Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health and Social Care Secretary’s UNISON speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Health and Social Care Secretary’s UNISON speech

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting’s speech at UNISON’s annual health conference in Liverpool today.

    Good morning conference.

    Let’s start on a point of agreement.

    The killing of 15 health and rescue workers in Gaza was an appalling and intolerable tragedy.

    Healthcare workers in any context, in any part of the world, should never be a target.

    The international community, or indeed any actors in any conflict, all have a responsibility to protect health and humanitarian aid workers and also to protect innocent civilians.

    And it’s clear that in Gaza, as well as in other conflict zones around the world at the moment the international community is failing and failing badly.

    So I want to say, as a Unison member, I strongly support the sentiments expressed by our Healthcare Executive.

    But on behalf of our government, we want to see a return to an immediate ceasefire.

    We want to see aid in, people out of harm’s way, an end to this bloody conflict and a state of Palestine alongside a state of Israel, and the just and lasting peace that Israelis and Palestinians deserve.

    I also have to say, having been to the West Bank with Medical Aid for Palestinians and seen first hand the work that they do supporting the health needs of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territories, they do brilliant work.

    And I would fully endorse the sentiment of the motion in supporting them, and each of us putting our hands in our pockets to do that.

    But today, I’m here as the first health and social care secretary to address a Unison conference since my […] predecessor, Andy Burnham, did 15 years ago, and I am proud to do so as a Unison member.

    [Political content has been removed]

    Now we’re delivering the change people voted for.

    It’s not all plain sailing and I expect you’ll want to question, even challenge some of the government’s decisions.

    So there’ll be plenty of time for questions.

    And I promise to give you honest answers.

    [Political content has been removed]

    You might not like some of the answers.

    I might not like some of the questions, but the important thing is that we show up and we have that conversation.

    For all the challenges we’re confronting, and there are plenty nothing I’ve experienced in the last nine months as our country’s Health and Social Care Secretary has shaken my confidence and conviction that this will be a government that not only gets our NHS back on its feet, but makes sure it’s fit for the future, and shows the bold leadership required to make sure that we also build a National Care Service worthy of the name.

    Of course, it’s hard.

    [Political content has been removed]

    Six months ago, back here in Liverpool, I spent two hours with one of the most remarkable group of people I’ve ever had the honour of meeting in my life.

    In that room were centuries of training and experience between them of working in the health service.

    But all of that training, all of that experience couldn’t have prepared those people with what they were confronted with in Southport on Monday the 29th of July, as they rushed into that community centre to find children and adults lying on the floor bleeding, some tragically dying.

    The aftermath of an unimaginable, senseless, mindless attack.

    Those people were confronted immediately with the consequences.

    For the staff I met, the trauma still runs deep.

    But on the day itself, the whole NHS team kicked into action.

    From the paramedics who arrived first on the scene and had to make split-second decisions of who to treat first in what order, to give them the best chance of survival.

    The porters rushing children through busy hospital corridors, and the security guards trying to shield other patients and visitors from seeing the horror that the staff were confronting.

    The lab teams who are mobilising blood supplies.

    Receptionists fielding calls from panic-stricken parents.

    The surgical teams fighting to save those young girls lives.

    I’m filled with admiration for their care, their expertise and their values.

    As I think about what happened in the aftermath of those brutal attacks, that admiration turns to anger.

    [Political content has been removed]

    Filipino nurses came under attack from racist thugs on their way into work wearing their NHS uniforms.

    GP surgeries closed early out of fear of rioters.

    A Nigerian care worker saw his car torched.

    These people came to our country to care for our sick and vulnerable.

    They bust a gut day in, day out to keep us well.

    If those thugs represented the worst of our country, our health and care workers represent the best.

    This government will never walk by on the other side when it comes to standing up against racist hate, intimidation or violence.

    Because no one should go to work fearing violence, least of all those all of us rely on for our health care.

    What happened after Southport was an extreme, but it wasn’t a one off.

    One in every seven people employed by the NHS have suffered violence at the hands of patients, their relatives or other members of the public.

    This should shame us all.

    So today I can announce we will act to keep NHS staff safe at work.

    Incidents will have to be recorded at a national level.

    Data will be analysed so that those most at risk can be protected.

    Trust boards will be made to report on progress they’re making to keep staff safe.

    Protecting staff from violence is not an optional extra.

    We are making it mandatory.

    Zero tolerance for violence and harassment of NHS staff, campaigned for by Unison.

    [Political content has been removed]

    We invest huge sums of money into training the NHS workforce.

    Then they’re treated like crap.

    Forced to leave the health service and often leave the country.

    British taxpayers are investing billions in doctors, nurses, paramedics and healthcare assistants only for them to turn up treating patients in Canada or Australia.

    We’ve got to retain the talent we have in the health service and treat our staff with the respect they deserve.

    That means more training and opportunities for nurses who want to progress in their career, and making flexible working easier too.

    It also means paying you for the job you actually do.

    There have been too many disputes because NHS staff have not been paid according to their job description, rather than their job.

    So we’re bringing in a new digital system to make sure the job evaluation scheme is applied fairly across the board.

    [Political content has been removed]

    A fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.

    Campaigned for by Unison.

    [Political content has been removed]

    I owe my life to the NHS.

    Who cared for me when I went through kidney cancer.

    It’s a debt of gratitude I will never be able to repay.

    But I will certainly try.

    You were there for me and I’ll be there for you.

    As the chair said, the scale of the challenge in our NHS is huge.

    [Political content has been removed]

    So our job is twofold.

    First, to get the service back on its feet and treating patients on time again.

    And second, to reform the service for the long term so that it’s fit for the future.

    And I say it’s our job deliberately, because this can’t be done with one man sat behind a desk in Whitehall.

    We will only succeed if this is a team effort, from the Prime Minister to the 1.5 million people who work in the National Health Service.

    When I visited Singapore General Hospital in opposition, they told me about a programme they run.

    It’s called get rid of stupid stuff.

    Does what it says on the tin.

    I thought the NHS could probably do with that.

    Some of you might think I could do with that.

    It’s a common sense idea.

    People working in the health service might have ideas about how to fix it.

    So over the past few months, just as we did when we were in opposition, we’ve been asking NHS staff about the stupid stuff that’s holding them back.

    More than a million people have engaged in what’s been the biggest national conversation since the NHS was founded.

    NHS staff have attended more than 3,000 meetings across the country and online, and if you’ve not made your voice heard yet, you’ve got until 5pm on Monday to go to Change.NHS.uk

    The plan, published later this spring, will take the best ideas from across the NHS, staff and workforce and patients and set out how we’ll deliver the change the NHS needs.

    Shifting the focus of healthcare out of hospital and into the community, with more investment in primary and community care.

    Bringing our analogue health service into the digital age, arming staff with modern equipment and cutting edge technology.

    Turning our sickness service into a preventative health service to help people live well for longer and tackle the biggest killers.

    The crisis in the NHS is not the fault of staff, but we can’t fix it without you.

    I know how hard it is to battle against a broken system, to give patients the best care you can, only to go home at the end of the day, knowing your best wasn’t good enough.

    But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    The cavalry is coming.

    My message to everyone working in the NHS is this.

    Stay and help us to rescue and rebuild it.

    The NHS was broken, but it’s not beaten.

    And together we can turn it around.

    Change takes time, but it has already begun.

    In nine months, this […] government has awarded NHS staff an above inflation pay rise, ended the resident doctors strikes, invested an extra £26 billion in health and care, the biggest investment in hospices for a generation.

    We’ve agreed the GP contract for the first time since the pandemic, with £889 million more in funding, the biggest uplift in a decade.

    We’ve reversed the decade of cuts to community pharmacy.

    We’ve delivered the extra 2 million more appointments we promised at the election than we did it seven months early.

    NHS waiting lists have been cut for five months in a row and counting.

    80,000 suspected cancer patients were diagnosed early, so lots done, but so much more to do.

    We know there’s a long way to go.

    There’ll be bumps along the way.

    It won’t be plain sailing and we’ll make some mistakes.

    But we are finally putting the NHS on the road to recovery.

    On social care, we’ve been accused of not doing enough.

    I totally understand the cynicism after years of inaction.

    [Political content has been removed]

    Our first step on the road to building a National Care Service, and I can announce today, will go further for our care professionals.

    We are introducing the first universal career structure for adult social care, setting out four new job roles to give care workers the opportunities to progress in their career.

    With millions of pounds of new investment in their skills and training.

    Keir said his ambition for his sister, who is a care worker, is to command the same respect as her brother, the Prime Minister.

    Her work is so important to the future of our country.

    [Political content has been removed]

    But be in no doubt about the weight on our shoulders.

    I’m certainly not.

    Not only the responsibility to millions of people who are being failed by the NHS and social care services, but also to prove to a sceptical public that the NHS can change and deliver the timely, quality care people expect in 2025.

    On the 75th anniversary of the NHS, an opinion poll showed that the health service makes the majority of the British people proud of our country, greater than the pride we feel for any other aspect of our history or culture.

    But the same poll revealed that 7 in 10 believe that the NHS founding principle of healthcare, free at the point of need, won’t survive the next ten years.

    The failure of public services to meet the needs of the people is one of the fertilisers of populism we see across liberal democracies.

    [Political content has been removed]

    We will always defend the NHS as a public service, free at the point of use, so that when you fall ill, you never have to worry about the bill.

    [Political content has been removed]

    That’s why I say it’s change or die.

    The stakes are high.

    The challenge is enormous, but the prize is huge.

    A service that values all of its workforce as an asset to be nurtured, not a cost to be minimised.

    Where staff are proud to work because their patients receive the best possible care.

    An NHS there for us when we need it.

    Once again, it won’t be easy.

    It will take time.

    But if we get this right, we will be able to look back on this time and say that we were the generation that took the NHS from the worst crisis in its history, got it back on its feet and made it fit for the future, and built a National Care Service worthy of the name.

    Change has begun, but the best is still to come.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Samsung Ads and Magnite Deepen Partnership to Enhance Audience Addressability in Streaming TV

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, today announced an expanded global partnership with Samsung Ads, the advanced advertising division of Samsung Electronics. From 2023 to 2024, Samsung Ads saw double-digit percentage gross revenue growth on the Magnite Streaming SSP as a result of their successful collaboration.

    To bolster audience addressability in streaming, Samsung Ads will leverage the Magnite Access product to better manage behavioral audience data across Magnite platforms. Magnite Access helps media owners like Samsung Ads increase the volume of targeted impressions in Magnite’s exchanges and drive higher CPMs and revenue.

    The partnership expansion follows closely on the heels of Samsung’s continued success in the US and globally. Samsung Ads has cultivated the largest single source of TV data in the US market attained with user consent. Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s free ad-supported TV (FAST) and on-demand (AVOD) service, has 88 million monthly active users and recently launched in Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand, with Magnite facilitating programmatic access to this inventory for the first time in the region.

    “Alongside the rapid growth of our ads business, Magnite has been an instrumental partner helping us build custom technology to improve our programmatic monetization,” said Joe Melaragno, Head of Channel Sales at Samsung Ads. “Our collaboration with Magnite has led to a number of breakthroughs including simplified genre targeting to support contextual advertising, improved forecasting capabilities, and a significant reduction in timeouts to complement our rapid viewership growth on Samsung TV Plus. We’re very excited to see how Magnite Storefront within the Magnite Access suite can bring additional value to our data capabilities and further empower our sales team to deliver best-in-class solutions for advertisers.”

    “As ad-supported streaming continues to rise in popularity, Samsung Ads is at the forefront of delivering best-in-class experiences to viewers worldwide,” said Ryan Kenney, SVP, Streaming Platform at Magnite. “We’re pleased to continue our collaboration with Samsung Ads to bring high-quality streaming TV advertising to more programmatic buyers and to make audience-based buying more prevalent and effective in this environment.”

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

    About Samsung Ads
    Samsung Ads puts the power of the world’s #1 Smart TV and mobile device brand to work for businesses of all shapes and sizes. With unrivaled reach across hundreds of millions of smart devices, Samsung Ads unlocks audiences at scale, helping advertisers break through to valuable opted-in consumers in the moments that matter most. Samsung Ads offers innovative ad formats in brand-safe ad environments with full-funnel performance solutions that drive measurable outcomes –from awareness, to consideration, to conversion.

    Today, Samsung Ads serves over 25 countries around the globe, bringing brands new ways to engage their audience across Samsung’s portfolio of premium entertainment services, including Samsung TV Plus –the #1 FAST service on hundreds of millions of TVs globally, Samsung Gaming Hub, Samsung Galaxy mobile apps, and beyond.

    Media Contact:
    Charlstie Veith
    cveith@magnite.com

    Investor Contact:
    Nick Kormeluk
    nkormeluk@magnite.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Do you know the next ACT Australian of the Year?

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The 2023 ACT Australians of the Year: Caitlin Figueiredo, Joanne Farrell, Ebenezer Banful OAM, and Selina Walker

    When you hear the phrase “ACT Australian of the Year”, what do you think of?

    If it’s a lifelong successful career with a long list of awards, you may have the wrong idea.

    According to Lily Harrison, this is a common misunderstanding.

    Lily Harrison was a member of the selection panel for last year’s ACT Australian of the Year Awards. She is also the former Co-Chair of the ACT Youth Advisory Council.

    “We really limit our opportunities to celebrate young Australians if we look for a long-term and decorated commitment to the community, rather than for genuine interest and involvement,” she said.

    “Naming a recipient can be about recognising and encouraging young people who are active in their community, passionate about something and who have potential.”

    Lily read through many nominations last year. She said that her favourite ones to read were for people who didn’t have any awards or titles.

    “People who weren’t having a national reach, but who had identified a need specific to their community and were using their particular skill set to respond to that need,” she said.

    Nominations close on 31 July 2024. Now is the time to nominate the people in your life who inspire you.

    Lily said reading the nominations was her favourite part of being on last year’s panel. Some were from people who loved their grandparent or friend. Others were on behalf of highly accomplished professionals.

    “Both were heartening to read and, collectively, the nominations described a community of Canberrans who are passionate, innovative, showing up and making a difference,” she said.

    It only takes one nomination for an individual to be considered for the award.

    “Regardless of whether someone is named as recipient, or not, knowing someone has noticed their work and taken the time to write a nomination, can be a really rewarding acknowledgment and source of encouragement,” Lily said.

    Lily suggests including both the tangible and intangible elements of a nominee.

    “The nominations where you could really tell how much the nominee cares about the work they’re doing and how much they are valued by their community were, to me, so much more powerful than those with an enormous number of attached documents and links to news articles,” she said.

    “That being said, if you’re nominating them for something like their fundraising or their skill in organising a particular event, be specific about how much money they raised and the number of people who attended. It can be hard to name someone as a recipient if they sound really wonderful but you’re ultimately unsure what it is they’ve achieved.”


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Become someone’s hero this DonateLife Week

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Heather and her husband, Steve, are enormously grateful for Heather’s second chance at life.

    Ainslie artist Heather Aspinall knows what it’s like to benefit from another’s generous act.

    This DonateLife Week – Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August – she shares her story to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.

    Heather’s journey

    In 2018, Heather was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

    “Alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency (AATD) is a condition that usually affects the lungs, but in some people causes irreparable liver damage (cirrhosis),” Heather said.

    “It took a few months for it to sink in that I was, in fact, dying and that transplant was my only chance to survive.”

    In the years following her diagnosis, Heather was extremely unwell.

    She had to have large amounts of fluid drained weekly from her abdomen. She was also treated for aneurysms.

    While on the transplant list, Heather and her husband, Steve, waited patiently for ‘the call’.

    It came in January 2023. A donor liver was available.

    “In many ways I struggled a lot with the idea that someone else would have to die for me to live and that I did not feel worthy of all that sacrifice and effort,” she said.

    “There is no greater gift, nothing more generous than to save another person’s life with the gift of your organs or tissue.”

    Life post-transplant

    Eighteen months on and Heather’s health continues to improve gradually.

    “Before the transplant my life was basically being a full-time medical patient,” she said.

    “I am feeling much better than I used to. I’m walking up to 3km a day and looking forward to being able to return to dance classes and ice-skating soon.

    “My adult son is getting married later this year and every part of me is grateful that I will be alive to see it and be there for him to share in his joy and happiness. One day soon I hope to be able to hold a grandchild in my arms and know how precious life is to be able to do so.”

    A second chance at life

    Four in five Australians say they support organ donation, however, only 27 per cent of Canberrans have registered their wishes on the Australian Organ Donor Register, which is below the national average.

    Heather urges everybody to register during DonateLife Week.

    “It is such an easy way to become somebody’s hero! You don’t need to be a superhero, just a kind person with a generous heart (maybe literally!),” she said.

    “Every day, there are many occasions when I have to think to myself, I’m here because of the grace, kindness and generosity of my donor and their family, and whisper ‘thank you, donor’ to myself.”

    Register now

    It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au or with three taps on Express Plus Medicare app.

    Heather before (left) and after her transplant.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Your guide to Tuggeranong’s best public art

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Moth Ascending the Capital is one of Tuggeranong’s most iconic public artworks.

    Canberra is lucky enough to be home to many art galleries and museums. However, there are pockets of amazing outdoor art sprinkled all over the city.

    Tuggeranong is no exception. Here are some of the amazing artworks you can see right in your own neighbourhood:

    Tuggeranong Pumphouse

    Artist: Dai Cameron and AJ
    Location: Cowlishaw Street, Greenway 

    The artists taught aerosol painting skills to Tuggeranong College students while completing this artwork. It features freshwater cray from the nearby lake and inspiration from nature in the area.

    The piece is also inspired by graffiti styles from the legal graffiti wall scene that started in the late 1990s to early 2000s in Canberra. The style is a mashup of a style of fast graffiti called future funk.

    Find out more about Dai Cameron.

    Unnamed mural

    Artist: David Cragg
    Location: Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club, 101 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway

    This mural is one of three painted at the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club. Artist David Cragg mentored a group of ‘silver sprayers’ (older artists), from the Seniors Centre to paint the walls. The artwork depicts eye-catching local wildlife with mountain ranges in the distance.

    To see more of David’s work, check out his Instagram .

    Platypus Story toilet block

    Artist: Kristie Peters
    Location: Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway

    Local Wiradjuri artist Kristie Peters digitally designed this mural.

    The vinyl wrap mural depicts our native platypus. Kristie says, the platypus represents individuality and encourages our community to be unique.

    See more of Kristie’s work here.

    Unnamed mural

    Artist: Geoff Filmer
    Location: Kambah ACT Government depot, Chirnside Circuit, Kambah

    Artist Geoff Filmer depicts a blend of fauna and flora painted at the Kambah depot. The work incorporates earthy colours which invites viewers to appreciate the detailed fauna and flora, like the cockatoo.

    To see more of David’s work, check out his Instagram.

    Firestorm Story Tree

    Artist: Bryan Carrick and Mount Taylor Estate community
    Location: Between Ammonn and Bolden Places, off Sulwood Drive, Kambah

    This artwork was carved on one of the trees that was left standing after the 18 January 2003 firestorm. It’s a symbol of the community’s spirit and resilience.

    Find out more.

    Kambah Sheep

    Artist: Matthew Harding
    Location: Kambah Village Shopping Centre, corner of Drakeford Drive and Marconi Crescent, Kambah

    This work includes not only sheep, but also:

    • Christmas beetles
    • a sheep dog
    • hardwood poles inlaid and marked with found farmyard objects.

    Artist Matthew Harding was inspired by the rural history of the area.

    Find out more.

    Moth Ascending the Capital

    Artist: Alexander Knox
    Location: Drakeford Drive median at Summerland and O’Halloran Circuits, Kambah

    Alexander Knox designed this sculpture to represent a bogong moth bursting into flight.

    Find out more.

    Gathering Place

    Artist: Wellspring with Brian Carrick
    Location: Mortimer Lewis Drive, East Tuggeranong Lake

    Gathering Place is part of a recreational and ceremonial place. The creators intended the space to encourage reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the region.

    Find out more.

    We Are Fishes

    Artist: Andrew Townsend
    Location: Corner of Reed and Cowlishaw Streets, Tuggeranong

    This is a pair of fishes that swim in the air between Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Lake Tuggeranong. The sculpture is made from a pair of wind vanes.

    Find out more.

    Decollete

    Artist: Michael Le Grand
    Location: Manning Clark Offices, Tuggeranong

    This is another nautical-themed work reflecting the design of Tuggeranong Arts Centre. This sculpture was intended to be at entrance to the Centre. Following changes to the entryway, Decollete moved to its current location.

    Find out more.

    Angel Wings

    Artist: Phil Price
    Location: Corner of Soward Way and Drakeford Drive, Tuggeranong

    This 10-metre-tall sculpture features aerodynamic wings that move in response to the wind. The sculptor described it as a celebration of being alive.

    Find out more.

    Discover more public art in Canberra or find street art and graffiti in your area .

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Smiley face signs support safety around schools

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    New radar speed check signs are being trialled as schools return for a new term.

    New smiley face speed check signs are being trialled as schools return for term 3.

    Motorists can expect to see the new signs at some ACT schools.

    They will light up with a smiley face when a vehicle drives at or below the speed limit.

    If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the LED sign will show a sad face.

    The ACT Government has used the smiley face signs before and they have proven successful in slowing drivers down.

    It is hoped the signs will remind Canberrans to drive carefully and keep kids safe.

    “The 40km/h school zone is important because it gives motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation,” Road Policing’s Detective Sergeant Sean Evans said.

    “If everyone abides by the road rules and takes a few extra seconds when driving through school zones, children will arrive and leave school safely.”

    These radar speed check signs are not speed cameras. They instead alert motorists in real time if they are adhering to the speed limit.

    The signs are for information only. They do not record any vehicle information.

    Mobile speed cameras will continue monitoring school zones across the ACT.

    Parking safely around schools

    The ACT Government will also target illegal parking around schools, as well as sporting events and sportsgrounds.

    Both licence plate recognition vans and parking inspectors will be out in force.

    “Students are some of our most vulnerable road users and it is critical that motorists driving and parking in school zones understand the importance of abiding by the speed limits and parking legally to keep students safe.” Access Canberra’s Emily Springett said.

    “A key area of focus will continue to be ‘line of sight offences’ and ‘parking in no stopping zones’ which can present a danger to students crossing the road.”

    Anyone parking dangerously or illegally can expect to receive a fine. These range from $132 to over $640.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction starts on Garden City Cycleway

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The route will help make it easier for Canberrans to choose active travel.

    Work has begun on a new active transport route that will better connect the suburbs of the inner north with the city.

    The Garden City Cycleway will reduce traffic congestion and shape a liveable, sustainable city.

    The cycleway will be positioned east of Northbourne Avenue. It will run through:

    • Watson
    • Downer
    • Hackett
    • Dickson
    • Ainslie
    • Braddon.

    It will then join with Canberra’s main cycling network on Bunda and Allara streets.

    It will mirror the highly used Sullivans Creek path on the western side of Northbourne Avenue.

    The first stage of works will be a new cycleway from Cooyong Street in Braddon through to Angas Street in Ainslie.

    The first part of construction will be along Torrens Street. There will be a four-metre-wide concrete walking and cycling path in the eastern verge of Torrens Street. It will run from Cooyong Street to Henty Street. There will also be a three-metre-wide path continuing from Henty Street to Ijong Street in Braddon.

    The existing concrete path will be removed and replaced. Six new raised concrete zebra crossings will also be constructed along the route for safe passage.

    The $10 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments. Each is committing $5 million.

    Procurement is underway for the next two construction packages. These will include works along:

    • Torrens Street
    • Ijong Street and
    • Angas Street.

    These works include new traffic lights at the intersection of Limestone Avenue and Ijong Street.

    Construction of the first package along Torrens Street between Cooyong and Ipma Street is expected to take around seven months to complete. It is expected to be open for use in early 2025.

    For more information, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au/Infrastructure-Projects.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY (102.27%), MSTY (101.29%), ULTY (78.88%), AIYY (70.96%), LFGY (69.83%), and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date
    Payment
    Date
    CHPY* YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2360 35.40% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4170 69.83% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2199 29.87% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3590 45.69% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2270 29.60% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0822 78.88% 2.21% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0973 38.00% 69.89% 53.05% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1289 57.35% 96.57% 64.98% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2301 70.96% 4.89% 93.15% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4877 43.54% 4.40% 89.31% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3023 33.00% 3.44% 44.35% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3254 35.32% 4.03% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.3356 101.29% 0.50% 0.48% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.5012 102.27% 3.01% 67.02% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    WNTR** YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4412 59.61% 6.32% 89.82% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4437 30.86% 3.08% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY UTLY YMAG YMAX CRSH FEAT FIVY GOOY OARK SNOY TSLY TSMY XOMO YBIT


    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling 
    (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    *The inception date for CHPY is April 2, 2025.

    **The inception date for WNTR is March 26, 2025.

    1 All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 8, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5 ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.


    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here. For CHPY, click here

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date:2025-04-03
    Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    April 3, 2025The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement on April 3 indicating its deep concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan. On the same day, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also expressed its concern on X. In its statement, Australia said that it strongly opposed actions that increased the risk of miscalculation and escalation. It reaffirmed that such military exercises were disproportionate and destabilizing, adding that it had raised its concerns with China. Meanwhile, New Zealand called on China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that undermine peace and stability. Both countries expressed their opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and called for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to resolve their differences through dialogue, not through the threat or use of force or coercion.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes these statements and thanks Australia, New Zealand, and all peace-loving countries for continuing to pay close attention to the security situation across the Taiwan Strait. He reiterates that cross-strait peace and stability are in line with the world’s interests and are of extraordinary importance to the international community.MOFA stresses that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work with like-minded countries to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sustainable Household Scheme saves Canberrans millions

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The SHS provides zero-interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades.

    Since it began in July 2021, savings have been achieved through products including:

    • rooftop solar systems
    • batteries
    • ceiling insulation
    • replacement of gas or inefficient electric appliances with efficient electric appliances.

    The SHS has also supported Canberrans to buy electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

    The upgrades are resulting in energy bill and fuel cost savings.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme

    Through the SHS, eligible Canberrans have access to up to $15,000 in zero-interest loans.

    Loans can be used on a range of energy-efficient upgrades, such as:

    • efficient heating and cooling
    • cooktops and hot water systems
    • solar panels
    • battery storage
    • electric vehicles
    • ceiling insulation.

    Savings across Canberra

    New data shows the approximate spread of these savings across the ACT.

    Tuggeranong leads the way with $12.3 million saved on bills so far.

    • Tuggeranong: $12.3m
    • Belconnen: $12.2m
    • Gungahlin: $10.1m
    • Canberra Central: $3.4m
    • Weston Creek: $3.1m
    • Woden: $3.1m
    • Molonglo: $2.3m
    • Rest of ACT: $0.3m

    Rooftop solar is particularly popular. Approximately 58 per cent of solar installations in the ACT since the start of the SHS used an SHS loan.

    Reducing costs and emissions

    The SHS has approved over $225 million in loans and supported the installation of over 19,000 sustainable upgrades since it began.

    This not only saves households money on energy bills, but it also helps reduce the territory’s emissions.

    The SHS contributes to the ACT achieving a sustainable, resilient future, with a target of net zero emissions by 2045.

    It is a key part of the Government’s strategy to lower emissions and tackle climate change, while supporting ACT homes to reduce power bills and growing jobs in the region’s renewable energy industry.

    Find out more about the SHS at climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Coalition’s rubbery gas numbers can’t conceal disastrous energy plan

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Wednesday 9 April 2025 – In response to the Coalition’s newly released gas policy modelling, Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

    “Peter Dutton’s policy to supposedly achieve meagre changes to gas prices is a distraction from the fact that we don’t need gas and the seismic blasting, methane leaks or fracking it involves, because we already have the technology available to build affordable clean energy to power homes and businesses for the long term.

    “Gas is a dangerous fossil fuel that drives worsening floods, bushfires, cyclones and droughts. The Coalition wants to greenlight gas expansion like Woodside’s Browse project and fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, which threaten our environment and the climate. 

    “The Coalition’s energy policy and its ‘modelling’ on electricity prices simply don’t pass the sniff test. A future-proof policy is one that accelerates the transition to clean, affordable renewable energy, helps Australian businesses electrify and get off gas, and quickly phases out fossil fuels. 

    “Renewable energy is already the cheapest form of energy, and is reducing or even eliminating electricity bills for millions of Australian homes and businesses today. When it comes to reducing bills, gas simply cannot compete with renewables.

    “Australians can’t afford worsening gas-fuelled climate disasters like the Black Summer bushfires, Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and the Queensland floods that have racked up clean-up costs in the billions of dollars. 

    “The Coalition has also refused to dump its nuclear plans despite criticism from fellow Liberals, and estimates by experts which show that the cost of building nuclear reactors alone will cost taxpayers up to $600 billion. Peter Dutton has provided no plan for how the additional costs of nuclear waste management, insurance, and safety will be funded either. 

    “The enormous costs of the Coalition’s plan to expand climate-wrecking gas and build risky nuclear reactors in Australia overshadow any paltry gas savings released in its questionable modelling today.” 

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Namibia Strengthens Uranium Market with Exploration and Production (E&P) Expansion

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Namibia is expanding its uranium industry through a combination of established operations and new Exploration and Production (E&P) initiatives. With an average production of 5,613 metric tons in recent years, Namibia has solidified its position as the world’s third-largest uranium producer.

    As global interest in uranium increases to meet growing demand for nuclear electricity, the country is intensifying cooperation with international E&P companies to unlock the full potential of its uranium market. The upcoming African Mining Week – taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town – will connect investors with lucrative prospects within Namibia.

    2025 Milestones

    Recent developments highlight Namibia’s growth trajectory in the uranium sector. In February 2025, Canada’s Snow Lake Resources launched Phase 2 drilling at its Engo Valley project, targeting up to 7,500 meters of reverse circulation and diamond drilling. A maiden resource estimate for the project is expected in the second half of the year. Pioneer Lithium also acquired Rodon Metals, operator of the Warmbad Project, committing A$1.675 million to geological surveys and exploration to expand the mine.

    Meanwhile, Connected Minerals commenced drilling at the highly prospective Swakopmund project in January 2025, after securing a prospecting license from the Namibian government. The company is also exploring the Etango North-East project, where high-grade uranium mineralization was confirmed in November 2024. Deep Yellow Limited is expected to make a final investment decision for its 79-million-pound Tumas Expansion Project in the first quarter of 2025. The project is projected to produce 6 million pounds per annum over 30 years as from 2026, increasing Namibia’s production capacity.

    2024 Achievements

    Namibia experienced several market growth milestones in 2024, with new discoveries made and new exploration and production campaigns launched. Australia’s Paladin Energy achieved a record production of 1.2 million pounds in the second half of 2024. The company aims to set a new record of 3.6 million pounds by June 2025.  Beyond large-scale operations, Namibia has seen a surge in new market entrants and partnerships. Madison Metals and Star Minerals partnered to accelerate the development of the Cobra Project. Australia’s Gibb River Diamonds secured three new licenses in the Erongo District, while Hertz Energy applied for two prospecting licenses. Oar Resources secured A$1 million in funding from shareholders to finance two greenfield uranium projects.

    Amidst these developments, African Mining Week will feature high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, connecting global investors with Namibia’s rapidly growing uranium sector. The event will foster collaboration between global mining firms and Namibian stakeholders, laying the foundation for accelerated growth across the country’s uranium market.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Darwin yesterday.

    Around 12:15pm, police received reports of a robbery that occurred at a shopping complex on Bagot Road.

    It is alleged that two youths entered the store, one of which used a baseball bat from the store to threaten staff. They then stole two scooters and the baseball bat and fled the scene.

    A short time later, police received a report of the group attempting to gain entry to a complex in Coconut Grove.

    Strike Force Trident attended and arrested four male youths aged 10, 10, 11 and 12.

    The 12-year-old male has been charged with Aggravated robbery and Attempted burglary and will face court at a later date.

    The remaining offenders were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    Investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25095881.

    Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Police are interested in speaking to the occupants of the pictured vehicle, which was seen in the area at the time of the alleged assault.

    Police do not believe the vehicle’s occupants were involved in the incident, but believe they can assist with ongoing enquiries.

    Anyone with information is urged to call police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500036419. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Call for information – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning in Alice Springs.

    Police are particularly interested in speaking to the pictured male who they believe can assist with ongoing enquiries.

    Anyone with information regarding the identity of the pictured male is urged to call police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500036419. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Aggravated burglary – Tennant Creek

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged three males in relation to an aggravated burglary in Tennant Creek last night.

    About 9:25pm, police received reports of a social club being unlawfully entered on Schmidt Street. It is alleged three males aged, 21, 20 and 11-years-old, damaged the property with a crowbar to gain entry before stealing a large quantity of alcohol.

    The offenders fled the scene before police arrival but were located and arrested a short time later.

    Both adult males have been charged with Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Theft and Recruitment of a child and were remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court today.

    The 11-year-old was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cheer on our Olympians and Paralympians at the AIS

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberrans gathered to watch the Matildas play at Canberra’s last watch party in Garema Place.

    The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena has been selected as a live site for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    There will be two watch parties in the recently upgraded arena. Sit back on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens.

    You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening from 26 July until 11 September.

    Here’s everything you need to know:

    When is it on?

    There will be two watch parties in August:

    • Sunday 4 August for the Olympics
    • Sunday 31 August for the Paralympics

    Both events will run from 10am to 2pm.

    How much are tickets?

    The events are free, but bookings are required.

    Book your ticket for the Olympics LIVE Watch Party.

    Book your ticket for the Paralympics LIVE Watch Party.

    What are the food options?

    There will be local food trucks at the arena selling food and drink.

    Is it family-friendly?

    Absolutely. Children are welcome to attend and there will be kids’ entertainment options at both parties.

    Are there other entertainment options?

    Entertainment options include:

    • children’s face painting
    • colouring in
    • sport demonstrations and challenges
    • free AIS tours every 30 minutes
    • free entry to Sportex, the interacting sporting exhibit
    • meet and greet past Olympians and Paralympians to see their medals
    • an Olympic podium and photo wall.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Robert Foster artwork finds new home at Kingston Arts Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.

    The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.

    The work

    Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.

    The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.

    ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.

    The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.

    It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.

    Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.

    This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.

    Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.

    The artist

    The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.

    His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

    Robert died following a car accident in 2016.

    He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.

    “I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.

    F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.

    The Kingston Arts Precinct

    The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.

    It will house:

    • Canberra Contemporary Art Space
    • Canberra Glassworks
    • Craft ACT
    • M16 Artspace
    • Megalo Print Studio
    • PhotoAccess
    • a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

    The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.

    Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building connections through shared reading

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new Libraries ACT program is bringing Canberrans together to share the joy of stories read aloud.

    No matter your age, there’s something comforting about being read to.

    A new program at Libraries ACT taps into this, bringing Canberrans together to experience the joy of stories read aloud.

    Shared Reading is a free weekly program offered at Tuggeranong and Dickson libraries.

    In each 90-minute session, participants gather to hear a facilitator read a short story.

    There are pauses for group discussion. This allows participants to share their thoughts, emotions and personal connections to the story, if they wish.

    Building connections

    Shared reading sessions present a great way to meet people and make new friends.

    The program is designed to support all ages, with particular benefit to those aged 60+.

    The sessions offer a powerful remedy for loneliness and isolation.

    More than just reading aloud, Shared Reading creates a space where participants can fully engage with the story and each other without judgment.

    The approach allows people to connect deeply with the literature and with one another.

    The facilitator

    Local educator Louise Bromhead will lead the sessions.

    With extensive training in Shared Reading facilitation, Louise is passionate about the program and its potential to foster meaningful connections among participants.

    Meet and greet

    The program kicks off with an information session and meet and greet on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

    Participants can learn more about the program, meet Louise, and enjoy a cuppa and biscuit.

    Come and join in

    Whether you’re an avid reader, looking to connect with others, or both, this program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

    Dates (Wednesdays)

    • July: 17, 24, 31
    • August: 7, 14, 21, 28
    • September: 4, 11, 18, 25
    • October: 23, 30
    • November: 6, 13, 20, 27
    • December: 4, 11, 18

    Times

    • Tuggeranong Library: 10:15am to 11:45am
    • Dickson Library: 1:30pm to 3:00pm

    Cost: free

    Register to experience the Shared Reading program.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best curries

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Tokyo Canteen offers a delicious Japanese curry. Image: VisitCanberra

    Few foods are as comforting as a curry – especially on a cold Canberra day. Curries encompass dishes from many different cuisines, meaning there is a curry for every taste and mood.

    We asked Canberrans on the WeAreCBR page to name their favourite curries. Here are the best, as voted by you:

    This restaurant is tucked away at Manuka shops. Its menu includes thali, a Nepalese dish with a choice of curry sauce and proteins. There are also options for vegetarians.

    Canberrans from Woden and beyond have flocked to Pearce for Rama’s curries for 29 years. The fusion menu offers a fresh take on Indian cuisine.

    Spice Affair offers dishes from different regions of India. Whether you’re craving a korma, madras, daal, vindaloo or rogan josh, their extensive menu has it all.

    Locals love Spice Route for its flavourful dishes. The menu includes many traditional Indian dishes and an Indo-Chinese section.

    This Belconnen favourite is a short drive from Melba shops. Its menu boasts butter chicken, korma, jalfrezi, rogan josh, vindaloo and many more Indian curry dishes.

    No. 8 Thai is at Griffith shops. The menu includes Thai curries like green curry, red curry, yellow curry, massaman, and panang.

    Taj Agra is another longstanding Canberra favourite, having opened here 20 years ago. The menu is packed with north Indian classics including tandoori dishes, chettinad, tikka masala and more.

    Kinn Thai has an extensive menu that includes barramundi curry, panang curry, green curry, massaman beef curry and a red duck curry.

    Mirchi features mainly north Indian dishes, with a handful from southern India too. There are fragrant, spiced dishes on the menu for vegetarians and meat eaters.

    The former owners of Sukothia and the Red Hill Tea House have opened Myanmar Corner to celebrate their native Myanmar dishes. The menu is a unique fusion of Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

    Indo Café, Canberra City

    A lunchtime favourite for hungry city workers. Indo Cafe is well-known for its delicious curries. Their lunch specials are quick, affordable and the perfect remedy for chilly winter days.

    The Mustang offers a section of traditional dishes from Nepal and the surrounding region. There are many curries, including palak paneer, butter chicken, prawn curry and more. They cater to vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.

    Lamb shank massaman, wagyu panang, and salmon green curry are just some of the dishes you’ll find at Chong Co. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu.

    The menu at Blu Ginger is reflective of India’s diverse cuisine. You’ll find the seafood allepy curry from Kerala, Goanese fish curry and Punjabi saagwala curry among many others.

    Dum Dickson offers traditional Indian curries including madras, korma, saag, vindaloo, rogan josh and more. They have a range of protein options on their menu, and a large vegetarian section.

    7 Village has a large menu that’s a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. There are traditional curries and chef’s specials. They also offer meal deals and lunch specials.

    Yogi’s fragrant curries have made them a firm favourite for those in the inner south. They offer authentic Indian dishes, with options for vegetarians.

    For a Japanese take on curry, visit Tokyo Canteen for their kare raisu Japanese curry. Choose from either panko chicken, tempura prawn or tofu.

    Did we miss your favourite? Send us an email at ourcanberra@act.gov.au.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Milestone for Big Canberra Battery

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.

    The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.

    The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.

    This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.

    The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.

    The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.

    Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.

    More batteries for Canberra

    The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.

    The sites include:

    • Belconnen Parks Depot
    • Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
    • Allara Depot
    • Kambah Depot
    • Ron Reynolds Centre
    • Chifley Community Hub
    • Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
    • Cotter Depot
    • Greenway Ambulance Station.

    The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.

    Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.

    The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

    Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

    A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.

    The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.

    It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.

    Building a cleaner future

    Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.

    The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.

    Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.

    Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rehab robots help patients with brain injuries

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The equipment can help to improve function after serious brain injuries.

    Three new robots at the University of Canberra Hospital are helping patients recover from serious brain injuries.

    The hospital is the second public facility of its kind in Australia to offer this service. The robots are a joint venture between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra.

    The equipment is a tool for treating patients. It can help them to improve function after serious brain injuries including stroke.

    World experts have trained the hospital’s team to use these robots. This helps them to find the best ways to build the robots into client treatment.

    Students studying occupational therapy and physiotherapy at the university will learn about robotics as part of their coursework. The students will be involved in ongoing research projects at the university.

    The university’s Honours students will also be speaking to clinicians and patients about the robots and how they have helped to improve treatment and further build on research.

    “By embedding elements of robotics rehabilitation into the University’s relevant course curricula, our students will be exposed to this innovative technology,” Professor Stuart Semple, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, University of Canberra said.

    “That will enhance their learning outcomes and career opportunities in the health workforce of the future.”

    The ACT Government and the Canberra Hospital Foundation funded the three robots. Generous donors and the Canberra Hospital Foundation’s community partnership with GIO also helped.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Accessing payments and services now easier for new parents

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new trial is helping parents access government payments and services more easily when having a baby.

    Parents having a baby at Canberra Hospital or North Canberra Hospital can now take part in the Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial.

    In partnership with Services Australia, the ACT Government is trialling an Australian-first where parents can register the birth of their baby across federal and territory government agencies using myGov.

    The trial makes it easier for parents to access government services and register their baby’s birth.

    By signing up to the trial, the hospital will share information with Services Australia to:

    • enrol their baby in Medicare and receive a new Medicare card with their baby added
    • enrol their baby in the Australian Immunisation Register
    • register for their family’s Medicare Safety Net
    • register their baby for a My Health Record
    • let Centrelink know about the birth of their child to finalise their application for family assistance
    • register their baby’s birth with ACT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

    How to access the trial

    To enrol in the trial, new parents will need to ensure they:

    • check their details with the hospital are up to date
    • link their Medicare and Centrelink accounts to their myGov account
    • complete a pre-birth claim (as early as 3 months before the baby is born)
    • complete a new consent form (provided when your baby is born)
    • provide the completed consent form to the hospital before being discharged.

    When they agree to participate in the trial, they are agreeing to let Canberra Health Services share information about them and their baby with Services Australia.

    A collaborative approach

    The ACT Government is working with Services Australia to lead the trial.

    The trial automates newborn enrolment and birth registration processes across the state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies.

    It supports a cross-jurisdictional ‘tell us once’ approach – reducing the need for parents to re-supply information the government already holds.

    When a parent agrees to participate in the trial, they agree to Canberra Health Services (CHS) sharing information about them and their baby to Services Australia.

    The Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial helps remove administrative burden from parents, giving them more valuable time with their baby.

    The trial is part of a range of improved maternity services initiatives in the ACT.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The ultimate Canberra markets guide

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    From flowers and fresh produce to homewares and more.

    Local markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up a few veggies.

    A visit to a local market is an opportunity to:

    • taste produce from local producers
    • browse wares from local artists
    • enjoy a delicious meal
    • listen to live music
    • support your community.

    No matter what side of the lake you live on, Canberra has some excellent markets.

    Some are weekly, some only come a few times a year – but all of them offer a unique Canberra experience.

    Here’s your guide to Canberra’s markets:

    The Capital Region Farmers Market

    For 20 years, the Capital Region Farmers Market has been connecting local producers with hungry Canberrans.

    You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry. But there is also:

    • baked goods
    • nuts and seeds
    • dairy products
    • and plenty more.

    Plus, there is freshly prepared food and coffee. Take a seat and refuel with plenty of cuisines on offer.

    Southside Farmers Market

    Frequency: Every Sunday from 7am until 11pm

    A similar feel to the Capital Region Farmers Market, but on a smaller scale. It has a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.

    Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.

    Old Bus Depot Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm

    These markets are held at the Old Bus Depot, a beautiful industrial building. There is a large range of vendors stocking a huge range of wares.

    Enjoy a variety of different cuisines, baked goods and coffee. The Old Bus Depot Markets have an especially strong arts, crafts and collectibles presence. Homewares, fashion and accessories are also popular.

    Haig Park Village Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

    This weekly market has a lovely community atmosphere. Dogs are welcome and it’s family friendly. The food options are particularly good, so be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

    Hartley Hall Markets

    Frequency: The first Sunday of every month (except January) from 10:30am to 2pm

    These markets have a small-town country theme. There’s a very rural feel, with down-to-earth local suppliers.

    There’s produce, arts, crafts, gifts, and more. While you’re there, fuel up on fresh food at one of the many vendors, and enjoy some live music.

    The markets are dog-friendly and families are welcome. There is also plenty of parking, and the showgrounds and all facilities are accessible.

    Entry is a gold coin donation, which supports local disability service charity Hartley Lifecare.

    Little Burley Markets

    Frequency: every Saturday from 9am until 2pm

    This might just be Canberra’s most scenic markets. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, there are beautiful views year-round.

    Dogs are welcome and there are even dog treats for sale.

    There are plenty of food and coffee options, as well as homewares, accessories, flowers and more.

    Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

    Frequency: every Thursday to Sunday from 7am to 5:30pm

    This was Canberra’s first farmers market, beginning more than 50 years ago.

    These days, you can find just about everything you need for your weekly shop. There’s delis, bakeries, cafes, produce shops and so much more. Niche Markets is a subsection of the markets where you’ll find specialty stores, fresh food options galore and Book Lovers Lane.

    Capital Food Market

    Frequency: every Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm

    This market first opened in 1976 as the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. It’s recently had a revamp and houses a wide variety of different retailers.

    In addition to produce, delices and bakeries there are a range of dining options including:

    • Florence Gelato
    • Le Cheeserie
    • What The Pho.

    There are more dining options arriving throughout the year.

    The Forage

    Location: various

    Frequency: a few times a year

    Canberra foodies await the announcement of the next Forage with bated breath. It’s a food lover’s dream, with dozens of local food and beverage businesses to choose from.

    There are often entertainment options including live music and performances.

    Handmade Market

    Frequency: Quarterly

    Each Handmade Market sees over 260 small businesses gather at EPIC. Each market presents a different array of stallholders. You can expect Australian designers and makers selling homewares, fashion, artworks and everything in-between.

    There is also a dedicated gourmet food hall.


    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Buntanetap shows promise in early Parkinson’s with mild dementia, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Buntanetap shows promise in early Parkinson’s with mild dementia, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    At the recently held AD/PD 2025 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (PD), Annovis Bio reported buntanetap’s potential to improve both motor and cognitive functions in early-stage PD patients with mild dementia. This underscores the growing need for effective dementia treatments in PD, noting the drug’s promising sub-group outcomes as a critical step in addressing this significant unmet medical need, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Reportedly, buntanetap failed to reach the primary endpoint in the total intention-to-treat (ITT) population. But, showed potential at improving motor and non-motor functions in patients with early PD and mild dementia.

    Following sub-group analysis of early PD patients with mild dementia, as measured by a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) of 20-26, cognitive decline was prevented in patients who received 20mg of buntanetap for six months. In addition, buntanetap demonstrated improvements in MDS-UPDRS Parts I, II, III, and IV, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGIS), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale fourth edition (WAIS-IV), and Participant Global Impression of Change (PGIC) clinical endpoints, meeting all primary and secondary endpoints in this sub-group. As such, improvements in both cognition and motor function signal a promising therapy for patients with early PD with mild dementia.

    Christie Wong, Managing Neurology Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The key opinion leaders (KOLs) previously interviewed by GlobalData overwhelmingly cited dementia as the most difficult-to-treat non-motor symptom of PD. The development of more effective therapies for dementia is a major unmet need in PD, as the current therapies provide only modest benefit. KOLs stated that dementia is a common problem in PD patients that further affects medication compliance and remains difficult to treat.”

    However, drug development for this indication has historically been challenging. For example, IRLAB Therapeutics recently announced that while the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) indicated an improvement in cognitive impairment for patients treated with 600mg of pirepemat, it did not reach statistical significance in a Phase IIb study (REACT-PD [NCT05258071]).

    Moving forward, Annovis Bio plans to explore biomarkers to differentiate patients with PD from patients without PD, as well as understanding the differences between PD patients with cognitive impairment and patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the company has requested a Type C meeting with the FDA, with the intention to conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase II/III study in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies and PD dementia.

    Wong concludes: “In the late-stage pipeline, there are currently three assets that investigate cognitive function in PD patients; buntanetap is set to compete with Anavex’s blarcamesine and IRLAB Therapeutics’ pirepemat. Pipeline agents that address cognitive complications, including PD dementia, will likely see a high initial uptake following approval due to the limited availability of approved treatments for this indication and high unmet need.”

    *7MM = The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Navkar Mahamantra is not just a mantra, it is the core of our faith: PM

    Navkar Mahamantra embodies humility, peace and universal harmony: PM

    Navkar Mahamantra along with the worship of Panch Parmeshthi symbolises the right knowledge, perception and conduct, and the path leading to salvation: PM

    Jain literature has been the backbone of the intellectual glory of India: PM

    Climate change is today’s biggest crisis and its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries and aligns perfectly with India’s Mission LiFE: PM

    PM proposes 9 resolutions on Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 11:06AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the profound spiritual experience of the Navkar Mantra, emphasizing its ability to bring peace and stability to the mind. He remarked on the extraordinary feeling of tranquility, which transcends words and thoughts, resonating deeply within the mind and consciousness. Shri Modi underscored the significance of the Navkar Mantra, reciting its sacred verses and described the mantra as a unified flow of energy, embodying stability, equanimity, and a harmonious rhythm of consciousness and inner light. Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared how he continues to feel the spiritual power of the Navkar Mantra within himself. He recalled witnessing a similar collective chanting event in Bengaluru years ago, which left a lasting impression on him. The Prime Minister highlighted the unparalleled experience of millions of virtuous souls across the nation and abroad coming together in a unified consciousness. He remarked on the collective energy and synchronized words, describing it as truly extraordinary and unprecedented.

    Remarking on his roots in Gujarat, where the influence of Jainism is evident in every street, the Prime Minister highlighted how, from a young age, he had the privilege of being in the company of Jain Acharyas. “Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of faith and the essence of life”, he emphasised. He underlined its significance, which extends beyond spirituality, guiding individuals and society alike. He highlighted that every verse and even every syllable of the Navkar Mantra holds profound meaning. He added that when reciting the mantra, one bows to the Panch Parmeshthi and elaborated on the same. Shri Modi said Arihants, who have attained “Keval Gyan” and guide “Bhavya Jeevas,” embody 12 divine qualities while the Siddhas, who have eradicated eight karmas, attained Moksha, and possess eight pure qualities. He added that Acharyas follow Mahavrat and serve as pathfinders, embodying 36 virtues while Upadhyayas impart knowledge of the Moksha path, enriched with 25 qualities. He further added that Sadhus refine themselves through penance and progress toward Moksha, possessing 27 great qualities. He highlighted the spiritual depth and virtues associated with each of these revered beings.

    “One bows to the 108 divine qualities and remembers the welfare of humanity when reciting the Navkar Mantra”, said Shri Modi highlighting that the mantra reminds us that knowledge and action are the true directions of life, with the Guru as the guiding light, and the path emerging from within. He emphasized the teachings of the Navkar Mantra, which inspire self-belief and the initiation of one’s own journey. He stated that the true enemy lies within—negative thoughts, distrust, hostility, and selfishness—and conquering these is the real victory. He underlined that Jainism motivates individuals to conquer themselves rather than the external world. “Self-conquest leads one to become an Arihant”, he added, stating that the Navkar Mantra is not a demand but a path—a path that purifies individuals from within and guides them toward harmony and goodwill.

    “Navkar Mantra is truly a mantra of human meditation, practice, and self-purification”, exclaimed the Prime Minister highlighting its global perspective and its timeless nature, which, like other Indian oral and scriptural traditions, has been passed down through generations—first orally, then through inscriptions, and finally through Prakrit manuscripts—continuing to guide humanity even today. “The Navkar Mantra, along with venerating the Panch Parmeshthi, embodies right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, serving as a path to liberation”, he emphasised. Underlining the importance of the nine elements of life, which lead to completeness, Shri Modi noted the special significance of the number nine in Indian culture. He elaborated on the prominence of the number nine in Jainism, mentioning the Navkar Mantra, nine elements, and nine virtues, as well as its presence in other traditions, such as the nine treasures, nine gates, nine planets, nine forms of Durga, and Navadha Bhakti. He highlighted that the repetition of chants—whether nine times or in multiples of nine like 27, 54, or 108—symbolizes the completeness represented by the number nine. The Prime Minister explained that the number nine is not just mathematics but a philosophy, as it represents completeness. He remarked that after achieving completeness, the mind and intellect stabilize and ascend, free from the desire for new things. Even after progress, one remains rooted in their essence and this is the essence of the Navkar Mantra, he stated.

    Underlining that the philosophy of the Navkar Mantra aligns with the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister reiterated his statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing that a developed India signifies both progress and heritage—a nation that will neither stop nor falter, will reach new heights, yet remain rooted in its traditions. He highlighted that a developed India will take pride in its culture. He emphasized the preservation of the teachings of the Tirthankaras. Recalling the nationwide celebration of the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir, Shri Modi noted the return of ancient idols, including those of the Tirthankaras, from abroad.  He proudly shared that over 20 Tirthankara idols have been brought back to India in recent years. He highlighted the unparalleled role of Jainism in shaping India’s identity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving this legacy. Referring to the new Parliament building in New Delhi, describing it as the temple of democracy, he pointed out the visible influence of Jainism. He mentioned the depiction of Sammed Shikhar in the architectural gallery at the Shardul Gate entrance, the Tirthankara idol at the entrance of the Lok Sabha, which was returned from Australia, the magnificent painting of Lord Mahavir on the ceiling of the Constitution Gallery and the depiction of all 24 Tirthankaras together on the wall of the South Building. The Prime Minister remarked that these philosophies guide India’s democracy and provide the right path. He highlighted the profound definitions of Jainism, encapsulated in ancient Agama scriptures, such as “Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo,” “Charittam Khalu Dhammo,” and “Jivana Rakkhanam Dhammo.” He reaffirmed that the government is advancing with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” inspired by these values.

    “Jain literature has been the backbone of India’s intellectual heritage, and preserving this knowledge is a duty”, said Shri Modi, highlighting the government’s decision to grant classical language status to Prakrit and Pali, enabling further research on Jain literature. He emphasized that preserving language ensures the survival of knowledge, and expanding language leads to the growth of wisdom. The Prime Minister noted the existence of centuries-old Jain manuscripts in India, describing each page as a mirror of history and an ocean of knowledge, quoting profound Jain teachings. He expressed concern over the gradual disappearance of many significant texts and mentioned the launch of the “Gyan Bharatam Mission”, announced in this year’s Budget. He shared plans to survey millions of manuscripts across the country and digitize ancient heritage, connecting antiquity with modernity. He described this initiative as an ‘Amrit Sankalp’. “New India will explore possibilities through AI while guiding the world with spirituality”, he stressed.

    Highlighting that Jainism is both scientific and sensitive, offering solutions to global challenges such as war, terrorism, and environmental issues through its core principles, the Prime Minister said the Jain tradition’s emblem, which states “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasises the interdependence of all living beings. He underscored Jainism’s commitment to non-violence, even at the most subtle levels, as a profound message of environmental conservation, mutual harmony, and peace. He acknowledged the five major principles of Jainism and emphasized the relevance of the philosophy of Anekantavada in today’s era. He stated that belief in Anekantavada prevents situations of war and conflict, fostering understanding of others’ emotions and perspectives. He emphasized the need for the world to embrace the philosophy of Anekantavada.

    Underscoring that the world’s trust in India is deepening, with India’s efforts and results becoming a source of inspiration, Shri Modi highlighted that global institutions are now looking towards India because of its progress, which opens pathways for others. He connected this to the Jain philosophy of “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasizing that life thrives on mutual cooperation. He noted that this perspective has raised global expectations from India, and the nation has intensified its efforts. Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, he identified sustainable lifestyles as the solution and highlighted India’s launch of Mission LiFE. He remarked that the Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Referring to the Jain principle of Aparigraha, he emphasized the need to spread these values widely. He urged everyone, regardless of their location, to become flag bearers of Mission LiFE.

    Prime Minister remarked that in today’s world of information, knowledge is abundant, but without wisdom, it lacks depth. He emphasized that Jainism teaches the balance of knowledge and wisdom to find the right path. He highlighted the importance of this balance for the youth, where technology must be complemented by human touch, and skills must be accompanied by the soul. He stated that the Navkar Mahamantra can serve as a source of wisdom and direction for the new generation. 

    Shri Modi urged everyone to take nine resolutions after the collective chanting of the Navkar Mantra. The first resolution being ‘Water Conservation’, he recalled the words of Buddhi Sagar Maharaj Ji, who predicted 100 years ago that water would be sold in shops. He emphasized the need to value and save every drop of water. The second resolution is to ‘plant a tree in Mother’s Name’. He highlighted the planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings. He also recollected his efforts in Gujarat in this regard to plant 24 trees related to 24 Tirthankaras which could not be completed due to non-availability of few trees. Stressing the importance of cleanliness in every street, neighborhood, and city, urging everyone to contribute to this mission, Shri Modi mentioned ‘cleanliness mission’ as the third resolution. ‘Vocal for Local’ being the fourth resolution, he encouraged the promotion of locally made products, turning them global, and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers. The fifth resolution is to ‘explore India’ and he urged people to explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country. ‘Adopting Natural Farming’ being the sixth resolution, the Prime Minister referred to the Jain principle of One living being should not harm another and called for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming. He proposed ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ as the seventh resolution and advocated for a return to Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint. He proposed ‘Incorporating Yoga and Sports’ as the eighth resolution and emphasized making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace. Highlighting the importance of assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service, he proposed ‘Helping the Poor’ as the ninth and final resolution. He emphasised that these resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future. “These nine resolutions will infuse new energy into individuals and provide a fresh direction to the younger generation. Their implementation will foster peace, harmony, and compassion within society”, he added.

    Noting that the principles of Jainism, including Ratnatraya, Daslakshan, Solah Karan, and the festivals like Paryushan, pave the way for self-welfare, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the World Navkar Mantra Day will continuously enhance happiness, peace, and prosperity globally. He expressed satisfaction at the unity displayed by all four sects coming together for this event, describing it as a symbol of unity, emphasising the importance of spreading the message of unity across the nation. He stated that anyone who chants “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” should be embraced and connected, as this energy strengthens the foundation of a developed India.

    Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the blessings of Guru Bhagwants being received at various locations across the country. He extended his respects to the entire Jain community for organizing this global event. He offered his salutations to Acharya Bhagwants, Muni Maharajs, Shravak-Shravikas, and all those participating in the event from across India and abroad. He congratulated JITO for their efforts in organizing this historic event and acknowledged the presence of Home Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, JITO Apex Chairman Shri Prithviraj Kothari, President Shri Vijay Bhandari, other JITO officials, and dignitaries from around the world, extending his best wishes for the success of this remarkable event. 

    Background

    Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a momentous celebration of spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness that seeks to unite people through the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—the most revered and universal chant in Jainism. Rooted in the principles of non-violence, humility, and spiritual elevation, the mantra pays homage to the virtues of enlightened beings and inspires inner transformation. The Divas encourages all individuals to reflect on the values of self-purification, tolerance, and collective well-being. 

    People from more than 108 countries joined the global chant for peace and togetherness. They participated to foster peace, spiritual awakening, and universal harmony through the sacred Jain chant.

     

     

    ***

     

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2120278) Visitor Counter : 113

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Schedules Conference Call for Its First Quarter 2025 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, will announce its first quarter results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

    Conference Call Details
    Radware management will host a call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss its first quarter 2025 results and outlook for the second quarter of 2025. Participants are advised to join the call approximately 15 minutes before the start time.

    US: 1-877-704-4453 (toll free)
    International: 1-201-389-0920

    In addition, the call will be webcast live on the Company’s website at http://www.radware.com/ir/investor-events/.

    A replay of the call will be available for seven days, starting two hours after the end of the call, on telephone number 1-844-512-2921 (toll free) or 1-412-317-6671. Access ID: 13752770.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications, and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    CONTACTS
    Investor Relations:
    Yisca Erez, +972-72-3917211, ir@radware.com

    Media Contact:
    Gerri Dyrek, gerri.dyrek@radware.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trastuzumab deruxtecan approved to treat adults with HER2-positive cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Trastuzumab deruxtecan approved to treat adults with HER2-positive cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery 

    As with all products, the MHRA will keep its safety under close review.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (9 April 2025) approved trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) to treat people with solid tumours that have mutations in human epidermal growth factor 2 (known as HER2 positive cancers) that have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), and who have no alternative treatment options.  

    This approval is an extension to the indication (use) of the medicine, which has previously been approved for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancers, who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens for non-small cell lung cancer with an activating HER2 mutation and HER2-postivie gastric cancer. 

    Trastuzumab deruxtecan has been approved through Project Orbis, a global partnership between the MHRA, the Therapeutics Goods Administration in Australia, Health Canada, the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore, Swissmedic, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária in Brazil and Israel’s Ministry of Health, coordinated by the US Food and Drug Administration.  This programme reviews and approves promising cancer drugs, helping patients to access treatments more quickly.    

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan under close review. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card. 

    Notes to editors  

    1. The variation to the marketing authorisation was granted on 9 April 2025 to Daiichi Sankyo UK Ltd. 

    2. The aim of Project Orbis is to deliver faster patient access to innovative cancer treatments with potential benefits over existing therapies.  For more information, see: Project Orbis

    3. For more information about cancer, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ 

    4. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.  

    5. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgments to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.  

    6. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.  

    7. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Non-locally trained dentists join Govt

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The first batch of three non-locally trained dentists recruited by the Department of Health started working at government dental clinics in the first quarter.

    The Legislative Council passed the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 in July 2024, which introduced new pathways for admitting qualified non-locally trained dentists, including limited registration for all dentists, and special registration targeting specialist dentists.

    The department launched a global recruitment drive in the same month. It received over 90 applications from non-locally trained dentists and issued 12 letters of appointment after a rigorous selection process.

    Three of the applicants, after obtaining the Dental Council of Hong Kong’s approval for limited registration in February, took up their appointments with the department on March 10.

    The three newly recruited dentists have practised in the Mainland, the UK and Australia after obtaining their professional qualifications in dentistry from Mainland and overseas institutions respectively.

    Proficient in Cantonese, they have been assigned to work in government dental clinics with general public sessions after taking a one-week induction course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First batch of non-locally trained dentists join DH to provide public service

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    First batch of non-locally trained dentists join DH to provide public service 
    Following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council in July last year, new pathways were to be introduced to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists. The DH launched a global recruitment drive in the same month. Apart from posting the information on its website, the DH collaborated with the offices outside Hong Kong to organise a series of online briefings and disseminated information to dental institutions and dental associations around the world.
     
    The DH received over 90 applications from non-locally trained dentists and issued 12 letters of appointment after a rigorous selection process. The Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) is actively processing the relevant registration matters. Three of them, after obtaining the DCHK’s approval for limited registration in February this year, took up their appointments with the DH on March 10 this year.
     
    “The DH welcomes non-locally trained dentists to join the team. The three new colleagues have practical experience of practising in the Mainland, the United Kingdom and Australia after obtaining their professional qualifications in dentistry from Mainland and overseas institutions respectively,” said the Consultant in-charge, Dental Services of the DH, Dr Kitty Hse.
     
    “A one-week induction training was provided to these non-locally trained dentists to help them better understand the scope of public dental services in Hong Kong and the duties of government dentists. The three new colleagues, who are proficient in Cantonese, have been assigned to work in government dental clinics with general public sessions to serve the public,” she added.
     
    Dr Hse stressed that the DH will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to the recruitment and retention of dentists, and will maintain close contact with the DCHK to complete the vetting and approval of registration applications from non-locally trained dentists as soon as possible in order to meet the demand for local dental services.
     
    The three newly recruited dentists expressed their honour in being able to utilise their professional knowledge and experience to serve the citizens of Hong Kong. They were particularly pleased to be able to contribute to the place where they grew up and have more time to spend with their families. They noted that the DH’s induction training was comprehensive and practical, covering topics such as infection control, operation of the medical record system and consultation procedures, adding that it has helped them quickly adapt to the work environment. The professional support and teamwork from their colleagues have enabled them to start their work smoothly. Looking ahead, they are eager to develop their careers in Hong Kong on a long-term basis and continue to serve the community with their professionalism.
     
    With the commencement of the amended provisions of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156), new pathways for qualified non-locally trained dentists to come to Hong Kong have been introduced with effect from January 1 this year, including limited registration which is open to all dentists and special registration targeting specialist dentists. Non-locally trained dentists who are selected for full-time employment in specified institutions, including the DH, the Hospital Authority, the University of Hong Kong and Prince Philip Dental Hospital, subject to the approval of the DCHK, can directly practise in specified institutions to better meet the demand for public or subsidised dental services in Hong Kong.
    Issued at HKT 15:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News