets in Canada. Volumes are broken down by product, currency, counterparty, maturity and execution method. The eight banks with the largest foreign exchange sales activity in Canada participate.

    The summary highlights of the October 2024 survey include the following:

    • The monthly turnover in October of traditional foreign exchange products (defined as spot transactions, outright forwards and foreign exchange swaps) totaled about US$4.5 trillion. On an average daily basis, total turnover increased by 14.7 per cent to US$204.6 billion from April 2024.
    • Spot transactions increased by 28.0 per cent to US$25.9 billion on an average daily basis from April 2024. Outright forwards increased by 9.7 per cent to US$21.7 billion and foreign exchange swaps increased by 13.5 per cent to US$156.9 billion over the same period.
    • The monthly turnover of foreign exchange derivatives (currency swaps and options) totaled US$427 billion in October. On an average daily basis, derivatives turnover decreased by 5.5 per cent to US$19.4 billion from April 2024.
    • Currency swaps turnover decreased 3.6 per cent to US$14.3 billion and currency options turnover decreased by 10.5 per cent to US$5.1 billion on an average daily basis from April 2024.
    • Compared with the survey from one year ago, the average daily turnover of traditional foreign exchange products increased by 25.2 per cent, and foreign exchange derivatives increased by 46.4 per cent.

    The detailed results of the survey are presented in the summary tables attached. 

    Notes

    CFEC is an industry group composed of senior representatives from financial institutions actively involved in the foreign exchange market in Canada and the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar market globally. Formed in 1989, its objective is to provide a forum for the regular discussion of issues and developments pertinent to the foreign exchange market, including the review of market practices and procedures. The Bank of Canada chairs CFEC and provides secretariat services to the Committee.

    The Bank of Canada also co-ordinates the CFEC survey on behalf of the market participants. The eight banks that participate in the survey are:

    • Bank of America
    • Bank of Nova Scotia
    • BMO Capital Markets
    • CIBC World Markets
    • National Bank of Canada
    • RBC Capital Markets
    • State Street Canada
    • TD Securities

    Globally, the (London) Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee, the (New York) Foreign Exchange Committee, the Singapore Foreign Exchange Market Committee, the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market Committee, the Australian Foreign Exchange Committee and Hong Kong’s Treasury Markets Association conduct similar surveys. Their results are also released today (see links below).  

    https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/markets/london-foreign-exchange-joint-standing-committee
    http://www.newyorkfed.org/fxc/volumesurvey/
    https://www.sfemc.org/statistics.html
    http://www.fxcomtky.com/index_e.html
    http://www.tma.org.hk/en_newsevents.aspx
    https://www.afxc.rba.gov.au/statistics/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Axyom.Core and Cirrus Core Networks Partner on Technologies and Services for Mobile Virtual Network Operators

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Axyom.Core, a leader in cloud-native wireless core and radio access network (RAN) solutions, today announced a reseller agreement with Cirrus Core Networks (CCN), a U.S.-based specialized system integrator. Through this partnership, CCN will offer Axyom.Core’s innovative technology, enabling Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to deliver differentiated subscriber and Internet of Things (IoT) packages, along with enhanced service offerings.

    The MVNO market is expected to grow rapidly in the future, primarily due to factors such as increased mobile broadband speeds and the need for value-added services, according to Polaris Market Research. The collaboration combines Axyom.Core’s market-leading packet core products and Cirrus Core Networks’ networking capabilities, as well as its comprehensive suite of professional and managed services.

    “This collaboration represents a pivotal step for Axyom.Core in our commitment to supporting customers of all sizes, from large communications service providers to emerging MVNOs,” said Jim Collier, vice president of global sales and marketing, Axyom.Core. “By working with Cirrus Core Networks, we are expanding our reach, ensuring that our industry-leading packet core products are accessible worldwide. Together, we are empowering network operators to meet evolving customer demands and build the next generation of wireless services.”

    Axyom.Core’s cloud-native, high-performance solutions deliver the flexibility and scalability that support seamless connectivity for operators navigating the complexities of 5G transformation.

    “This partnership combines Axyom.Core’s well-regarded technology with CCN’s proven expertise in managed services and deployment solutions, enabling MVNOs to evolve into thick MVNOs seamlessly,” said Adam Crane, CEO of Cirrus Core Networks. “Whether it’s established operators or new eSIM entrants with limited networking experience, CCN provides the infrastructure expertise needed to accelerate their success. By taking on the complexity of networking, we empower our MVNO partners to focus on what matters most – their subscribers – while delivering differentiated and innovative service packages that redefine the mobile experience.”

    Go here to schedule a meeting with Axyom.Core at Mobile World Congress, taking place March 3–6 in Barcelona, Spain. Visit Hall 2, Stand 2G11 to learn more about how Axyom.Core and Cirrus Core Networks are empowering MVNOs with innovative solutions.

    About Axyom.Core
    Axyom.Core is a global leader in cloud-native wireless core and radio access network solutions, trusted by major communications service providers worldwide, including six of the top ten. Its product portfolio includes high-performance 4G and 5G converged core, Femto core, security gateway, and enterprise RAN units. Axyom.Core is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the telecommunications industry. For more information, visit www.axyomcore.ai.

    About Cirrus Core Networks (CCN)
    Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with operations in the U.S., U.K. and India, Cirrus Core Networks (CCN) provides Communication Service Providers (CSPs), enterprises and industrial companies an end-to-end Core solution using a flexible business model – from a completely managed Network as a Service (NaaS) to a Build Operate Transfer solution. The company offers an impressive portfolio that includes 4G/5G EPC, HSS/HLR, DRA, IMS/VoLTE/VoWiFi, and a multitude of value-added services that powers MVNOs, Private LTE, Carrier Breakout & Optimization Hub (CBO), and many more use cases.

    At CCN, we apply our team’s extensive vendor and operator experience in collaborative ways to drive the development, deployment, operation and evolution of our solutions. Learn more about CCN’s creative solutions at www.cirruscorenetworks.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Community Housing Capital and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Award $750,000 for Affordable Housing in Southfield

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Community Housing Capital (CHC) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announced today an investment of $750,000 in grant funding designated for John Grace Arms, a project to construct 60 multifamily rental units in Southfield, Michigan.

    The funding, sourced from FHLBank Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund and administered through CHC, a member of FHLBank Atlanta, will help address the critical need for affordable housing in the community.

    Located in the heart of Southfield, John Grace Arms involves the adaptive reuse of a former, historic school building into modern, affordable housing units and 5,000 square feet of community space. The project is prioritizing the use of sustainable building materials to minimize environmental impact and promote healthier living conditions.

    CHC, a financial supporter of John Grace Arms, applied for FHLBank Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund in 2024, which helps organizations to acquire, construct, rehabilitate or preserve affordable housing units. In December 2024, FHLBank Atlanta announced John Grace Arms as one of 66 grant recipients to receive a total of $55 million in funding to support 4,200 housing units.

    “Community Housing Capital is proud to have supported the project developer MiSide in successfully securing $750,000 in AHP grant funding through FHLBank Atlanta. These funds will support the development of John Grace Arms, a transformative housing community that will offer 60 senior apartments, with a focus on fostering community engagement and recreation,” said Dana Chestnut, CHC’s Chief Lending Officer. “CHC has a long history of partnering with NeighborWorks America organizations to facilitate impactful projects, having sponsored successful applications that have collectively secured $4.8 million in grant funding to date. We are committed to leveraging opportunities like the AHP grant to amplify the impact of affordable housing initiatives nationwide.”

    “John Grace Arms is a fantastic example of progress that can happen when organizations come together to execute on a vision,” said Kirk Malmberg, President and CEO of FHLBank Atlanta. “We are pleased to partner with member financial institutions like Community Housing Capital and proud to see this funding go toward turning an existing, unused building into safe, affordable homes for Southfield residents.”

    John Grace Arms is located at 21030 Indian Street, Southfield, Michigan and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

    About Community Housing Capital
    Community Housing Capital (CHC) is a 24-year-old Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and 501(c)(3) created to facilitate the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Since 2000, CHC has, through its lending activity, created or preserved over 24,792 units of affordable housing and facilitated $3.8 billion in total development. Community Housing Capital is headquartered in Decatur, Georgia.

    About Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members – its shareholders and customers – are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households. For more information, visit www.fhlbatl.com.

    MEDIA CONTACTS:

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    Sheryl Touchton
    stouchton@fhlbatl.com

    Community Housing Capital, Inc.
    Mona Elminyawi
    melminyawi@communityhousingcapital.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Phunware Mobile Hospitality Solution Deployed at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Phunware Technology for Location-Based Services and Enhanced Connectivity Providing Guests Seamless, Property-Wide Navigation

    Integrated Solutions for Data-Driven Insights and Location Based Services to Boost Efficiency, Revenue, and Guest Satisfaction

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Phunware, Inc. (“Phunware” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PHUN), a leader in enterprise cloud solutions for mobile applications, announced today that JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is deploying its enhanced Smart Hospitality Solution. The app will provide JW Marriott Desert Ridge guests using iOS and Android operating systems with real time navigation capabilities across 950 guest rooms and meeting space as well as the amenities including: AquaRidge WaterPark, Revive Spa, multiple restaurants, golf club and other features at this Marriott resort property.

    JW Marriott Desert Ridge chose Phunware to develop the resort property app based on experience and capabilities developing mobile solutions that enhance guest experiences across complex facilities.

    “Working with Phunware enables us to provide guests the tools to navigate and discover everything the property has to offer,” said Christa Wood, Director of Marketing at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. “Our new mobile app showcases amenities and seasonal activities throughout the year, ensuring guest enjoyment and engagement with our resort.”

    Phunware’s enhanced Smart Hospitality Solution perfectly aligns with Marriott’s requirements for mobile-first guest experiences by enabling resort guests to access features such as:

    • On-Property Navigation
      Navigate seamlessly throughout the resort with step-by-step directions. Guests can easily locate rooms, event venues, dining options, pools, and other amenities. This feature enhances the guest experience by eliminating the stress of finding their way around large properties.
    • Dining Reservations
      Explore and reserve exceptional dining options at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, from the inventive Southwestern flavors of Tía Carmen to the Asian-inspired creations at Kembara, or the refined atmosphere of Meritage, an Urban Tavern by the golf course.
    • Cabana and Experience Bookings
      Conveniently book poolside cabanas to relax by the water and participate in resort-hosted events and activities, such as family-friendly experiences, fitness classes, or entertainment nights.
    • Spa and Golf Reservations
      Effortlessly schedule spa treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services, through the app. Guests can also reserve tee times at the resort golf course, making it simple to plan a relaxing or active day.

    “Technology has become a cornerstone of modern hospitality and forward-looking companies are providing the seamless, personalized mobile-first experiences that guests expect,” said Stephen Chen, CEO of Phunware. “JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a perfect example of how personalized, easy-to-use digital interfaces will help luxury hotels, resorts and other large complex facilities exceed guest and other user expectations. For example, mobile hospitality solutions allow guests to check in, unlock their rooms, order room service and book activities — all from their smartphones.”

    Click here to learn more about how Phunware’s mobile experience platform unifies the guest experience in hospitality.

    About JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

    Set on 316 acres of sweeping Sonoran Desert, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa features 950 rooms with dramatic desert and mountain views among lush grounds and gardens. The elements of fire, water, earth, and sky are woven into the resort experience, amenities, and decor. Arizona’s largest luxury resort offers Marriott’s first Revive Spa, a fitness center and movement studio, seven dining outlets, 240,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, and the exclusive Griffin Club. The AAA Four Diamond resort also boasts four acres of elaborately landscaped waterways, including five pools, a 1,600-foot Lazy River and three unique multi-story waterslides that opened in summer 2023. A destination for the active, the expansive resort offers ample opportunity to explore the outdoors and delight in 330+ days of sunshine a year, with on-site amenities such as 17 pickleball courts, three tennis courts, 36 holes of championship golf at Wildfire Golf Club, and bike rentals, along with convenient access to nearby hiking and fitness trails.

    About Phunware

    Phunware, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN) is an enterprise software company specializing in mobile app solutions with integrated intelligent capabilities. We provide businesses with the tools to create, implement, and manage custom mobile applications, analytics, digital advertising, and location-based services. Phunware is transforming mobile engagement by delivering scalable, personalized, and data-driven mobile app experiences.

    Phunware’s mission is to achieve unparalleled connectivity and monetization through the widespread adoption of Phunware mobile technologies, leveraging brands, consumers, partners, digital asset holders, and market participants. Phunware is poised to expand its software products and services audience through its new Generative AI platform, utilize and monetize its patents and other intellectual property, and reintroduce its digital asset ecosystem for existing holders and new market participants.

    For more information on Phunware, please visit www.phunware.com. To better understand and leverage generative AI and Phunware’s mobile app technologies, visit ai.phunware.com.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Phunware is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the adoption and impact of emerging technologies and their use across mobile engagement platforms.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    PHUN@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Phunware Media Contact:

    Joe McGurk, Managing Director
    917-259-6895
    PHUN@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, December and Annual 2024

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $98.4 billion in December, up $19.5 billion from $78.9 billion in November, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $98.4 Billion  +24.7%°
    Exports: $266.5 Billion  –2.6%°
    Imports: $364.9 Billion  +3.5%°

    Next release: Thursday, March 6, 2025

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, February 5, 2025

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    December exports were $266.5 billion, $7.1 billion less than November exports. December imports were $364.9 billion, $12.4 billion more than November imports.

    The December increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $18.9 billion to $123.0 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.6 billion to $24.5 billion.

    For 2024, the goods and services deficit increased $133.5 billion, or 17.0 percent, from 2023. Exports increased $119.8 billion or 3.9 percent. Imports increased $253.3 billion or 6.6 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit increased $4.7 billion to $83.8 billion for the three months ending in December.

    • Average exports decreased $1.2 billion to $268.8 billion in December.
    • Average imports increased $3.5 billion to $352.7 billion in December.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $19.2 billion from the three months ending in December 2023.

    • Average exports increased $9.8 billion from December 2023.
    • Average imports increased $29.0 billion from December 2023.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods decreased $7.5 billion to $170.2 billion in December.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis decreased $6.7 billion.

    • Consumer goods decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations decreased $1.4 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $0.9 billion.
      • Other petroleum products decreased $0.3 billion.
      • Other precious metals decreased $0.3 billion.
      • Fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides decreased $0.3 billion.
    • Capital goods decreased $1.4 billion.
      • Computers decreased $0.9 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft increased $1.4 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines decreased $0.9 billion.
      • Trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles decreased $0.4 billion.
      • Other automotive parts and accessories decreased $0.3 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.8 billion.

    Exports of services increased $0.4 billion to $96.3 billion in December.

    • Travel increased $0.3 billion.
    • Financial services increased $0.1 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods increased $11.4 billion to $293.1 billion in December.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $11.3 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $10.8 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes increased $9.2 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $1.0 billion.
    • Consumer goods increased $2.2 billion.
      • Toys, games, and sporting goods increased $0.8 billion.
      • Cell phones and other household goods increased $0.8 billion.
    • Capital goods increased $1.3 billion.
      • Computers increased $1.2 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.9 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft decreased $1.1 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines decreased $2.2 billion.
      • Passenger cars decreased $1.6 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments increased $0.1 billion.

    Imports of services increased $1.0 billion to $71.8 billion in December.

    • Transport increased $0.5 billion.
    • Travel increased $0.3 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit increased $14.9 billion, or 15.4 percent, to $111.9 billion in December, compared to a 17.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods decreased $5.4 billion, or 3.7 percent, to $141.9 billion, compared to a 3.8 percent decrease in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods increased $9.5 billion, or 3.9 percent, to $253.8 billion, compared to a 4.0 percent increase in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    In addition to revisions to source data for the November statistics, the seasonally adjusted goods data were revised for January through November so that the totals of the seasonally adjusted months equal the annual totals.

    Revisions to November exports

    • Exports of goods were revised up $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

    Revisions to November imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up $0.8 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The December figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($5.0), South and Central America ($3.5), United Kingdom ($2.3), Hong Kong ($0.7), Brazil ($0.4), Saudi Arabia ($0.4), Belgium ($0.3), and Australia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($25.3), European Union ($20.4), Mexico ($15.2), Switzerland ($13.0), Vietnam ($11.4), Canada ($7.9), Germany ($7.6), Taiwan ($6.9), Ireland ($6.2), South Korea ($5.6), Japan ($5.5), India ($4.9), Italy ($4.1), Malaysia ($2.5), France ($1.1), Israel ($0.8), and Singapore ($0.4).

    • The deficit with Switzerland increased $9.1 billion to $13.0 billion in December. Exports decreased $0.7 billion to $1.2 billion and imports increased $8.4 billion to $14.2 billion.
    • The deficit with Canada increased $2.9 billion to $7.9 billion in December. Exports decreased $0.4 billion to $29.1 billion and imports increased $2.5 billion to $37.0 billion.
    • The deficit with Ireland decreased $3.1 billion to $6.2 billion in December. Exports decreased $0.1 billion to $1.2 billion and imports decreased $3.2 billion to $7.5 billion.

    Annual Summary for 2024

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    For 2024, the goods and services deficit was $918.4 billion, up $133.5 billion from $784.9 billion in 2023. Exports were $3,191.6 billion, up $119.8 billion from 2023. Imports were $4,110.0 billion, up $253.3 billion from 2023.

    The 2024 increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $148.5 billion, or 14.0 percent, to $1,211.7 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $14.9 billion, or 5.4 percent, to $293.3 billion.

    The goods and services deficit was 3.1 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product in 2024, up from 2.8 percent in 2023.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $38.6 billion to $2,083.8 billion in 2024.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $47.1 billion.

    • Capital goods increased $40.2 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $11.3 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft engines increased $8.7 billion.
      • Computers increased $8.2 billion.
      • Semiconductors increased $8.1 billion.
    • Other goods increased $17.9 billion. (See the “Notice” for more information.)
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines decreased $10.8 billion.
      • Other automotive parts and accessories decreased $4.3 billion.
      • Passenger cars decreased $4.0 billion.
      • Trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles decreased $3.0 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $8.5 billion.

    Exports of services increased $81.2 billion to $1,107.8 billion in 2024.

    • Travel increased $26.3 billion.
    • Other business services increased $16.0 billion.
    • Telecommunications, computer, and information services increased $11.9 billion.
    • Financial services increased $11.6 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods increased $187.1 billion to $3,295.6 billion in 2024.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $187.2 billion.

    • Capital goods increased $103.3 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $33.5 billion.
      • Computers increased $28.3 billion.
      • Semiconductors increased $9.4 billion.
      • Other industrial machinery increased $9.0 billion.
    • Consumer goods increased $48.4 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $43.6 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $16.1 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $10.0 billion.
      • Other automotive parts and accessories increased $4.8 billion.
    • Foods, feeds, and beverages increased $15.9 billion.
      • Meat products increased $3.5 billion.
      • Fruits, frozen juices increased $2.3 billion.
      • Bakery products increased $2.2 billion.
      • Other foods increased $2.0 billion.
      • Vegetables increased $1.7 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.2 billion.

    Imports of services increased $66.2 billion to $814.4 billion in 2024.

    • Travel increased $19.2 billion.
    • Charges for the use of intellectual property increased $12.2 billion.
    • Transport increased $11.7 billion.
    • Insurance services increased $11.5 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit increased $98.8 billion, or 9.6 percent, to $1,132.4 billion in 2024, compared to a 13.2 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $41.7 billion, or 2.5 percent, to $1,737.8 billion, compared to a 2.3 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods increased $140.5 billion, or 5.1 percent, to $2,870.2 billion, compared to a 6.1 percent increase in nominal imports.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas – Census Basis (exhibits 14 and 14a)

    The 2024 figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($55.5), South and Central America ($47.3), Hong Kong ($21.9), Australia ($17.9), and United Kingdom ($11.9). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($295.4), European Union ($235.6), Mexico ($171.8), Vietnam ($123.5), Ireland ($86.7), Germany ($84.8), Taiwan ($73.9), Japan ($68.5), South Korea ($66.0), Canada ($63.3), India ($45.7), Thailand ($45.6), Italy ($44.0), Switzerland ($38.5), Malaysia ($24.8), Indonesia ($17.9), France ($16.4), Austria ($13.1), and Sweden ($9.8).

    • The deficit with the European Union increased $26.9 billion to $235.6 billion in 2024. Exports increased $2.6 billion to $370.2 billion and imports increased $29.4 billion to $605.8 billion.
    • The deficit with Taiwan increased $26.1 billion to $73.9 billion in 2024. Exports increased $2.4 billion to $42.3 billion and imports increased $28.5 billion to $116.3 billion.
    • The surplus with the Netherlands increased $12.7 billion to $55.5 billion in 2024. Exports increased $8.3 billion to $89.6 billion and imports decreased $4.4 billion to $34.1 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: March 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m EST
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, January 2025

    Notice

    Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

    The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September through December 2024, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.

    Upcoming Changes to the Real (Chained-Dollar) Series

    Effective with the release of the February 2025 statistics on April 3, 2025, the Census Bureau will continue to use the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes to calculate the chained-dollar series (exhibits 10 and 11). The BLS will be implementing changes to the indexes with the release of the February 2025 U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes on March 18, 2025. The changes to the indexes could impact the chained-dollar values. Please refer to the BLS notice for additional information on the Upcoming Change to Data Source for Import and Export Price Indexes: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Statistical Methods Division, International Trade Statistical Methods Branch, on 301-763-3080.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Democrats are switching off the news – a psychologist explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geoff Beattie, Professor of Psychology, Edge Hill University

    Many Democrats appear to be switching off mainstream news channels and other media, following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election.

    Around 72% of Democrats say they feel a need to limit their consumption of news about politics and government, according to a recent poll by AP-NORC.

    Research has highlighted the negative effects of news avoidance (resistance to, or avoidance of, news) on people’s political knowledge and civic engagement, the cornerstones of democratic thought and action.

    Research also shows what prompts news avoidance generally – and the return of Trump may be increasing the percentage of people in the US who are turning away from news and current affairs.

    Research from the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland measured how news avoidance varied across several nations between 2016 and 2019. It also attempted to identify the drivers of news avoidance.

    Researchers found the proportion of consumers who actively avoided the news varied significantly from one country to another – and for some, it was temporary.

    In their sample of five countries, they found news avoidance was highest in Argentina (45%) and the US (41%) and lowest in Finland (17%) and Japan (11%), with Israel somewhere in between. The US, it seems, has always been high but there are some suggestions it is getting worse.

    People made conscious decisions about what news to consume and what to avoid, given the amount of news available. News overload and cognitive fatigue (where people feel worn out by the amount of news they feel they should listen to) were especially important when there was intense national news focus on certain individuals. Examples of this could be coverage of the corruption case involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, or Trump’s recent stream of executive orders.

    But factors can vary. The study found that in Japan, the main cognitive driver was “a reluctance to discuss or be exposed to subjective and often extreme opinions”. In Argentina, it was a distrust of politicians generally.

    However, emotional factors were also critical to news avoidance. Many interviewees reported feeling emotional distress, sadness, fear and anger with certain types of negative news, to the extent that it sometimes affected their mental health.

    But emotional factors also affect specific behaviour. News avoidance can become “news aversion” (more emotional, more visceral), turning away from the news not because of some deliberate rational judgment (“I’ll reduce my viewing a little, according to American Psychological Association guidelines”) but because of overwhelming feelings of anxiety or disgust when confronted by certain stories or individuals.

    Disgust is a powerful negative emotion linked to very quick responding, and could create a need to turn away from something immediately. Feelings of anxiety may be linked to images of political figures, for instance.

    I have just finished writing a book exploring climate anxiety. For some, this can be a debilitating form of anxiety, and it is growing globally especially among young people. It can be overwhelming, affecting study, work and sleep.

    What can you do about news avoidance?

    The recent image of Trump yelling that “we’re going to drill, baby, drill” has been implanted in the minds of many who suffer from climate anxiety, possibly intensifying their distress.

    For many Democrats, the aftermath of Trump’s victory was emotionally devastating. On October 24 2024 (two weeks before the election), an open letter was published in the New York Times signed by 233 mental health professionals with the following warning: “We have an ethical duty to warn the public that Donald Trump is an existential threat to democracy. His symptoms of severe, untreatable personality disorder – malignant narcissism – makes him deceitful, destructive, deluded and dangerous. He is grossly unfit for leadership.”

    For Democrats in particular, Trump may display many negative features including his lack of remorse or self-awareness, his break from traditional political norms and use of populist, nationalist rhetoric, or his rejection of civil discourse in favour of divisive and inflammatory language.

    So Trump’s victory seemed, to many Democrats, to signal the triumph of ignorance, bigotry and authoritarianism. An emotional response from them was always likely, and chimes with this avoiding of news.

    Cognitive dissonance

    Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when individuals are confronted with information (in this case from Trump) that contradicts their deeply held beliefs but they still sit and listen dutifully, this can create considerable psychological discomfort.

    To reduce this discomfort, people often engage in behaviour that avoids or minimises this conflict. But they can’t change their political views, and they can’t change Trump or his policies (he has got an incredibly powerful mandate), so that leaves few other options. Or perhaps just one: avoiding the relentless media cycle of Trump’s tweets, policies, pronouncements, presidential pardons, and executive orders.

    By switching off, Democrats – and even some Republicans – can temporarily ease the cognitive dissonance they feel, and this may allow some emotional relief.

    Moreover, this avoidance might help protect them against the further erosion of their political and social identity. They might feel that if they continue to consume news that reaffirms Trump’s power, or as if they are accepting their defeat and their misreading of the American public and, by extension, the legitimacy of his presidency.

    But where will that disengagement take them? And how easy will it be for them to overcome their visceral response to reengage, to reassert themselves and fight back? It’s always more difficult when thoughts and emotion are so tightly intertwined like this.

    But for US Democrats, engagement based on accurate information is critical for the ongoing democratic process, regardless of how painful this might feel right now.

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

    – ref. Why Democrats are switching off the news – a psychologist explains – https://theconversation.com/why-democrats-are-switching-off-the-news-a-psychologist-explains-248512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets with Kyrgyz president in Beijing

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday met with visiting Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Beijing.

    Noting that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have developed rapidly in recent years, Li also said that the foundation of mutual trust has been strengthened, bilateral cooperation upgraded, and friendly exchanges deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

    China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to implement the important consensus reached by the presidents of the two countries, firmly support each other on major issues concerning core interests, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all respects, and better contribute to their respective modernization drives, Li said.

    Li added that China stands ready to enhance the synergy of development strategies with Kyrgyzstan, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance the construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and other connectivity projects, and create more new highlights of cooperation in fields such as mining, green energy, scientific and technological innovation.

    He further said that China will work closely with Kyrgyzstan in the United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms, strengthen the China-Central Asia mechanism, and steadily advance cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — so as to inject more certainty into regional peace, stability and development.

    Japarov said Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era with China, and is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation concerning connectivity, agriculture, finance, mining, science and technology, tourism and people’s livelihood development, and strengthen youth and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

    Kyrgyzstan welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kyrgyzstan and will provide a safe and sound business environment for Chinese enterprises, Japarov added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Uni-Fuels Announces Sponsorship for IBIA Annual Dinner 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: UFG), (“Uni-Fuels” or the “Company”), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, today announced its bronze sponsorship of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Annual Dinner 2025 to take place on February 24 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London.

    The annual event, which brings together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and decision makers from across the maritime and marine fuel sectors, has gained recognition as a hallmark occasion for fostering collaboration, innovation, and networking within the global marine fuel community.

    “As a supporter of IBIA’s mission to promote improved standards, knowledge, and understanding in the industry, Uni-Fuels is honored to participate as a bronze sponsor in this year’s dinner,” said Uni-Fuels Chief Operating Officer Stefanie Tay. “This event aligns with our core principles of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the marine fuels sector, and provides a valuable platform to engage with our peers and discuss future progress in our industry.”

    Ms. Tay added that the sponsorship also underscores Uni-Fuels’ dedication to addressing critical industry challenges such as decarbonization, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

    By supporting the IBIA Annual Dinner, she said, the Company reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration that drive “meaningful progress in the industry.”

    About Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited

    Uni-Fuels is a fast-growing global provider of marine fuel solutions, helping shipping companies optimize fuel procurement across all markets and time zones. Founded in 2021, Uni-Fuels has evolved from modest beginnings into a dynamic, forward-thinking company. Backed by a passionate team and a growing presence across multiple locations, it has forged trusted partnerships with customers, supporting them in achieving their operational objectives with confidence, from shore to shore.

    For more information, visit www.uni-fuels.com.

    About IBIA

    The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is the voice of the global bunker industry and represents all stakeholders across the industry value chain.

    Its membership includes ship owners/operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Today it has members in more than 70 countries.

    For more information, visit www.ibia.net.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion and timing of closing of the offering and the intended use of the proceeds. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Uni-Fuels’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Contact Information

    For Investor Relations:

    Uni-Fuels Holdings Ltd
    Email: investors@uni-fuels.com

    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Email: info@skylineccg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nigeria’s Brics partnership: economist outlines potential benefits

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College

    During its 16th annual summit in Kazan, Russia, Brics – a group of emerging economies determined to act as a counterweight to the west and to whittle down the influence of global institutions – invited Nigeria and eight other countries to join it as “partner” countries. Nigeria formally accepted the invitation in January 2025. That invitation has generated questions about how Nigeria stands to benefit, especially when US president Donald Trump is threatening to sanction members of the group if they replace the US dollar as reserve currency. It was established in 2006 and initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010 and the bloc added four new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates) in 2023. In this interview, development economist Stephen Onyeiwu argues that Nigeria stands to gain from a Brics partnership, but would have to carefully balance its domestic interests with those of its western allies and Brics.

    What does it mean to be a Brics ‘partner’ country?

    The introduction of Brics partnership is an expansion mechanism designed to bring in more participants without giving them full membership. It is akin to “observer” status.

    Brics partners can participate in special sessions of summits and foreign ministers’ meetings, as well as other high-level events. Partners can also contribute to the organisation’s official documents and policy statements.

    But partners cannot host annual Brics summits or determine the venue. Neither can they select new members and partners.

    How beneficial is Brics partnership to Nigeria?

    The main benefit would be access to finance offered by Brics’ New Development Bank.

    The New Development Bank was established as an alternative to western-dominated international financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. These institutions are sometimes used by the leading western countries to keep developing countries in line on global issues.

    Some developing countries are reluctant to criticise western countries for fear of losing access to funding by western-backed international financial institutions.

    Nigeria has been running a budget deficit of about 5% of GDP since 2019, and it needs funding to pay for the deficits. The New Development Bank could be an important source of funding for investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and so on.

    New Development Bank loans are also available in member countries’ local currencies. They don’t have to earn foreign exchange to repay the loans. This fosters exchange rate stability and promotes economic growth. The New Development Bank raises funds in member countries’ local currencies, and lends them to member countries.

    Nigeria could use its Brics partnership to garner the group’s support in matters that affect Nigeria globally. For instance, there have been requests for African countries to be included as permanent members (without veto power) of the UN security council. South Africa and Nigeria have been touted as potential candidates. Should this issue be raised at the UN, Nigeria can count on the support of its Brics allies, which includes two permanent members (China and Russia) of the security council.

    Mutual understanding and cooperation with other Brics members and partners might spill over into economic, trade and investment agreements. Friendly countries are more likely to trade with each other and invest in each other’s economy.

    How can Nigeria maximise its status as a Brics partner?

    Nigeria should use it to attract foreign direct investment in strategic sectors of the economy, such as infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture and technology.

    Some Brics members, like China, India, and the UAE, have investors that are seeking investment outlets abroad. Nigeria could use the bloc’s annual summits to showcase investment opportunities.

    The global economy is transitioning into “frontier industries and technologies”, such as big data, artificial intelligence, solar, drones, gene editing, 3D printing, blockchains, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, robotics and nanotechnology. China, India and Brazil are already well advanced in these technologies.

    Nigeria should use its partnership with these countries to build capabilities in frontier industries and technologies. It could get favourable terms in the transfer of these technologies.

    Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy from reliance on the export of hydrocarbons. But Nigerian producers have had a hard time accessing global markets. The country should negotiate trade deals that provide access to Brics markets, especially agricultural and agro-processed products, arts and crafts.

    But Nigeria has to promote economic growth and structural transformation at home. If the Nigerian economy falters, it is unlikely the country will be invited to become a full member of Brics.

    Would adding new members and partners reduce western dominance?

    Brics has so far not been able to significantly change the dynamics of the international political economy. Adding new members and partners, while symbolic, will not act as an effective counterweight to the influence of the G7 and G20 groups of nations.

    Most of the countries and partners in Brics are either allies of western countries or neutral on global issues. They are unlikely to support decisions or actions that are grossly inimical to western interests.

    Egypt and the UAE, for instance, receive military aid from the United States. Ethiopia and Nigeria are top recipients of foreign aid in Africa, much of it from western-backed financial institutions.

    The only outlier in the mix is Iran, whose membership was promoted by Russia. But Iran has no leverage to influence others in the bloc.

    On balance, therefore, Brics will not be a threat to western countries.

    Brics aspires to weaken the dominance of the US dollar for international transactions. Close to 90% of international trade transactions are conducted with the US dollar.

    Brics countries plan to reduce dollar dominance by encouraging member countries to settle their trade and financial transactions using their domestic currencies. For instance, South African businesses could purchase Chinese goods using the South African rand, while the Chinese could do the same for South African goods using the Chinese yuan. The more members you have in Brics swapping their currencies, the less important the US dollar will be.

    It is unlikely, however, that an increase in the number of Brics members and partners will weaken the dollar. Most will continue to have significant economic relationships with the west, including trade and foreign aid.

    They will also continue to conduct business with many non-Brics countries, which also have economic relationships with the west. They will need the US dollar to transact with many other countries.

    So increasing the number of Brics members and partners does not pose a threat to dollar dominance.

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

    – ref. Nigeria’s Brics partnership: economist outlines potential benefits – https://theconversation.com/nigerias-brics-partnership-economist-outlines-potential-benefits-248943

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Water is the other US-Mexico border crisis, and the supply crunch is getting worse

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Gabriel Eckstein, Professor of Law, Texas A&M University

    View of the Rio Grande flowing through Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, photographed from the Paso Del Norte International Bridge. Paul Rarje/AFP via Getty Images

    Immigration and border security will be the likely focus of U.S.-Mexico relations under the new Trump administration. But there also is a growing water crisis along the U.S.–Mexico border that affects tens of millions of people on both sides, and it can only be managed if the two governments work together.

    Climate change is shrinking surface and groundwater supplies in the southwestern U.S. Higher air temperatures are increasing evaporation rates from rivers and streams and intensifying drought. Mexico is also experiencing multiyear droughts and heat waves.

    Growing water use is already overtaxing limited supplies from nearly all of the region’s cross-border rivers, streams and aquifers. Many of these sources are contaminated with agricultural pollutants, untreated waste and other substances, further reducing the usability of available water.

    As Texas-based scholars who study the legal and scientific aspects of water policy, we know that communities, farms and businesses in both countries rely on these scarce water supplies. In our view, water conditions on the border have changed so much that the current legal framework for managing them is inadequate.

    Unless both nations recognize this fact, we believe that water problems in the region are likely to worsen, and supplies may never recover to levels seen as recently as the 1950s. Although the U.S. and Mexico have moved to address these concerns by updating the 1944 water treaty, these steps are not long-term solutions.

    The Rio Grande flows south from Colorado and forms the 1,250-mile (2,000-kilometer) Texas-Mexico border.
    Kmusser/Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    Growing demand, shrinking supply

    The U.S.-Mexico border region is mostly arid, with water coming from a few rivers and an unknown amount of groundwater. The main rivers that cross the border are the Colorado and the Rio Grande – two of the most water-stressed systems in the world.

    The Colorado River provides water to more than 44 million people, including seven U.S. and two Mexican states, 29 Indian tribes and 5.5 million acres of farmland. Only about 10% of its total flow reaches Mexico. The river once emptied into the Gulf of California, but now so much water is withdrawn along its course that since the 1960s it typically peters out in the desert.

    The Rio Grande supplies water to roughly 15 million people, including 22 Indian tribes, three U.S. and four Mexican states and 2.8 million irrigated acres. It forms the 1,250-mile (2,000-kilometer) Texas-Mexico border, winding from El Paso in the west to the Gulf of Mexico in the east.

    The Colorado River flows through seven U.S. states and crosses into Mexico at the Arizona-California border.
    USGS

    Other rivers that cross the border include the Tijuana, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, New and Gila. These are all significantly smaller and have less economic impact than the Colorado and the Rio Grande.

    At least 28 aquifers – underground rock formations that contain water – also traverse the border. With a few exceptions, very little information on these shared resources exists. One thing that is known is that many of them are severely overtapped and contaminated.

    Nonetheless, reliance on aquifers is growing as surface water supplies dwindle. Some 80% of groundwater used in the border region goes to agriculture. The rest is used by farmers and industries, such as automotive and appliance manufacturers.

    Over 10 million people in 30 cities and communities throughout the border region rely on groundwater for domestic use. Many communities, including Ciudad Juarez; the sister cities of Nogales in both Arizona and Sonora; and the sister cities of Columbus in New Mexico and Puerto Palomas in Chihuahua, get all or most of their fresh water from these aquifers.

    A booming region

    About 30 million people live within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the border on both sides. Over the next 30 years, that figure is expected to double.

    Municipal and industrial water use throughout the region is also expected to increase. In Texas’ lower Rio Grande Valley, municipal use alone could more than double by 2040.

    At the same time, as climate change continues to worsen, scientists project that snowmelt will decrease and evaporation rates will increase. The Colorado River’s baseflow – the portion of its volume that comes from groundwater, rather than from rain and snow – may decline by nearly 30% in the next 30 years.

    Precipitation patterns across the region are projected to be uncertain and erratic for the foreseeable future. This trend will fuel more extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which could cause widespread harm to crops, industrial activity, human health and the environment.

    Further stress comes from growth and development. Both the Colorado River and Rio Grande are tainted by pollutants from agricultural, municipal and industrial sources. Cities on both sides of the border, especially on the Mexican side, have a long history of dumping untreated sewage into the Rio Grande. Of the 55 water treatment plants located along the border, 80% reported ongoing maintenance, capacity and operating problems as of 2019.

    Drought across the border region is already stoking domestic and bilateral tensions. Competing water users are struggling to meet their needs, and the U.S. and Mexico are straining to comply with treaty obligations for sharing water.

    Cross-border water politics

    Mexico and the United States manage water allocations in the border region mainly under two treaties: a 1906 agreement focused on the Upper Rio Grande Basin and a 1944 treaty covering the Colorado River and Lower Rio Grande.

    Under the 1906 treaty, the U.S. is obligated to deliver 60,000 acre-feet of water to Mexico where the Rio Grande reaches the border. This target may be reduced during droughts, which have occurred frequently in recent decades. An acre-foot is enough water to flood an acre of land 1 foot deep – about 325,000 gallons (1.2 million liters).

    Allocations under the 1944 treaty are more complicated. The U.S. is required to deliver 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water to Mexico at the border – but as with the 1906 treaty, reductions are allowed in cases of extraordinary drought.

    Until the mid-2010s, the U.S. met its full obligation each year. Since then, however, regional drought and climate change have severely reduced the Colorado River’s flow, requiring substantial allocation reductions for both the U.S. and Mexico.

    In 2025, states in the U.S. section of the lower Colorado River basin will see a reduction of over 1 million acre-feet from prior years. Mexico’s allocation will decline by approximately 280,500 acre-feet under the 1944 treaty.

    This agreement provides each nation with designated fractions of flows from the Lower Rio Grande and specific tributaries. Regardless of water availability or climatic conditions, Mexico also is required to deliver to the U.S. a minimum of 1,750,000 acre-feet of water from six named tributaries, averaged over five-year cycles. If Mexico falls short in one cycle, it can make up the deficit in the next five-year cycle, but cannot delay repayment further.

    The U.S. and Mexico are struggling to share a shrinking water supply in the border region.

    Since the 1990s, extraordinary droughts have caused Mexico to miss its delivery obligations three times. Although Mexico repaid its water debts in subsequent cycles, these shortfalls raised diplomatic tensions that led to last-minute negotiations and large-scale water transfers from Mexico to the U.S.

    Mexican farmers in Lower Rio Grande irrigation districts who had to shoulder these cuts felt betrayed. In 2020, they protested, confronting federal soldiers and temporarily seizing control of a dam.

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum clearly appreciate the political and economic importance of the border region. But if water scarcity worsens, it could supplant other border priorities.

    In our view, the best way to prevent this would be for the two countries to recognize that conditions are deteriorating and update the existing cross-border governance regime so that it reflects today’s new water realities.

    Gabriel Eckstein is affiliated with the Permanent Forum on Binational Waters, International Association for Water Law, and International Water Resources Association.

    Rosario Sanchez receives funding from the USGS under the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act. She is affiliated with Texas A&M University and the non-profit as a volunteer to the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters, the International Association of Hydrogeologists, and the International Water Resources Association.

    – ref. Water is the other US-Mexico border crisis, and the supply crunch is getting worse – https://theconversation.com/water-is-the-other-us-mexico-border-crisis-and-the-supply-crunch-is-getting-worse-244722

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reverence for the sacred waters of the Ganga and belief in its power to wash away sins bring millions to India’s Maha Kumbh festival

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sudipta Sen, Professor of History, University of California, Davis

    Pilgrims take a dip in the sacred waters of Sangam, at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj on Jan.13, 2025. Niharika Kulkarni/AFP via Getty Images

    Millions of people have been visiting Prayagraj, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, to take part in the Maha Kumbh festival – a six-week-long event that began on Jan. 13, 2025.

    Called the world’s largest religious gathering, the event has already drawn 148 million people. Attendance is expected to exceed 400 million by the time it ends on Feb. 26, and surging crowds have already claimed dozens of lives at the sacred site.

    Attendees range from Indian business tycoons and members of parliament to social media personages, film stars and celebrities, including the philanthropist billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, who is a member of an ashram in Prayagraj.

    As a historian of the Ganga and its ecology, I am captivated by the enduring power of unwavering devotion that continues to drive pilgrims to this sacred site, despite the dangers posed by surging crowds and the spread of contagion. At least 30 people have been trampled to death and 60 have been injured in the stampede that followed this year.

    Ritual bathing at the confluence of large rivers has always had a special significance in Hindu rituals. Of such places, the Sangam, or confluence, at the city of Prayagraj is the most revered because this is where the rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet with the fabled Saraswati, also known as the goddess of learning and the arts – the unseen, mythical river that flows underneath.

    Hindus believe that bathing at the pilgrimage of Prayag has the power to wash away every sin known to humankind.

    Mythology behind the Kumbh

    The Kumbh festival is named after the celestial pitcher or “kumbha” that held the much coveted “amrita,” the nectar of immortality. In Hindu mythology, during what is known as the Age of Truth, the powerful clans of the asuras (demons) and devas (gods) fiercely battled over the source of eternal life.

    The cosmic ocean then was filled with milk, which they churned to draw out the nectar that would make them immortal. According to mythology, the asuras succeeded in the beginning, but their exertions disturbed Vasuki, the coiled, eternal snake at the Earth’s core, releasing a deadly poison that threatened to destroy the heavens. When the turn of the devas came, nectar was finally released from the depths of the netherworld. They drank the elixir and defeated the asuras.

    An illustration of the cosmic churning of the ocean.
    245CMR via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    During this epic battle, four drops of the nectar fell to the Earth in places that are held scared. Two are cities in present-day northern India, Haridwar and Prayag, and two in central India, Nashik and Ujjain – all located along meeting points of rivers.

    An overwhelming multitude of people

    The festival of the Kumbh also marks the 12-year orbital circuit of the planet Jupiter, or Brihaspati, the harbinger of good fortune and wealth.

    The present gathering commemorates the Maha Kumbh, or “Great” Kumbh, which is an exceptionally rare and auspicious event that takes place once every 144 years, following the completion of 12 regular Kumbh cycles. This sacred gathering is celebrated exclusively at Prayag.

    A gathering of this immense scale presents a monumental challenge for local and national authorities, testing their ability to coordinate the arrival and departure of hundreds of millions of people and housing them in thousands of tents in a city that is assembled just for the few weeks of the gathering.

    It serves as a showcase of the nation’s organizational prowess while striving to preserve the sanctity of this ancient festival. Not only have sandbags been laid for miles along the banks where pilgrims are congregating, local authorities have deployed 2,760 CCTV cameras to keep track of the throngs, prevent stampedes and prevent families from being separated.

    The 2025 event has been dubbed the first digital Maha Kumbh, where police and volunteers are using artificial intelligence-based software to locate missing people and deliver emergency alerts during unexpected crowd surges. They have also installed underwater drones to monitor bathers and prevent drowning. The state government allocated US$765 million (64 billion rupees) for infrastructure and support of police, medical staff and ambulances.

    Despite extensive preparations, the early rush for a bathing spot in the Ganga spiraled out of control just before dawn on Jan. 26 and many people were trampled. Such tragedies are not new to the Kumbh gathering. During the 1954 Kumbh, a much more devastating stampede resulted in the deaths of nearly 800 people. A melee at the train station during the 2013 Kumbh killed 36 people.

    The enduring appeal

    Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have bathed and prayed in the Ganga, driven by the enduring belief that its waters possess the power to cleanse the spirit and cure diseases.

    However, throngs of people wading into the Ganga often stoked the dread of infection and disease. In the latter half of the 19th century, during the heyday of British colonial rule, administrative officials considered mass ritual bathing at festivals such as Kumbh a great threat to public sanitation and hygiene and a potential source of cholera outbreaks. The colonial empire grew increasingly concerned after the number of pilgrims arriving in Prayag rose exponentially after the advent of the railways in the 1860s.

    Despite such fears, barring isolated episodes of cholera – the last one being in 1906, attributed to pilgrims drinking water from polluted pools – there has been little evidence of a major epidemic at the Kumbh in recorded history.

    Faith in the river’s purity has also been emboldened by research on high levels of oxygenation of the river water from algae and concentrations of the bacteriophage virus in the Ganga’s shallow pools, capable of eliminating harmful bacteria like E. coli.

    The magnificent celebration of the Kumbh and the enduring reverence for the sacred waters of the Ganga reflect a live connection to both myth and history across the great subcontinent of India.

    For the millions of pilgrims who bathe in the sacred waters, it is a continuation of the enduring belief in healing and spiritual redemption, both in this life and the next.

    Sudipta Sen 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. Reverence for the sacred waters of the Ganga and belief in its power to wash away sins bring millions to India’s Maha Kumbh festival – https://theconversation.com/reverence-for-the-sacred-waters-of-the-ganga-and-belief-in-its-power-to-wash-away-sins-bring-millions-to-indias-maha-kumbh-festival-247676

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria’s Brics partnership: economist outlines potential benefits

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College

    During its 16th annual summit in Kazan, Russia, Brics – a group of emerging economies determined to act as a counterweight to the west and to whittle down the influence of global institutions – invited Nigeria and eight other countries to join it as “partner” countries. Nigeria formally accepted the invitation in January 2025. That invitation has generated questions about how Nigeria stands to benefit, especially when US president Donald Trump is threatening to sanction members of the group if they replace the US dollar as reserve currency. It was established in 2006 and initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010 and the bloc added four new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates) in 2023. In this interview, development economist Stephen Onyeiwu argues that Nigeria stands to gain from a Brics partnership, but would have to carefully balance its domestic interests with those of its western allies and Brics.

    What does it mean to be a Brics ‘partner’ country?

    The introduction of Brics partnership is an expansion mechanism designed to bring in more participants without giving them full membership. It is akin to “observer” status.

    Brics partners can participate in special sessions of summits and foreign ministers’ meetings, as well as other high-level events. Partners can also contribute to the organisation’s official documents and policy statements.

    But partners cannot host annual Brics summits or determine the venue. Neither can they select new members and partners.

    How beneficial is Brics partnership to Nigeria?

    The main benefit would be access to finance offered by Brics’ New Development Bank.

    The New Development Bank was established as an alternative to western-dominated international financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. These institutions are sometimes used by the leading western countries to keep developing countries in line on global issues.

    Some developing countries are reluctant to criticise western countries for fear of losing access to funding by western-backed international financial institutions.

    Nigeria has been running a budget deficit of about 5% of GDP since 2019, and it needs funding to pay for the deficits. The New Development Bank could be an important source of funding for investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and so on.

    New Development Bank loans are also available in member countries’ local currencies. They don’t have to earn foreign exchange to repay the loans. This fosters exchange rate stability and promotes economic growth. The New Development Bank raises funds in member countries’ local currencies, and lends them to member countries.

    Nigeria could use its Brics partnership to garner the group’s support in matters that affect Nigeria globally. For instance, there have been requests for African countries to be included as permanent members (without veto power) of the UN security council. South Africa and Nigeria have been touted as potential candidates. Should this issue be raised at the UN, Nigeria can count on the support of its Brics allies, which includes two permanent members (China and Russia) of the security council.

    Mutual understanding and cooperation with other Brics members and partners might spill over into economic, trade and investment agreements. Friendly countries are more likely to trade with each other and invest in each other’s economy.

    How can Nigeria maximise its status as a Brics partner?

    Nigeria should use it to attract foreign direct investment in strategic sectors of the economy, such as infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture and technology.

    Some Brics members, like China, India, and the UAE, have investors that are seeking investment outlets abroad. Nigeria could use the bloc’s annual summits to showcase investment opportunities.

    The global economy is transitioning into “frontier industries and technologies”, such as big data, artificial intelligence, solar, drones, gene editing, 3D printing, blockchains, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, robotics and nanotechnology. China, India and Brazil are already well advanced in these technologies.

    Nigeria should use its partnership with these countries to build capabilities in frontier industries and technologies. It could get favourable terms in the transfer of these technologies.

    Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy from reliance on the export of hydrocarbons. But Nigerian producers have had a hard time accessing global markets. The country should negotiate trade deals that provide access to Brics markets, especially agricultural and agro-processed products, arts and crafts.

    But Nigeria has to promote economic growth and structural transformation at home. If the Nigerian economy falters, it is unlikely the country will be invited to become a full member of Brics.

    Would adding new members and partners reduce western dominance?

    Brics has so far not been able to significantly change the dynamics of the international political economy. Adding new members and partners, while symbolic, will not act as an effective counterweight to the influence of the G7 and G20 groups of nations.

    Most of the countries and partners in Brics are either allies of western countries or neutral on global issues. They are unlikely to support decisions or actions that are grossly inimical to western interests.

    Egypt and the UAE, for instance, receive military aid from the United States. Ethiopia and Nigeria are top recipients of foreign aid in Africa, much of it from western-backed financial institutions.

    The only outlier in the mix is Iran, whose membership was promoted by Russia. But Iran has no leverage to influence others in the bloc.

    On balance, therefore, Brics will not be a threat to western countries.

    Brics aspires to weaken the dominance of the US dollar for international transactions. Close to 90% of international trade transactions are conducted with the US dollar.

    Brics countries plan to reduce dollar dominance by encouraging member countries to settle their trade and financial transactions using their domestic currencies. For instance, South African businesses could purchase Chinese goods using the South African rand, while the Chinese could do the same for South African goods using the Chinese yuan. The more members you have in Brics swapping their currencies, the less important the US dollar will be.

    It is unlikely, however, that an increase in the number of Brics members and partners will weaken the dollar. Most will continue to have significant economic relationships with the west, including trade and foreign aid.

    They will also continue to conduct business with many non-Brics countries, which also have economic relationships with the west. They will need the US dollar to transact with many other countries.

    So increasing the number of Brics members and partners does not pose a threat to dollar dominance.

    – Nigeria’s Brics partnership: economist outlines potential benefits
    – https://theconversation.com/nigerias-brics-partnership-economist-outlines-potential-benefits-248943

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Digital diagnostics to double number of foreign publications in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow Department of Health (DZM)

    The scientific journal Digital Diagnostics has seen a significant increase in the number of publications by foreign authors in 2024, doubling the figures for previous years. This year, the journal has published 16 articles written by foreign authors, compared to an average of 7 articles per year in previous years. The journal currently collaborates with authors from six countries.

    Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine.

    Yuri Vasiliev, Chief Consultant in Radiology at the Moscow Health Department and CEO of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, noted that in 2024, their journal expanded its international reach as it featured articles by Indian scientists for the first time. He noted that India, as a member of BRICS, is part of an international organization with which they actively cooperate. He expressed confidence that broad international cooperation and exchange of experience will significantly improve scientific development in their countries. He also noted that 16 foreign articles were published in the journal this year, significantly more than the 7 articles published in 2022 and 2021. Notably, Italy presented 13 articles on clinical cases and scientific reviews, while Indian scientists presented original research in teleradiology, which is considered a valuable contribution to the field.

    In 2024, two landmark papers by Indian authors were published: “Radiological evaluation of pulmonary vascular and gastrointestinal changes in COVID-19 patients referred to a tertiary care centre in Chennai, India: a prospective cross-sectional study” and “Role of teleradiology in interpreting ultrasound images obtained in the emergency setting”. These papers were prepared by research teams from Image Core Lab and Mahatma Gandhi.

    This year, the Diagnostics and Telemedicine Center actively established contacts with colleagues from the BRICS countries. The Center’s employees took part in the International Municipal Forum of the BRICS countries and visited a specialized healthcare exhibition in New Delhi called India Health. In addition, the Center was visited by delegations from four BRICS countries – China, India, Iran and South Africa.

    Digital Diagnostics is recognized as one of the most progressive and prestigious journals in the field of radiology. Every year its portfolio expands and includes a wide range of topics, such as radiology and instrumental diagnostics, innovative methods, application of artificial intelligence, healthcare management and other scientific topics. The journal publishes articles by outstanding Russian scientists, as well as international experts who make a significant contribution to the development of scientific research. The journal publishes articles in three languages: Russian, English and Chinese, with a circulation of 5,000 copies.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Golden Week visitors reach 1.4m

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements today said that the overall number of visitors to Hong Kong reached around 1.4 million for the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland from January 28 to yesterday, with various arrangements for receiving visitors rolling out smoothly.

    During the eight-day Golden Week, the Immigration Department recorded around 1.4 million inbound visitors to Hong Kong through sea, land and air control points, with Mainland visitors accounting for about 1.2 million. The daily average of Mainland visitors was around 150,000.

    Visitor arrivals peaked at around 190,000 on January 30, the second day of the Lunar New Year. The Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point received the highest number, followed by the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.

    They visited different parts of Hong Kong during Golden Week, with high visitor flow seen at major tourist attractions, including the West Kowloon Cultural District, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, the Peak Tram and Ngong Ping 360.

    The hotel occupancy rate during this period generally reached 90%, according to industry information.

    While the Travel Industry Authority revealed that over 2,200 Mainland inbound tour groups came to the city during Golden Week, with around 83% engaging in overnight itineraries. These tour groups covered around 79,000 visitors, accounting for about 7% of all Mainland visitors.

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who leads the interdepartmental working group, noted that the wide range of celebration events held in Hong Kong during this period were well received by the public and visitors alike.

    The events included the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday and the Chinese New Year Cup football match, taking place on the first four days of the Lunar New Year respectively.

    “Thanks to the collaboration of relevant government departments, organisations and the trade as well as the co-operation of the public and tourists, the reception arrangements operated smoothly this year, enabling citizens and tourists to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong in a joyous and festive manner,” Mr Chan added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Food and “certain hope” for the poor, in the spirit of the Jubilee: the Capuchin mission in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Dindigul (Agenzia Fides) – The “Assisi Free Food Support” initiative aims to offer food to the neediest students in rural areas, those who cannot afford even one meal a day, as well as to those who share this situation of deprivation. This initiative is launched today, February 5, at Anugraha College (whose name means “Providence of God”), a center run by the Capuchin Fathers in the diocese of Dindigul, in Tamil Nadu, and is presented as a prophetic gesture for the Jubilee Year. “We intend to demonstrate in a concrete way our closeness to the poorest, in the spirit of the Jubilee that announces hope to those in need,” says Father George Bernardshaw Jesudass OFM. Cap, director of the school, which houses 900 young people between 18 and 23 years old. The centre, dedicated to guiding students from rural families in their formation and higher education, is affiliated with the Kamaraj University of Madurai. “We are happy and receive support from both the friars of the Mary Queen of Peace Province and others, since any kind of help is prescious in order to generate a positive impact in the lives of our students and ensure the basis of food security necessary for study,” adds the friar, who is also Provincial Vicar. The initiative reflects the inclusive approach of the Indian Capuchins, especially in favour of the most disadvantaged in rural areas, without ethnic, cultural or caste distinctions. “When we are in heaven, the doors will be open to all, regardless of culture, language, social status or caste,” recalls Father Bernardshaw. “The caste mentality persists in society and even in some hierarchical structures of the Church, which represents a danger for the Catholic community. We, as Capuchin friars, do not impose barriers or hierarchies in our relationship with our neighbours; we are close to everyone and our doors remain open,” he says. The director reports that the province, made up of 150 Franciscan religious, is committed to various areas of the apostolate: “from aid and solidarity towards the needy, psychological and social counselling, the management of homes for abandoned elderly people and the mentally ill, to assistance to victims of addictions, especially among young people addicted to drugs or alcohol, without forgetting the important field of education, through schools that accompany the growth of students from rural families. This apostolate allows the friars to stay close to the people and to be widely appreciated.”“In the name of Francis of Assisi, we also try to give people that ‘certain hope’ that he preached,” explains the provincial father, Fr Arockiadoss Savarimuthu. The Capuchin friars have been present in India for almost 400 years. Their journey in the country is divided into four phases: at first, they were directly linked to the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide (1632-1887); later, their missionary activities were promoted through provinces of other nations (1887-1982); then, with the birth of the “Commissariat of India”, Capuchin provinces were developed throughout the country (1922-1963); and, finally, the Indian Capuchins were consolidated and spread in their own land, also carrying out missions ad gentes (1963-today). During almost 400 years of mission, the friars have baptized thousands of people, founded various dioceses, contributed to the formation of the local clergy and erected 13 cathedrals, which remain a clear testimony of their dedication to the mission and to the Church in India. It is common for Capuchin convents to have annexes as charity centres, centres for social development and apostolic activities, also in the cultural field, through the publication of works of Franciscan theology and spirituality in the local language. Among the significant dates of this long history, the beginning of the Capuchin mission in India in 1632 stands out, marked by the landing of Brother Ephrem de Nevers, from France, in Madras, in the south of the country; and, later, in 1703, the missionary landing in Tibet and Nepal by Italian Capuchins from Le Marche area. In 2021, the friars celebrated the centenary of the opening of the first novitiate in India. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Stock Yards Bancorp to Participate in the KBW Winter Financial Services Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT), parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, with offices in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets, today announced that Ja Hillebrand, Chairman and CEO, Phil Poindexter, President and T. Clay Stinnett, EVP and CFO, will participate in the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods’ Winter Financial Services Conference to be held February 12th to 14th, and will participate in a series of one-on-one meetings with institutional investors.

    Management’s discussion materials to be used at this conference will be posted to the investor section of the Company’s website, www.syb.com, on or before February 12, 2025.

    Louisville, Kentucky-based Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., with $8.86 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904. The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “SYBT.”

    Contact:   T. Clay Stinnett
        Executive Vice President,
        Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
        (502) 625-0890

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI to conduct 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) on February 07, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    As announced vide the Press Release 2024-2025/2013 dated January 27, 2025, the Reserve Bank will be conducting a 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) on February 07, 2025, Friday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 50,000 56 03:30 PM to 04:00 PM April 04, 2025
    (Friday)

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

    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.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2082

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from ŠilutÄ—s District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 5) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Lithuania for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from Lithuania last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Lithuanian 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/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 19:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers keynote address at 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers keynote address at 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias in New Delhi today

    Reaffirms India’s commitment to global pharmaceutical standardization and regulatory convergence

    “IMWP serves as a vital platform to foster international collaboration in pharmacopoeial science and regulatory harmonization”

    Releases IPC Newsletter 2024 and a special IPC video film which showcase India’s advancements in pharmacopoeial science

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivered the keynote address at the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias (IMWP), hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), here today. The meeting brought together global pharmacopoeial leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on key issues related to pharmaceutical standards and harmonization.

    Addressing the gathering, Smt. Patel reaffirmed India’s commitment to global pharmaceutical standardization and regulatory convergence. She highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” and emphasized the importance of ensuring access to high-quality medicines globally. She stated that the IMWP serves as a vital platform to foster international collaboration in pharmacopoeial science and regulatory harmonization.

    On this occasion, the Union Minister also released the IPC Newsletter 2024 and a special IPC video film, which showcase India’s advancements in pharmacopoeial science and the Commission’s efforts in ensuring high-quality pharmaceutical standards. The video film can be accessed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCdAZodvOSM.

    Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, underscored the significance of global partnerships in strengthening pharmaceutical quality standards. She reiterated India’s efforts in aligning regulatory frameworks with international best practices and ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines worldwide.

    Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, and Drugs Controller General (India), highlighted IPC’s contributions in setting global benchmarks in pharmacopoeial science. He elaborated on IPC’s initiatives, including the IP Online platform, which enhances accessibility and usability of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. He emphasized the role of scientific advancements and regulatory cooperation in shaping global pharmaceutical standards.

    Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, commended India’s leadership in pharmacopoeial standard-setting and emphasized the importance of regulatory harmonization in ensuring patient safety and public health.

    The 15th IMWP is set to facilitate discussions on key focus areas, including:

    • Updates on recommendations from the 14th IMWP and review of progress on harmonization initiatives.
    • Emerging issues in impurity assessment (Q3) and the implications of ICH Q6 guidelines on pharmacopoeial monograph specifications.
    • Defining the IMWP Charter to establish a long-term governance structure for the forum.
    • Enhancing collaboration among global pharmacopoeias and regulatory bodies, with updates from the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG).
    • Promotion of environmental sustainability in pharmacopoeial practices and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
    • Finalization of reports for the 15th IMWP and preparatory discussions for the 16th IMWP.

    The deliberations during the IMWP will reinforce the role of pharmacopoeias in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. The outcomes of the meeting will guide future collaborations in standard-setting and regulatory harmonization.

    The 15th IMWP, which commenced today, will conclude on 7th February 2025. The discussions held over these three days will set the stage for further strengthening global pharmacopoeial cooperation and enhancing pharmaceutical quality assurance.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/MoS-15th IMWP Keynote Address/05th February 2025/1

    (Release ID: 2100015) Visitor Counter : 88

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. PM lauded him as a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. He hailed his contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment.

    In a post on X, he wrote:

    “Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world.”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2100011) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir

    The ecosystem of terrorism in J&K has been weakened due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government

    Union Home Minister directed all security agencies to step up the fight against terrorism with the goal of ‘zero infiltration’

    Our goal should be to uproot the existence of terrorists

    Terror funding from the proceeds of the narcotics trade has to be curbed with alacrity and rigour

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 3:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, yesterday also held an important review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Home Secretary and other senior officers of MHA and Army.

    Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to completely wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. He said that due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government, the terrorism ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has been significantly weakened. The Home Minister directed all security agencies to step up the fight against terrorism by aiming for the ‘zero infiltration’ goal. He asked all security agencies to take more stringent action on infiltration and acts of terror with a ruthless approach. He said that it should be our goal to uproot the existence of terrorists.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the narco network is providing support to infiltrators and terrorists to carry out their activities. He said that there is a need to take prompt action against terror funding from the proceeds of the narcotics trade with alacrity and rigour.

    Shri Amit Shah directed the agencies to make new appointments in the posts of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in view of the timely implementation of the new criminal laws.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasised the Modi government’s ‘policy of zero tolerance’ against terrorism to achieve the goal of a terrorism-free Jammu and Kashmir. He directed all security agencies to remain vigilant and continue to work in synergy to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Union Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies for significant improvement in all parameters of the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

    ******

    Raj Kumar/Vivek/Ashutosh/Pankaj

     

    (Release ID: 2099997) Visitor Counter : 87

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –