Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Johnston, Director of Learning and Teaching at Excelsia University College and Research Affiliate, University of Sydney
As Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young waved a decapitated salmon dripping with blood in parliament last week, you could feel the election coming.
Hanson-Young was protesting the watering down of Australia’s environmental laws aimed at preserving salmon farming in Tasmania.
Using props and orchestrated performances to provoke a response has been common throughout the history Australian politics. In 2017, then treasurer Scott Morrison held out a lump of coal to ridicule the opposition’s renewable energy policies. He mockingly declared:
This is coal. Don’t be afraid, don’t be scared.
Later that same year, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wore a burqa into the Senate to argue for a ban on full-face coverings – dramatically embodying her anti-Islam rhetoric.
More recently, independent members of parliament Andrew Wilkie and Bob Katter donned inflatable pig costumes to criticise the major supermarkets as pigs with their snouts in the trough, given their excessive profit margins.
It’s clear Australian politicians are drawn to drama. With the election campaign in full swing, it’s worth being wary of such beguiling performances.
Visceral is memorable
The history of theatre is peppered with shocking moments, often enhanced by props. Props help to provoke a visceral emotional response from the audience, while blurring the boundary between reality and fiction.
In Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, Oedipus exits the stage with sharp gold brooches to gorge out his eyes after discovering of his wife Jocasta’s suicide. Upon his return, his bleeding eye sockets also allude to his metaphorical blindness, having killed his own father and married his mother.
Similarly, at the end of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the tyrant king’s severed head is brought onstage – fulfilling a deceptive prophecy foretold by the fiendish witches at the beginning of the play.
In a more contemporary example, Australian playwright Patrick White’s surrealist play Ham Funeral features a ham representing gluttony, death, lust and decay, served at the wake of Mrs Lusty’s husband. We’re also shocked by a fetus from a back-alley trash can.
These are all attention-grabbing examples of how props can be much more than just the thing they represent.
In politics, as on stage, theatrical objects are an easy way to heighten emotions, and convey meaning and context. They can make abstract concepts feel more concrete. And even when they’re highly theatrical, they can communicate authenticity and passion – ready to go viral online.
As politician and activist Harvey Milk (played by James Franco) declares in the 2008 biopic Milk:
Politics is theatre. It doesn’t matter if you win. You make a statement. You say, “I’m here, pay attention to me”.
Evidence suggests political personas can be successfully constructed through careful attention to meaning-making processes, such as facial expressions, hand gestures and emotional rhetoric.
Take Adolf Hitler. In 1932, Hitler carefully crafted his speeches and vocal delivery with Paul Devrient, an operatic tenor and director. He also worked with Heinrich Hoffmann, his official photographer, in theatre-like rehearsals to strike dramatic poses and fine-tune his body language and persuasive gestures.
His performances culminated in the Nuremberg rallies. These events, choreographed like a Wagnerian opera, featured monumental architecture and lighting, banners, torches and music that positioned the Führer as a mythical hero.
Bertolt Brecht famously satirised the fabricated display in his play The Resistable Rise of Artuo Ui, in which a washed-up Shakespearean actor teaches a Chicago gangster how to present himself as a legitimate, commanding leader.
Peek behind the curtain
Performance takes place along a continuum, from mundane everyday life, to highly-staged aesthetic enactments. We’re all taking part in performances all the time, whether it’s ordering a morning coffee, or delivering Hamlet’s soliloquy at the Opera House, holding Yorick’s skull aloft.
In politics, compelling representatives hope to craft an authentic image for themselves through emotional performance – sometimes using props as framing devices to signal certain moments as marked or special.
When Julia Gillard delivered her unexpectedly viral, off-the-cuff misogyny speech, or when John Howard declared, “We will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come”, they shifted our attention from the ordinary to the performative. They incited us to feel outrage and fear, to drive a political narrative.
The warning of theatre is that we should look through appearances, to discern the substance of what’s going on.
Daniel Johnston does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
One of the first things parents want to ask their children after school is “how was your day?” We simply want to know how they are going and what happened at school.
But these conversations can feel like pulling teeth. Often you may only get a “good” or “fine” (if you’re lucky).
Why are children reluctant to divulge information about their day and how can you encourage more details?
Why don’t kids like to talk?
School can be overwhelming – with diverse social, academic and physical demands.
It may seem simple, but a genuine answer to the “how was school today” question requires considerable effort and decision making to synthesise information from a busy day. A child may also be hesitant to answer if they think a parent’s response might be anger, worry or confusion.
Children are also likely to be hungry and tired straight after school. They are probably thinking about a snack before a chat. If you think of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s famous theory about a “hierarchy of needs”, survival needs like hunger are ideally met before communication and connection.
Children have also not yet fully developed a theory of mind (an ability to image what’s going on in another person’s mind). So they might not understand why their parent is asking about school or what it is they want to know.
How can you prepare for a chat?
There are several things you can do to encourage a more informative conversation with your child.
1. Consider the purpose: ask yourself whether you want to gather information or simply connect with your child. To have a moment of connection you could simply say, “I’m so happy to see you” at the school gate. To seek information, ask a very specific question (that requires little mental effort on your child’s part). For example, “did you have your spelling test today”, rather than “what did you learn?”
3. Check your timing: instead of asking your child right after school, consider waiting. Better conversations may instead happen after the child decompresses with a favourite game and a snack, over dinner or even on way to school the next morning.
Try creating a routine to help your child prepare their answer, like the “rose dinner”. At the dinner table, everyone shares their daily “thorn” (something difficult or upsetting) and “petal” (something pleasant).
3. Consider the space: face-to-face conversations can create pressure and feel like an interrogation. This is why it’s common for psychologists to place therapy chairs on a slight angle to promote a calm, relaxed atmosphere where it is easier to disclose difficult things.
So try and do activities where you are side-by-side with your child. For example, walking or driving, doing craft, playing Lego, sport or cooking. Your child may spontaneously raise a topic – or you can model the conversation by talking about your day first.
To create a comfortable, safe environment for your child during the chat, here are four more things to consider.
1. Really listen: if your child initiates a conversation, bring your full attention and enthusiasm to it (which means putting your phone away). If you are busy thinking about what you’re going to say next while your child is speaking, this is not high-quality listening.
Show you are listening by paraphrasing what they are saying or identifying their feelings. This helps them to feel like they are being listened to and understood.
2. Be compassionate and curious: the urge to protect our kids is strong, but instead of trying to “solve” or “teach” them when they are talking, don’t be afraid of silence and curious questions. Curiosity helps us show we care, and allows the child to own their own experiences and reactions, rather than parents telling them how to feel.
For example, “Nick said I couldn’t play with him” could be responded to with “what was that like for you?” rather than outrage (“that’s horrible of Nick!”).
3. Celebrate strengths: when your child is talking, listen out for implicit strengths and values in what your child has shared. Having a parent highlight an area of strength or skill for a child helps build their sense of self. For example, “it sounds like that upset you because you value fairness”.
4. Follow up: if your child speaks about upcoming events, check back in. For example, “last week you mentioned you were nervous about basketball trials, how are you feeling now?” This also shows you have listened.
There is no magic formula: each conversation is as different as the individuals who are part of it. So experiment with these ideas and take notice of what works for you and your child.
Madeleine Fraser does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
More than 500 million people around the world live with osteoarthritis. The knee is affected more often than any other joint, with symptoms (such as pain, stiffness and reduced movement) affecting work, sleep, sport and daily activities.
Knee osteoarthritis is often thought of as thinning of the protective layer of cartilage within the joint. But we now understand it affects all the structures of the joint, including the bones, muscles and nerve endings.
While there are things that can be done to manage the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, there is no cure, and many people experience persistent pain. As a result, an opportunity exists for as yet unproven treatments to enter the market, often before regulatory safeguards can be put in place.
Stem cell injections are one such treatment. A new review my colleagues and I published this week finds that evidence of their benefits and harms remains elusive.
Stem cell treatments
Stem cells are already established as treatments for some diseases – mostly disorders of the blood, bone marrow or immune system – which has led to suggestions they could be used for a much wider array of conditions.
Stem cells have been touted as promising treatments for osteoarthritis because they have special properties which allow them to replicate and develop into the mature healthy cells that make up our body’s organs and other tissues, including cartilage.
Stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis generally involve taking a sample of tissue from a site that is rich in stem cells (such as bone marrow or fat), treating it to increase the number of stem cells, then injecting it into the joint.
The hope is that if the right type of stem cells can be introduced into an osteoarthritic joint in the right way and at the right time, they may help to repair damaged structures in the joint, or have other effects such as reducing inflammation.
But no matter how convincing the theory, we need good evidence for effectiveness and safety before a new therapy is adopted into practice.
Stem cells have been touted as promising treatments for osteoarthritis. But what does the evidence say? crystal light/Shutterstock
Stem cell injections have not been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, some clinics in Australia and around the world still offer them.
Because of the regulatory restrictions, we don’t have reliable numbers on how many procedures are being done.
They’re not covered by Medicare, so the procedure can cost the consumer thousands of dollars.
And, as with any invasive procedure, both the harvest of stem cells and the joint injection procedure may carry the potential for harm, such as infection.
What we found
Our new review, published by the independent, international group the Cochrane Collaboration, looks at all 25 randomised trials of stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis that have been conducted worldwide to date. Collectively, these studies involved 1,341 participants.
We found stem cell injections may slightly improve pain and function compared with a placebo injection, but the size of the improvement may be too small for the patient to notice.
The evidence isn’t strong enough to determine whether there is any improvement in quality of life following a stem cell injection, whether cartilage regrows, or to estimate the risk of harm.
This means we can’t confidently say yet whether any improvement that might follow a stem cell injection is worth the risk (or the cost).
It’s not surprising we invest hope in finding a transformative treatment for such a common and disabling condition. Belief in the benefits of stem cells is widespread – more than three-quarters of Americans believe stem cells can relieve arthritis pain and more than half believe this treatment to be curative.
But what happens if a new treatment is introduced to practice before it has been clearly proven to be safe and effective?
The use of an unproven, invasive therapy is not just associated with the risks of the intervention itself. Even if the treatment were harmless, there is the risk of unnecessary cost, inconvenience, and a missed opportunity for the patient to use existing therapies that are known to be effective.
What’s more, if we need to play catch-up to try to establish an evidence base for a treatment that’s already in practice, we risk diverting scarce research resources towards a therapy that may not prove to be effective, simply because the genie is out of the bottle.
Several more large clinical trials are currently underway, and should increase our understanding of whether stem cell injections are safe and effective for knee osteoarthritis.
Our review incorporates “living evidence”. This means we will continue to add the results of new trials as soon as they’re published, so the review is always up to date, and offers a comprehensive and trustworthy summary to help people with osteoarthritis and their health-care providers to make informed decisions.
In the meantime, there are a number of evidence-based treatment options. Non-drug treatments such as physiotherapy, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and cognitive behavioural therapy can be more effective than you think. Anti-inflammatory and pain medications can also play a supporting role.
Importantly, it’s not inevitable that osteoarthritic joints get worse with time. So, even though joint replacement surgery is often highly effective, it’s the last resort and fortunately, many people never need to take this step.
Samuel Whittle is supported by an Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trial Network Practitioner Fellowship and by a grant from The Hospital Research Foundation Group. Dr Whittle currently serves as President of the Australian Rheumatology Association.
The five-week election campaign is now in full swing throughout the nation.
Amid the flurry of photo opportunities and press conferences, candidates campaign in specific areas for a reason: to shore up or win back key seats.
But which seats are key? Here, six experts explain the seats to watch in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
New South Wales
David Clune, honorary associate, government and international relations, University of Sydney
How the 2025 federal election will play out in NSW is difficult to predict for two reasons.
The first is the recent redistribution which, as ABC analyst Antony Green’s pendulum shows, has redefined many electoral boundaries.
The second is the number of crossbench MPs. There are three Teals in formerly safe Liberal seats: Mackellar (Sophie Scamps), Warringah (Zali Steggall) and Wentworth (Allegra Spender). Teal Kylie Tink’s seat of North Sydney has been abolished.
All were lifted into parliament by the rising tide of resentment against former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Now that tide has gone out, the survival of these MPs depends on how they have performed as local members. The overall impression is that they have done well in connecting with their constituents and will be hard to shift.
There is a chance the formerly safe upper north shore seat of Bradfield could augment their numbers. Teal Nicolette Boele gave Liberal Paul Fletcher a very uncomfortable election night in 2022 when she slashed his majority. After the redistribution, the Liberals hold the seat by a narrow 2.5%. Fletcher is not recontesting. Boele is running a well-financed campaign with a lot of grass roots support.
The redistribution has pushed many former North Sydney voters into Bradfield. Whether they remain Teal or revert to being true-blue Liberals remains to be seen.
Much of the rest of the former North Sydney has gone into the very marginal Labor seat of Bennelong, which is now notionally marginal Liberal.
The Nationals have a problem in Calare, where former Nationals MP, now independent, Andrew Gee, is recontesting. The Nationals are also facing challenges from the left on the upper north coast due to demographic change. They hold Cowper by 2.4%.
Liberal-aligned independent, Dai Le, narrowly won Fowler in Sydney’s western suburbs in 2023. Labor has endorsed Tu Le, also of Vietnamese descent, in what promises to be a tough fight. Parramatta is another marginal seat in the western suburbs, held by Labor’s Andrew Charlton with a two-party preferred margin of 3.7%.
The government is concerned about seats on the central coast and in the Hunter and Illawarra regions, where concerns about wind farms and job losses due to renewable energy are a major issue. Most of the government’s vulnerable seats are in these areas: Gilmore, Robertson, Paterson and Hunter would all be lost with a two-party-preferred swing of 5%.
Queensland
Paul Williams, associate professor in politics and journalism, Griffith University
For decades we said Queensland was a key “battleground” in federal elections where seats north of the Tweed so often held the keys to The Lodge.
The 1975 election saw the Coalition leave Labor with a single seat, and the 1996 poll bequeath Labor just two. Conversely, Labor’s Kevin Rudd rode to victory on his nine-seat haul in in 2007, with Rudd losing seven of those in 2010.
But, for the past 15 years, federal elections have seen little movement in Queensland except, of course, for 2022 when the Greens won three seats. In short, Queensland is no longer the “make-or-break” state. Even the retirements of Keith Pitt (Hinkler), Karen Andrews (McPherson), Warren Entsch (Leichhardt) and Graham Perrett (Moreton) will hardly affect the mood.
The electoral pendulum confirms this. Labor holds just five of Queensland’s 30 seats, with Blair – a mix of outer-suburban and regional proclivities – Labor’s most marginal, but still held by a healthy 5.2% buffer. Given the two-party-preferred (2PP) swing to the Liberal-National Party (LNP) in Queensland will likely be under five percentage points – far lower than the 7.0% two-party-preferred swing the LNP attained at last October’s state election – the Coalition is unlikely to seize any more Labor property.
Conversely, despite the LNP holding seven Queensland seats on margins under 5%, the electoral tide is well and truly out for a Labor Party, whose Queensland brand is damaged at all levels. Inflation and housing shortages have hit Queensland hard, and especially so in the regions. Peter Dutton’s seat of Dickson – the LNP’s most marginal on just 1.7% – is therefore safe.
Climate action and other “community” candidates (some reject the “Teal” moniker) are standing on the Gold Coast (McPherson and Moncrieff), on the Sunshine Coast (Fisher and Fairfax), and in Groom and Dickson. None will win, but some will carve out a respectable primary vote.
All eyes will instead be on the cashed-up inner-urban seats of Ryan (potentially returning to the LNP), Griffith (a possible Labor win) and Brisbane (a genuine three-way race) – all three useful, but not essential, to Labor’s pathway to minority government.
In the Northern Territory, Labor’s Marion Scrymgour holds Lingiari by 1.7%, making that seat one to watch.
South Australia
Rob Manwaring, associate professor of politics and public policy, Flinders University
South Australia is rarely a key battleground in federal elections, and only comprises ten electoral seats.
There are, however, three key seats worth watching as they will tell us a lot about how the election campaign is playing out: Sturt, Boothby and Mayo.
In Sturt, the Liberals hold this key seat in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs with a margin of 0.5%. A fresh challenge for the incumbent James Stevens is that he faces a threat from SA’s first real Teal candidate, Verity Cooper. This potentially pulls this seat into a three-way fight.
Boothby, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, will be a good litmus test of how well Labor’s campaign is performing. Labor won the seat for the first time ever in 2022, and Louise Miller-Frost has a 3.3% margin. Liberal candidate Nicolle Flint is resurrecting her political ambitions and would be a useful ally for Peter Dutton, if she were to win.
Finally – a question – does Rebekah Sharkie like pizza? Infamously, when state Labor Premier Jay Weatherill needed a critical independent vote to secure office in 2014, he drove to Port Pirie and brokered a deal over pizza with Geoff Brock. Sharkie holds the seat of Mayo in the Adelaide Hills as a member of the Centre Alliance party with a safe 12.3% margin. Sharkie aligns herself with the Teals, and if a Dutton-led victory looks likely, then she may well be ordering her favourite slice to thrash out the terms of any support.
Tasmania
Robert Hortle, deputy director of the Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania
There are two main seats to watch in Tasmania.
The large, rural seat of Lyons is one of the most marginal in the country. Labor’s Brian Mitchell won with a 0.9% margin in 2022, but he’s made way for Rebecca White. Despite an underwhelming record as Tasmanian Labor Leader – three state election defeats – White is very popular in Lyons. However, Liberal candidate Susie Bower was somewhat unlucky to lose in 2022 after winning 37.2% of the primary vote, and has been in campaign mode for the past three years.
On the surface, Franklin – Australia’s only non-contiguous electorate – looks like a safe Labor seat. Julie Collins, the MP since 2007 and a cabinet minister, has a 13.7% margin. But her primary vote fell in 2022, and community backlash against salmon farming in Franklin’s waterways – which Labor and the Coalition both support – could make her vulnerable.
If independent Peter George (former journalist and anti-salmon campaigner) can get ahead of the low-profile Liberal candidate at some point in the count, Liberal preferences may get him across the line.
Two other Tasmanian seats are unlikely to change hands, but feature some interesting dynamics.
Liberal MP Bridget Archer’s 1.4% margin in the northern seat of Bass might look vulnerable. However, she managed a strong primary vote in 2022 despite a big swing against the Liberal Party. She’s very popular in the community for her willingness to stick to her values – even if it means voting against her party 28 times – and should hold her seat despite rumours of internal moves against her.
In Braddon, long-serving Labor Senator Anne Urquhart has quit the upper house to run. Incumbent Liberal MP Gavin Pearce is retiring, and his replacement candidate, Mal Hingston, is a bit of an unknown. It’s unlikely Urquhart will be able to overturn the 8% two-party preferred margin, but prominence in the community might give her a glimmer of hope.
Another point of interest is who will pick up the votes won by the Jaquie Lambie Network (JLN) in 2022. The JLN is not running candidates following a spectacular implosion at state level – and where those voters find a home could be crucial, particularly in Lyons.
Victoria
Zareh Ghazarian, senior lecturer in politics, school of social sciences, Monash University
Victoria is shaping up to be a crucial state for the major parties. Several seats are held by the Labor and coalition parties with a margin of less than 5%.
According to Antony Green, Chisholm is the most marginal seat Labor currently holds. The eastern Melbourne seat has been held by both major parties over the past 30 years.
Next up is Aston, further east of Chisholm, which Labor won at arguably the Liberal Party’s lowest ebb in this electoral cycle at a byelection in 2023.
McEwen, on the other hand, is a provincial electorate to the north of Melbourne. Holding onto these three seats will be a significant feat for Anthony Albanese and may set up Labor to hold a majority government.
For the Coalition, the most marginal seat is Deakin, which is a neighbouring electorate to Aston and Chisholm. The seat is held by a margin of just 0.02%, making it the most marginal in the country.
Monash is also a very interesting seat as it was won by Russell Broadbent, who lost Liberal Party preselection and has decided to run as an independent. His local profile may provide a boost to his primary vote, but may not necessarily be enough to win the seat, which will likely be held by the Liberals.
The Coalition will be in trouble if it fails to retain any of its seats in Victoria. It would need to reclaim Chisholm and Aston if it has any chance of forming majority government.
Other seats to watch include Kooyong, held by Monique Ryan with a margin of 2.2% who defeated Josh Frydenberg in 2022, and Goldstein, held by Zoe Daniel with a margin of 3.3% after defeating Liberal Tim Wilson. These will be a test of whether the Liberal Party is able to reconnect with voters who had traditionally supported them in the past.
Western Australia
Narelle Miragliotta, associate professor in politics, Murdoch University
The five WA seats to watch are Curtin, Bullwinkel, Forrest, Pearce and Tangney.
The affluent inner metropolitan seat of Curtin is held by Teal Kate Chaney on a 1.3% margin. The Liberal’s 2022 defeat was existential and the party are investing heavily in reclaiming it, although Chaney is not likely to be outspent entirely, or outmanoeuvred.
Bullwinkel is a new seat on the eastern fringes of Perth. The majority of its voters are in the metropolitan area, but the seat also takes in regional parts of the state. The seat’s geography and lack of incumbent led to the Nationals fielding Mia Davies, who was leader of the Nationals in the state parliament between 2017 and 2023.
As a result, this notional Labor seat is the site of a fierce three-way contest. YouGov projects a “Coalition” gain, although the outcome will be influenced by whether the Liberals and Nationals can contain simmering hostilities.
Pearce, in the state’s far north, is held by Labor on a comfortable 8.8% margin. However, it’s one of the most indebted electorates in the nation, and the state Labor government experienced large swings against it in outer suburban and regional state electorates earlier this year.
Tangney, in the state’s southern suburbs, was a major win for Labor in 2022. A blue-ribbon inner-city seat held uninterrupted by the Liberals since the early 1980s, Tangney is Labor’s most marginal WA seat (2.6% margin). To Labor’s advantage is the fact that several of the once-safe Liberal inner metro electorates within Tangney’s boundaries have recently voted with Labor at a state level. However, it will be a tight contest.
Paul Williams is a research associate with the T.J. Ryan Foundation.
Rob Manwaring receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a Discovery project on political parties and associated entities.
David Clune, Narelle Miragliotta, Robert Hortle, and Zareh Ghazarian do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claudia Reyes, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Australian National University
The “music” of starquakes – enormous vibrations caused by bursting bubbles of gas that ripple throughout the bodies of many stars – can reveal far more information about the stars’ histories and inner workings than scientists thought.
In new research published in Nature, we analysed the frequency signatures of starquakes across a broad range of giant stars in the M67 star cluster, almost 3,000 light years from Earth.
Using observations from the Kepler space telescope’s K2 mission, we had a rare opportunity to track the evolution of stars during most of their journey through the giant phase of the stellar life cycle.
In doing so, we discovered that these stars get stuck “playing the same part of their tune” once their turbulent outer layer reaches a sensitive region deep inside.
This discovery reveals a new way to understand the history of stars – and of the entire galaxy.
The sound of starquakes
Starquakes happen in most stars (like our Sun) that have a bubbling outer layer, like a pot of boiling water. Bubbles of hot gas rise and burst at the surface, sending ripples through the entire star that cause it to vibrate in particular ways.
We can detect these vibrations, which occur at specific “resonant frequencies”, by looking for subtle variations in the brightness of the star. By studying the frequencies of each star in a group called a cluster, we can tune into the cluster’s unique “song”.
Our study challenges previous assumptions about resonant frequencies in giant stars, revealing they offer deeper insights into stellar interiors than previously thought. Moreover, our study has opened new ways to decipher the history of our Galaxy.
The melody of a stellar cluster
Astronomers have long sought to understand how stars like our Sun evolve over time.
One of the best ways to do this is by studying clusters – groups of stars that formed together and share the same age and composition. A cluster called M67 has attracted a lot of attention because it contains many stars with a similar chemical makeup to the Sun.
Just as earthquakes help us study Earth’s interior, starquakes reveal what lies beneath a star’s surface. Each star “sings” a melody, with frequencies determined by its internal structure and physical properties.
Larger stars produce deeper, slower vibrations, while smaller stars vibrate at higher pitches. And no star plays just one note – each one resonates with a full spectrum of sound from its interior.
A surprising signature
Among the key frequency signatures is the so-called small spacing – a group of resonant frequencies quite close together. In younger stars, such as the Sun, this signature can provide clues about how much hydrogen the star still has left to burn in its core.
In red giants the situation is different. These older stars have used up all the hydrogen in their cores, which are now inert.
However, hydrogen fusion continues in a shell surrounding the core. It was long assumed that the small spacings in such stars offered little new information.
A stalled note
When we measured the small spacings of stars in M67, we were surprised to see they revealed changes in the star’s internal fusion regions.
As the hydrogen-burning shell thickened, the spacings increased. When the shell moved inward, they shrank.
Then we found something else unexpected: at a certain stage, the small spacings stalled. It was like a record skipping on a note.
We discovered that this stalling appears during a specific stage in the life of a giant star — when its outer envelope, the “boiling” layer that transports heat, grows so deep that it makes up about 80% of the star’s mass. At this point the inner boundary of the envelope reaches into a highly sensitive region of the star.
This boundary is extremely turbulent, and the speed of sound shifts steeply across it — and that steep change affects how sound waves travel through the star. We also found that the stalling frequency is distinctively determined by the star’s mass and chemical composition.
This gives us a new way to identify stars in this phase and estimate their ages with improved precision.
The history of the galaxy
Stars are like fossil records. They carry the imprint of the environments in which they formed, and studying them lets us piece together the story of our galaxy.
The Milky Way has grown by merging with smaller galaxies, forming stars at different times in different regions. Better age estimates across the galaxy help us reconstruct this history in greater detail.
Clusters like M67 also provide a glimpse into the future of our own Sun, offering insight into the changes it will experience over billions of years.
This discovery gives us a new tool – and a new reason to revisit data we already have. With years of seismic observations from across the Milky Way, we can now return to those stars and “listen” again, this time knowing what to listen for.
Claudia Reyes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Headline: Members discuss decarbonization, traceability, packaging, medical devices; address notifications
Thematic session: Traceability requirements for bulk agricultural commodities
The session recognized that traceability systems are becoming an important tool to demonstrate that agricultural products meet sustainability standards and regulations. Speakers discussed how such schemes could restrict market access and reviewed the challenges businesses face in complying with such requirements, especially in developing economies. They emphasized the role of public-private collaboration, national strategies, and the availability of traceability-related data to facilitate compliance with these schemes. The TBT Agreement disciplines, particularly transparency and the need to avoid unnecessary trade restrictions, were underscored as crucial for designing balanced and effective traceability schemes.
Thematic session: Regulatory cooperation between members on food contact packaging
Balancing multiple objectives when designing and implementing measures for reducing food contact packaging is a challenge, the session stressed. The discussion noted that food packaging serves a unique and essential role in preserving the shelf-life and safety of food we consume. Speakers identified various considerations to address these challenges, including avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches, leveraging international standards, ensuring transparency, using the best available scientific information and avoiding unnecessary costs for businesses.
Thematic session: Decarbonization standards
Speakers recognized that standards and regulations are vital in supporting decarbonization objectives, with international standards playing an important role in ensuring interoperability in international markets. The importance of developing economies’ participation in developing international standards was acknowledged, alongside the necessity of coherence and periodic updates to standards.
Thematic session: Regulatory cooperation between members on medical devices regulation
Speakers emphasized the essential role of regulatory cooperation and convergence for ensuring timely access to safe and effective medical devices, particularly in times of public health emergencies. International standards were highlighted as a foundation for facilitating trade in safe medical devices, and the importance of avoiding duplication of regulatory efforts was underscored. Speakers stressed the TBT Agreement as a key tool to guide regulatory cooperation and reduce unnecessary trade barriers for medical devices.
TBT cross-cutting information session on trade and environment
The TBT Committee held a cross-cutting information session on trade and environment with the participation of delegates from the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) in an effort by members to find synergies across the work of relevant WTO bodies. Members shared their views on possible ways in which the TBT Committee can continue enhancing members’ understanding of TBT matters at the intersection of trade and environment.
As the TBT Committee’s agenda will continue to include issues related to environmental protection and TBT measures, members expressed support for closer cooperation between the TBT Committee and the CTE, noting the benefits of fostering synergies and cross-committee learning, while avoiding duplication.
Adoption of improved TBT notification formats
Following action taken by the Transparency Working Group, and in particular by Australia, Namibia, Paraguay, the United Kingdom and the United States, significant changes to TBT notification formats were adopted to streamline and modernize information contained in these documents.
Notifications resulting from actions of Transparency Working Group
Guyana, for the first time, submitted a notification on measures it has put into place to ensure the implementation of the TBT Agreement (Article 15.2). This follows last year’s adoption of a template and accompanying guidelines to help members prepare these notifications. The new notification facilitates access to information on government agencies involved in standards and regulations and the publications and websites they use to disseminate information about their work. Canada and Colombia also shared information on their recently submitted notifications.
ePing translations
The WTO Secretariat announced the launch of a new ePing feature that allows users to request unofficial translations of the full text of notified draft regulations into English, Spanish or French. This function is now available to all WTO members and ePing users. Additionally, the Secretariat encouraged members to update their enquiry point information on ePing, emphasizing the importance of keeping contact details up to date.
International Standards Organization (ISO)/ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) terms and definitions
In conformity with a decision members took at the 10th Triennial Review of the TBT Agreement in November 2024 and following the Secretariat’s consultations with the ISO and IEC, access to their Guide containing standardization terms and definitions is now available on the WTO website. The Guide is expressly referred to in Annex 1 of the TBT Agreement.
Specific trade concerns
Members raised eight new trade concerns and 53 previous ones.
The new trade concerns addressed proposed measures related to eco-design requirements for electrical products such as chargers and sustainable products. They also covered regulatory issues on self-driving vehicles, restrictions on use of hazardous substances in certain electrical products, and recycling and recovery of materials from waste batteries. Concerns also addressed measures related to food and liquor labelling.
Members also shared progress in their discussion of trade concerns. The United States announced progress with respect to its concerns on Mexico’s measures affecting yoghurt and cheese. Mexico and the United States reported the resolution of their trade concern regarding Saudi Arabia’s technical regulation for electric vehicles.
Annual review
Every year, the TBT Committee carries out an annual review of activities relating to the implementation and operation of the TBT Agreement, including notifications, specific trade concerns, technical assistance activities and TBT related disputes. A brochure highlighting the Committee’s key results in 2024 is available here. These results include the MC13 Declaration on Regulatory Cooperation and the adoption of the 2025-2027 workplan.
The Union Government has been working towards establishing institutional mechanisms to foster the global mobility of Indian workers as well as students, academicians, researches, business persons etc. The Government has been proactively furthering the mobility for Indian workforce through diverse MoUs/agreements such as, Migration and Mobility Partnerships, Labour mobility and Labour Welfare Agreements, Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training with destination countries, which establish a robust framework for legal migration.
These agreements/MoUs seek to enhance global employment opportunities for Indian workers while protecting their labour rights, preventing irregular migration and supporting skill development.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of MSDE, has trained a total of 23,254 candidates and certified 22,455 in the past 3 years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25) for international mobility.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has MoUs or Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs) with seven countries, namely, Australia, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Qatar, Singapore and UAE, for cooperation in skill development and Vocational Education and Training. Focused on increased opportunities for Indian workforce, both domestic and global, these agreements facilitate technical exchanges, collaborative training programs, qualification recognition, and the sharing of best practices.
Further, with the efforts of MSDE, the New Delhi Leaders Declaration accepted by the leaders of G20 made a commitment towards developing an international reference classification of occupations by skills and qualification requirements to facilitate cross-country comparability and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications. The International Labour Organization (ILO) will be the agency undertaking this study.
It is the constant endeavour of MSDE to engage with different countries and facilitate gainful employment opportunities to the youth of the country. Accordingly, NSDC, under the aegis of MSDE, has undertaken a study of following 16 countries to understand their skill requirements:
Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.
Additionally, in line with the Budget announcement for the fiscal year 2023-24, MSDE has proposed establishment of 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) across various states. The SIICs are envisioned as centralized hubs for individuals seeking employment abroad. The overarching goal of SIICs is to establish a ‘Trusted Workforce Supply Chain’ ensuring fair and transparent skilled mobility from India. Currently, two SIICs have been established, one in Varanasi and another at SDI, Bhubaneswar and further 05 centres have been approved by Project Steering Committee (PSC).
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on April 02, 2025.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Florida couple pled guilty today to conspiracy to provide and receive prohibited labor payments, in violation of the Labor Management Relations Act, also known as the Taft-Hartley Act.
According to court documents, since at least 2010 until November 2023, Ricky Dallas O’Quinn, 63, of Melbourne, Florida, served as both an officer and employee of International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA), a labor organization that represents protective security officers at federal workplaces. SPFPA executed collective bargaining agreements with several employers covering the security industry in several states. Ricky’s wife, Mabel O’Quinn, was the founder, incorporator, and an initial director of Company-2, which provided protective security officers at federal workplaces in numerous states. While Mabel served as Company-2’s chief executive officer and president, Ricky was involved in the finance, budget, and operations of the company since its inception in a clandestine role. Both Ricky and Mabel O’Quinn hid Ricky’s involvement in operating Company-2.
From at least 2010 to 2023, Individual-1 was the president of Company-1, which provides protective security officers at federal workplaces in numerous states. The O’Quinns conspired with Individual-1 to obtain government contracts by exploiting Company-2’s status as a small, woman service-disabled owned business.
Company-1 used Company-2 as a subcontractor and advised Company-2 on what contracts to bid on and in which geographic locations, which produced financial benefits for both companies. In exchange, Individual-1 and his family would receive 40 percent of the ownership and/or profits of Company-2.
From at least April 2013 through June 2024, Individual-1 agreed to award subcontracts from Company-1 to supply private security guards at various federal installations to Company-2. The proceeds from those awards totaled tens of millions of dollars.
Individual-1 specified which vendors and consultants Company-2 would hire and monitored and directed Company-2’s finances. At Individual-1’s direction, Company-2 paid three of Individual-1’s relatives as consultants at rates of $195 and $225 per hour, totaling millions of dollars in payments.
Ricky and Mabel O’Quinn are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17, 2025, and face up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Matthew R. Galeotti, head of Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the pleas.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Robeson and Drew Bradylyons for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo Jr. for the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-70 (Ricky) and 1:25-cr-71 (Mabel).
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and media personality Ben Shapiro at a PragerU event in Florida on March 27, 2025. (@DanielleSmith, X)
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is facing fierce criticism for using taxpayer money to meet American far-right pundit Ben Shapiro in Florida as part of a recent fundraiser for conservative think tank PragerU.
Smith was initially opposed to retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., but eventually acquiesced. Nonetheless, she recently scoffed at a poll that showed a majority of Canadians (68.1 per cent), even in the Prairies (58.8 per cent), support retaliatory tariffs on oil and gas.
Those defending her Florida appearance argue that Smith intended to reach out to a conservative American audience to present Alberta’s case in the face of Trump’s tariffs.
She appeared to attempt a balancing act as she stressed the harms of tariffs without strongly pushing back against Trump’s annexation rhetoric.
The problem with subservience
I’ve argued that a better response to Trump’s tariffs would be countervailing power, not abject subservience. Additionally, Smith’s approach to Trump’s anti-Canada actions doesn’t reflect the will of Canadians who are pushing back democratically through consumer boycotts of American goods.
Smith’s critics also argue that she cannot achieve more than social pleasantries in her forays to the U.S. to hobnob with right-wing personalities. Generally, the approach of talking to the far right is contingent on various factors, including subject matter and timing, to be successful.
The benefits of Smith exchanging social pleasantries and pleading her case with the far right in the U.S. comes at the cost of breaking rank from the united stand Canadians need given the perceived existential threat to their country.
Additionally, Smith shared a platform with those who hold hardcore beliefs about women’s autonomy, LGBTQ rights and who peddle pseudo-academia in the “intellectual dark web,” sending a troubling message to many Canadians.
The economics of Smith’s approach
Understanding Smith’s response on retaliatory tariffs requires understanding the economics behind it.
Smith has an undergraduate degree in economics. But textbook neoclassical economics itself is problematic. I’ve already addressed the shortcomings of mainstream neoclassical economics on climate change in both mainstream and academic work.
In his book Economism, American law professor James Kwak highlights the problems with Economics 101 as it’s taught at universities around the world. He argues it leaves students with simplistic soundbites long after they’ve graduated that informs their political thinking in later life.
Her economic approach complements her libertarian approach that apparently involves courting right-wing groups that are often small government proponents.
When it comes to tariffs, textbook economics extols the benefits of free trade without addressing serious issues of environmental degradation and working conditions. Those studying this mainstream economic school of thought may have been left with the overwhelming impression that when the U.S. imposes tariffs, it only hurts itself.
Harvard economist Gregory Mankiw’s bestselling principles textbook shoots down arguments about how tariffs save jobs, protect infant industries, strengthen national security and prevent unfair competition.
Several Canadian economists don’t see economic merit in retaliatory tariffs and relegate the issue to politics. Trained within the mainstream neoclassical model, they also view tariffs as categorically harmful.
Australian economist Steve Keen has pointed out that mainstream economics did not have much to say about the global financial crisis in 2008. This is partly because of the belief in what’s known as the “efficient market hypothesis” that contends stocks always trade at fair value.
In terms of this “do nothing” approach in neoclassical economics, Smith’s response on retaliatory tariffs is therefore not surprising.
Steve Keen in an interview on the problems with neoclassical economics.
Alternative economics approaches
My approach to teaching economics is aimed at prioritizing worker rights, equality, environmental standards and local resilience, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains were disrupted. I also believe unanimity is required for retaliatory economic sanctions and boycotts to work.
That’s because retaliatory tariffs and separate radical responses work when co-ordination difficulties and the “free rider” problem — meaning an individual benefits from collective effort without contributing — are minimized. A united front is required, which Smith is violating when she goes rogue in courting the American far right.
These perspectives don’t categorically reject tariffs. Instead, they highlight the role of targeted tariffs and focus on local resilience and workers’ rights, offering an alternative to the status quo.
Overall, these new models are a better alternative to Smith’s style of subservience, or do-nothing approaches based on inertia that has seeped into mainstream economics. Both of these outdated responses to American tariffs seem particularly dangerous during this tumultuous period in Canada-U.S. history.
Junaid B. Jahangir does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Domain (OTCQX: DDHLY; Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 547), focused on visual effects, AI and virtual human business, today announced that Mr. William Wong, CEO, will present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3rd, 2025
DATE: April 3rd 2025 TIME: 4:00 PM ET LINK:REGISTER HERE
All questions from investors will be recorded and forwarded to the company after the event. The company will answer the relevant questions as soon as practicable.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Digital Domain and Toppan Holdings launched the collaboration of photorealistic virtual human solutions using biometric data from real human, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity of human services in diverse applications.
Digital Domain teamed up with AWS to expand our virtual human solutions across the AWS cloud networks with scalability and flexibility.
Digital Domain partnered with Plaza Premium Group, the largest independently run pay-in airport lounge in the world with presence of over 80 airports, to launch an innovative virtual human hospitality service.
For more details of the above announcements, you may refer to: IR Digital Domain
About Digital Domain
Digital Domain is a pioneer in the virtualization of sensory experiences. After more than 3 decades of evolution, Digital Domain has transformed from a Hollywood company to achieve global expansion in fields such as VFX, AI Virtual Human, and Visualization. Digital Domain’s rich legacy comprises hundreds of films and TV series, thousands of commercials, game graphics, and experimental immersive experiences. The most outstanding achievements include: academy awards for “Best Visual Effects” in the films Titanic, What Dreams May Come, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, blockbuster classics such as The Avengers series, and the 4th season of the popular word-of-mouth hit show Stranger Things.
Digital Domain has charted a pioneering course into the realms of AI and virtual reality since 2016, revolutionizing the creation of emotionally expressive and photorealistic virtual humans in real-time. The company’s AI Virtual Human technology is widely applicable across diverse sectors such as healthcare and elderly service, training and education, concierge service, BFSI, the public sector, Entertainment etc. It enhances service efficiency, user experience, and business value.
Digital Domain is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock code: 547) and is headquartered in Hong Kong. Digital Domain maintains operations in multiple cities including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing, Shanghai, Hyderabad, and more. For more information, visit the official website – www.digitaldomain.com.
About Virtual Investor Conferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS:
Digital Domain
Kavita Maharaj Smith
Arthur Ma
Director of Marketing Communications and Public Relations
London, UK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — If you’re looking for the most worthwhile cryptocurrency investment opportunity in 2025, but don’t want to constantly monitor the markets, engage in frequent trading, or take on high volatility risks, then this legally compliant cloud mining app might be the solution you’re looking for. It’s not only suitable for users who want to enter Bitcoin investing with low barriers but also ideal for those who care about asset security, stable returns, and ease of use. Instead of blindly chasing price fluctuations, using an intelligent tool to build a “passive income stream from crypto” that works anytime and anywhere seems to be a more rational approach for long-term wealth management.
Scene One: On the subway, you’re scrolling through your phone, and the system is silently “mining BTC for you”
Kevin, an Australian designer, opens the SpeedHash App every morning during his commute to check how much Bitcoin he earned the previous day. He doesn’t own mining equipment, nor does he track Bitcoin prices, but his account steadily grows with Bitcoin every day.
This is the passive income solution provided by SpeedHash—an easy-to-use Bitcoin investment tool that requires no equipment, supports both Android and iOS, and provides real-time payouts. All you need to do is register, and the platform will give you $18 worth of free hashrate, no deposit required, with earnings that are instantly available for withdrawal. It’s as simple as “earn Bitcoin passively with your phone.”
What is it? A Legally Compliant Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform Powered by Cloud Hashing
TheSpeedHash App combines the computing power of a cloud mining platform with the convenience of mobile users, allowing ordinary people to easily and safely participate in the accumulation of crypto assets:
No need for mining machines, wallets, or technical knowledge
Register and get free hashrate instantly, view daily Bitcoin earnings at any time
Legally compliant cloud mining platform with operational licenses in the US, Bhutan, and Kazakhstan
All earnings are automatically settled daily
Available for both Android and iOS users, globally accessible
Rather than just being a “mining tool,” it functions as a mobile passive income generator, your digital wealth-building assistant for Bitcoin.
What’s the best Bitcoin cloud mining configuration if you have $100,000 to invest?
Many investors prefer not to bet all their funds on price speculation but instead seek to earn steady returns through mining. SpeedHash offers short-term high-return contract plans, making it ideal for investments in the $10K to $100K range.
Investment (USD)
Duration (Days)
Daily ROI
Daily Earnings
Total Return (USD)
$10,000
2
3.5%
$350
$10,700
$24,000
3
4.2%
$1,008
$27,024
$100,000
3
7.8%
$7,800
$123,400
$138,000
3
8.2%
$11,316
$171,348
These plans are suitable for investors seeking fast returns + stable cash flow, especially in a long-term Bitcoin bull market, as this approach helps mitigate market volatility.
These Users Are Earning Bitcoin Easily with Their Phones
Bitcoin investment beginners: Those looking to enter the crypto market with low risk
Finance-focused users: Prefer steady cash flow rather than market speculation
Overseas users looking for a legally compliant cloud mining platform: Those concerned about platform legitimacy or regulatory issues
Digital workers looking to create passive income via their phones: Students, freelancers, or regular office workers
Middle-class users looking to allocate $100K in crypto assets: Those aiming to diversify their investment portfolio
No Need to Predict Market Moves – Earn Crypto Passively
In the crypto world, many people associate “making money” with market speculation; however, withSpeedHash, your earnings come from the system, from the power of hashing, and from a well-structured contract mechanism.
You don’t have to watch price charts, chase trends, or worry about risk management. All you need is a phone and a hashrate contract, and you’ll see Bitcoin steadily accumulate. This is a true form of passive income, and the entry point is simply the app.
Why Is This App Different from Others?
Supports global users with both Android and iOS platforms
Register to receive $18 free hashrate, no cost to start, and earnings are instantly available for withdrawal
Short-term, high-return contracts with daily payouts
Data centers use green energy, ensuring eco-friendly mining operations
Fully compliant with operational licenses, safe, and sustainable
Referral system with up to 6% commission for inviting others
If You’re Looking for a Reliable and Profitable Way to Invest in Bitcoin
SpeedHash offers a low-barrier, compliant, and sustainable Bitcoin investment solution, where you don’t need any equipment, don’t need to monitor the markets, and can easily start earning passive income from your phone.
Compared to the uncertainties of crypto trading, SpeedHash helps users steadily accumulate crypto assets through its legally compliant cloud mining platform and cloud hashrate contracts. The platform supports Android and iOS, with fully automated operations, making it ideal for most users looking to build cash flow in the digital era.
Whether you’re a Bitcoin beginner or a seasoned investor planning to allocate $10K to $100K in assets, SpeedHash is a trustworthy choice.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
TORONTO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Centrilogic, a global provider of IT transformation solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with CrewAI, the leading AI multi-agent platform. This partnership enables Centrilogic to offer a comprehensive suite of agentic AI solutions that empower businesses to build, deploy, and iterate on complex AI agents across a wide range of business functions, automate tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency. With this partnership, companies can work with Centrilogic to leverage AI and unlock greater value from existing systems and data, driving innovation and optimizing business outcomes.
Through CrewAI’s Enterprise platform, Centrilogic can now help customers fully harness the power of agentic AI across the full application, data, and infrastructure stack. The platform’s intelligent agents automate complex tasks, integrate seamlessly with systems like CRM, ERP, and custom applications, and deliver actionable insights in real-time. This enables businesses to improve customer experiences, enhance sales and financial oversight, streamline operations, and achieve deeper insights into their data.
“This partnership with CrewAI marks a pivotal moment in our journey to revolutionize how Canadian businesses leverage AI,” said Robert Offley, CEO of Centrilogic. “By integrating CrewAI’s multi-agentic platform into our service offerings, we are now equipped to deliver AI-powered solutions that will transform business operations at scale. We are excited to help our customers unlock new efficiencies, improve productivity, and innovate in ways that were previously impossible.”
Additionally, Centrilogic’s platform-agnostic approach ensures that AI solutions can be deployed across a variety of multicloud environments, giving businesses the flexibility to use the best infrastructure for their needs while maintaining the security and scalability required for growth.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Centrilogic to accelerate the adoption of multi-agentic AI solutions in Canada,” said Joao Moura, CEO of CrewAI. “Companies of all sizes across Canada are launching AI agent use cases to production that drive both operational efficiency and value creation. Centrilogic’s deep experience in digital transformation for enterprises will help companies move more confidently and successfully.”
As a long-time advocate for AI innovation in the Canadian market, Centrilogic continues to lead the way by sponsoring key events such as the Global AI Bootcamp and the Toronto DevOps User Group. The partnership with CrewAI marks the next step in Centrilogic’s mission to help Canadian businesses modernize operations, gain a competitive edge, and drive growth in the digital economy.
Centrilogic is also a gold sponsor at CrewAI’s Enterprise AI Agent Week in New York, March 31–April 4, 2025.
ABOUT CrewAI CrewAI is the leading AI multi-agent platform. Built to fully leverage LLM’s reasoning capabilities and allow agents to work together, CrewAI’s open-source framework and enterprise platform powers more than 10 million agents monthly and 150 customers. With CrewAI, organizations can easily deploy and manage AI agents to automate complex tasks with a fast speed to value across a wide range of use cases, from research and analysis to coding and reporting. For more information, visit https://www.crewai.com/.
ABOUT CENTRILOGIC Centrilogic is a global provider of IT transformation solutions that empower organizations to realize their full digital potential. Armed with capabilities that span the stack – including multicloud management, application innovation, data & analytics, and IT advisory – Centrilogic delivers resilient end-to-end digital solutions that help companies reshape the role of their technology platforms as business-driving assets. With regional headquarters in Canada, USA, and the United Kingdom, Centrilogic delivers solutions to innovative companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.centrilogic.com.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DGL Investments No. 1 Inc. (“DGL” or the “Company”) (TSXV: DGL.P) announces that, further to its press release dated June 20, 2024 announcing the termination of its proposed qualifying transaction with DACTA SG PTE. LTD., the Company’s common shares are expected to recommence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) at market open on or about April 4, 2025.
DGL is still actively seeking a business to acquire as its qualifying transaction.
Other Information and Updates
DGL will continue to provide further details in respect of any proposed qualifying transaction, in due course, by way of news releases.
About DGL
DGL is a capital pool company. The Company is engaged in the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a qualifying transaction.
For further information, please contact:
Gurpreet S. Sangha President and Chief Executive Officer DGL Investments No. 1 Inc.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)
Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Greg Meeks (NY-5), and 21 additional lawmakers introduced the Defending American Diplomacy Act to protect the State Department from DOGE cuts. This bill would prevent the Trump Administration from making any significant changes to the State Department without first consulting and obtaining approval from Congress. If the administration circumvents Congress to reorganize the State Department, as it did with USAID, the legislation will cut off federal funding for DOGE and prohibit travel for political appointees.
“Rogue actors empowered by Elon Musk, including January 6 rioter Peter Marocco and a 19-year-old nicknamed ‘Big Balls,’ are taking a sledgehammer to vital tools in our foreign policy toolbox that prevent us from going to war. They’ve already illegally dismantled eight foreign policy institutions and are coming for the State Department next,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “I introduced the Defending American Diplomacy Act because I refuse to be complicit in Republicans’ abandonment of their oversight duties as Trump erodes Americans’ protections from terrorism, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters. The constitution is clear: Congress holds the power of the purse–not the president, not Elon Musk, and certainly not dodgy DOGE.”
Reporting suggests the administration is looking to decrease the State Department’s operations budget by a whopping 20%. Preliminary plans include shuttering diplomatic missions, firing many of the local employees who enable U.S. embassies to function, and eliminating bureaus tasked with advancing democracy, protecting human rights, supporting scientific research, and fostering goodwill abroad.
To preempt any significant reorganization of the State Department without congressional consultation and approval, the Defending American Diplomacy Act:
Requires any major reorganization of the State Department to be passed into law by an act of Congress;
Requires the Secretary of State to submit a detailed plan about the administration’s intended reorganization and an assessment of any impacts to the U.S. diplomatic toolbox; and
Cuts funding for DOGE and prohibits travel for Trump political appointees if the administration initiates a reorganization that circumvents Congress.
The Defending American Diplomacy Act is cosponsored by Reps. Gregory W. Meeks, Kweisi Mfume, Troy Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Jill Tokuda, Steve Cohen, Dina Titus, Johnny Olszewski, Sara Jacobs, Joaquin Castro, Emmanuel Cleaver, Gerry Connolly, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Bill Keating, Paul D. Tonko, Rashida Tlaib, Ro Khanna, Jim McGovern, Nydia M. Velázquez, Shri Thanedar, and Jonathan Jackson.
To learn more about the Defending American Diplomacy Act, click here for bill text and here for a one-pager. Rep. Kamlager-Dove discussed the bill on MSNBC’s Way Too Early this morning, which can be viewed here.
Headline: Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365: New innovations now generally available
In today’s dynamic work environment, businesses need robust solutions that support resilience and maximize return on investment (ROI). As organizations modernize their IT environments, they increasingly turn to cloud solutions like Windows 365 to enhance security and productivity, streamline IT management and ensure seamless connectivity.
We are thrilled to announce the general availability of our latest innovations, designed to help businesses seamlessly adapt to modern work environments. Among these announcements is Windows 365 Link, the first purpose-built Cloud PC device that connects securely to Windows 365 in seconds, enabling organizations to boost productivity and improve IT efficiency; the new shared mode for Windows 365 Frontline expanding Cloud PC access to more users; and much more.
We are pleased to also share the findings from a Forrester Consulting study highlighting the economic impact of such innovations in New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, a 2025 study conducted by Forrester Consulting and commissioned by Microsoft to assess the benefits organizations can achieve with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.
Forrester Consulting projects economic gains with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop
The New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop study projects a substantial ROI ranging from 94% to 217%, with a net present value (NPV) between $3.2 million and $7.4 million over three years for a composite organization with 2,000 employees. These significant figures underscore the value of adopting Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop for businesses looking to optimize their operations and enhance their digital workplace strategy. Key benefits for the composite organization include:
Enhanced productivity: Employees and contractors using Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop save 6 to 12 minutes per day from avoided outages and improved latency compared to their previous environments.
Cost savings: Organizations can reduce PC lifecycle management costs by implementing a bring-your-own-PC (BYOPC) program, avoiding the need to purchase, provision and maintain physical laptops. This approach was projected to save organizations between $1.1 million and $1.2 million over three years.
Reduced IT infrastructure costs: By migrating to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, organizations can reduce costs associated with on-premises operations. The study found a projected saving ranging from $722,000 to $1.5 million over three years.
Improved security: The study found that organizations relying on Microsoft-managed services can reduce the need for extensive on-premises security infrastructure and personnel, resulting in projected savings of $60,000 to $122,000 over three years.
These findings demonstrate the transformative impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop on businesses, providing a clear path to enhanced productivity, cost savings and improved security. To explore more insights, read the Total Economic Impact study conducted by Forrester Consulting at aka.ms/WCTEI2025info.
Windows 365 Link: The first Cloud PC device for Windows 365
At Microsoft Ignite 2024, we announced the preview of Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds. Over 100 organizations participated in the preview program and helped refine the experience. We’ve heard valuable feedback on how Windows 365 Link devices can help save both IT and end users valuable time. The devices can be set up in minutes, require minimal configuration and are familiar for IT to manage using Microsoft Intune. End users – particularly desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces – can efficiently sign in to access their Windows 365 Cloud PCs, work securely with responsive, high-fidelity experiences and leave no data on the local devices when they sign out.
“We needed a purpose-built device on the shop floor that could fit our new, collaborative approach. Windows 365 Link devices were exactly the solution we envisioned to enable our workers to access their assets in the cloud.”
– Roman Kleyn, Head of Workplace Design, Krones. Read the customer story.
Windows 365 Link is now generally available for purchase with an MSRP of AUD639 in Australia, CAD519.99 in Canada, EUR419 in Germany, JPY56,800 in Japan, NZD739 in New Zealand, GBP349 in the United Kingdom and USD349.99 in the United States.
To purchase Windows 365 Link, reach out to your Microsoft account team or select resellers:
In Australia: ASI Solutions, Data#3, SHI International Corp.
In Canada: Insight Canada Inc., SHI International Corp.
In Germany: Bechtle AG.
In Japan: Japan Business Systems, Inc.
In New Zealand: ASI Solutions.
In the United Kingdom: Ballicom, Bechtle Ltd., Phoenix Software, Ricoh UK, SHI International Corp.
In the United States: Insight Enterprises, SHI International Corp.
For more information on getting started with Windows 365 Link, read the technical documentation.
Windows 365 Frontline’s new shared mode: Expand Cloud PC access to a greater number of users
Windows 365 Frontline helps organizations optimize costs and expand Cloud PC access by allowing one license to be shared by multiple users. Organizations can expand access to corporate data and applications to a greater number of employees, contractors or vendors with Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode, now generally available. With shared mode, businesses can purchase Cloud PCs based on the number of active users needing access at any given time: one Windows 365 Frontline license provides access to one shared Cloud PC, which can be accessed by any number of users, one at a time.
This new shared mode is designed for users needing occasional Cloud PC access, such as entering inventory information, sending or updating data in a line-of-business application, or using productivity tools. Users can sign in to complete tasks, access data and use applications from a familiar Windows desktop experience. When the user is finished with their session, their profile data is automatically deleted and the Cloud PC is made ready for the next user, enabling privacy and security. With Windows 365 Frontline, organizations can choose to provision Cloud PCs in shared mode or in dedicated mode, based on their needs. For more details, visit our Learn page or check out the new Quickstart guide.
“Windows 365, and Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode capabilities have been a great addition to our setup. In the past, we gave external users VPN access, but this frequently caused problems as they couldn’t install the software, or used non-compliant devices to access our environment. Now, we can deliver projects much faster, without the complexity of traditional setups or VPNs, and without compromising on quality or security. It’s especially helpful to provide users with temporary access, as needed. Both our teams and external users like the full experience and integration with Windows. It has definitely improved the way we collaborate. It’s a highly scalable solution, while keeping access secure.”
To help simplify image management and enhance efficiency for Windows 365 Frontline shared mode, Windows Autopilot device preparation is now in public preview. This new capability empowers organizations to streamline their operational processes by allowing IT admins to easily define and install essential Microsoft Intune applications and scripts during provisioning.
Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus: Supporting business continuity
Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, an advanced disaster recovery solution designed for users who require high disaster recovery performance in case of a regional outage, is now generally available. Similar to the recently announced Cross Region Disaster Recovery service, Disaster Recovery Plus replicates Cloud PC disk snapshots to an alternate, fully reserved region allowing businesses to maintain compliance and minimize downtime with ease. However, this new optional service offers enhanced features including shorter recovery point objective (RPO) within 60 minutes and recovery time objective (RTO) within 30 minutes*. With Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, organizations get advanced disaster recovery capabilities while benefiting from the simplicity and control of Microsoft Intune. Find more details.
*The time estimates reflect a performance goal but not a guaranteed time frame.
Windows 365 migration API: Simplified migration
To further support our customers in realizing the full value of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, we are excited to introduce the new Windows 365 migration API, making it easier than ever for organizations to transition to Windows 365. To enable businesses to transition to Windows 365 more confidently and effortlessly, customers and partners will be able to use this API to create migration tools that take a snapshot of an existing virtual machine and easily import it into Windows 365 as a new Cloud PC. Stay tuned for updates on the migration API that will provide a more seamless and efficient migration experience.
Windows App for Android: Expanded access across platforms
Organizations can offer their employees more flexibility with Windows App – a simple, secured and user-friendly single access point to all Windows virtualization solutions, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services. Windows App is now generally available on Android, making it accessible across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and web. Windows App makes it simple for users to connect to Windows on the device of their choice and has reached over 425 million usage hours across all platforms.
This update brings new features to enhance the seamless and consistent experience that Windows App provides, including UX improvements to the Home screen, access to Government clouds and full support for Chrome OS. As organizations move towards passwordless authentication, we are excited to announce Windows App also fully supports passkeys, offering better security and user experience. Organizations can also expect new features coming soon that are exclusive to Windows App, like Teams Optimization on iOS and Android. Download Windows App in the Google Play Store or learn more by watching this video or visiting aka.ms/WindowsApp.
Windows App will also be compatible and run seamlessly on Zebra mobile computers and tablets, giving workers access to a full Windows desktop when Zebra devices are on the go or docked in Workstation Connect cradles. This collaboration with Zebra Technologies furthers the expansion of Windows 365 Cloud PCs to enterprise Android users, providing flexibility and enhancing productivity. Read more about Windows App and Zebra.
MAM Security updates: Boosted protection
Mobile Application Management (MAM) support for Windows App on Android, including when using Microsoft Edge for Business on Windows, is now available. MAM allows organizations to manage and protect their data within an application without enrolling in device management, helping ensure that an employee’s personal data on the device is not accessed. With MAM integration, different redirection settings can now be applied based on user security group, operating system of the device, or whether the device is Intune managed or not. For organizations that have bring-your-own-device options, MAM support in Edge for Business on Windows offers tailored data protection to meet specific needs.
Hotpatch updates for Windows clients help ensure your endpoints are protected
Organizations using Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise can take advantage of hotpatch updates to safeguard against the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks without disrupting the flow of work. Now generally available for Windows endpoints, these updates provide rapid protection against vulnerabilities consistent with the level of security of the monthly standard security updates; unlike the standard monthly updates, hotpatch updates do not require a computer restart so employees are able to work without interruption.
To learn how to activate hotpatch updates and control how it works for you, visit https://aka.ms/HotpatchForWindows11Enterprise.
Discover more in our new Microsoft Mechanics video: Windows 365 Essentials
Our latest Microsoft Mechanics video, How to set up Windows 365 – the 2025 tutorial, is now live! Join Jeremy Chapman and Scott Manchester as they discuss Windows 365, including Cloud PC deployment guidance and a look at recently released security and management features.
These updates reflect the ongoing Microsoft commitment to deliver a seamless and secure Windows experience across all platforms. As Windows 365 continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to empowering users to be productive and secure on any device, no matter where they are.
Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of the journey to embrace the future of Windows at work.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
We must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
We welcome this session on implementing UNSCR2730.
I think it is critical that the Council maintains momentum on the safety, security and well-being of aid workers.
And I pay tribute to those on the frontline and extend, again, my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.
In the first 3 months of 2025, the Aid Worker Security Database has already recorded 64 deaths, 36 injuries and 8 kidnappings.
The majority were local or national aid workers.
The most dangerous place to deliver humanitarian assistance is Gaza, with over 400 aid workers reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict.
That is followed by Sudan and South Sudan.
We are also concerned about the aid workers detained by the Houthis in Yemen and call for their release.
And we stress the need for the safety of aid workers in Myanmar, who are bringing essential responses for the victims of the devastating earthquake.
At the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, we continue to call for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated.
Tragically, just last week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that eight of its medics were killed in Gaza, alongside first responders and a UN aid worker.
We call for a thorough and swift investigation with meaningful accountability for those responsible.
PRCS medic Asaad Al-Nasasra is still missing and we call on Israel to support the search for him.
Three actions are essential.
First, all parties to a conflict must comply with International Humanitarian Law.
This includes compliance with obligations relating to the passage of humanitarian supplies, equipment and personnel, and respecting and protecting aid workers.
States must investigate attacks on aid workers and hold perpetrators to account.
Effective, trusted deconfliction mechanisms must be set up and used.
Second, we must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers.
The UK is proud to be part of the Australian–led Ministers Group to develop a political declaration to galvanise collective action to protect aid workers.
And we encourage others to join and demonstrate unity to drive action beyond the Council that enhances protection for aid workers.
Third, we must do all we can to support humanitarian organisations, including local organisations, to work safely.
Actors who play a fundamental role in aid worker safety face operational risks due to inadequate funding.
The UK supports organisations, such as the Aid Worker Security Database and INSO, who play a central role in aid worker security.
We urge others to consider supporting fundamental ‘enabler’ organisations.
In conclusion, President, the UK remains steadfast in our commitment to allowing aid workers to do their job in safety and preventing violence against aid workers from becoming the new normal.
A man has pleaded guilty to a number of terrorism offences linked to sharing terrorist material online following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Leo Walby, 19 (08.08.2005) of Swanley, Kent, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on 2 April to six counts of dissemination of terrorist material, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. He also pleaded guilty to one count of failing to disclose a password, after being served notice, contrary to section 53, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), 2000.
Walby was arrested on 4 October, 2024, as part of a proactive investigation by officers from the Counter Terrorism Command. He was arrested at an address in Swanley, Kent and officers also carried out a search at the address and seized various digital devices.
As the investigation progressed, officers found evidence that Walby had been sharing various posts sharing extreme Islamist-related terrorist material, including Daesh propaganda through various social media accounts he was controlling.
Walby was charged on 5 October 2024, with six counts of disseminating terrorist material. As the investigation continued, officers also applied to the court for a ‘section 49 notice’ to compel Walby to provide them with a password to a cloud-based storage account he held.
However, even after the notice was obtained from the court, Walby still refused to provide officers with the password, so he was subsequently charged with failing to provide the password, contrary to section 53, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), 2000.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “Our investigation found that Walby was sharing various pieces of terrorist material across a number of social media accounts he was controlling. This kind of content can be extremely harmful, so where we identify people like Walby who are responsible for this, then we will take action and he is now facing the very serious consequences of doing this.
“I’d encourage anyone who comes across extremist or terrorist material online to report it to our specialist team who will review to determine whether further police action is necessary and appropriate.”
Anyone who sees what they believe to be extremist or terrorist-related material can report it via www.gov.uk/ACT.
After pleading guilty to the above offences, Walby was remanded in custody and is due to appear for sentencing at the Old Bailey on 9 May.
ZURICH, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures has announced that portfolio company P97 Networks has been acquired by PDI Technologies. P97 is a leading provider of mobile commerce and digital marketing solutions for the convenience retail, fuel, and automotive industries.
Founded in Houston in 2012, P97 Networks built a groundbreaking cloud-based platform that enables secure mobile payment, loyalty, and digital engagement solutions across the mobility ecosystem. The company became a trusted partner to major fuel brands, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and CITGO, and has led innovations spanning from mobile commerce to electric vehicle infrastructure and connected car experiences.
“We’ve worked to evolve how consumers interact with brands through an engaging, data-driven payment and loyalty platform we’ve created at P97,” said Donald Frieden, CEO and Founder, P97 Networks. “We’re only getting started. I look forward to our team joining PDI as we work to expand our connection to drivers, retailers, OEMs, and others across an even bigger, more connected transportation network.”
Emerald recognized the company’s potential to lead the digital transformation of mobility infrastructure from early on. Over the course of the partnership, Emerald supported P97’s expansion into new markets and strategic development of cutting-edge technologies for fleet, OEMs, and EV charging.
“P97 exemplifies the kind of visionary technology and entrepreneurial drive we look for at Emerald,” said Charles Vaslet, Senior Partner at Emerald. “We’re proud to have supported Donald Frieden and the entire P97 team on their journey. This acquisition is a testament to their leadership in redefining digital commerce across transportation.”
The acquisition by PDI Technologies represents a strategic milestone for P97, expanding its reach and accelerating its mission to connect consumers, retailers, and vehicles in an increasingly digital and data-driven landscape.
Emerald extends its congratulations to the P97 and PDI teams and looks forward to witnessing the next chapter in P97’s growth as part of PDI’s powerful ecosystem.
About P97 Networks
P97 Networks, LLC, based in Houston, was founded in 2012 with the commitment to re-imagining connected consumer experiences and making life’s daily journeys better for everyone. Convenience, speed and safety is our mission – and these are the expectations of buyers, sellers and anyone looking to make life easier during their daily commutes. P97 serves the world’s largest energy providers at the center of the transportation ecosystem – at the intersection which brings together drivers, information, connected vehicles, data, and business intelligence, to solve the most complex consumer engagement and customer loyalty challenges faced by retail brands and the markets they desire to serve.
As the leading provider of digital experiences across the transportation sector, P97 is developing customer loyalty programs coupled with the latest mobile payment technology and artificial intelligence to securely process millions of transactions each week. P97 is further recognized for its thought leadership by enabling digital transformation across more than 70,000 convenience retail and fuels marketing sites connected with secure mobile payments and geo-location services, which benefit millions of drivers each day.
About PDI Technologies
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Today, we serve over 200,000 locations worldwide with solutions like the Fuel Rewards® program and GasBuddy®, two popular brands representing more than 30 million users. Visit the PDI Technologies website
About Emerald Technology Ventures Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm, founded in 2000, that manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm invests in start-ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The playground offers play opportunities for children and areas for families to gather.
The Banambila Street playground in Aranda is now open.
The playground has been updated and offers features for all age groups and families.
Toddlers (0-4 years)
Play opportunities for small children includes a hidey ‘wombat’ tunnel for crawling.
There is also a toddler seat on the swing set. A basket swing and spinner are perfect for toddlers and children of all ages.
The frog rocker has been retained.
The landscaping in and around the play space provides opportunities for climbing, crawling and balancing.
Juniors (5-9 years) and pre-teens (10-13 years)
The raised teepee includes a fishing trap net, ladder and a slide.
Teens (14-17 years), adults and seniors
Fitness equipment including horizontal bars and a mountain step climber are available for teen play and exercise by the general community.
Family and community
There is seating, including a picnic table and shelter that offer space for family and community gatherings.
A shade sail covers the all abilities play area and there’s a concrete path through the playground.
Cultural design elements
The region where the Aranda play space holds an ancient cultural and spiritual connection to the Ngunnawal people and has for thousands of years.
The artwork for Aranda, by artist and cultural consultant Bradley Mapiva Brown, reflects connections to country to Dharaban, Galambary and the Molonglo River.
The floral motif used throughout the design portrays the Yam Daisy, referred to as Dharaban. The daisy has been harvested by Ngunnawal women and children for thousands of years and is used by the Ngunnawal people as a staple to create damper and native tea and to aid healing wounds.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The new facility has been years in the making through the joint efforts of Dragon Boat ACT and the ACT Government.
A new state-of-the-art dragon boating facility has opened at Grevillea Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Years in the making, the new facility has been finalised through the joint efforts of Dragon Boat ACT and the ACT Government.
It was designed by Cox Architecture and construction was completed by local company Projex.
The facility is equipped with boat storage, training and timekeeping rooms, office space and meeting room, new amenities and changerooms and a marshalling area.
It can support training and competition activities for over 600 members, as well as interstate visitors participating in local and regional regattas.
The building’s opening coincided with the ACT Dragon Boat Championships, making the event even more meaningful for Canberra’s dragon boat community.
The ACT Government invested $2.1 million towards the construction of the purpose-built facility.
A further $360,000 was provided by Dragon Boat ACT, the governing body of dragon boating in the Territory, who now run and maintain the facility.
“Dragon Boat ACT is delighted that the ACT Government has recognised our sport and worked together with us for a permanent home for dragon boating in the ACT,” President of Dragon Boat ACT Donald Jenkins said.
“Dragon Boat ACT has 10 clubs, an ACT state team and many of our paddlers represent Australia internationally. Our members range in age from 12 to 80+ from across the community, including Dragons Abreast, DeafACT, youth, veterans and all forms of diversity. The facility will help with our many activities, including regattas, training, corporate events and come-and-try days,” he said.
Since dragon boating was introduced to the ACT in 1990, it has become one of Canberra’s most popular water-based sports.
The sport is recognised for participants’ camaraderie, strength and endurance.
In the ACT, it appeals to a growing number of women and people of all ages.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Staffed by VisitCanberra, the CRVC at Commonwealth Park offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.
The ACT has won seven awards at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Gold awards
The Canberra Region Visitors Centre (CRVC) was named best Visitor Information Service in Australia, leading the awards for the Territory’s tourism industry.
Staffed by VisitCanberra, the CRVC at Commonwealth Park offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.
It attracts 220,000 visitors each year, many of whom head to the CRVC as their first port of call.
Two other local entrants won gold at the Awards. They are:
the National Capital Authority for the Lights on the Lake event, in the Events and Festivals category
the Royal Australian Mint in the Cultural Tourism category.
Silver awards
The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia took home silver in the Tourism, Retail and Hire Services category
Alivio Tourist Park won silver for Caravan and Holiday Parks
Jamala Lodge won silver for Unique Accommodation
Bronze award
The National Arboretum was awarded bronze in the Ecotourism category.
Ongoing success
Canberra’s tourism industry is unique. The past year has seen record leisure and visiting friends and family (VFR) numbers, and the Territory’s events, venues and business continue to provide new and enticing experiences for visitors.
As a result of the industry’s hard work, Canberra is on track to grow the value of tourism to the ACT economy to $4 billion by 2030.
This focuses on the ACT Government’s tourism 2030 strategic vision of a thriving, sustainable destination that benefits Canberrans.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Featuring everything from Floriade to Mooseheads, the game captures the essence of the ACT.
Canberra is getting its own version of the world’s most popular game.
The first-ever official Monopoly Canberra edition was developed with the help of Canberra residents.
It pays tribute to everything that’s unique to the region – from Floriade to the Belconnen Owl.
Locally themed squares replace the likes of Mayfair and Park Lane, and circles have been added to the board’s design to reference Canberra’s infamous abundance of roundabouts.
“For years, Canberra has been on the list of cities we’ve wanted to honour with its own custom Monopoly board, but we’ve wanted to get it just right,” Dale Hackett from Winning Moves, the makers of custom Monopoly Boards, said.
“It’s been such a privilege to develop this edition over the past year, inspired by suggestions from locals, to create a game we think Canberra residents and tourists alike will truly be proud of.”
The custom Canberra-themed squares and cards include:
Brown: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Cockington Green Gardens
Light Blue: Canberra Theatre Centre, National Museum of Australia, National Portrait Gallery
Pink: Yarralumla Play Station, GoBoat, National Dinosaur Museum
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The 54 new units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
The ACT Government is investing in the delivery of more affordable rental properties in Woden.
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn will deliver a 54-unit build-to-rent development in Curtin.
This is supported by the ACT Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.
All 54 units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-to-late 2026, pending planning approvals.
The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund in 2023 to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.
The Curtin development is one of six projects identified for support under the fund. Others include:
a CHC Australia and Canberra Southern Cross Club 140-unit build-to-rent project in Phillip, which will include 70 affordable rental units; and
the Government’s $4.5 million contribution to the Ginninderry women’s housing initiative – a partnership between Housing Australia and CHC Australia as part of a joint venture to deliver the first women’s housing build-to-rent-to-buy pilot program.
In total, the six projects are expected to deliver up to 280 new affordable rental properties in Canberra.
These will contribute to the Government’s commitment to deliver 600 additional affordable rentals by 2025–26.
“Marymead CatholicCare is extremely excited to partner with the ACT Government and the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s North Woden Parish to deliver a brand new affordable rental development in Curtin,” Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn CEO Anne Kirwan said.
“This project has been five years in the making, and we have worked closely with the ACT Government to support this initiative and enable the Archdiocese to be able to use its own land to meet a growing need within our community – housing.
“This build will increase rental supply in the ACT for individuals and families who earn less than $100,000 and who are experiencing rental distress,” Anne said.
Community housing providers and landholders are encouraged to submit proposals to access the Affordable Housing Project Fund.
They can do this via the Government’s request for proposal process, which closes on 9 April 2024.
More information is available on the Government’s Housing website.
Build to rent, which is aimed at increasing the supply of rental properties available for long-term tenure, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.
With the Canberra population on track to reach half-a-million people by 2027, the project will help ensure the right mix of housing options for a growing city.
The Government will announce further community housing partnerships for affordable build-to-rent projects soon.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Kids of all ages will find something they enjoy at the upgraded Burrumarra Avenue playground.
Gungahlin locals – with two legs and four – will soon have even more places to play.
Kids are now enjoying the upgraded Burrumarra Avenue playground in Ngunnawal. The CaseyCommunity Recreation Park is well on its way and work will soon begin on the new dog park in Franklin.
Burrumarra Avenue playground, Ngunnawal
The suburb’s only fully fenced playground, the upgraded space provides more fun and accessible play opportunities for all ages and abilities.
These include:
nature play with balancing elements
new all-abilities equipment with a timber double swing and spinner
junior fort with slide and climbing elements catering to ages 0–13
toddler (ages 0–4) play opportunities such as a double-rocker, seesaw and platypus sculpture
picnic tables, shelter and seating
four new trees and landscaping including mulched garden beds
Work continues on the Casey Community Recreation Park, which is scheduled to open around the middle of this year.
The park is really taking shape with all play equipment now installed and construction continuing for the installation of the multi-purpose court, accessible toilet facilities and the picnic areas, as well as the carpark upgrades.
The park will offer a wide range of new recreation facilities, including:
shade structures, BBQ and picnic areas
play equipment for all abilities
design emphasising nature play
accessible toilet facilities
a multi-purpose court for different sports
a cricket net
a flying fox
12 new parking spaces, including one accessible space, plus surface upgrades and new lighting
grassed areas including an amphitheatre and open play spaces.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A new video has been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub.
Construction is ramping up at CIT Woden with Canberrans invited to suggest names for the three public green spaces surrounding the main building.
A new video has also been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub. This helps the community picture these new areas and understand how the campus will interact with the new public transport interchange.
The first of the three public spaces is a 169-metre-long boulevard running east-west. It features native landscaping and forms a critical pedestrian link between the interchange and the town centre. This central corridor will include a series of spaces for public seating, outdoor dining, and retail frontage.
Situated at the northern end of the CIT Woden campus is a sunny 3700 square metre break out space for students and the public to enjoy. It includes canopy trees and gardens providing wind and sun protection, as well as dog clean-up facilities.
The third public space at the western end is a welcoming 1295 square metre plaza. It is surrounded by a mix of native and non-native planting and features a gathering and ceremony space. There is also seating with charging ports, accessible paths and featured paving.
Naming these spaces is an opportunity to connect people and places. It will also help to provide signage and wayfinding for students, staff and visitors across the CIT Woden Campus.
The following themes are a guiding framework to help the public to think about possible names.
First Nations
Innovation
Education
The community can put forward names under a single theme for all three public spaces or mix and match spaces, themes, and names.
Canberrans can submit their naming suggestions on the ACT Government’s YourSay page. You can also present their ideas in person at pop-up information sessions being held at Westfield Woden, CIT Reid and CIT Bruce.
A short-list of names will be reviewed by the CIT Woden place naming committee including representatives from First Nations advisory groups. The chosen names will be revealed later this year.
With CIT Woden Campus opening in 2025, the community won’t have to wait long to start enjoying the public plazas and green spaces around the precinct.
Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024. Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The design proposes a series of spaces that encourage socialisation and conversation.
The draft design for the Dickson Shops upgrade is now available to view. The ACT Government is seeking feedback and suggestions from the community.
The design enhances the unique identity and character of Dickson shops while providing much needed upgrades and improvements.
Here are some of the elements included in the design:
Safety and pedestrian experience
The designs include enhanced lighting, upgraded paving and widened footpaths. Circulation spaces for pedestrians are included, with more seating opportunities and bicycle parking.
The project proposes widening the pedestrian link from Cowper Street to the post office. It will also consider ways to improve the pedestrian crossing on Badham Street.
Community connection
Providing spaces for the community to gather and socialise is main feature of the design.
It proposes decluttering Taglietti Square (the library plaza) and other courtyards. This would create more spacious, accessible and adaptable areas for small events and activities. This approach also supports outdoor dining.
The design for the area south of the post office includes opportunities for incidental play. This will help to create a family-friendly space that is safety distanced from traffic.
Existing artworks have been retained and repurposed in the proposal. The landscape design visually aligns with the iconic Dickson Heritage Library, designed by Enrico Taglietti.
The plans propose reusing existing bricks as a feature in the paving design. This supports sustainability and respects the history of the area.
Large mature trees have been kept and there is more greenery to mitigate urban heat.
Consultation is open until 23 April 2024, with construction expected to begin in 2025.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Gold Awards recipient Margaret Constance was one of the first Avon ladies in Canberra and went on to work in the Supreme Court for 25 years.
Each year, the Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Awards recognise the unique contributions of individuals and groups who have lived or operated in the ACT for 50 years or more.
This year, 71 individuals and 15 groups were awarded. Over the last half-century, each of them has shaped not only our city, but the people who live here. Whether that’s placing an instrument in a musically-gifted student’s hands for the first time, raising a family in Canberra, or leaving a mark on an industry.
While the awards celebrate Canberra’s history, there was much recognition of the people who have helped shape our future: the teachers, principals and programs supporting the city’s schools.
Leanne Fisher was born in Canberra in 1963 and has worked for the Department of Education for 20 years.
“I’m just about to retire in three weeks’ time, it’s a nice way to finish,” she said.
Paul Branson, Principal of Belconnen High, was also born in Canberra and is a self-titled “product of public schools”. Educated at Hackett Primary, Dickson College and the Australian National University, Paul was nominated for his contribution to public schooling.
“There’s lots that I love about Canberra, lots of things happen here. I know people say it’s boring, but that’s not true at all,” Paul said.
“Someone once said to me, Canberra thinks you’re boring too!”
The ACT Instrumental Music Program was one of the groups that received a Gold Award. Now in it’s 51st year, the program is part of ACT public schools.
“We were nominated by a former student,” former principal Naida Blackley said.
“It’s about providing opportunities for students to access musical instruments in a group learning situation.”
Many awards recipients spoke of their love of the city, and in particular, their love of Lake Burley Griffin.
Margaret Constance’s arrival predated the construction of the now-iconic landmark.
“In 1962, we moved to the newly developed Red Hill, and there were still sheep grazing on the perimeter,” she said.
“I saw the building of the National Library, the High Court, the Portrait Gallery, and the lake. And I saw Woden and Belconnen Develop. They were the first suburbs – I think they were called satellite towns then.”
Margaret was one of the first Avon ladies in Canberra and went on to work in the Supreme Court for 25 years.
Ali Hosain was another Gold Award recipient who fondly recalls memories of Canberra being developed.
“When we came, Canberra was not a very impressive place,” he said.
“[Now] Canberra is so beautiful. We’ve travelled the whole world but there’s nothing like Canberra.”
If you would like to nominate a person, group, or yourself, nominations are open year-round and can be made online.
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Convening of the Annual General Meeting of Euronext N.V.
Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 2 April 2025 – Euronext today announced that the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) will take place on Thursday 15 May 2025 at 10.30 CEST at Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows:
1. Opening 2. Presentation by the Chief Executive Officer (discussion item) 3. Annual Report 2024 a) Explanation of the policy on additions to reserves and dividends (discussion item) b) Proposal to adopt the 2024 remuneration report (voting item 1) c) Proposal to adopt the 2024 financial statements (voting item 2) d) Proposal to adopt a dividend of € 2.90 per ordinary share (voting item 3) e) Proposal to discharge the members of the Managing Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2024 (voting item 4) f) Proposal to discharge the members of the Supervisory Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2024 (voting item 5) 4. Composition of the Supervisory Board a) Re-appointment of Piero Novelli as a member of the Supervisory Board (voting item 6) b) Re-appointment of Olivier Sichel as a member of the Supervisory Board (voting item 7) c) Appointment of Francesca Scaglia as a member of the Supervisory Board (voting item 8) 5. Composition of the Managing Board a) Re-appointment of Delphine d’Amarzit as a member of the Managing Board (voting item 9) b) Appointment of René van Vlerken as a member of the Managing Board (voting item 10) 6. Proposal to amend the remuneration policy with regard to the Managing Board (voting item 11) 7. Proposal to amend the remuneration policy with regard to the Supervisory Board (voting item 12) 8. Proposal to appoint the external auditor (voting item 13) 9. Proposal regarding cancellation of the company’s own shares purchased by the company under the share repurchase program (voting item 14) 10. Proposal to designate the Managing Board as the competent body: a) to issue ordinary shares (voting item 15); and b) to restrict or exclude the pre-emptive rights of shareholders (voting item 16) 11. Proposal to authorise the Managing Board to acquire ordinary shares in the share capital of the company on behalf of the company (voting item 17) 12. Proposal to authorise the Supervisory Board or Managing Board (subject to approval of the Supervisory Board) to grant rights to French beneficiaries to receive shares in accordance with Articles L225-197-1 and seq. of the French Code of commerce (voting item 18) 13. Any other business 14. Close
The AGM will be conducted in English.
Registration date AGM
Pursuant to Dutch law and Euronext N.V.’s Articles of Association, the persons who will be considered as entitled to attend and vote at the AGM are those persons who are registered as such in the administrations held by their financial intermediaries (the “Shareholders”) on 17 April 2025, after processing of all settlements on that date (the “Registration Date”).
Registration and voting instructions
Shareholders holding their shares through Euronext Securities Milan (i.e. the public) who wish to attend the AGM, provide instructions or grant a power of attorney to vote on their behalf, must complete the form (voting form / attendance card request) provided for this purpose by their financial intermediary or by Euronext Securities Department – Uptevia. The Shareholders should be aware that these documents must be received, no later than on Thursday 8 May 2025 by their financial intermediary for receipt no later than on Friday 9 May 2025 by Uptevia, Assemblées Générales, 90-110 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle 92931 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. The financial intermediary should deliver to the Shareholder a certificate of holding containing: name and city of residence of the Shareholder; number of shares; name and city of residence of the attendee (if different from the Shareholder) and declaration that the shares were in custody with the Euroclear France-admitted institution on the Registration Date. This certificate will serve as the admission certificate for the AGM for the Shareholder.
Shareholders holding their shares through Euronext Securities Porto in Portugal who wish to attend the AGM, provide instructions or grant a power of attorney to vote on their behalf, must complete the form (voting form / attendance card request) provided for this purpose by Euronext Securities Department – Uptevia Corporate Trust. The Shareholders should be aware that these documents must be received, no later than on Thursday 8 May 2025 by their financial intermediary for receipt no later than on Friday 9 May 2025 by BNP Paribas Securities Services, PT Local Team, Edificio ART’S – Av. D. Joao II – Lote 1.18.01, Bloco B, 1998-028 Lisboa, Portugal. The financial intermediary should deliver to the Shareholder a certificate of holding containing: name and city of residence of the Shareholder; number of shares on the Registration Date; name and city of residence of the attendee (if different from the Shareholder). This certificate will serve as admission certificate for the AGM for the Shareholder.
Persons without a valid admission certificate will not be given access to the meeting. Attendants may be asked for identification prior to being admitted.
The AGM Documentation (i.e. this convening notice, the agenda and the explanatory notes thereto including the information on the persons to be appointed to the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board, as well as the 2024 Annual Report) is available:
at the registered office of Euronext N.V.: Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
by email request to EuronextCorporateSecretary@euronext.com
on Euronext’s website https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations/shareholder-meetings
at Uptevia – Assemblées Générales – 90-110 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle 92931 Paris La Défense Cedex, France – + 33 1 57 43 02 30
Managing Board and Supervisory Board of Euronext N.V. Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, under number 60234520
France, Corporate Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella +33 1 70 48 24 45
Ireland Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13
Italy Ester Russom +39 02 72 42 67 56
The Netherlands Marianne Aalders +31 20 721 41 33
Norway Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund +47 41 69 59 10
Portugal Sandra Machado +351 91 777 68 97
About Euronext
Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.
As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.
This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.
The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.
Euronext publishes its detailed dividend payment schedule for 2025
Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 2 April 2025 – In line with the dividend distribution policy of Euronext, it is proposed to distribute 50% of 2024 reported net profit. As a consequence and subject to approval of shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 May 2025, the annual gross dividend on the 2024 results to be paid in 2025 amounts to €292.8 million, corresponding to a dividend per share of €2.90 (based on the total number of eligible shares).
Payment of the annual dividend will occur as follows:
France, Corporate Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella +33 1 70 48 24 45
Ireland Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13
Italy Ester Russom +39 02 72 42 67 56
The Netherlands Marianne Aalders +31 20 721 41 33
Norway Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund +47 41 69 59 10
Portugal Sandra Machado +351 91 777 68 97
About Euronext
Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.
As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.
This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.
The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Nature looks at the effect of the shingles vaccine (Zostvax) on dementia risk.
Comments provided by our friends at the Australian Science Media Centre:
Dr Joseph Doyle, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Monash University and President of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases, said:
“The paper [by Eyting and colleagues in Nature] presents results of a natural experiment in Wales, United Kingdom, on the effect of shingles vaccination on new diagnosis of dementia. The study observed that older adults appeared to have less chance of dementia diagnosis in the seven years after receiving live-attenuated shingles vaccination (Zostavax). The authors estimate there were 3.5% fewer dementia diagnoses among people who received the live-attenuated shingles vaccine.
“This study had an observational design, so we need to be cautious in assuming the vaccine itself caused this decline in dementia diagnoses. It is plausible that episodes of infection, immune system changes, or health care engagement are among the factors behind this association, but further research is needed to help determine whether there is a causal link.
“Importantly, we don’t know whether these findings apply to both the live-attenuated shingles vaccine (Zostavax) used in their study and the newer recombinant subunit shingles vaccine (Shingrix) now used widely in Australia.
“Australia approved and subsidised Shingrix on the National Immunization Program in 2023. This newer shingles vaccine is available for older adults and is safer for people who are immunocompromised.
“While we do not know whether the newer shingles vaccine used locally has the same association with less dementia yet, we do know the shingles vaccine provided free in Australia is very effective and protective against episodes of shingles.
“Older adults and people with weak immune systems at higher risk of shingles are encouraged to see their doctor to talk more about vaccination.”
Professor Anthony Hannan, Group Head of the Epigenetics and Neural Plasticity Group at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, said:
“This new research article in Nature adds to the evidence that the nervous system and immune system closely interact, and that this has implications for dementia risk, as well as potentially new approaches to dementia prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it provides evidence that vaccination has the potential to impact positively on human health, beyond the particular disease that the vaccine was intended to prevent.
“A key question, not answered by this new study, is how the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine may have helped protect (reducing risk by 20%) against dementia. We now know that, despite the blood-brain barrier, the brain has its own immune cells, which serve many roles including removal of specific toxic molecules that accumulate with age (particularly in the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease).
“It is possible that the vaccine had direct effects on these brain immune cells, but it is also possible that the vaccine acted indirectly, for example, by slowing brain aging and/or enhancing brain resilience to the ravages of age. The next step is to work out exactly how this vaccine exerts its protective effects against dementia and to use that information to develop new ways to prevent and treat dementia. It also increases the likelihood that in future there may be specific vaccination programs whose primary aim is to prevent dementia.”
Dr Henry Brodaty, Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of New South Wales, said:
“They examined the effect of a live virus to prevent shingles administered to people aged 79 to 80. The researchers took advantage of a decision in Wales that 79-80-year-olds born before 2nd September 1933 were ineligible for life to receive the shingles vaccine, whereas those born on or after that day were eligible for at least one year to receive the vaccine. There were 16,595 adults who had become eligible for the vaccine from a total sample of 282,541 adults in the sample.
“They compared people who were one week too old with those who were one week younger. Those who received the vaccine had an absolute reduction of 7% of developing dementia over the next seven years. Compared to those who were unvaccinated, their risk of dementia was 20% lower. The benefits were stronger for women than men.
“The authors examined multiple competing hypotheses to explain the results. There were no differences in dementia diagnoses for those who had and had not received influenza vaccines. Other possible explanations were also discounted. The authors considered the possible mechanism maybe preventing the reactivation of the shingles of the herpes varicella virus. The authors confirmed their findings in a different population by combining a different type of data from England and Wales and using deaths certified as being due to dementia.
“Limitations include that these results only pertained to 79-80-year-olds in Wales and to the use of the live vaccine.
“There has been evidence for some time that older people who receive their vaccinations in general are less likely to develop dementia. This is the best evidence yet to show this. Future research will determine whether the newer non-live virus, Shingrix will provide the same benefit and whether immunisation at younger ages may be just as effective.”
‘A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia’ by Markus Eyting et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 2 April 2025.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x
Declared interests
Professor Anthony Hannan: No COI’s.
Dr Henry Brodaty: is or has been an advisory board member or consultant to Biogen, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Medicines Australia, Roche and Skin2Neuron. He has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Prof Joseph Doyle: is a board member of the Australian Society for Infectious Diseases and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The views expressed here are personal opinions and are not necessarily those of his employers or professional bodies.